text:
Today is Vietnamese women's day. It's a special day celebrating the important roles played by women in Vietnamese society. So for my class, I bought my teacher a bouquet of yellow chrysanthemums from a flower shop along the way to my school. Although it was raining and it was so difficult riding a bike while holding with my right hand the big bouquet of flower, no problem, it's for my favorite teacher.
I'm not doing well in my Vietnamese lessons not because she is a bad teacher but because I am a bad student. However, I feel that our Vietnamese lesson is like visiting a psychiatrist every time for we both talk about each other's problems, frustrations, regrets in life in Vietnamese. She calls it tro chuyen than mat (heart to heart talk). I simply call it friendship.
She's thirty years old.
Ten years ago, she was a countryside girl who came in Hanoi for better education and a good life that she hoped would come with it. She studied English in Hanoi University, and like everyone else, had a fairly normal student life. After graduating from college, she felt that she's holding life in her palm. She'll have a good life ahead. That's what she thought she will have, she told me.
She met the man she thought would give her happiness. Disregarding other suitors who also showed their undying devotion for her, after two years of engagement, she got married with that man. They have a son, whom according to her, is her life's only treasure.
Her husband, being a member of the military is stationed in different parts of Vietnam. They seldom see each other. My teacher has to balance being both a mother and a provider. Her story is nothing extraordinary. The honesty, however, when she tells to me her story it is something extraordinary. Although sometimes I have to ask her to speak slowly or to repeat what she has said in order for me to fully understand her story which is in Vietnamese.
Her story is the story of Vietnamese women who have to deal with the psychological and social burdens of being a woman in a close and patriarchal society like Vietnam's and at the same time deal with her struggles as a person and as a mother, all at the same time.
She once told me that one time they did not have any water to drink because the drum that they use to catch rain water for drinking got hole on it; the water continuously dripped until the next day when she discovered it was empty. And since she could not afford to buy a jug of bottled water, she had to pawn her gold ring to buy water and did the repair of the hole herself because her husband was away.
In another occasion, one female teacher took notice of her clothes and told her blatantly that she dresses up like a girl from the countryside. She was furious for she is a woman. I told her that it does not matter. She said she also thought so. However, the next day, she was wearing a black blouse which she probably bought that afternoon after class. I excused her. She is a woman.
One time I noticed her eyes were swollen. I asked her if she cried. She said she's okay. And since I am rather persistent, she gave up and told me that she tried to call her husband and a woman answered the phone. Her husband then talked to her and told her he was in a meeting. She knew he was lying, but "toi co the lam gi?" (what can I do?) was her rhetorical response.
I'm never good at giving advices, but I know that having somebody who listen to her is all she needs.
This morning, she's wearing the same black blouse she bought last time. I was expecting her to be very happy that I bought her a bouquet of flower, which I have never done before, but instead she just said: "Cam on em" (Thank you.)
What can I do? I'm only her student. She's just my teacher. I love her.


text: Smaller destinations really want your sporting event. They will work extra hard showing you just how important you are to them and that includes Wilmington and Clinton County. Our excellent sporting venues and superior service guarantee your event will be a huge success. We have hosted gymnastics, cheerleading, tennis, softball, baseball, football, basketball, racing, equestrian, running, bicycling and martial arts events, just to name a few. And returning events are the norm. Pull from three nearby large metro centers and fill those rosters!

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Marianne Dieterich, MD
Acknowledgment: The author thanks Judy Benson for critically reading the manuscript.
Grant Support: From the German Research Foundation.
Potential Financial Conflicts of Interest: None disclosed.
Requests for Single Reprints: Marianne Dieterich, MD, Department of Neurology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Langenbeck-strasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany; e-mail, firstname.lastname@example.com.
Dieterich M. Easy, Inexpensive, and Effective: Vestibular Exercises for Balance Control. Ann Intern Med. 2004;141:641–643. doi: https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-141-8-200410190-00013
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text:
Available Upon Request
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Delivery Method
Certification of Completion
Audience / Level
Laptop required
Course Details
Program Introduction
CompTIA® Security+® (Exam SY0-401) is the primary course you will need to take if your job responsibilities include securing network services, devices, and traffic in your organization. You can also take this course to prepare for the CompTIA Security+ certification examination. In this course, you will build on your knowledge of and professional experience with security fundamentals, networks, and organizational security as you acquire the specific skills required to implement basic security services on any type of computer network. This course can benefit you in two ways. If you intend to pass the CompTIA Security+ (Exam SY0-401) certification examination, this course can be a significant part of your preparation. But certification is not the only key to professional success in the field of computer security. Today's job market demands individuals with demonstrable skills, and the information and activities in this course can help you build your computer security skill set so that you can confidently perform your duties in any security-related role.
Course Objectives
In this course, you will implement, monitor, and troubleshoot infrastructure, application, information, and operational security.
- Identify the fundamental concepts of computer security.
- Identify security threats and vulnerabilities.
- Manage data, application, and host security.
- Implement network security.
- Identify and implement access control and account management security measures.
- Manage certificates.
- Identify and implement compliance and operational security measures.
- Manage risk.
- Troubleshoot and manage security incidents.
- Plan for business continuity and disaster recovery.
Target Student
This course is intended for experienced IT security-related practitioners, auditors, consultants, investigators, or instructors, including network or security analysts and engineers, network administrators, information security specialists, and risk management professionals, who are pursuing CISSP training and certification to acquire the credibility and mobility to advance within their current computer security careers or to migrate to a related career. Through the study of all eight CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) domains, students will validate their knowledge by meeting the necessary preparation requirements to qualify to sit for the CISSP certification exam. Additional CISSP certification requirements include a minimum of five years of direct professional work experience in two or more fields related to the eight CBK security domains, or a college degree and four years of experience.
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text:
Examples below of high quality photographs and studies. Really look at the exmaples shown below – if you follow the layout and try to create similar studies, you will get the marks you need for your grade.
Remember, as well this post helping you with your Set Task, it will also help you with your C.P. You will need to revisit parts of your skethbook to improve, so keep looking at past posts to help you gain those extra marks.


text: BUSINESS WGA announces video game noms 5:31 PM PST 1/12/2009 by Gregg Kilday , AP FACEBOOK TWITTER EMAIL ME 'Fallout 3,' 'Tomb Raider' among contenders Rounding out their 2009 nominations, the Writers Guild of America West and East announced nominations for the WGA's video game writing award on Monday.Nominated are: "Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3," writer Haris Orkin, story producer Mical Pedriana; "Dangerous High School Girls in Trouble!" writer Keith Nemitz, additional writing Adrianne Ambrose; "Fallout 3," lead writer Emil Pagliarulo, guest writing Erik J. Caponi, Brian Chapin, Jon Paul Duvall, Kurt Kuhlmann, Alan Nanes, Bruce Nesmith and Fred Zeleny, additional guest writing Nate Ellis, William Killeen, Mark Nelson and Justin McSweeney; "Star Wars: The Force Unleashed," writers Haden Blackman, Shawn Pitman, John Stafford and Cameron Suey; and "Tomb Raider: Underworld," story by Eric Lindstrom and Toby Gard, screenplay by Eric Lindstrom.Winners will be announced at the Writers Guild Awards, to be held Feb. 7 at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles and the Hudson Theatre at the Millennium Broadway Hotel in New York. FACEBOOK TWITTER EMAIL ME Gregg Kilday firstname.lastname@example.com gkilday AP firstname.lastname@example.com @thr


text:
Thumping noise wen hiting bumps
Hi I recently bought a 03 Toyota Avensis It's the 05/06 shaped one not 02 shape wen I bought the car ter has been
a loud thumping/dodododo noise wen I go over bumps I replaced I think it's called a stabilizer bar as some one said
it could be tat but it did not work any one any thoughts on wat it could be ?
Also wen I reach over 60 mph up to 80 mph the car shakes any ideas on wat tat could be ?
3 Answers
How about the spare tire in the trunk. Is anything loose back there. Or take it to a mechanic and have it checked out
Ya I will be going macanic just trying get a few tips first as macanics like to leave a hole in my pocket ha I went to on and he told me stabilizer bar I think is called but ended up not been tat the shaking I think might be wheel balancing as far as I am reading from net but the noise in back wheel a lot of people having same kinda prob but not getting many answers hoping some one out ter might had same prob tat I can get tips from before going macanic
I had the same problem with my Avensis:When I was driving up to 85km/h everything was ok,then when I reach speed 90km/h toyota started to shake until 95-100km/h and this was only if a push the accelerator.After 100 km/h everything was ok. I went to my mechanic and after long thinking he discovered that the problem was in drive axle. With my toyota now is everthing ok. My advise is to check drive axle. please give me feedback about this problem. Regards
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text:
A couple of weeks ago, the following showed up on my newsfeed:
My initial response? Something that wouldn't get past the censors.
My second thought? In the words of my friend, Rabbi Elizabeth Wood:
As for my next thoughts, take a mosey over to Kveller.com to see what I have to say about this and other Chanukah novelty items.
And since you'll be on the move, why not check out my recent virtual bris experience at Rabbis Without Borders.
Bonus read: my
old former boss is talking about welcoming interfaith families into Jewish life over at RJ.org.


text:
Happy New Year all my lovely Gorean Forum Ladies and Gents. A HUGE thank you to all of those still participating, and any new folks that have joined!
Also a giant thank you to my Staff, especially Vector for keeping everything going!
Truth be told, this is the first time I have picked up my laptop in about a year. A little update on my current life status. I went back to school and I am not a certified Massage Therapist. I had a great job with a horrible manager and owner and ended up leaving there after a year. I am currently looking for a new place of employment and have an interview on Tuesday (gulp).
My husband and I moved to a new state, which I believe everyone knew, but we love it so much we bought a house!
I know I mentioned mermaiding awhile ago, well, I decided to follow that passion and got myself a tail! Its 45 pounds of pure silicon and is awesome! I have been free diving, underwater modeling, and will be doing training in Aquatic Therapy in the near future with the hopes of working with disabled, as well as autistic persons. I am SO excited!
Anyway, that pretty much sums up my current life. I hope everyone else is doing awesome as well!


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ANU Fencers made waves at AFC2 last weekend in Adelaide with some of the club's best results in recent times.
Of particular note was in Men's Epee, where three ANU fencers made the top eight; Nigel Nutt 8th, Dale Drummond 6th and Jeremy Shelley 2nd.
In Women's Epee, Kate Curtis came close to a top eight result coming 9th and Cathy Syme came 17th. Cathy also went on to come 3rd in Veteran Women's Epee.
D'Arcy Jessop came 14th in Men's Foil and Nigel Nutt came 2nd in Veteran Men's Foil.
Cameron Smith came 17th in Men's Sabre and 3rd in Veteran Men's Sabre.
Full results can be found here.
The next major competition is AFC3 in Perth in August.


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This is another drawing from one of my many sketch books. I almost always have one in my pocket with a couple of drawing tools. Last night at the Sparrows Coffee shop I even had a hand full of crayons in my sport coat pocket. Nothing like coloring with crayons to bring the kid in ya back.
The drawing on the left is out of a 1948 Creston High-school year book Brenda gave me for Christmas this year. She knows that 1948 is an important date for me. There are several reasons this is so but the first one is that was the year my father, Rolf Hendrik Beerhorst came to America.
He came over in a old steamer troop ship (He probably got a good deal on passage). The war was over and my Dad was ready for a fresh new start in a land that was the very symbol of opprotunity to him at the time. His father, Rolf Hendrik Beerhorst Sr was the chief sales man for R.H. Beerhorst Bulb Export company. This meant he made frequent trips to America for extended times coming into the NY harbor and then taking trains all around the country to set up bulb orders that would be later shipped in the fall season for planting. Tulip bulbs must be planted in the fall and experience a winter climate in order to burst out in their simple glory in the fall.
This is taken from from the NY Times June 8 1880 and my dad's father is listed in among the passengers


text:
Interest groups lobbying Congress on behalf of financial advisers spent anywhere from $20,000 to nearly $2 million in the first quarter of 2014, according to filings with the House of Representatives Office of the Clerk.
At the low end was the Financial Planning Association, which spent $20,000, the same amount it spent in the last quarter of 2013. At the high end was the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, which spent $1.9 million, an increase from the $1.3 million it spent in the fourth quarter of last year.
SIFMA, which represents large broker-dealers, also listed many more bills and other areas of lobbying interest than other groups, with a roster that included dozens of measures ranging from implementation of the Dodd-Frank financial reform law to tax reform.
The Financial Services Institute, which represents independent broker-dealers and financial advisers, spent $168,125 in the first quarter of the year, slightly less than the $174,750 it spend in the previous quarter.
Groups that represent insurers reached deeper into their pockets for Capitol Hill activity. The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisers spent $694,328 in the first three months of the year, up from $731,700 in the last quarter of 2013. The Insured Retirement Institute spent $70,000, compared to $50,000 in the final quarter of 2013.
The Investment Adviser Association, which represents registered investment advisers, spent $40,000, down slightly from $45,000 in the last quarter of 2013.
The Financial Planning Coalition, which comprises the FPA, the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. and the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors, also spent $20,000 on lobbying in the first quarter of this year.
While it is not a trade or lobbying group per se, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Inc. spent $240,000 on lobbying expenses in the first quarter, about the same amount it spent in the fourth quarter — $230,000.
(See also: Financial industry groups oppose adding exam scores to BrokerCheck)
In its filing, Finra did not elaborate on the legislation that is the focus of its efforts. In the lobbying issues section, it states, "Regulation of broker-dealers, securities industry and markets, investor protection and education."
Finra has lobbied in recent years for consideration to become the self-regulatory organization for registered investment advisers, something it does now for stockbrokers. It claims to have abandoned that effort.
Several trade groups are set to hit Capitol Hill in coming weeks, sending their members to meetings with lawmakers to try to shape the laws under which they work.
The IAA has a day on Capitol Hill scheduled for June 12. The FPA has scheduled its first advocacy day in 14 years for June 24. So far, the group has signed up 50 of its members to meet with their representatives and senators.
"We're spending a lot more time making advocacy relevant to our membership," said Karen Nystrom, the FPA's director of advocacy.
The FPA, which has a total of 23,000 members, is advocating for policies that would require all financial advisers to adhere to a fiduciary standard, under which they would be required to act only in the best interests of their clients. That's the bar that investment advisers meet, while broker adhere to a less stringent suitability standard when selling financial products.
"We're on the right side of fiduciary duty," said Ms. Nystrom. "We're introducing ourselves as the good guys and good gals of the financial services industry."


text:
The final day of the 2010 NFL Draft started with the Seahawks wheeling and dealing with the Titans, grabbing running back LenDale White, a player that new coach Pete Carroll knows all about from his days at USC.
White played for Carroll at Southern California and spent the past four seasons with Tennessee. The 2006 draft pick had a breakout 2007 season with 1,110 rushing yards, then ran for 773 yards and scored 15 touchdowns in 2008. However, he managed only 222 yards and two scores last year playing behind emerging star Chris Johnson.
Seattle also added DT Kevin Vickerson in the deal, he started two games and appeared in 11 others for Tennessee last season. He finished his third year with the Titans with 28 tackles. He spent his first two NFL seasons on the roster of the Dolphins, but did not appear in a game.
The Titans acquired the 104th overall selection, which they used on CB Alterraun Verner from UCLA, from Seattle. The Seahawks moved down in the fourth and sixth rounds in return for White and Vickerson.


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We are located on Barton Springs Road at The Picnic in the heart of Austin. Our truck is just down the road from the iconic Barton Springs and is within walking distance from a day of hiking and swimming. There is plenty of parking and an entire street of exploration.
Stories Behind Our Food
Gambino's Cajun Creole is a food truck that serves up New Orleans classics with scratch made everything and farm-centered ingredients. We believe in using fresh wild caught fish, sourced from K&S Seafood.
New Orleans has a rich history behind its food culture, and we bring that authenticity to our menu. Our weekly specials give us a chance to bring new excitement to your taste buds and give you a chance to explore that history with us.
Watch the Cajun Magic
Happy Customers
Gambino's Gourmet Exchange is one of the few places I miss the food from, while I'm traveling. Kevin has the flavor pallet of an artist and his menu is a masterpiece. When you're wondering what to eat, wonder no more and get your butt to Gambino's!
Christopher Sholes
This is New Orleans fine dining at its best! Austin has needed a place like this for years! He makes his own bacon, pickles, tasso, sausage, and even grinds all the meats himself! It's hard to find places this good in Louisiana. Not surprisingly, the Chef/owner was Donald Link's main man for over a decade. I've been slowly picking his brain for recipe ideas - a service I'd pay a lot for! This food makes me miss home! This place will have a James Beard award and will be the first food truck to rock a Michelin Star!
Stan Ellis
One of the best tasting food trailers in Austin. Seriously. And that is saying a lot considering the high caliber trucks and trailers around town. Everything is homemade, from the pickles and condiments all the way to the hand-ground meat. I keep coming back and everything I've tried has been consistently top-notch. I highly recommend!
Cody Stockton
Stopped at the Barton Springs Food Truck Court after a bike ride around Town Lake, and WOW! I got Boudin Balls as an appetizer and the fried catfish as my main course. Boudin Balls were amaze...balls! Bursting with flavor, and on a bed of kale slaw that ALSO was really good.
Mark Raup


text:
Since we moved to the USA in 2015, I've been thinking of advancing my education in my chosen field–youth work. After some consideration, I decided not to pursue youth ministry, but instead pursue a Master's degree in Youth Development. I only discovered this program when I did a Google search about educational opportunities related to youth work.
This program is part of the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance (GPIDEA). It's a consortium of several universities in the great plains area of the United States (Michigan, Missouri, Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, and several others).
Through GPIDEA, member universities are able to share resources and offer different courses that helps make the online offerings more robust and cost-effective. My home university is Missouri University or Mizzou.
I applied and went through the process of taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). I'm proud to say that I got 117 out of 120. All those years spent reading Fantasy fiction and watching American movies and TV series paid off!
This is my first time to engage in online learning. There are no set times that we need to meet to watch a lecture together. The courses I have so far are all module-based. I will read the assigned articles and textbook chapters at my own pace, but I need to answer some questions for discussion and interact with classmates in a small group setting.
We also have assignments throughout the semester–a book review, some journal entries, an interview with a teenager, and online group discussions.
Classes started on August 30, 2017 and so my first official week as a graduate school student is over. I look forward to a fruitful semester. I intend to blog about my experience and the lessons I'm learning about the content of my courses. Since it is about Youth Development, it is right up my alley as a young people's ministries professional.


text:
City reviews Balloon Fiesta security plan in wake of Las Vegas shooting
Jen French
October 02, 2017 10:24 PM
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — In four days, the City of Albuquerque will host one of the biggest outdoor events in the world: the International Balloon Fiesta.
In the wake of the Las Vegas mass shooting, the Albuquerque mayor's office, city police department and Fiesta organizers are taking steps to tighten security before the launch. More than 20 local, state and federal law enforcement agencies will be at Balloon Fiesta Park.
"Our thoughts and our prayers go out to the people of Las Vegas, Nevada," Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry said. "I was with Mayor [Carolyn] Goodman a couple of months ago. She's a great woman and she's struggling with a difficult time."
Balloon Fiesta organizers have taken steps to limit what vehicles can drive onto the launch field.
"There's always been an evacuation plan for Balloon Fiesta," Albuquerque Police Chief Gorden Eden said. "One of the things we look at is: what are the threats? Sometimes those threats are very simple like a butane tank rupture or something to that effect. We have plans in place for different types of incidents."
Balloon pilots like Murray Conrad aren't worried. His balloon and wicker basket weigh more than a ton. It's capable of carrying 12 passengers. Conrad, himself a retired APD commander, said he's never had a serious crash.
"There's also a rapid deflation port," he said. "Now when you pull that, the entire top goes into a wad and you will land."
Balloon Fiesta spokesperson Tom Garrity said balloon-chasing crews have been vetted and gone through background checks. No guns are allowed at the event, and law enforcement will be checking bags at entrances.
"If you see something, say something," Conrad said. "[After] the massacre in Las Vegas, we're ready. We know that something can happen and they're going to be taking a lot of precautions."
Updated: October 02, 2017 10:24 PM
Created: October 02, 2017 08:59 PM
Copyright 2017 KOB-TV LLC, a Hubbard Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved


text:
Imagine Better: "Open at the Close"/
As many readers will know, my Civicpaths team at USC is studying the Harry Potter Alliance as a key example of what we call "fan activism," seeking to better understand how the group helps young people who are culturally engaged become more politically aware and active. A few weeks ago, Neta Kligler Vilenchik, a PhD student working on this project, attended Leakycon where the HPA's Andrew Slack announced a new outgrowth of his efforts. Below is her report from the field. Imagine Better: "Open at the Close"
by Neta Kligler Vilenchik
Fan art by ShadowKunoiciAsh
In Deathly Hallows, the last book of the Harry Potter series, the phrase "I open at the close" is inscribed onto a golden snitch, a key part of Dumbledore's inheritance to Harry. Not knowing throughout the book how to open this mysterious object, Harry [spoiler alert!] finally realizes that it will open only when he is about to face his own death.
Given this quite sinister plot connection, it is perhaps surprising that "open at the close" came to be the unofficial theme of LeakyCon 2011, this year's Harry Potter fan convention. At LeakyCon, the phrase held several meanings. "Open at the close" was the name of the event in which conference attendees could, for the second time, enter the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal's Island of Adventure for a special night-time celebration, when the park would open -- only for the fans - as it closes for all other guests (see Henry's accounts from last year's "Night of a Thousand Wizards").
But "open at the close" was also used in a wider sense. As both mainstream media and popular conversations wondered what will happen to the Harry Potter phenomena as the last of the movies was released, for the fans gathered in the conference halls this question carried deep personal meaning. As fans were breathlessly preparing towards their special fan screening of Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (6 hours before the official midnight release!), many talked about 'the end of an era'. "I can't believe there will be no more midnight screenings", fans said to each other, mirroring - perhaps more palely--many of the sensations that have been voiced before, as the last of the books had come out.
If those fans from a few years back consoled themselves that they still had the movies to look forward to, the fandom now has latched onto Pottermore, J.K. Rowling's new online project, as the new lifeline. As Henry has discussed a few weeks ago, Pottermore is not free of potential controversy, and yet at LeakyCon, it was embraced by fans as a source supplying more valuable canonic information around Harry Potter, and was hailed as the pathway for a new generation of fans to enter the series. The sequenced order in which the digital versions of the Harry Potter books will come out was already exciting fans as an opportunity to have more countdowns on fan websites, and fans were eagerly awaiting the possibility of being the first to join the new site.
The phrase "open at the close" thus served, at least metaphorically, for the fans to assure each other that this is not really the end of an era. Instead, it is the beginning of a new phase for Harry Potter fandom, one that will rely more heavily on fan production and fan creativity to keep the fire burning, and, in addition, one that excitedly looks forward towards Pottermore.
Yet "open at the close" was also used at LeakyCon in another context: as part of the press conference launching the new organization "Imagine Better", which was described as "the future of the Harry Potter Alliance". Regular readers of this blog will probably be familiar with the Harry Potter Alliance, a key case study for our USC-based research team Civic Paths, which explores continuities between participatory culture and young people's engagement within civic life. The Harry Potter Alliance (HPA) has played an important role in shaping our understanding of how such processes may function. Creating metaphors between the Harry Potter narratives and real-life issues, as well as tapping into the structures of Harry Potter fandom, the HPA has succeeded in reaching over 100,000 young people, encouraging them to channel their love of the text and their connection to other fans around them towards civic-minded action in the real world. More on our work about the HPA can be read here and here.
The HPA was also what had led me to LeakyCon--my first experience at a fan conference. For almost two years now, I have been following the HPA as part of our Civic Paths research, interviewing members about their experiences with the organization and attending their public events. LeakyCon, as a mecca for Harry Potter fans, garnered an impressive presence of HPA members as well--the organization boasted 37 volunteer members in brand new staff T-shirts, and an impressive repertoire of HPA programming, including hands-on sessions like "how to open an HPA chapter" and "all about the crisis climate horcrux".
When examining the HPA as a civic organization, however, getting to know the Harry Potter fan community is a key component. The assertion that the organization's success thrives on the energies of the fandom, which had been expressed in many interviews before, could not be clearer than at LeakyCon.
There are good reasons to try to understand the "magic formula" behind the HPA. In addition to the organization's tangible achievements (raising $123,000 for Haiti in two weeks, donating 87,000 books to local and international communities, collecting 15,000 signatures on a petition for fair trade chocolate, achieving first place at the Chase Community Giving Competition to receive a $250,000 grant), it has received national media coverage as well as academic interest. The idea behind the launch of the new organization "Imagine Better" is to take the approach that has proven successful for the HPA - connecting fans around story worlds they love to create real world change - and to apply that to collaborations with other fandoms.
This is a segment from the press release at LeakyCon, at which Andrew Slack, founder of the HPA, officially launches Imagine Better:[embed video: ]
Strategically timed, the HPA chose the release date of Deathly Hallows 2 to launch Imagine Better. An activist in heart, as well as a man of symbols, Andrew Slack reminded audiences that July 14 is the date of Bastille Day, while the Imagine Better website was--also symbolically--launched on the 4th of July. From a more pragmatic point of view, the launch date secured some interest from mainstream and niche media outlets, who were looking for Harry Potter-related stories to cover around the movie release.
The idea behind Imagine Better, however, has been looming in the head of Andrew Slack for several years now. In fact, as Slack revealed at LeakyCon, this had been his original idea when he envisioned linking narratives with activism: "taking a bottom-up approach to love to stories and the art, and connecting it to the world". In contrast to the strong links that the HPA has made so far to a specific canon, as well as their embeddedness within a specific fan community, Imagine Better seeks to tap into the shared ground of all kinds of fans, aggregating their respective energies towards shared social action.
Leading towards this new organization were almost 2 years of research conducted by young HPA members. The volunteer "fandom team" received the task of searching and cataloguing other fandoms online, as well as identifying potential contact points within these fandoms. This legwork has enabled Imagine Better to list over 20 fan communities in its list of collaborators, including fan communities around popular books, shows and movies, as well as you-tube celebrities and young adult authors.
This list, however, is still open-ended. At Leakycon, conference attendees had the chance to imagine Imagine Better together with its founders. In a break-out session devoted to the new organization, 35 LeakyCon attendees brainstormed possible fandoms they would want to collaborate with. In addition to the usual suspects, this brainstorming brought up surprising directions such as Sparklife, a community of regular users of Sparknotes. The group then focused on three fan communities: Glee, Hunger Games, and Doctor Who, and made a list of real-world issues that could be raised in conjunction with these texts. They then broke out into small groups, discussing potential campaigns the HPA could hold in conjunction with these other fan communities. The group discussing possible collaborations with 'Gleeks' (fans of Glee) thought of campaigns ranging from issues of LGBTQ rights and bullying to fighting ableism (discrimination towards persons with physical disability).
Collaboration with other fan communities is a natural step for many HPA members. In our conversations with members we often hear long lists of texts they are passionate about, starting with Harry Potter, but moving on to a variety of genres and media (recurrent favorites are Doctor Who, the Hunger Games, Star Trek and more. The relationship with Twilight is a bit more contested). Many HPA members also identify as 'nerdfighters' - followers of the vlogbrothers John and Hank Green.
In Textual Poachers, Henry builds on De Certeau's notion of readers as nomads to describe fans as being similarly nomadic: "always in movement, 'not here or there', not constrained by permanent property ownership but rather constantly advancing upon another text, appropriating new materials". Imagine Better seems to build on this idea of fan as nomads, whose passion may be directed towards any greatly told story, rather than towards a particular narrative. Moreover, it builds on the shared characteristics, and potentially shared identity, that fans (of different texts) may have with each other.
Slack expresses this when he announces at the press conference that Imagine Better is going "to start with the most popular piece of fiction in human history and to go beyond that because, who here loves stories beyond Harry Potter? We all do. And we're going to continue to love Harry Potter and continue to love other stories and continue to love being engaged as heroes in the story of our world. This is our launch, as we open at the close." Here, "open at the close" takes on added meaning. It may refer to the end of the canon, but it is also preparation towards a possible decline, or at least decrease, of Harry Potter fandom.
Yet at LeakyCon - the gathering of hardcore Harry Potter fans, let's not forget - this statement receives a slightly reserved reaction. As fans are spending the whole convention assuring each other that the fandom is alive and kicking, not everyone seems ready to quickly shed off the 'HP' part of the HPA, and stick only with the 'Alliance'. While Imagine Better is aiming to speak to the shared identity of "fans", or to the fan as nomad, many in the room may align themselves more as "fans of [Harry Potter]" (see John Edward Campbell's recent discussion of this notion).
For them, their mode of engagement may be seen not as a fixed identity, but rather a relationship towards a particular text. Part of this may stem from the fact that to many, Harry Potter is a first experience within fandom, that hasn't necessarily (or perhaps, not yet) crossed into a more generalized fan identity.
It seems that the HPA is aware of this potential tension, as the launch of Imagine Better happens parallel to continuing action of the HPA, and not as a new organization replacing it, as was previously suggested to us in our conversations with staff members. An important part in this decision may have been fan perceptions climbing bottom-up: With most of its staff being volunteer members and with its vast variety of participatory forums, the HPA as an organization has extremely close contact with its member base. The general consensus within Harry Potter fandom that it is alive and kicking, thank you very much (strongly aided by the announcement of Pottermore), may have been a contributing factor to launch Imagine Better as an additional venture, rather than a replacement of the HPA.
As Slack reminded us at LeakyCon, few people - within the fandom and outside of it - had believed that the HPA would succeed as a civic organization. But it has. Imagine Better now takes on the next leap. Its attempt to apply a similar formula to other fan communities offers us a fascinating test case on the intersections between fandom and civic engagement. We are excitedly following it as it "opens at the close".
Neta Kligler Vilenchik is a third year doctoral student at the Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism at the University of Southern California.Neta graduated Summa Cum Laude from Tel Aviv University, studying communication and political science, and received her MA in communication, summa Cum Laude, from the University of Haifa in 2009. Neta's research revolves around young people's involvement in civic action through participatory culture practices, an interest she has been pursuing as part of the Civic Paths research team under the guidance of Prof. Henry Jenkins.
She is also part of an effort to develop a measure examining people's active construction of communication ecologies in pursuit of different goals, within the Metamorphosis team under the guidance of Prof. Sandra Ball-Rokeach. Finally, Neta is fascinated by the relations between individual and collective memories as they relate to the media, as well as in memory's role in shaping national identity. Her work takes an innovative approach to the study of collective memory, combining quantitative and qualitative methods to investigate the role of media memory in shaping collective memories.


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The new Battlefield will be revealed around 4 pm EST. If you want to be there LIVE when it happens you can watch the stream below! The Battlefield team is streaming all the way until then as well playing through past entires in the series! Watch all day if you want! It's all below!
Watch The Pre-Show And Reveal Of The New BATTLEFIELD Right Here
Mick Joest —
I started out as a loyal reader of Geektyrant before emailing Joey one day about the potential of writing for Geektyrant. Now six years later I'm the managing editor of Gametyrant.com and still living the dream and giving my opinion to the geek masses! Geektyrant is my life, and I hope that shows in everything I do!
@G33kyMick // email@example.com


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The black Chiavari chair is a timeless chair that will bring a touch of class to any wedding or event that requires a stacking chair solution. Made from high quality beechwood and with a fine finished frame they will be the centerpiece of your wedding or banquet. Manufactured for contract use and with the stacking feature that allows for stacks of 10 high these are space saving pieces of event furniture also.
Product Tags: Stacking Chairs - Banqueting Chairs


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The first sign that it was Fasching season in our town of Herrenberg, Germany was the appearance of colorful banners hung between half-timbered buildings. Unlike the neatly cut triangular pieces of cloth I've seen in pictures of other cities, Herrenberg strings up mismatched colorful pieces of fabric in various sizes and shapes above the streets leading into the marketplatz.
Want to know more about Fasching? Check out these posts:
Ramstein Fasching Parade
Karneval in a Small, German Town
Mainz Fasching Parade
Note: This is the newest photograph in our Photo of the Week category on Germany Ja! Do you have a picture that says "This is Germany" and want to share it with us? It can be a place, a person, a plate of food… whatever says "Germany" to you. We don't need a lot of words to go with it, because a picture is worth… well, you know! If you have a picture to share, send it to submissions @germanyja.com. Danke!
Interested in more beautiful pictures from German and the rest of Europe? Check out the Germany Ja Instagram account! Follow us; you'll be glad you did!


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This is a backpack that will surprise you! It opens to your contents at the back zipper, keeping everything safe when it's on your back. Great for travelling! The design is classic, and practical in its design, providing you with enough space for whatever day you have ahead of you. Its dark colors can beautifully compliment any outfit. Lightweight and rain resistant materials ensure a hassle free maintenance.
Shipping and Handling Time
FREE SHIPPING FOR ORDERS OVER $65.00. US, UK, EU & AU orders placed with our complimentary shipping option should arrive in 5-10 business days. Others take 7-18 business days.
More about Beaune
Beaune is a walled town at the center of the Burgundy winemaking region in France. Surrounded by the Côte d'Or vineyards, the cobbled town is renowned for an annual wine auction held at the Hôtel-Dieu. Recognized by its colorful, geometric-patterned tile roof, this 15th-century former hospital is now the Hôtel-Dieu Museum, showcasing masterpieces like "The Jugement Dernier" by Rogier van der Weyden.
It's fun to travel. We name each of our bags after a French city. While not every bag is inspired by that city, we're continuously fascinated by cute little French towns. And we hope to bring along with you with each of our bags.


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If you've been keeping up with all the iPhone 6 rumours recently, here's one more for you. By the way, get your Google Calendar ready.
The iPhone 6 has been tipped to launch on 19 September, according to a Weibo user in China. He posted an image of a promotional flyer for the flagship Apple device, which showcases two units – giving weight to the many rumours alluding to its launch period.
Both the 4.7in and 5.5in smartphones are in the picture, along with some vital pricing information for the duo. Apparently, the 4.7in iPhone 6 will cost 5288 yuan (S$1055), while the bigger 5.5in unit will be priced at 6288 yuan (S$1255) – and that's probably just the starting price for them.
To be or not to be?
We think this might actually be a fluke, considering its super inflated pricing – in comparison, the iPhone 5S' price starts at S$988 – and considering that no other premium smartphone vendor's actually priced its flagships that high, Apple's most likely not going to either. But then again, this isn't the first leak to claim an expensive iPhone 6.
But the date of the launch could have some truth to it. If we look back, the iPhone 5S debuted on 20 September last year, while the iPhone 5 was launched on 21 September the year before. So it won't come as a surprise to us if we see Apple outing the iPhone 6, which many have been eagerly awaiting.
Some of the other rumours have indicated that the two units might come in a new dark grey colour, slathered with an almost indestructible glass screen and also sport wireless charging and NFC support features.
All (hopefully) shall be revealed on 19 September.
READ MORE: iPhone 6 screen subjected to sandpaper torture, fares better than the iPhone 5S
[Source and image: GSM Arena]


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Uzbek blogger Davronbek Tojialiyev looks at his tablet during an interview with Reuters in Tashkent
By Mukhammadsharif Mamatkulov
TASHKENT (Reuters) - When Uzbek authorities detained several online activists in September, blogger Davronbek Tojialiyev packed some clothes in a bag and waited for the knock on his door.
The police never came, and Tojialiyev, one of a handful of bloggers breaking taboos by criticising state policies and officials, writes on.
The 34-year-old's experience suggests the new government in Tashkent is willing to make concessions as it vows to ease restrictions that made Uzbeks wary of speaking freely for the past 25 years.
The detention of the bloggers, however, shows the change has limits, even as Uzbekistan tries to project a more liberal image to foreign investors whose help it needs to revive the economy after years of stagnation.
The government is still sensitive to challenges to its authority, including in the sphere of religion.
The country was rocked by bombings in the late 1990s and early 2000s that were blamed on Islamist extremists, and by an armed uprising in 2005 in which hundreds of people were killed.
Tojialiyev says that mixed messages from the state on freedom of expression are unlikely to stop people like him from pushing the boundaries.
"I was not afraid (of arrest) but I was ready for it," he said with a smile.
Public criticism of the government was unthinkable under former president Islam Karimov, who ran the majority Muslim former Soviet republic from 1989 until his death in 2016.
Critics such as journalist Yusuf Ruzimuradov spent years in prison on charges related to public security and inciting rebellion. Ruzimuradov was released last March after 19 years behind bars.
"During Karimov's time bloggers could write only about small issues, mostly social," said Tojialiyev, whose day job is running Ziyouz.uz, a catalogue of Uzbek literature. "It was not possible to talk about serious and political subjects."
Karimov's successor, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, has proclaimed a new era of openness and freedom of the press, and moved to curb the powers of the security forces.
"I regard as real journalists the ones who expose ... bureaucracy, indifference, extortion, corruption," he said in remarks published by his office last year.
"There needs to be plurality of opinions in the national media space," he said.
The foreign ministry, which answers all queries from the international media including to the police, did not reply to a request for comment on this story.
Mirziyoyev's approach has improved Uzbekistan's image abroad and helped it start rebuilding ties with institutions such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), which had in effect withdrawn from the country under Karimov.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross praised "the successful political and democratic reforms that are underway in Uzbekistan" on a visit to Tashkent last week.
"...the types of reforms the President has embraced here are essential to establishing the certitude that companies need to open operations in the local economy," he told an American-Uzbek Chamber of Commerce Business Forum.
Bordering Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Afghanistan, the country of 33 million produces gold, natural gas and oil. One of its selling points to foreign investors is as a stepping stone between Russia and China.
Some of the government's steps have been clumsy, however.
Journalists from Russia who visited Tashkent this month as members of President Vladimir Putin's media pool, including a Reuters reporter, were instructed not to leave their hotels without official minders "for their own safety".
The Uzbek blogosphere has expanded since the election in December 2016 of Mirziyoyev, who was prime minister under Karimov.
Bloggers, writing mostly on Facebook, question policies they see as excessively strict or unnecessary. Mirziyoyev himself has a Facebook page, as do many senior officials, although less than 3 percent of Uzbeks regularly visit Facebook.
One story that went viral was that of a young teacher killed by a truck while cleaning up a highway ahead of a presidential visit last March, part of a mass mobilisation of public sector workers by provincial authorities.
Mirziyoyev quickly responded to the outcry, telling reporters he felt responsible for the woman's death and ordering his subordinates to stop what he called "window-dressing".
"Bloggers have become the moving force, not only in social networks but in society as well," Tojialiyev said. "If they raise certain issues the government is forced to address them."
In several cases, authorities have punished low-level officials after bloggers helped spread news of abuse of power, such as a district mayor filmed beating headmasters for failing to bring enough people to a national holiday event.
On Monday, Mirziyoyev sacked a deputy PM who was criticised on social media after a photo showed his subordinates standing knee-deep in a ditch full of water as a punishment. The announcement did not mention the photo but it follows an online outcry.
It was successes like these that emboldened about a dozen young male bloggers, mainly focused on religious issues, to criticise a draft of school uniform regulations in June that disallowed hijabs, headscarves prescribed in Islam for girls and women.
After the government enacted the regulations in August, bloggers cried foul and some called for protests. They were joined by Fazliddin Parpiyev, imam of one of Tashkent's mosques.
The pushback was swift. Police arrested at least eight bloggers and the imam was dismissed. Parpiyev told Reuters he remains out of work after refusing to apologise.
One of the detained bloggers, Adham Olimov, told Reuters a court sentenced him to 15 days of administrative arrest on charges of disobeying police orders. He and others were out of jail by mid-September.
"Things have improved ... Under Karimov, we would have been sent to prison for 15-20 years," said another blogger who asked not to be named so as to avoid further problems.
"(But) I am now avoiding sensitive issues. I have a family ... Blogging is not worth going to jail for."
Tojialiyev said he would continue to write about the school uniform issue, however, and criticised the response as going against the spirit of liberal reforms.
"There was no official explanation or response from the government on what was going on," he said.
"We live in a democratic society or we claim to have one, but what happened was not in line with our claim - for example, arresting bloggers on trumped-up charges, not informing relatives about the whereabouts of the detainees and so on."
Tojialiyev said he has not experienced any pressure or intimidation from the authorities, but friends have tried to persuade him to be more careful about sensitive issues.
"We can no longer see the bravery and fury which used to be there (in the blogosphere) months ago," he says. "Bloggers have once again started writing about minor and old matters."
While Tojialiyev's optimism may have wavered, his determination has not.
"I know that what I am doing is not a crime and perhaps that's why I am not afraid. Also, public and international pressure is a factor now. Maybe this gives me some confidence."
(Additional reporting by Polina Nikolskaya; Writing by Olzhas Auyezov; Editing by Sonya Hepinstall)


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APTA Consultancy appreciate how budget constraints have impacted the public and private sector markets, when it comes to engaging external resources to support their tendering and bidding process.
As such its no surprise that organisations are becoming more and more dependant on utilising there own internal resources, but only too often this can lead to a detrimental effect on your business. For example:
However, there will always be a need for subject matter expertise where such knowledge and information does not exist in the organisation and where such resource is needed for a finite period. The importance of striking the right balance in terms of the buyer and the seller agreeing a fair price - what the buyer considers affordable in return for the appropriate skills offered by the seller is becoming more and more important to a successful relationship.
Apta Consultancy has therefore taken a decision to
publish its rate card so that buyers have full price transparency for the services that Apta Consultancy has to offer. This allows buyers to determine
very quickly if these rates full within there budget before embarking on any
discussions with us in order to determine if Apta Consultancy are the right
supplier for your organisation.
Daily Rate
Services (excluding Independent Reviews)
1 – 5 days max
6 – 29 days max*
Independent Review of Bid
1 – 3 days
Hourly Rate
Strategic Advise/Discussion by Telephone.
45 – 60 mins
The above rates are based on a 7.5 hour day and are inclusive of travel costs within the Central London and M25 radius
* For assignments of 30 days or more Apta Consultancy would recommend that you consider exploring the contingent contract labour market for interims as apposed to using a consultancy service.
Overseas assignments are subject to discussion.
All rates are exclusive of VAT at the prevailing rate.
We have just finished doing another small assignment for a Company in team building and it still amazes us that some folk still don't have the basics of being able to apply good leadership or management skills when it comes to morale and motivating your staff.
We have now done 3 of these types of gigs this year and the most common pitiful that we tend to come across is:
This is just plain rude and it can quickly kill all employee motivation.
There's nothing worse than getting your hopes up, only to have them destroyed. A promise is sacred. If you promise to do something for an employee, you better be able to keep it.
One of the biggest keys to successful employee engagement is building trust between the company and its employees.
Like any relationship, if there's no trust, it won't work out
To quote Zig Ziglar, the lesson here is simple — 'keep your word. Honesty and integrity are absolutely essential for success in life – all areas of life'
Apta Consultancy is delighted to announce that it has extended its portfolio of services to include affordable jargon – free legal support.
Whilst the UK Government has adopted an agile approach to ICT procurement and delivery, we want to get you thinking about our own agile approach and consider trying out a modern –day alternative to that traditional law firm you might use. This means dispelling the myths about boring, grey suited lawyers and providing you with a fresh approach, in a language that you can understand and at a cost that you can afford.
We are by no means a law firm and we are certainly not your typical boutique legal temping agency. We are however, Trusted Advisors that have access to a number of highly qualified commercial lawyers who love the practical application of the commercial law and who can deliver real quality practical advice in a refreshing and straightforward way. Our commercial lawyers have more than 50 years of combined experience having previously worked for top international law firms as well as in-house legal roles. So if you are looking to take a fresh approach to how you procure your legal services, take a look at us first.
At Apta we can now provide you with flexible access to specialist legal support that fits the needs of your business and allows you to budget more comfortably. You can also take comfort from the fact that we pride ourselves on providing clear and transparent pricing models at all times.
We want you to make the right choices. You could:
Or you could talk to us in the first instance and make a more informed choice about what's right for your business.
Use our contact us page on our website or simply click on this link: www.aptaconsultancy.com/contact-us
US technology provider CSC looks to have acquired Fixnetix, a UK trading technology group, in order to make strides in the high-speed trading and data services markets.
CSC and Fixnetix will both continue with plans to develop an array of services targeting banks and brokers, such as high-speed trading and a variety of other IT services. Both businesses see this as a lucrative market, with many banks looking to make the switch from trading over the phone to trading electronically.
According to speculation in the FT, the acquisition may have cost CSC just over $100 million.
So summer has finally arrived, its time to chill from work, enjoy the sunshine, Wimbledon, or perhaps get on a sun-bed or take a nice city break.
Well all you need to know is where to find the cities that have the cheapest beer in the world!
Thx to our monthly addition of supply management, which dropped on our door this morning, we can share the information with you so that you get more beers for less money!
According to the beer price index, Krakow in Poland and Kiev in Ukraine are the cheapest cities in the world to buy a bottle of beer.
And as for the top 10 cheapest and the 10 most expensive just take a look at where you need to go below:
1. Krakow, Poland - £1.07
2. Kiev, Ukraine - £1.07
3. Bratislava, Slovakia - £1.09
4. Malaga, Spain - £1.11
5. Delhi, India - £1.13
6. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam - £1.15
7. Mexico City, Mexico - £1.26
8. Belgrade, Serbia - £1.27
9. Asunción, Paraguay - £1.28
10. Bangkok, Thailand - £1.36
1. Geneva, Switzerland - £4.08
2. Hong Kong, China - £3.97
3. Tel Aviv, Israel - £3.73
4. Oslo, Norway - £3.42
5. New York, US - £3.36
6. Singapore - £3.31
7. Miami, US - £3.31
8. Helsinki, Finland - £3.16
9. Tokyo, Japan - £3.08
10. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – £3
The latest annual report from the Cabinet Office Major Projects Authority (MPA) has just been released, which identifies 21, IT projects as having problems.
The report shows very little improvement on the 2014 figures when 23 IT based projects were flagged as Red or Red/Amber.
We are however particularly pleased to note that the Next Generation Outsourced Visa Services (NGOV) contract that was awarded to VFS (as one of the two successful suppliers) and for which Apta Consultancy provides VFS with subject matter expertise has received a Green rating.
Successful delivery of the project on time, budget and quality appears highly likely and there are no major outstanding issues that at this stage appear to threaten delivery significantly.
The NGOV project will ensure that UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) has contracted commercial partners to deliver Visa Application Centres and linked services including biometric enrolment, interviewing facilities and courier services to support the end to end visa process from 1 April 2014 and will enable UKVI to meet its obligations to secure the border, to provide good customer service in support of the UK Government's growth agenda and to meet Spending Review obligations.
Good contract management will ensure that you deliver on time, on budget and to the exact specifications of the buyer. It will also ensure that the services or goods you supply remain fit for purpose for many years to come.
Protect your reputation and ensure the most successful outcome from every contract by using Apta Contract Management Services. Speak to our specialists today on 07505 672419 or use our contact form.
Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.


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Ultralight aircraft guides migrating whooping cranes
While you were digesting leftover turkey last weekend, 14 endangered whooping cranes were making their way across western Kentucky.
The birds were following an ultralight aircraft on their way from the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge in central Wisconsin to Chassahowitzka and St. Marks national wildlife refuges along Florida's Gulf Coast.
In 2000, pilot Joe Duff led juvenile sandhill cranes across the sky near Pewee Valley, in a precursor to this year's trip with whooping cranes, which are far more rare. These cranes, the tallest birds in North America, left the Necedah refuge on Oct. 17. Kentucky is one of the seven states that the ultralight-guided migration will fly over before reaching Florida.
The birds passed over Marshall County on Saturday. Each fall, the ultralight guides a group of whooping cranes south. The birds make the return trip the next spring on their own.


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Intellectual Property Clinic
The IP Clinic provides a range of IP counseling services to clients judged to be in need of pro bono services. Indiana University Maurer School of Law IP students carry out the work during the fall and spring academic semesters under the supervision of the Clinic Director Professor Norman Hedges and adjunct professors. The clinic is certified for both patents and trademarks under the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's Law School Clinic Certification Program.
The Clinic implemented a Referral Partner Model for new client intake in August 2017. Referral Partners are organizations located throughout Indiana who specialize in small business development, peer-to-peer training, and entrepreneurship, such as the ISBDC and SCORE Mentors. Potential Clinic clients may still contact the Clinic without business mentoring, but they will be redirected to a Referral Partner organization. Referral Partners will send their clients in need of pro bono IP assistance to the Clinic. By ensuring that clients receive both IP legal advice from the Clinic and business mentoring from our Referral Partners, Hoosiers now have opportunities to be even more successful.
How to Apply:
Currently, the Clinic has sufficient projects. As such, it is unlikely the Clinic will be able to accept new clients at this time; however, if you meet our eligibility criteria and are willing to wait for assistance, the Clinic may add you to its potential client backlog. Please note that some IP rights are very time sensitive, particularly patents and to a lesser extent trademarks. Thus, delaying your project may result in the loss of IP rights.
- Current Indiana residency
- Income status less than USPTO micro-entity threshold
- Received or are receiving business mentoring/coaching from a Clinic Referral Partner
To apply, please complete the IU Maurer IP Clinic Prospective Client Request for Services Form and return it via email to firstname.lastname@example.com.


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#RawFiVideo from Yokohama Japan.
Here's the trailer for what looks set to be another banging release from our friends in Japan.
Featuring: Pori, Shogo Tanaka, Futoshi Tokuyama, Shin Sanbongi, Yuji Watanabe – Daiki Hosoda – Shogo Teranishi and more.
Check out some of the spots on this trailer – insanity.
Raw-Fi trailer from Yokohama, Japan


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A little over a year ago, almost to the day, President Trump carried out a retaliatory missile strike against Syria's Al Shayrat air force base in response to a chemical weapons attack on Syrian civilians in Khan Shikhoun in Idlib Province. Syria's President Bashar Al-Assad was obviously undeterred. Since Trump's strike, Assad has continued to act with impunity—deploying chlorine gas at least three subsequent times. The latest atrocity was reportedly ordered by Assad over the weekend in the rebel-held Damascus suburb of Douma. This latest chemical carnage may have killed at least 42 civilians and injured scores more. The pictures emerging from Douma of the latest atrocity are gruesome. In response to the chemical weapons attack President Trump tweeted over the weekend calling out Russia's Putin by name—implicating Russia in Assad's attack. A first for Trump. At his Cabinet meeting yesterday, President Trump stated that he is reviewing options against Syria: "We cannot allow these atrocities…and nothing is off the table in the way of options," Mr. Trump stated. Just days after the President stated he wants to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria, the threat of a "big price" against Assad now looms even as Mr. Trump wants to wash his hands off Syria. Apparently, no amount of international outcry will stop Assad from using any means he deems necessary to liquidate anyone left in the remaining rebel-controlled suburbs around Damascus—especially when he is enabled by Russia's President Putin. Consequently, is there any decisive action which the U.S. can take, either unilaterally or in concert with U.S. allies such as France, which will force Assad to desist in his use of chemical weapons? Another cruise missile attack by the U.S. against a Syrian military base like the 2017 Al Shayrat military airfield is not going to cut it. It amounted to a mere slap on Assad's wrist given his subsequent resort to more horrific chlorine gas attacks. Since the 2017 Tomahawk missile retaliation the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Assad's forces killed another 42,000 civilians—including 375 by chemical weapons. After last year's retaliation a Pentagon spokesman told the New York Times that the attack on Al Shayrat air force base was "…at the more limited end of the military options presented by Secretary of Defense Mattis to Mr. Trump." So, what is on the other end of the spectrum of possible military options which would severely punish Assad that likely is under Presidential consideration? I do not know what the Pentagon may present to the President in the way of military options, but here is my own list of target recommendations that will hit Assad where it really hurts, yet avoiding to the maximum degree possible collateral damage and civilian casualties. The Bassel al-Assad Joint Civilian/Military Damascus Airport. This is Assad's major aviation link to the outside world. A concerted attack on its sole runway, aviation fuel farms, military and civilian aircraft hangars and joint control tower will take this airport out of commission for months—a very painful blow to Assad's clique and supporters who are dependent on Damascus Airport for foreign travel and luxury imports. Ditto for Aleppo International Airport. Latakia & Banyas Mediterranean Ports. Latakia—located in Assad's Alouite redoubt—is Syria's major seaport through which almost all of Assad's essential imports pass. It is THE essential link for Assad's Shiite supporters who live in and around Latakia Province, to the outside world, including the essential ferry connection to Cyprus. Taking out the berths, cranes, loading jetties and warehouses in Latakia and Banyas would cripple Assad's ability to wage war and place a huge strain on Russia's military seaport based of Tartus—forcing Assad to triage between military and essential civilian commodities at the sole operating port left for Syria. For good measure, I would add to this target rich environment the major road links in and out of both ports linking them to Damascus and Aleppo. Syria's Western Oil Pipeline Network. Ironically, after liquidating ISIS in the area, U.S. Special Forces and our Syrian Kurdish allies in Syria control the territory in Deir el-Zour Province where Syria's major oil wells are located east of the Euphrates River. However, located between Damascus to the south and the city of Homs to the north lies the major gas and oil pipelines serving Damascus—readily identifiable by Google Earth. With his oil fields largely cut off from him—courtesy of the Americans for the time being, Assad is dependent on oil imports (and aviation fuel imports) through the Russian-controlled military seaport of Tartus. While not targeting the Russians in Tartus directly, the pipelines and tanker trucks lined up outside Tartus should be fair game. Syria's Missile Air Defenses. Last year, Russia formally linked Syrian and Russian air defense systems together, including its S-300 and S-400 long-range missile systems and its Pantsir-S1 short to medium range missile. The nexus of this air defense joint operation is located at the joint Russo-Syrian air force base located at Hmeymim air force base south of Latakia seaport. When Israel launched a massive retaliatory strike against Syrian air defense installations following an Iranian military drone incursion in February, Putin forced Israel to back down before it could finish destroying the remaining S-400 missiles based at Syria's T-4 air force base near Palmyra and at other bases around Damascus. Syria's Russian-controlled integrated air defense system—particularly those S-400's—are an essential component of Assad's military and are the backbone of Russia ability to keep Assad's air force in the skies dropping those dreaded barrel bombs. Undertake a "Reagan"Attack. On April 15, 1986 President Reagan ordered the bombing of Libya in response to Col. Kadhaffi's terrorist attack on the "La Belle" West Berlin nightclub. President Reagan targeted a good number of Libya's military barracks and, for good measure, the U.S. air force dropped a bomb not too far away from Kadhaffi's personal compound. The U.S. attack on Libya substantially ended Libya's terrorism abroad. The challenge for President Trump is that all of Assad's air bases are under joint Russian control (increasing the risk of Russian military casualties), but Syrian barracks are not under joint custody. Since Trump has signaled an attack is imminent the broader strategic dilemma confronting the U.S. is NOT whether an escalated retaliation will deter Assad from resorting the chemical weapons. Rather, it is whether the President will be satisfied with a "big price" retaliatory attack, but then follow his impulse to withdraw American troops from Syria "within several months" as he declared, over the objections of his military advisers. And when, not if there is a retaliation what will Russia do against U.S. forces in Syria in response? Danger of a confrontation with Russian forces in Syria is a real possibility however the noble reasons may be for hitting Assad where it really hurts—especially since Putin warned Russia would not turn a blind eye to a further American intervention against Assad. U.S. allies in the region, notably Israel and Saudi Arabia, have appealed to Mr. Trump not to withdraw American forces. They know all too well that Assad is winning his civil war, and that as he consolidates his victory there will be no American boots on the ground in eastern Syria to prevent Iran's recapture of Syria's oil fields or deter the deployment of Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps troops opposite Israel's Golan Heights. Once again, Assad has presented to the U.S. another bad chapter in the Syrian civil war where American tactical options are in search of a strategy. About the author: Ambassador Marc Ginsberg is former White House Mid East Adviser & U.S. Ambassador to Morocco. He is currently Senior Global Adviser to the Counter Extremism Project.
The views presented in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily represent the views of any other organization.


text:
A favorite among designers and fine artists since 1935, Winsor & Newton's Designers' Gouache has been consistently formulated with a commitment to pigment strength and purity of color. As an opaque watercolor, gouache is used by designers, illustrators and commercial artists to create vibrant illustrations in solid color.
Designers' Gouache is a combination of quality pigment and gum arabic, the binding agent that holds the pigment. Winsor & Newton Designers' Gouache colors are opaque due to the high levels of pigmentation in the formula, which results in unsurpassed covering power and clean color mixing.
Gouache dries to a smooth matte finish, which reduces the reflection when photographing work. Due to the qualities of the gum arabic binder, gouache colors are quick drying. This allows for quick working techniques and sketching.
The Introductory Set features ten 14ml tubes of colors: Brilliant Green, Permanent Yellow Deep, Ivory Black, Primary Blue, Primary Red, Primary Yellow, Spectrum Red, Ultramarine, Yellow Ochre and Zinc White
The Primary Set features six 14ml tubes of colors: Primary Yellow, Primary Red, Primary Blue, Permanent Green Medium, Ivory Black and Zinc White. This set is excellent for artists wishing to master mixing and color processing.


text: Is there a risk in Builder's Risk Insurance? Dec 01, 2010 The construction insurance industry has developed the concept of a "Builder's Risk" policy, which covers all the work in process... Avoiding the competitive bid process Nov 01, 2010 I don't make a practice of writing columns about isolated court decisions, particularly those that turn on fine... Damages for delay: what is fair? Oct 01, 2010 Few people pay for construction work unless they intend to put the end product to use, either as their own... Get the Best of Al Schwartz The columns that are in this e-book cover some of the areas that seemed, to me, to be trending in our trades. I believe that they held worthwhile information that you, as tradesmen, could use, or maybe just a different perspective. DOWNLOAD NOW Sign up for the Contractor eNewsletter newsletter. AfghanistanAland IslandsAlbaniaAlgeriaAmerican SamoaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntarcticaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBoliviaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBouvet IslandBrazilBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryBritish Virgin IslandsBruneiBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCambodiaCameroonCanadaCape VerdeCaribbean NetherlandsCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaChristmas IslandCocos (Keeling) IslandsColombiaComorosCongo (Brazzaville)Congo (Kinshasa)Cook IslandsCosta RicaCroatiaCubaCuraçaoCyprusCzech RepublicDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEthiopiaFalkland IslandsFaroe IslandsFijiFinlandFranceFrench GuianaFrench PolynesiaFrench Southern TerritoriesGabonGambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGibraltarGreeceGreenlandGrenadaGuadeloupeGuamGuatemalaGuernseyGuineaGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHeard Island and McDonald IslandsHondurasHong Kong S.A.R., ChinaHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsle of ManIsraelItalyIvory CoastJamaicaJapanJerseyJordanKazakhstanKenyaKiribatiKuwaitKyrgyzstanLaosLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMacao S.A.R., ChinaMacedoniaMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMarshall IslandsMartiniqueMauritaniaMauritiusMayotteMexicoMicronesiaMoldovaMonacoMongoliaMontenegroMontserratMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNauruNepalNetherlandsNetherlands AntillesNew CaledoniaNew ZealandNicaraguaNigerNigeriaNiueNorfolk IslandNorthern Mariana IslandsNorth KoreaNorwayOmanPakistanPalauPalestinian TerritoryPanamaPapua New GuineaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPitcairnPolandPortugalPuerto RicoQatarReunionRomaniaRussiaRwandaSaint BarthélemySaint HelenaSaint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint Martin (French part)Saint Pierre and MiquelonSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSamoaSan MarinoSao Tome and PrincipeSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSeychellesSierra LeoneSingaporeSint MaartenSlovakiaSloveniaSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth Georgia and the South Sandwich IslandsSouth KoreaSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSurinameSvalbard and Jan MayenSwazilandSwedenSwitzerlandSyriaTaiwanTajikistanTanzaniaThailandTimor-LesteTogoTokelauTongaTrinidad and TobagoTunisiaTurkeyTurkmenistanTurks and Caicos IslandsTuvaluU.S. Virgin IslandsUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomUnited StatesUnited States Minor Outlying IslandsUruguayUzbekistanVanuatuVaticanVenezuelaVietnamWallis and FutunaWestern SaharaYemenZambiaZimbabwe Sign Up Enter your email above to receive messages about offerings by Informa, its brands, affiliates and/or third-party partners, consistent with Informa's Privacy Statement. List Leave this field blank Not all bonds are created equal Sep 01, 2010 Understanding the legal aspects of payment bonds What strings come with stimulus projects? Aug 09, 2010 Along with the Stimulus funds are Stimulus rules, and more of them than you might expect. So, you have to decide: is it worth it? Employee or independent contractor? Jul 09, 2010 The Internal Revenue Service is being given funds for an additional 100 new "enforcement personnel" in the 2011 budget as part of a $25 million plan to crack down on the misclassification of workers as independent contractors Federal project funds: understanding the laws, requirements Jun 08, 2010 What parts of federal law, if any, do contractors now have to worry about by taking money that came from the U.S. Government? Leveling the playing field between owners and contractors May 05, 2010 One of the riskiest and most unfair practices in construction is the ability of owners to force contractors to front all the... They don't always get away with it Apr 01, 2010 We have all heard stories of firms owned and operated by non-minority men, who appear to find a way to obtain contracts that... How to improve the collection process Mar 01, 2010 Construction attorney Susan Linden McGreevy offers five steps to financially protecting your construction company BIM: What to watch out for Feb 01, 2010 Construction attorney Susan Linden McGreevy discusses the potential risk issues in using Business Information Modeling (BIM) BIM and you: know its benefits and risks Jan 01, 2010 Building Information Modeling (BIM) is coming, and as Lee Iaccoca (and many others, probably) put it, you'd better be prepared to lead, follow or get out of the way. What is BIM? A Building Information Model is a digital representation of physical... Are prepaid legal services worthwhile? Dec 01, 2009 Although it may not take as much to keep a good employee as it did when jobs were more abundant, employers are generally always on the lookout for benefits they can offer which attract and keep employees at reasonable terms. One benefit that some... Load More 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 next last Load More


text:
Texas Tech hosts the Longhorns in what could prove to be a pivotal series for both teams.
Texas (20-6, 1-2) vs. Texas Tech (21-7, 3-3)
Official Site Notes
Location: Dan Law Field at Rip Griffin Park | Lubbock, TX
Radio: Affiliates
This is a significant series for Texas Tech, hosting the Longhorns and what appears to be an incredibly talented pitching staff. This should be a fun weekend. Please note that two of the games will be on the television.
This is a huge series for the Red Raiders and head coach Tim Tadlock understands that he needs to keep his team grounded and take just one pitch at a time (via LAJ):
"Really, there is an emphasis on getting better here in about an hour," head coach Tim Tadlock said before Thursday's practice. "We'll be excited with Friday and deal with it as it comes. Then we'll deal with Saturday. One of the things that's clear to these guys is it's not possible to play three games in one day, it's not possible to play two pitches at a time. We're best when we deal with it one at a time and were learning that a little bit each day as we go."
OUTFIELD: LF: Alec Humphreys | CF: Stephen Smith | RF: Adam Kirsch
INFIELD: 3B: Jake Barrios | SS: Ryan Long | 2B: Bryant Burleson | 1B Eric Gutierrez | C: Hunter Redman | DH: Matt Broadbent
Game 1: Friday, March 28th @ 6:30 pm on Fox College Sports
Texas Tech Starting Pitcher: RHP Dominic Moreno (1-4, 2.81)
Texas Starting Pitcher: LHP RHP Parker French (3-2, 1.62)
Final Score & Box Score: -
Game 2: Saturday, March 22nd @ 2:00 pm
Texas Tech Starting Pitcher: TBD
Texas Starting Pitcher: LHP Dillon Peters (3-1, 1.79)
Final Score & Box Score: -
Game 3: Sunday, March 23rd @ 2:00 pm on Fox Sports Southwest
Texas Tech Starting Pitcher: LHP Chris Sadberry (3-1, 2.35)
Texas Starting Pitcher: RHP Nathan Thornhill (4-0, 1.10)
Final Score & Box Score: -


text:
The Far'q SP Sunglasses are the perfect mixture of retro style and modern technology. The round frame style is timeless and has been worn by legendary icons throughout time. This shade was inspired by 1960's counter-culture where this style was first conceived. The Far'q SP Sunglasses are known for their intricate design and round crystal lenses. Featuring a flat brow bar, adjustable nose pads and thin metal temples with plastic end tips to rest comfortably behind the ears.
This shade is flexible and will look native in any environment. From festivals to the beach, and everything in between, the SP sunglasses are the go to shade for thousands of Aussie youth who don't care for the style of the many, but rather create their own style and make others conform.
UV400 protection lenses
Frame width: 137mm
Bridge width: 22mm
Lens width: 47mm
Frame height: 49mm
Made of an Alloy frame


text:
Established in the mid-1970s, Ixtapa features some of Mexico's most modern resorts. With massive hotels lined up and down the shoreline of the Pacific Coast and located just steps away from the water, you'll see why an Ixtapa Family vacation is a superb choice. Enjoy basking in the warm, yet comfortable temperature as you hear the sounds of the ocean gently talking beside you. This amazing part of Mexico contains luxurious hotels with all the modern amenities you desire and a wide variety of outdoor water sports, and family attractions in Ixtapa certain to entice you. Every day brings with it new and exciting adventures you are sure to love.
Kid-friendly hotels in Ixtapa are easy to find and most are centrally located to many of the main attractions, making it convenient to step out and begin each day with a new adventure. Most of the hotels have balconies that extend the tropical feel even when heading indoors. Here you can see amazing views of the pacific coast with breathtaking sunsets at the end of your fun-filled day. The Posada Real Ixtapa is located near the Catcha L'Ola, a surf school, where the entire family can learn all there is to know about surfing. Take advantage of professional lessons for all levels from beginners to advanced, leaving no member of the family behind.
If you prefer an all-inclusive hotel environment, just a short distance off the main strip you'll find the Club Med Ixtapa Pacific resort. The service is impeccable and the standard amenities are endless. Each day brings with it a variety of outdoor sports and water sports that all of you will enjoy. Volleyball, basketball, tennis, mini golf and Ping-Pong are just a few of the activities that you can partake in during your visit. Good food, drinks and endless days in the sun are all part of the experience.
Another great place to stay is the Melia Azula Ixtapa. This modern facility is located near the beach and within walking distance to shops and restaurants. It is also located near many of the family attractions in Ixtapa including the Playa Linda and Isla Ixtapa. View crocodiles and iguanas in their own habitat while at Playa Linda and then take just a short drive away to participate in some of the best snorkeling around at the Isla Ixtapa.
With plentiful sunshine and seemingly endless activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, parasailing, horseback and boat tours, you'll need to plan your days ahead of time to get the most out of your Ixtapa Family Vacation. Sunbathe on the beach while the children enjoy swimming and splashing around in the water. Rent a pair of Jet skis or a Hobie cat and take your family on the thrill of a lifetime, coursing over the waves. You can even indulge in a bit of personal pampering with a beach side massage while your little one enjoys getting her hair braided by the locals.
This place has something on every family member's "to do list." Take a break from your normal life and truly escape. With so many things to do in Ixtapa, Mexico, it won't be long before you schedule your next trip here. Who knows, it might even become an annual family vacation.


text:
Not Just a Game
This is the latest novel from Doug Zipes. In this riveting story, three generations of Olympic athletes attempt to survive monumental challenges in the shadow of Hitler and during a rebirth of Nazism.
It is 1936 as track star Dietrich Becker trains for the Berlin Olympics. Supported by his wife and an unknown benefactor, Dietrich is hiding a dangerous secret: he is Jewish. But when he unexpectedly loses to the legendary Jesse Owens, a humiliated Dietrich crumbles under overwhelming pressure and makes a decision that changes everything.
Thirty-six years later, Dietrich's son, Adam, assistant head of the 1972 Israeli Olympic team, travels to Munich, where eleven Israeli athletes including one of his friends, fencing coach Levi Frankel, are murdered by Islamic terrorists. Eventually Adam's daughter, Kirsten, is taught to fence by Levi's widow and sets her sights on the 2016 Olympics. When she travels to Rio with the Israeli team just as Nazism is reborn, Kirsten and a French fencer become intrigued by rumors that Hitler fled WWII to South America. After visiting Bariloche, Argentina to investigate, they explore Hitler's house and find the priceless Amber Room. As her journey leads her back to the Olympics, Kirsten soon discovers she is fighting not just to win gold but also for her life.
Order your copy of Not Just a Game
Use the button below to order your copy today.Buy online from Amazon
Preview from Chapter One
"It's a girl! Ten tiny fingers and toes and a beautiful face," Adam told his mother as he drove her from the assisted living community to the Ichilov Hospital in central Tel Aviv. "Your new granddaughter has your smile, complete with dimples, Dannie's blonde hair, and my blue eyes." Adam thought for a moment. "Her hair's more red
than blonde. She's the prettiest baby ever."
Traffic was light. He glanced at his mother. She had lost more weight in the past month. Or was it two months since he had seen her? Not remembering triggered guilt pangs, but his law practice was so busy. He'd taken her to the best heart doctors in Israel, but he thought maybe he should take her to the States. Visit Mayo or Hopkins? He owed her so much. How could he ever repay it? A granddaughter was a start, and that made him feel good.
Gretchen laughed, a happy sound. "So says every father. But finally I get to hold my grandchild," she said, rocking her folded arms back and forth, fingers twitching. "I've been waiting for this a long time."
Adam smiled. "It's never too late."
"Seemed you took forever," Gretchen said.
He nodded. No need to explain the difficulties of a middle-aged man trying to have a baby with a young wife.
"And what will you name her?" Gretchen asked, getting out of the car with Adam's assistance.
"We haven't decided yet."
Almost eighty, Gretchen was frail, her heart failing since the second heart attack. Her cheekbones, always prominent, now seemed like angular bumps in a fragile, sunken face. When Adam had asked if she was getting enough to eat, she laughed. "You know the story about the Jewish mother waiting for her son to call?" He shook his head. "She lost weight because she stopped eating so she wouldn't have a mouthful of food when the phone rang."
Adam had moved her to a residential complex two years earlier so she could receive around-the-clock attention. Though she dressed with care, clothes once a perfect fit now hung from her bony frame.
Adam had a curbside wheelchair ready. He eased Gretchen in and pushed her to the maternity wing. Broad shouldered and trim from daily workouts, Adam moved with an athlete's grace, maneuvering the chair along a crowded hallway. His cobalt blue eyes and thick, dark hair still turned heads as young nurses walked by.
At Dannie's room, Gretchen insisted on standing. Adam helped her out of the chair, holding it steady with one hand, the other cupped under her elbow. She walked slowly to the bed where Dannie cradled her daughter at her breast. The baby was a tiny pink bundle, only her silky reddish-blonde hair showing. Dannie's cherub face, rounded from the pregnancy, showed exhaustion from the twelve-hour labor.
When Adam had left this morning to get his mother, Dannie's blonde hair had been soaked with sweat, hanging in wet strands clinging to her forehead. He had passed two nurses as they entered her room with fresh towels, washcloths, and a change of bed clothes. Dannie now looked beauty parlor fresh with pink lipstick and rosy cheeks, wearing a soft white robe. She glowed with a new mother's look of love and patted a place beside her for Gretchen to sit.
"We were expecting a boy, so we're not quite prepared for this," Dannie said. "We already painted her room blue." Dannie moved over to make room on the bed. The baby lost her nipple and squirmed, grunting until she found it again.
Gretchen sat on the edge of the bed and caught her breath. Her dress hiked up, showing knobby knees and varicose veins. She quickly rearranged it to cover them. After a moment, she leaned over and stroked soft cheeks busy puckering and relaxing at Dannie's breast.
She turned to her son. "How about Kirsten, after your grandmother?"
Adam looked to Dannie for a response.
"Wonderful idea." Dannie smiled and nodded. "This hungry little bundle," she said, caressing the baby's downy crown in the midst of slurping and suckling noises, "will be Kirsten."
"I like that name," Adam said, pulling up a chair beside the bed.
"What was your grandmother like?" Dannie asked Adam.
Adam shrugged and looked at his mother. "I don't remember much. Mom?"
"She was Austrian and lived in some small town near the German border. But I don't know for sure," Gretchen said. "I know she went crazy before she died and was buried near her home. It was in the early 1930s, before the war." She turned to Adam. "Your dad was training for the '36 Olympics at the time. Dietrich didn't talk much about the funeral when he came home. There was no inheritance, so he buried her, and that was it.
We never talked about her again."
"What about your grandfather?" Dannie asked.
Adam again looked at his mother.
"I only know he left your grandmother while she was still pregnant, before your father was even born. Just disappeared and never returned."
"A one-night stand?" Dannie asked.
"I guess something like that. She never married. That I know."
"But Grandmother Kirsten was Jewish, yes?" Adam knew the mother's religion determined the child's. One could always be certain who the mother was.
"Of course, which is why both you and your dad were circumcised," Gretchen said. "And your father being an Olympian was more important to the Germans than the fact we were Jews, so we were protected during the war."
Gretchen shook her head, as if to clear it of these memories. "Enough with the past. This little bundle"—she patted the baby's freshly diapered bottom—"is all about the future."
"I agree. In fact…" Adam let the sentence hang and sat on the edge of his chair, watching Dannie cradling Kirsten, now fast asleep.
"What?" Dannie and Gretchen asked.
Adam tried to hide a grin. He stood and walked about the small room. He picked up the picture of his new daughter cradled by Dannie, already printed by the hospital photographer and set in a silver frame on the small night table. A beautiful touch, he thought, especially if it were a free perk. He had his doubts.
Looking at the picture, he said, almost to himself, "Suppose—just suppose—this little bundle became an Olympic athlete."
Dannie knew where her husband was going. She smiled. "A fencer?"
"I don't understand. You two are moving too fast for me to keep up," Gretchen said.
Adam set the picture down, went over to his mother, and put his hand on her shoulder. "The Olympics, Mom. Wouldn't it be wonderful if Kirsten grew up to become an Olympian? For the Munich athletes and for my father—her grandfather Dietrich." He pointed at his new daughter. "Maybe a fencer, to celebrate Levi Frankel's life, or a runner, for Father." He knew it was far-fetched, planning an Olympic career for a daughter not even a day old, but he couldn't help dreaming. Maybe it would help lessen his pain, his guilt.
"Do you suppose Sharon would teach her?" Dannie asked.
A big smile lit Gretchen's face as the enormity of his vision sank in. "Dare we even think about it? Dream about it? Your father would've liked that, Adam. Fencer or track star, it doesn't matter. An Olympian medal winner, that's what Dietrich would've wanted, what would've mattered to him. Gold, silver, or bronze. Any medal would liberate that man's tortured soul."
Gretchen bowed her head, her forehead touching the pink blanket that swaddled her granddaughter. Softly, she said, "Please, dear God, let this little bundle of joy accomplish that. Touch Kirsten with your special love so she can redeem her grandfather's reputation and make her father proud."
"Amen," Adam and Dannie said together.


text:
ArchWiki talk:Sandbox
Hello, how are you? -- Acgtyrant (talk) 15:17, 27 August 2013 (UTC)
- Fine, thanks, and you? -- Acgtyrant (talk) 15:17, 27 August 2013 (UTC)
Testing how a link goes
https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Dropbox#Context_menu_entries_in_file_manager_do_not_work should lead to Dropbox#Context_menu_entries_in_file_manager_do_not_work And so should [Dropbox tweak]
--Diana Probst -- Artist and layabout (talk) 10:53, 14 March 2014 (UTC)
- I do not know if this is a question or just a test, but the second link is correct. The first one uses full URL, which is useless for internal links, and the third one adds extra brackets. See Help:Editing#Links for details. -- Lahwaacz (talk) 19:11, 14 March 2014 (UTC)
Forum discussions
I just don't understand why the discussion page of a wiki is not implemented as a real forum. I'm not supposed to edit the opinion of others, and if I feel like they misspelled something I should contact the person and ask/recommend editing his/her own entry. So I will act as I'm supposed to, but sadly I can't ensure that everyone will do the same. And, while I tend to believe in the good on humans, I still think that a forum system would free us from wondering about this everytime we (and anyone else!) edit a discussion page in a wiki. Ajendrex (talk) 19:04, 23 August 2012 (UTC)
- I agree why can't we just have a forum for the wiki instead of this so utterly confusing and unwieldly... stuff. Lspci (talk) 20:31, 30 April 2013 (UTC)
- Please use https://bbs.archlinux.org/viewforum.php?id=13 if you prefer the forum way. For proposing forum-like discussion pages to be added directly to MediaWiki please use mw:Bugzilla. Installing already existing extensions to add the functionality to our wiki won't be even taken into consideration. Closed. -- Kynikos (talk) 04:11, 1 May 2013 (UTC)
can't help myself here: "sandbox needs no translation; a sandbox is a sandbox is a sandbox...", in other words "if it looks like a sandbox, moves like a sandbox 'n talks like a sandbox ..." totalwormage 11:17, 9 February 2010 (EST)
- It must be a duck! Axanon 15:14, 16 June 2010 (EDT)
Propose to rename this page. Although common talk 'sandbox' means to play around with, in Linux circles 'sandbox' means to create a chroot jail. From wikipedia:
In computer security, a sandbox is a security mechanism for separating running programs. It is often used to execute untested code, or untrusted programs from unverified third-parties, suppliers and untrusted users.
--Gen2ly 18:03, 27 October 2010 (EDT)
- Disagree. Following Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Sandbox -- pointone 18:40, 27 October 2010 (EDT)
test comment
This is just a test comment.
Testing, 3 2 1 1 2 3
MaTachi 14:40, 17 June 2011 (EDT)
another test
65kid 08:47, 3 July 2011 (EDT)
fdgfdhsfdah sfdg,fdgmde
Sing, O goddess, the rage of Achilles son of Peleus, that brought countless ills upon the Achaeans.
This is preformatted code all spaces are preserved: like <-this
and also
strike through
- ☐ foo
- ☑ bar
- ☑ sub item 1
- ☑ sub item 2
- ☒ baz
- item 1
- item 2
- item 3
- item 3a
item 1 item 2 item 3 item 3a
bold, italic and underline and verbatim
Еще один тест))
Kycok (talk) 13:35, 25 January 2013 (UTC)
Trying to indent to see if it works --Xananax (talk) 19:09, 7 April 2013 (UTC)
testing a new section
Trying this thing to understand how it works Xananax (talk) 19:08, 7 April 2013 (UTC)
my fancy subject
Just for fun, using + sign.
--Gothormr (talk) 13:28, 17 May 2013 (UTC)
new section test
Scratch test a new section.
Granted (talk) 01:38, 12 July 2013 (UTC)
Replying to new section test.
Crawlman (talk) 07:00, 18 December 2013 (UTC)
Here some suggestions... FleX (talk) 21:45, 11 January 2014 (UTC)


text: tegge 2006-05-06 20:51:32 UTC FreeBSD src repository Modified files: sys/ufs/ffs ffs_softdep.c Log: ffs_syncvnode() might skip some of the blocks due to them being locked, assuming them to be inflight write buffers. This is not always the case. bufdaemon might hold the buffer lock and give up writing the buffer due to it having dependencies, the file system being suspended or the vnode lock being held by another thread. When bufdaemon decides to write the buffer there is still a window before bufobj_wref() has been called, allowing other threads to believe that the vnode has no dirty buffers or inflight writes. Try harder to flush first block of new subdirectory to get rid of MKDIR_BODY dependency. Revision Changes Path 1.196 +46 -0 src/sys/ufs/ffs/ffs_softdep.c