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Following the news about breach of consumer trust with credit card data being stolen from 20 million South Koreans, we got in touch with Raed Taji, Head of Global Fraud Consulting, Asia Pacific, FICO to find out more about the threat landscape in Asia and what can companies do to protect themselves and their customers.
We have heard of data theft cases involving US retailers. But now, recently, we saw the theft of credit card information of 20 million South Koreans. This is unprecedented. What does it mean for Asia and what does it portend?
Taji: The scale may be unprecedented, but make no mistake; Asia has not been immune to data theft even before this. In the right conditions, the thefts can be on a very large scale, as you have seen in Korea.
We've seen incidents even closer to home. In December last year, it was discovered that a breach had occurred at Fuji Xerox, which prints credit card statements for Standard Chartered bank, leading to the theft of confidential information from 647 of Singapore's private wealth clients at Standard Chartered. Earlier in February, credit card users from four banks in Singapore were billed fraudulently by Taiwan's Neweb Technologies, another example of a data breach incident.
Figures from the Malaysia Computer Security Response Team for January 2014 note that 717 incidents were reported, including 109 intrusions, 3 intrusion attempts and 150 fraud incidents. In Malaysia, mandatory notifications of data breaches are not required, so it's fair to assume even more companies have been affected.
Asia continues to be a target for hackers and as part of their IT strategy, companies should look to put in place preventive measures before they fall victims to a hack, and potentially lose customers, incur severe losses and damage their market reputation.
The best way to approach this is to engage in a threat and vulnerability analysis. The organisation should also have a contingency plan in place in case a breach does occur that covers all aspects of the business such as response, operational, public relations and so on.
Two kinds of attacks are happening. One is the criminal kind, which is for profit. The other is the hacktivist variety of attack and data theft. We saw a recent case in Singapore too. What do you read in this? What is the weakest link here?
Firstly, it's clear that hackers have become much more aggressive about detecting vulnerabilities at corporations, so companies need to protect themselves more thoroughly than before.
Secondly, many companies have not been doing enough to protect themselves in the first place.
Thirdly, companies may not be monitoring their systems closely enough. Intruders can still be halted in their tracks as soon as suspicious activities have been detected. Analytic technology can detect fraud and alert companies very quickly based on changes to expected patterns.
The weakest link could be anywhere along this chain, but as you can see, there are many potential points of vulnerability. While the motivations for the hacking may be different, the results are the same. Hacking and data theft will lead to damaged reputations for brands, operational losses, and missed sales opportunities.
A third kind of attack, well, not actually an attack, is coming from the state itself. We saw what Edward Snowden had to share with the world. How can citizens negotiate a new social contract with the state as an agency, where corporates are also playing a very big role (as collaborators sometimes). Today we talk about globalisation and data sovereignty rather than state sovereignty. What are your thoughts on this?
From our perspective, the anti-hacking fundamentals here are the same, even though the motivation for this type of hack was different, in that was political rather than for financial gain.
In terms of reducing data theft and fraud, what steps should be taken by enterprises, especially retailers and banks?
What we advocate is prevention over cure. Risk mitigation is all about balancing the investment against the danger to the business. Organisations like banks, prioritise data security and invest in several layers of protection to ensure that the data they have remains safe. Examples of this include two-factor authentication and intrusion detection systems. Further to this, analytics software solutions from FICO can look at historical activity to determine whether current activities are suspicious, or predict what will happen next.
Educating employees and making them aware of data breach protocols is another important part of the solution. A 2013 global study from Symantec and the Ponemon Institute found that human errors and system problems caused two-thirds of the data breaches in 2012. Issues included employee mishandling of confidential data, lack of system controls (no requirement to change the password from the default password etc.), and violations of industry and government regulations - most of which can be prevented.
Technology innovations continue to help in the race against the hackers as well. For example, at Singapore Management University, a professor is working on a way to make passwords invisible to browsers and operating systems while still allowing users to log into a website, and sensitive documents invisible to the rest of the system.
Do you think data theft will be more common when more people start using mobile banking?
New channels mean an added avenue for hackers to reach victims. There will definitely be attempts, both directly through the mobile platform or the software, along classical means such as phishing attempts or scams with faked mobile versions of banking websites.
Another area of vulnerability is phone theft. If people choose not to secure their phones with passwords they could be opening themselves up to instant plundering of their bank accounts when their phone is stolen. Companies should invest in measures like a remote wiping service if a corporate phone is stolen.
How can banks and retailers allay customers' fears that it is safe to use plastic money or do mobile banking?
They should ensure they are secure in multiple ways. What reassures a customer most, is knowing that the financial institution has the proper tools and is doing everything it can to protect them. This can be achieved to by contacting them when a potentially unusual activity is made on their account. This shows that the bank or retailer is monitoring and flagging unusual activity and is able to stop suspicious activity from going any further.
FICO's analytic offerings can detect suspicious activity in real-time and also detect fraud earlier, with fewer false positives (saying there is fraud when there is not).
Companies also have to practise good data management. Ensuring that data is protected through different types of computer security; enforcing data confidentiality guidelines at the office; educating customers about unsafe data practices; and monitoring computer systems to check for suspicious activity are some ways to ensure that the data remains safe.
What should a company do after a breach has happened?
If you do suffer a breach, the first thing to do is to halt the damage by ensuring that the vulnerability is addressed, so that no one else can take advantage of it. At the same time, the extent of the breach should be studied, and customers informed as soon as possible.
The nature of the theft will shape what the next steps are - banks may want to cancel credit cards and issue new ones, or users may be requested to change their passwords and look out for suspicious activity on their credit card statements. Next, invest in strengthening the system and investigating if there are other vulnerabilities to address. Finally, decide what form compensation will need to be taken.
Be aware that your competitors are likely to benefit if existing customers decide that they cannot trust you anymore. Work on your strengths while announcing what new measures you are taking to ensure that customer data is going to be more secure in the future.
Anything else you would like to add?
Security breaches are becoming more common, because crime syndicates realise the incredible 'honeypot' that exists in cyber-fraud. They can stand to steal millions of dollars at very little physical risk or possibility of prosecution. For this reason, it is important for organisations to remain vigilant and plan for investment in security systems, especially if handling large amounts of sensitive customer data. The opportunity cost is that dollars saved along the way will seem insignificant if they suffer a breach. Disaster recovery and reputation management is a costly business, so it is best not to be penny-wise, but pound-foolish by investing in cheaper, weaker security in the hope that hackers will ignore you.
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Fairy penguins live in the Southern Hemisphere, along the southern coast of Australia, and in several locations in New Zealand. In New Zealand, they are known as blue penguins.
These small, slate blue or indigo birds, which are the smallest of all penguins, do not migrate, but stay year-round in their habitats. These small birds are terrific divers, which is reflected in their scientific genus name, "Eudyptula," which means "good little diver."
In Australia, they can be found along the southern coast from Port Stephens in the east to Fremantle in the west. In New Zealand, they call several locations home, including North Island, South Island, the west and southeast coasts of New Zealand and Chatham Island.

subset: commoncrawl


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I was interested to read an article recently written in the Guardian newspaper about wearable tech for pets. It is no surprise that our obsession with fitness bands has spilled over into the animal world - I would love to know how active my dog is when I am out of the house! From the 'Fitbark' to the 'PitPat' and 'Whistle', fitness trackers for dogs are giving us insights into our pets activity and health.
This technology is something I have been exploring, considering its use by superyacht animals – as both a tracker and as a complementary tool in remote veterinary care. The latest devices can relay essential information back to vet, owner or carer about the health and wellbeing of animals. Not only does this mean that accurate information about an pet is easily and quickly accessible from any distance, it could mean that any problems could potentially detected and treated faster, making a 'fitness' device an essential tool in remote veterinary medicine. This is ideally suited to superyacht animals, who often rely on a level of remote veterinary care. particularly when yachts are cruising in remote locations or for long periods. Starla is currently the guinea pig for these technologies in the SVS camp and based on what we find it could well be rolled out to all superyacht pets being looked after by us.
With pet technology I think we are only just getting warmed up, and figures published in the aforementioned article agree, with the industry of wearable pet tech predicted by a source to be worth $2.3 billion by 2022. True, not every product released is going to be useful (pet to human translators leave me unconvinced with most things animals want to 'say' already picked up by their attuned owners), and no device will ever be able to replace direct veterinary care and an owners own knowledge of their animals health and wellbeing, but they can definitely complement them. The future of pet tech is bright, and I look forward to seeing the release of more and more sophisticated devices, with superyacht pets being animals that really reap the benefit.


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I'm a hobbyist and gamer of almost 30 years but have always leaned more towards the hobby aspect of war gaming. In particular I enjoy the collecting and painting of miniatures, specifically science fiction based miniatures. On YouTube my alias is Warchild40k where you can see some of my hobby related videos though I haven't posted anything new in almost 5 years due to work and other real life things. One of the other things I enjoy is reading and have always found the works of HP Lovecraft to be fascinating. It was a little over 5 years ago, while re-reading HP Lovecraft's "At the Mountains of Madness", that a couple sentences stood out and created the seed that became Slumbering Oblivion.
The sentences I refer to come when Dr. William Dyer and Danforth are exploring the vast city they discovered in Antarctica. They are looking over murals that depict the distant past of the inhabitants of that city Dyer calls the Old Ones but are also known as Elder Things. He says, "They had lived under the sea a good deal, building fantastic cities and fighting terrific battles with nameless adversaries by means of intricate devices employing unknown principles of energy." And a few sentences later, "Some of the sculptures suggested that they had passed through a stage of mechanised life on other planets…" and then finally, "The Old Ones had used curious weapons of molecular disturbance against the rebel entities, and in the end had achieved a complete victory."
This shows that the Elder Things had advanced technology and their enemies, among them being Cthulhu and his minions, must have advanced levels of technology as well. Most games dealing with the Cthulhu mythos take place in the early 1900's and do not address any obvious advanced technology. This use of technology is an aspect that I've personally not seen explored in a Cthulhu themed tabletop miniatures game either. So I set out to bridge the gap between the sci-fi tabletop war games I enjoy, and the Cthulhu mythos. I've spent the last 5 years working on the idea in my spare time and am at a point where I would like release it to the world and find out if others find this mix of sci-fi and horror as interesting as I do.
The next step in my journey is a new line of Cthulhu inspired miniatures and with enough interest will branch out to the human army miniatures, finalized rule set and also books and possibly comics to further flesh out the background and world of Slumbering Oblivion and the inhabitants within it.


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29er CX
29er CX
The new Horse 29er is a ripping machine. Suited for XC racing, its light, agile and a climbing monster. The oversized 44mm head tube and tapered steerer on the fork make the front end bomb proof. S-bent chain stays and seat stays for wide tire clearance and light weight alloy tubing make this hard tail your new heart throb.
We are offering the frame with your choice of fork including a ridged ENVE MNT fork with a 15mm through axle and clip on fender. (more details below)
A full SRAM X9 1 X 10 component package is available
The perfect complement for the east coast rider who is looking for performance and wight savings.
Geometry and sizing below!
*S-bent chain stays and seat stays for optimal tire clearance. (2.5")
*Low mounted disc dropouts protect your braking system.
*Powder coated off white for the most durable finish available.
*Oversized 44mm head tube
*27.2 seat post
*True temper light weight steel alloy sourced from the USA
*Three fork options
- X Fusion Slide + $350.00
- Rock Shocks Reba RL solo air +$450.00
- ENVE MNT Ridged Carbon + $550.00
(fork specs below)
(NOTE: $999 is the base price and includes frame only. Headset and stem not included. Please select your fork option below)
X-Fusion Slide RL2 Suspension Fork.
The younger taller brother of the Enix is born to bring a performance level XC fork at a cost effective price to the 29'er market.
- ⋅ Intended use: XC/Trail
- ⋅ Air sprung
- ⋅ 32mm stanchions
- ⋅ Offset: 51mm
- ⋅ Axle to Crown: 526mm @ 120mm
- ⋅ Tool-free 15mm LockX Axle
- ⋅ RL2 high performance aluminum cartridge, mid-valve damper with rebound adjustment and Lock Out
- ⋅ Remote Lock Out Capability
- ⋅ Nvolve wiper seals reduce stiction and increase service life
- ⋅ Magnesium fork lowers
- ⋅ Brake hose guide
- ⋅ Maximum Rotor Size: 180mm
- ⋅ Up to 120mm of travel with internal travel adjustment
- Axle to Crown Length (mm): 506 mm
- Brake Type: Disc
- Brake Usage F/R: Front
- Color: Black
- Crown Race: 39.7
- Defined Color: Black
- Front Axle Type: 9x1
- Front Hub Spacing (mm): 100 mm
- Item Name: Slide
- Lockout: Crown Mounted
- S.H.I.S. Stem Clamp Diameter: 28.6
- Steerer Type: Tapered
- Travel (mm): 100 mm
- Weight (g): 1814 g
- Wheel Mount Center Offset (mm): 46 mm
- Wheel Size: 29er
RockShox Reba RL Solo Air 100 29"
Reba combines a blend of well-rounded performance, a lightweight design and full tunability on top of a stiff 32mm chassis.
- ⋅ Forged, hollow AL66 TV aluminum crown
- ⋅ External rebound, low speed compression to 'Lock'
- ⋅ 32mm upper tube with low friction anodized finish
- ⋅ Motion Control RL damping
- ⋅ Crown Adjust
- ⋅ Aluminum Steerer
- ⋅ Includes shock pump
- Axle to Crown Length (mm): 506 mm
- Brake Type: Disc
- Brake Usage F/R: Front
- Color: Black
- Crown Race: 39.7
- Defined Color: Black
- Fork Rake (mm): 46 mm
- Front Axle Type: 9x1
- Front Hub Spacing (mm): 100 mm
- Item Name: Reba
- Lockout: Crown Mounted
- S.H.I.S. Stem Clamp Diameter: 28.6
- Spring: Solo Air
- Steerer Tube Length (mm): 265 mm
- Steerer Type: Tapered
- Travel (mm): 100 mm
- Weight (g): 1564 g
- Wheel Mount Center Offset (mm): 0 mm
- Wheel Size: 29er
With clever features like its interchangeable fender, disc hose retention clips, and rake adjustability via our axle flip chips, this feature laden mountain fork is ready to take you anywhere you want to go
- Wheel size 29"
- Weight 688g
- Adjustable rake, 44 472
- Axle to crown 470 -472mm
- Tire clearance. 88mm (3.46")
- Steerer 1.25 to 1.5 tapered
- Steerer length 300mm
- Rotor size 160-180 mm
- Axle enve 15mm thru


text: 2012PEN OF THE YEAR 2012Precious findsThe tenth Pen of the Year features a combination of two materials that could hardly be more complete opposites: The deep structure of bog oak, whose beauty has been naturally wrought over thousands of years together with gold that lends a supernatural sheen to the most beautiful works of art created by mankind. Layer upon layer of 24-carat gold leaf is applied to the bog-oak pen barrel in an intricate and detailed process. Embedded in resin, this reveals a unique pattern of reflections that only the purest gold can display. All metal fittings are 24-carat gold-plated.›Discover Pen of the Year 2012


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SMPS St. Louis Student Chapter by David Scarmana
While only in its second year, the SMPS St. Louis Student Chapter at Fontbonne University is gaining momentum and generating interest from a wide range of students. Currently we have students ranging from freshman to seniors majoring in Marketing, Business Administration, Advertising, Accounting and Management. The underlying goal for many of these students is to gain professional experience by interning for a St. Louis area company.
Each month, we hold Student Chapter meetings at Fontbonne's campus. The main focus for these meetings is to expose the students to the expansive world of the A/E/C industry. Since the majority of students aren't familiar with this industry, these meetings are an excellent way to shed some light on what it is that we do. In addition to discussing topics related to the A/E/C field, we also accompany this with universal tips on career development.
One of our student members, Holly Rogers, was able to secure an internship during the first year of the SMPS Student Chapter at Fontbonne which has led to a part-time position with KRJ Marketing. Holly, who is majoring in Advertising, is the current SMPS Student Chapter President. In May, Holly was awarded with the annual SMPS St. Louis student scholarship.
Upon graduating from Fontbonne in December, I will continue to play an active role with SMPS as the Student Chapter Liaison. Having had such a great experience as a student member, my goal is to share what I've learned with other students that are still exploring various options for their career paths. I'm excited to see how the SMPS Student Chapter grows over time. If the first year and a half are any indication, it looks like this group has a very promising future.
David Scarmana is a Marketing Coordinator at Lawrence Group. He currently serves as Student Chapter Liaison for the Society for Marketing Professional Services – St. Louis Chapter.


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Tuesday, 14 October 2008
Air passenger protection - time to catch the wind of change
In the past I have advised readers to pay by credit card or to seek out scheduled airline failure insurance - SAFI as it is known in the travel business - which ensures you get your money back if a carier goes bust. That remains my advice.
But travellers do not always pay by credit card. And it is ever clearer that SAFI, which is at best a double edged sword, is not a satisfactory long term solution, either.
Just as banks are now likely - whatever the Government decrees - to become more cautious about lending to those they regards as in any way risky, providers of such insurance are unlikely to offer it to passengers booking with potentially shaky airlines.
The withdrawal of cover can clearly exacerbate problems for the airline involved, possibly even driving it under when there might have been a chance of bailing it out. The travel industry grapevine is such that news of a withdrawal spreads rapidly. And while travel agents may be cautious of steering customers away from the relevant airline, they are certainly less likely to recommend it.
So we go back with the need to include scheduled airlines in the protection system already afforded to package holidaymakers. The recent XL impressed on the Government the complications which arise when a company carries both protected and unprotected passengers.
Othe companies may step in to help with the rescue of customers already abroad, as firms such as Thomas Cook, TUI and First Choice did after XL capsized. But they do not want to subject their reps in resorts and at airports to the risk of verbal - or perhaps physical - assault by angry unprotected passengers who feel they are being treated as second class citizens.
This would be less of a headache if most of those unprotected understood and accepted the risks they were taking, but research has shown that a huge proportion do not.
The two class system has to go. The notion that in an age of unfettered competition, scheduled passengers should sort out their own protection, is surely discredited.
The astonishing results of the banking crisis suggest that the wind has veered against the untempered free market. Governments have been forced to think what was, only months ago, unthinkable. The US administration has introduced measures which would have been seen in much of that country as extreme socialism.
By extension, political minds may by more persuadable. Ensuring scheduled airline passengers are not left stranded or out of pocket may be a minor consideration against the backdrop of global financial meltdown. But if not now, when?
1 comment:
- JHarris said...
Insurance remains the best form of protection for consumers and if certain insurers no longer cover an airline is that not a fair warning to the consumer not to travel with that airline rather than be stranded abroad without any warning under the CAA ATOL scheme. Consumers had to wait weeks for a return flight under the CAA protection.
In light of the XL collapse consumers stranded abroad without ATOL protection relying on their credit card in the main were not covered because credit cards do not cover repatriation. There were a few cases of consumers getting something from their credit card but it was only half the original ticket cost. These consumers faced a single one way return fare which is always more than a return fare plus the fact there were no low cost fares home so flights were 3-4 times their original return fare.
SAFI covers repatriation and upto a limit allowing consumers to book a higher return fare.
- 14 October 2008 at 22:18


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text:
Bad Magumbo everywhere.
I just recorded a mix. It is all over the place on BPM. It is hard to say what genre it is, but it definitely has industrial influences. I had to share it with the you immediately. It is 24 minutes and 47 seconds.
PC - Hearing Bad Things Mix.mp3
Don't forget to check out the new section for dharmaharta on the right underneath the tracks section.
Hang in there everybody,
Thank You, Steve.
8 years ago


text:
Inferno starring Tom Hanks, Felicity Jones, Ben Foster and Irfan Khan
Warning: Minor Spoilers (but nothing big – I'm only going to comment in detail on stuff shown in the trailers)
I'm a long time fan of the Langdon series (books and films). They're not necessarily great literature or cinema, but they are captivating mystery-thrillers which pull the great trick of grounding outlandish (yet somehow believable) plotlines in historical settings by clever use of real locations, institutions and artwork.
To recap, in the series so far we've had the Da Vinci Code (a temperate but clever film) following Langdon's effort to expose a centuries old Church conspiracy, and Angels and Demons (a more pulsating thrill-ride) as he races to stop an illuminati plot to destroy Vatican city. Inferno is much closer to the latter in terms of style and plotline, except the stakes are even higher in this one as Langdon races to prevent a potential viral outbreak designed to kill 50% of the world's population. This rests on his ability to decipher clues hidden in various pieces of artwork relating to Dante's Inferno (the poem from which we get our modern view of Hell) while dealing with hallucinations and retro-grade amnesia that prevent him from remembering who he can trust.
First off, the good bits. Director Ron Howard shows he still knows his stuff (his experience on the thrilling film Rush shines through here), most notably in Langdon's hallucinations at the beginning and the thrilling final set-piece. Hans Zimmer, the composer for the first two films, delivers arguably his most inventive score for the third film, which is continually sublime throughout even when the film itself falters. Felicity Jones is simply amazing as Langdon's ally and Dante obsessive Sienna Brooks – whose performance is arguably the high point of the film (and makes me even more excited for Rogue One where she plays the lead). Irfan Khan is also very good value as 'The Provost' the head of a shadowy organisation who has been hiding the man who (unbeknownst to them) created the Inferno virus. The man in question is billionaire Bertrand Zobrist, who makes for an unusual/interesting villain in that 1. he believes his terrorist act is for the greater good as it will save humanity from destroying itself due to overpopulation and 2. he commits suicide within the first 5 minutes of the film (can you imagine the villain in a bond film doing that?), leaving it unclear till the mid-point of the film who is acting on Zobrist's behalf.
Unfortunately the film has its weak points. While Tom Hanks' performance is as good as you'd expect third time around, Langdon is largely sidelined for much of the film (especially in the first half) in favour of Sienna and the supporting cast. He is carried along by the narrative rather than contributing to it – there's no 'solving the cryptex' or 'saving a drowning cardinal' equivalent where Langdon ultimately saves the day. In the first half especially things are a bit too easy for him to solve. The main reason for this is how much of the book gets cut in the film adaptation – the film tries to include all the major bits but rushes through the various locations so quickly you don't see the point of some of them.
While The Da Vinci Code kept 90% true to the book and Angels and Demons masterfully re-organised the plot to edit the lacklustre opening third of the book out, Inferno changes too much and thus will probably confuse and infuriate any fans of the novel. I won't mention specifics, but character motivations and fates get altered, sub-plots that weren't in the book are added for no clear reason and the break-neck pace of the film loses a lot of the tension that made the book so memorable (Inferno is my personal favourite of the four novels, just edging out Angels and Demons). The book was genuinely unsettling in places with it's Dante inspired imagery of hell and some seriously worrying messages about human overpopulation – the film tones down the former (presumably to get an unecessary 12a rating) and the latter is drowned out by the film's focus on other parts of the narrative.
Overall Inferno has some great performances, a fantastic score from Hans Zimmer and a thrilling second half. But changes from the book and a curiously short run-time cause the first half to be a very weak endeavour. Once Zobrist's villainous associate is revealed, the film gets a shot in the arm that makes it still worth watching. But it is probably the weakest film in the series – or at least the same level as Da Vinci Code.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Coming soon: My reviews of Luke Cage, Red Dwarf Season 11 and the incoming Doctor Strange film…
To put in context how well the series as a whole matches up to the books, here are my ratings for Inferno, Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons.
Da Vinci Code: Film (3/5), Book (3.5/5)
Angels and Demons: Film (4/5), Book (4/5)
Inferno: Film (3/5), Book (4.5/5)
As you can see, Inferno is the first film to fall seriously short of the book it was based on. I'd recommend you all read the book – its bloody brilliant.


text:
Portugal: double taxation agreement, Article 3: General definitions
(1) In this Convention, unless the context otherwise requires:
(a) the term `United Kingdom` means Great Britain and Northern Ireland including any area outside the territorial sea of the United Kingdom which, in accordance with international law, has been or may hereafter be designated, under the laws of the United Kingdom concerning the Continental Shelf as an area within which the rights of the United Kingdom with respect to the sea bed and sub-soil and their natural resources may be exercised;
(b) the term `Portugal` means European Portugal comprising the continental territory and the archipelagoes of Azores and Madeira and includes any area outside the territorial sea of Portugal which, in accordance with international law, has been or may hereafter be designated, under the laws of Portugal concerning the Continental Shelf, as an area within which the rights of Portugal with respect to the sea bed and sub-soil and their natural resources may be exercised;
(c) the terms `a Contracting State` and `the other Contracting State` mean the United Kingdom or Portugal as the context requires;
(d) the term `competent authority` means, in the case of the United Kingdom the Commissioners of Inland Revenue or their authorised representative; in the case of Portugal, the Director-General of Taxation (Director-Geral das Contribuicões e Impostos) or his authorised representative;
(e) the term `tax` means United Kingdom tax or Portuguese tax as the context requires;
(f) the term `person` comprises an individual, a company and any other body of persons;
(g) the term `company` means any body corporate or any entity which is treated as a body corporate for tax purposes;
(h) the terms `enterprise of a Contracting State` and `enterprise of the other Contracting State` mean respectively an enterprise carried on by a resident of a Contracting State and an enterprise carried on by a resident of the other Contracting State;
(i) the term `international traffic` includes any voyage of a ship or aircraft other than a voyage solely between places in the Contracting State which is not the Contracting State of which a person deriving the profits of the operation of a ship or aircraft is a resident.
(2) Where under the Convention a person is entitled to exemption or relief from tax in a Contracting State on certain income if (with or without further conditions) he is subject to tax in the other Contracting State in respect thereof and he is subject to tax there by reference to the amount of that income which is remitted to, or received in that other Contracting State the amount of that income on which exemption or relief is to be allowed in the first-mentioned Contracting State shall be limited to the amount so remitted or received.
(3) As regards the application of the Convention by a Contracting State any term not otherwise defined shall, unless the context otherwise requires, have the meaning which it has under the laws of that Contracting State relating to the taxes which are the subject of the Convention.


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Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Researchers from the University of Varanasi's in India Discover chickpea plant that has the ability to fight the therapeutic potential of vitiligo skin disease, this view of the chronic disease of the skin and lose color due to the loss of natural colored cells that produce melanin, the pigment of the skin, which leads to the spread of spots and white spots on the skin.
In the research project was carried out jointly between the sections of skin and medicinal chemistry at the university, the scientists found that use one ointment that combines a number of herbal plants grown with the use of chickpeas as a base, a medical method has been actively working to address the skin disease vitiligo, and control as well as the extent of the disease, which causes panic of millions around the world because of the ugly white patches that produce it.
The researcher said Yamini Tripathi, a professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry University and a member of the research team, amid a state of jubilation: "The results of this study are very encouraging."
Tripathi said that they had the experience of treatment technique on 50 patients, chick peas, they have eased the symptoms of skin disease significantly, indicating that he had contacted the Indian Council of Medical Research, to discuss with them on starting a large research project on the treatment of disease vitiligo.
According to the researchers found patients who used creams that depend on chickpea plants in the places affected skin for a period ranging between 20 to 90 days that the color of their skin have begun to return normal again to normal.
In the fastest way of treatment, the disease disappeared patches of white young man who works in a mechanic within 28 days only!
Which commented upon Tripathi, said: "We have hit us fast that result shocked and surprised.
When we asked to know and rejected, "said this young man that he was assisted by a moderate amount of chickpeas in the regular diet during the treatment period."
This disease is vitiligo disease self, which begins in which the body produces antibodies to destroy the cells known as melanocytes, which give the skin its color natural.
Gradually, turn the infected areas to areas of the skin color white, which is one of the most symptoms of vitiligo.
The researchers at the same time that the processor ointment vitiligo disease derives its healing of amino acids that no structures chickpeas.
Here, Tripathi said: "promote the amino acids that are found in a combination of chickpeas, the configuration of the cells, melanin, is also working on the renewal of colored cells, and also help address the chronic syndrome."


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Tutor Training Program: Open Minds for Tutors of Basic Literacy
New in 2018! Open Minds for Tutors of English Language Learning
The majority of Oklahoma literacy programs participate in formal tutor training that includes orientation followed by nine hours of tutor strategies and familiarity with a curriculum.
Open Minds for Tutors of Basic Literacy, Oklahoma's tutor training model, was launched in 2003 with funding from Dollar General Literacy Foundation. Trainers from seventeen local programs piloted the workshop model throughout the state. The agenda has evolved to meet the changing needs of Oklahoma literacy programs, volunteer tutors, and the learners they serve.
The flexible model is designed in three 3-hour interactive sessions covering such topics as learner goal setting, using the language experience approach, working in a core literacy curriculum, incorporating a variety of reading and writing strategies in each lesson, and using real world materials.
Trainers present the information in a variety of formats including demonstration, paired practice and group work, and video.
In addition to the 10-hour tutor trainings, many Open Minds trainers provide at least one annual in-service/continuing education opportunity for local tutors. In-service includes such topics as visual stress syndrome, accommodations for characteristics of learning disabilities, and using web based resources.
See the video, Journey to Literacy and find training materials and resources for basic literacy and for tutors of ELL.
Open Minds for Tutors of Basic Literacy
- Open Minds for Tutors of Basic Literacy – Trainer Resources
- Open Minds for Tutors of Basic Literacy – Online Resources Handouts
- "Journey to Literacy" video [YouTube]
Coming Soon! Open Minds for Tutors of English Language Learners
- Open Minds for Tutors of English Language Learners – Trainer Maual
- Online Resources Handouts
- PowerPoint for Step Forward
As Oklahoma demographics have changed so has the need to add Open Minds for Tutors of English Language Learners. This new training module will launch in 2018.
The continuation of the Open Minds project is possible thanks to Library Services and Technology Act funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and dedicated trainers throughout the state.


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Sunday's snow fall in Chicago, which was the first this winter for Illinois was a record-busting event. Sunday's 6.4 inches of snow at Chicago's O'Hare Airport smashed the old Chicago record of 4.8 inches way back when in November 1940! Some surrounding areas recorded more than 9 inches of snowfall and was also the greatest first-of-the-season daily total for the area. Davenport recorded 10.2 inches. According to the National Weather Service, the 6.4 inches at O'Hare was only three-tenths of an inch away from the all-time single-day snow total. The previous record for snowfall on Dec. 4 at O'Hare was 4.6 inches in 1964.
This week will see extreme cold moving into Canada and the US as a blast of frigid air moves in from the depths of the Arctic.
Temperatures humans should not have to endure will sweep Canada and the US all the way down to New Mexico. The coming days promise to be the coldest of the winter season so far. The coldest days of next week will yield highs and lows of generally 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit below normal from the Northwest and Rockies to the Gulf and East coasts. Departures from normal highs will even approach 30 degrees in Billings, Montana, and Denver, Colorado.
Blizzard's in Canada
Southern Manitoba was battered by a storm that shut down many schools, reduced visibility, turned roads into slippery and snow-covered messes and sent cars into ditches Tuesday. Snowy side streets caused the Winnipeg School Division to warn parents their kids might not make it home on the school bus Tuesday afternoon. The majority of southern Manitoba was covered by a winter storm warning, with a range of 15-30 centimeters of heavy snow expected. Winnipeg was expected to get 20-25 centimeters, while 30 centimeters was forecast to hit areas south of the city. Northerly winds gusting to 70 km/h were expected to develop, making visibility on roads extremely poor - and near zero - for parts of Tuesday and into Wednesday as well. In southeastern Manitoba, a further 10-20 centimeters of snow is possible by Wednesday morning. The intensity of the storm prompted a full-out blizzard warning for some areas, including Morden, Winkler, Altona, Morris and the rural municipality of Portage la Prairie. The snow and wind were forecast to gradually ease Wednesday night. Bitterly cold Arctic air is expected to sweep in with lows below -20 C expected by the end of the week and wind chill values in the -30 to -35 range. The sleepy Interlake town of Gimli looked like an advertise for Game of Thrones. Manitoba filmmaker Andy Bliq went to the shores of Lake Winnipeg to watch the waves roll in. "There are these enormous rollers coming in from the north. You can imagine the wind blowing down the full length of the lake - 400 kilometers. They are about at least a meter high, some of them and crashing right over the pier," he said.


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We all have fears and phobias. The Church has saints to protect you from them. Print this list out and carry it with you so you will have the prayers you need to get you through the terrors of every day life.
St. Gertrude of Nevilles (March 17)
Suriphobia – Fear of Mice
In Australia a mouse plague swept the countryside and farmers killed 544 tons of mice in an attempt to save their crops. A similar disaster in Germany may have contributed to the collapse of the nation in 1917. In 1928 a brave mouse in America named Willie piloted his steamboat down the river and whistled all the way. Australians and Germans are afraid of mice. Americans make pilgrimages to California and Florida to see a famous rodent. I have a friend whose mom and sister spent hours standing on a chair because they thought they saw a mouse in their kitchen, but I think that reaction is unusual. Rats are a little unnerving, but mice don't attack children or pets and they don't generally harm people. For you who think all rodents carry the plague, St. Getrude is your patron saint. She had little known experience with real mice, but she had a great devotion to the souls in purgatory who were often represented as mice.
St. Gertrude, you were born only one hundred years after the Plague of Justinian and rodents must have been part of your daily life. The same fuzzy animals that ravage crops and carry disease can be used as inspiration for cartoons and theme parks. Pray that I may see rodents in their proper perspective knowing that they can be used for many good things like companionship, fur, and pet food. Amen.
St. Patrick of Ireland (March 17)
Ophidiophobia – Fear of Snakes
I am not afraid of snakes. I don't own any snakes and I would be alarmed if I saw one on a plane, but they aren't all that scary. But I can say that I have been protected from them on at least one occasion. I was playing paintball in the woods with a new remote line for my marker when I thought I heard a CO2 leak. I immediately ducked to examine my equipment. Carefully checking all the connections I found nothing wrong with the gun yet the hissing remained. As I was pondering this conundrum, in the corner of my eye I noticed a coiled up rattle snake shaking his tail just eighteen inches from my feet and less than three feet from my face. I jumped out of my hiding place and escaped without injury but I am well aware that St. Patrick held that snake down for me. The legend of St. Patrick says that he drove the snakes out of Ireland. It is likely that the island never had snakes to begin with, but it is certain that he drove the Druids out of Ireland which is also a great achievement. Honestly, I would have been even more surprised if it was a Druid coiled up in the grass waiting to bite my face.
St. Patrick, you banished the slithering snakes from your country and helped turn it into a Christian nation. When serpents enter my life help me to get them behind me. God cursed them so why can't I? Pray for me that I may come out from under my rock of fear and experience a snake-free existence basking in the light of creation the way God originally intended. Amen.
St. Sithney of Brittany (August 4)
Hydrophobia – Fear of Water
Water, water everywhere. The aliens in Signs must have been surprised. 71% of the earth's surface is water and of course our bodies contain about the same percentage. Water is essential for life on earth but it can cause much destruction. Hurricanes, typhoons, and heavy rains have caused untold damage around the world. With a little prognostication Napoleon might have been hydroloophobic but for most people a fear of water is just as peculiar as Monk's fear of milk. The patron saint for those with an irrational fear of water is St. Sithney. Legend says that God asked him to be the patron of girls seeking husbands and that St. Sithney said he'd rather take care of mad dogs. The water from his well is used as a tonic to cure sick dogs and also hydrophobics. I don't know how you get them to drink it.
St. Sithney, when I fear water I am fearing 70% of my body. I don't have a proper appreciation for summer rains, beaches, or miraculous springs and I could really use a bath. Pray for me that I may be showered with God's protection and that I may receive Christ who is the Living Water. Amen.
St. Gratus of Aosta (September 7)
Insectophobia – Fear of Insects
Whether they come at you like an Egyptian plague or just appear on the inside of the driver-side window, insects are creepy. In some cultures they are considered a culinary delicacy but in America they tend to be used for nightmarish spectacles on shows like Fear Factor. They say every creature was created with a purpose but I can't help but wonder if maybe insects have outlived their usefulness. For those of you who have a body mass a million times that of a bug but still can't be in a room with one of them, pray to St. Gratus. His entirely fictitious biography says he traveled to Jerusalem to recover the holy relic of the head of St. John the Baptist. His story does not include any tales about insects but we can imagine that a man who is not afraid to carry around the severed (locust-eating) head of a five-hundred year old saint is probably not afraid of crickets either.
St. Gratus, you showed no hesitation in dealing with nature in all its inglorious glory. God created all the creeping things for a purpose but I pray that I am never part of that purpose. Please guide the insects to their homes outside and away from my car, bedroom, and shower drain. Protect me when our paths cross and give me the courage I need in dangerous situations. Amen.
St. Giles (September 1)
Noctiphobia – Fear of Night
Many people are scared of the dark and some people are even scared of falling asleep. They echo the sentiments of Count Saknussem who didn't sleep because he couldn't stand those "little slices of death". I have never met anyone who was actually afraid of the night. Sure, the townspeople in The Village were a little noctiphobic and Robert Neville locked himself up before sunset in I Am Legend, but those folks were really more concerned about monsters and zombies than they were about the setting sun. But if you insist that you are afraid of the night then your patron saint is St. Giles, a Greek monk who lived in France. His claims to this phobia are as tenuous the phobia itself. He was a miracle worker who drank milk from a deer and was crippled by the king's hunting party. Many wondrous tales of his good works abound but none of them have to do with night.
Dear St. Giles, you worked many wonders in your life and showed great compassion for the poor and disabled. You may or may not have been afraid of the night but I ask that you comfort me as the sun sets. Christ was both born and resurrected during the still of night, showing Himself to be master of both. Let this night be a time of rest for me, a mini Sabbath, and pray that I may be given peace. Amen.
St. Friard (August 1)
Spheksophobia – Fear of Wasps
At the college I attended most of the students were of conventional social makeup; ultimate frisbee playing, Princess Bride watching, white russian drinking young adults. However, the undergrad population was also tastefully seasoned with certain… irregular personalities. One such character was a guy who always dressed like he was on safari. Not only did he wear a wide-brimmed beekeeping hat and gloves, he also darted from building to building and tree to tree. The whole effect was rather comical and we all thought that he was running from imaginary bees or wasps. Had that been the case he would have been thrilled to know that St. Friard was watching over him. Little is known about St. Friard except that he was a French hermit renowned for his piety. When he was tormented by the locals a cloud of wasps attacked them and they didn't leave until St. Friard prayed for them.
Holy Friard, you faced tormentors for the sake of your faith and you prayed that God's mercy would be shown to those who stung you with their harsh words. By your steadfast faith, you were able to banish a cloud of wasps. I pray with you for our spheksophobic brothers and sisters who find themselves pursued by striped insects that they may realize that insects, are more afraid of us than we are of them. Amen.


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Smart shoppers are those who purchase good stuff for small money. You can have plenty of nice clothes without spending too much. Here are a few rules to help you make your shopping more cost-effective.
1. Analyze your wardrobe
Spend a bit more time in your closet and analyze what kind of items you already own. Find out what styles you look your best in and colors that you give your preference to.


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Android-powered desktops are a niche purchase, but there are use cases where one can come in handy. HP's aimed its Slate21 Pro PC at the business and education market, where having a virus-free machine that can browse the web and type up the occasional document is enough to fit the bill. The all-in-one generally retails for $379.99, but today Groupon is offering one up in new condition for just $249.99. That's a pretty substantial 34% discount off the MSRP and $50 less than what the PC goes for on Amazon.
The HP Slate21 Pro comes with Android 4.3, a 21-inch touch display, a 1.66Ghz quad-core processor, Tegra 4, 16GB of internal storage, a full-size SD card slot, three USB ports, one for HDMI, and a webcam. It probably doesn't have a bright future filled with updates, but if its current form is good enough, then $249.99 isn't a bad price to pick one up for. You have until supplies run out to make a decision.


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MUSA Snorkeling and Isla Mujeres Sightseeing Catamaran Tour
Trip Description
MUSA SNORKELING AND ISLA MUJERES SIGHTSEEING IN A CATAMARAN (Group tour)
Enjoy a beautiful day in a Catamaran while sailing through the crystal clear blue waters around Isla Mujeres. Come aboard and relax. Delight yourself with amazing sightseeing. Enjoy our delicious drinks from our domestic open bar. Snorkel with our experienced guides and see the unique MUSA, over 400 statues under the water. Have a fun day with our bilingual crew!
We will spend 4 hours together while sailing in Isla Mujeres Bay, North Beach, snorkeling in the Underwater Museum, and having some refreshing drinks. For those looking for even more fun, we will have the Spinnaker for flying the ocean!
MUSA Catamaran Snorkel Tour
$83.00 USD per Person
Departure: TUESDAY 9 AM
Duration: 4 Hours
Meeting point: Isla Mujeres Trips office


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Retail Futures: Browns Fashion heads to Berlin
Nov 13, 2019 | By Alice Gividen
May 25, 2017
By WGSN Insider
The popularity of beautifying apps has reached new heights in China as they complement the beautifying experience with e-commerce. Let's take a look at three of the most talked about Chinese beauty apps – Makeup Plus, "我是大美人" and "小红书" – and how they work.
1. MakeupPlus
What it does: Makeover filters, virtual makeup try-on, online shopping
Why it's additive:
2. Dameiran (which means a great beauty in Chinese)
What is does: Live streaming and online shopping
Why it's additive:
3. Xiaohongshu (which means little red book in Chinese)
What it does: Online community and cross-border online shopping
Why it's addictive:
Like this guest post? Learn more below about guest blogger and author: Ashley Galina Dudarenok, head of strategy and Karmen Chu, content manager at Chozan.
Ashley lived in China for 5 years before moving to Hong Kong in 2010. She worked as a marketing and PR manager with specialties in Chinese social media, opinion leader marketing and creative campaigns. ChoZan is a training and resource platform for marketers who work with Chinese social media, such as WeChat and Weibo. It provides marketers with step-by-step navigators, KOL lists, helpdesk support and more.
Know what's next. Become a WGSN member today to benefit from our daily trend intelligence, retail analytics, consumer insights and bespoke consultancy services.


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H had another PET/CT scan yesterday. She was afraid that it would light up like a Christmas tree along her spine and ribs, so I was very pleased that it did no such thing. Her scalp tumour and one in her lung were bright, but the rest were dimmer than before - the radiotherapy has evidently been effective, and probably the chemotherapy too on most of the tumours. She tells me that the lung tumour can be removed surgically if it becomes problematic.
The CT part of the scan (they do both at the same time so they can compare features between the two images) showed a crack in the lateral process of a vertebra which would be a plausible cause of her new rib pain, so the radiotherapy she had last week was probably the wrong treatment. Never mind, I was happy. H, who has to live with the pain and incapacity of her spine cracking, less so.


text: For over 180 years Woolrich has embraced the outdoor lifestyle. They make everything from wool hiking socks to sub-zero, cold busting parkas. They strive to design comfortable and functional clothing for men and women. Woolrich is also the oldest wool mill in the United States, they even provided wool blankets for soldiers in the Civil War. While wool clothing is what they're most know for, Woolrich also works with high quality cottons, polyesters, nylons, and down to make the most comfortable and functional clothing for any time of the year.


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Here's my son Billy at the exhibition. We just went up to London together for it's last day, to take some pictures and enjoy, for one last time, that fantastic feeling of being in a room full of my own pictures.
The latest on the actual pictures themselves, which are now the property of DiabetesUK, is that they will be on show again at their AGM and may even tour the country. There is also talk of a coffee table book with a dedicated website and of course any other ideas would be considered.
As for me, it's time to get back to my bread and butter non-diabetic photography. Again I'm looking for any ideas for future projects, diabetes-related or otherwise. So watch this space!


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Hi friends, in this tutorial we will try to get as much from the battery from the phone, by applying a few simple measures we can have greater autonomy for our smartphone. We all know that the battery in a smartphone doesn't last as long as we would like, sometimes the battery dies after a few hours of browsing or music. This happens for several reasons, the main consumers are: 1. 2 screen. Radio modules (wifi, 3G, 4G, gps, BT, etc.) 3. 4 SOC (processor, graphics, controllers, etc). Background activities (synchronization, download, upload, push) 5. Some applications with bugs. 6. Poor quality SD cards. 7. Battery age, old batteries, a 2 year old battery will last for only a few hours, sometimes even minutes. Another extremely important factor that can influence the autonomy is the distance from the terminal to the gsm cell or to the router. A phone that is near a cell will consume much less energy compared to ... [Read more...]
How can increase the battery life of the phone - video tutorial
Last update at May 9th De 53 comments


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The Network
About NSERC HydroNet
|NSERC HydroNet is :
NSERC HydroNet is a multi-stakeholder and inter-disciplinary partnership that promotes the exchange of ideas, expertise, data, and solutions among scientists and managers from all regions across Canada. Through the coordinated efforts of BC Hydro, Manitoba Hydro, Nalcor, Brookfield Power, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, three provincial agencies (Manitoba Water Stewardship, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Ministère des Ressources Naturelles et de la Faune du Québec), and professors, research professionals, and graduate students from 12 universities, the Network aims at developing a better understanding of the effects of hydroelectric operations on aquatic ecosystems.
NSERC HydroNet is built on the critical mass of nationally distributed fisheries-aquatic scientists capable of significantly contributing to estimating the environmental effects of hydropower. Specific projects conducted by NSERC HydroNet to reconcile industrial and environmental water requirements are developed using a consensus among industry, government, and university collaborators. The structure and the research programme of the Network is meant to be adaptive. NSERC HydroNet is intended to grow by attracting additional partners, interested in a wide range of research questions, and potentially requiring new expertise and collaborators. The Network is also expected to evolve as knowledge is acquired, as regulations are modified, and as specific needs are expressed by present and future partners.
Science-based practical solutions developed by the combined expertise of the members of NSERC HydroNet is expected to provide industry and government managers with new knowledge and tools to assess, mitigate, and minimize the potential effects on the productive capacity of fish habitats, to improve the decision-making process associated with hydropower operations, to reduce conflict among stakeholders, and hence, to promote the sustainable hydropower in Canada.


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More Choices. Better Service.
Experience the ease of working with a skilled, independent agency.
Get A Quote Comparison (952) 934-3621
Mike has been in the insurance industry since 2004 and has experienced both the independent and direct writer side of the business. Prior to opening his independent agency, Mike owned an Allstate Agency. Utilizing his extensive experience and knowledge of the insurance industry, he's better equipped to service all of your insurance needs. He's married to Louann, and has 2 children, Samantha and Grant. In his personal time, Mike enjoys golfing and staying active.
Lets Get Started
Instant Home & Auto Quote (952) 934-3621 Get A Quote Comparison
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Serving Twin Cities metro area, including Eden Prairie MN, Minnetonka MN, Shakopee MN, Bloomington MN, Hopkins MN, Wayzata MN, Burnsville MN, Chanhassen MN, Edina MN, and more.


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I was planning on making a large quilt - not bed-sized, but a very large wall-hanging. My plan was to make 8" x 12" finished blocks (such as the one in the lower left corner, which is cut out of one piece of fabric) but I got bored with that quickly and decided that everything just had to be divisible by 2" when finished.
The little bit of red and white checkerboard is a leftover from a previous project you can see in one of my very early posts here.
Detail shots. Here are some skinny letters. Right now this block measures at 4.5" by 12.5"
And some even taller and skinnier letters. This one measures 7" by 12.5" right now and would just need a bit of red at the top or bottom to make it the "proper" size.
This is my America flag block. 8.5" x 24.5"
I love my darling Lily cat, but my oh my, what a pest she was last night. She wanted to sleep right next to me no matter what. Shove her off the bed, she comes back. Pick her up and place her on my sweetie (who loves sleeping with a cat), she comes back. Block her from laying down, she circles around and comes back. Sheesh. Why can't she be that clingy when I want a cat to love on? During the DAY.


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Energy Wellness!
Would you like to have more energy without having to swallow pills or drink coffee? If so, you have landed on the right page!
Energy wellness is one of my passions! As a licensed and ordained interfaith minister, a certified Energy-Welless Practitioner and holder of a Doctor of Divinity in Advanced Energy Medicine, I have devoted a substantial part of my life to researching energy wellness.
Special note: With 5G upon us, here is the best place to go for EMF protection products for you and your animals: LifeEnergySolutions.Com/A88. After suffering from a devastating entanglement with EMFs in 2009, I researched solutions, discovered answers, fixed the EMFs, and now you know what to do, too. Everyone needs these products, including our children and our animals.
You can find my entire collection of custom clothing created from my own paintings at WearTheVibe.Com. I even have pocket squares like no other! When you wear my custom designs, you can feel the vibe!
I can personally attest that energy-wellness techniques work, having worked through over 65 separate sources of pain following a devastating illness in 2002. I did it all without the aid of any chemical medicine, too. What you will learn on this page will be a natural adjunct to your own medical practitioners' advice and in no way diagnoses or seeks to remedy any diagnosis. Think of energy wellness as deliberate stress management.
First, how would you like to have a frequency bath that massages your very DNA? Well, now you can! See TheTeslaBox.Com. It is the absolute ultimate in energy wellness and is based on the work of Nikola Tesla.
The Tesla Box, see TheTeslaBox.Com, (or Quantum Scaler Box so named by its inventor), costs about a grand and is worth every penny. Not ready for that? Keep scrolling this page. Some little-known free stuff is below that will help you feel energized within seconds, and it will not cost you a cent!
Here is one recent testimonial from a private client:
"The pain in my head and ear is GONE. What you taught me in your energy-wellness practice with me worked. Thank you so much! The relief I feel is priceless, and so is my new understanding of how energy wellness works!"
Here is one very simple energy-wellness technique to get you started with your own energy-wellness practice. It is called the THYMUS THUMP. It pre-dates all of the current "tapping techniques" by decades, and I believe it is probably centuries old!
Find the little "V" at the base of your throat and move down about 1/2 inch. Using four fingers of either hand, tap vigorously on that spot 33 times. When you do that, a substance gets released that calms you in several measurable ways and even strengthens your immunity! It is all based on the book by Dr. Diamond, "Your Body Doesn't Lie", published in the 1970's! I have done the thymus thump intuitively ever since I was a toddler, and it has always worked. It will work for you, too! You will feel it instantly.
Here is something truly exciting for you to try on You Tube: Frequency massage! Go to You Tube and type in anything you want relief from, like a headache. Then, add these words: Frequency, binaural, Solfeggio, Scaler. Get out the headphones, and take your choice! You will experience frequencies that will bathe your entire being with very specific healing vibrations! Some have the sounds of nature, others do not, but they all work!
Here is the Sanskrit chant to ease pain: Om Ram Ramaya Swaha Repeat 33 times as needed, to yourself or out loud. Sanskrit has liturgical, or healing, frequencies built into it! Who knew? Now YOU do!
Here are 11 techniques you might want to learn from me at a very special price:
11 quick, proven ways to enhance your life in under one minute!
I call them "Mantra Moments" because they are all profound in intention and easy to put into practice, just like a chant or mantra.
These are all different techniques (no repeats), and they are all based on those laws of physics relating to frequency and vibration.
Each one of the 11 produces measurable results; i.e., they all work! In some cases, there are 10 different, measurable mind/body responses that will occur. You will feel the difference!
Here is what the 11 can do for YOU:
Ease your stress in 30 seconds
Collect your thoughts in 10 seconds
Reduce a headache in 60 seconds
Suppress your appetite in 10 seconds
Improve a difficult relationship without even speaking a word
Attract more money in the next year just by drawing a specific symbol that takes 5 seconds
Attract miracles just by looking at a special symbol
Raise your vibration to align your vibration with the Universe's limitless abundance, health, and love in 10 seconds
Experience peace in 30 seconds
Increase your self confidence in 60 seconds
Want to learn these 11 Mantra Moments? They are $11 each, each takes 11 minutes to learn, and they will enhance your life forever!
Just give me a call to set up your first Mantra Moment!
Sheila Van Houten, DD, PhD
Expert Career Coaching and Life/Love Guidance Since 1979
Here is a great bonus for you who are thirsty for more!
By Sheila Van Houten, DD, PhD – www.SheilaKnows.Com
Compiled from numerous erudite sources for your edification!
- Everything is energy/vibration.
- Your brain receives and transmits vibrations (thoughts) every minute, and those thoughts are unhampered by physical distance.
- Thoughts have energy: You can make yourself laugh, or you can make yourself cry, just by thinking. (You know it's true….)
- Your brain releases over 2,000 chemicals in response to how you think; some of these chemicals are good for you, and some of them can kill you.
- When you think positive thoughts, your body makes 10 positive mind/body responses that raise your vibration and make you feel wonderful.
- The Universe gives you more of what you think about most because you attract it by how you think.
- You can create the life you want, and raise the vibration of the world at the same time, just by thinking positive thoughts.
- A good place to start is with the FOUR IMMEASUREABLES. These are very powerful, but you can learn them in one 15-minute phone consultation with me. Just fill out the contact form on this page, and I will contact you to set up a convenient time for you. It will cost you $60 USD, and you can pay me with your debit or credit card at PayPal.Me/MyMagicPalm (my easy "buy page").
- Focus your thinking/feeling upon what you want, get into PRODUCTIVE ACTION, and let the Universe bring your wishes to you.
To put it all in ONE sentence: THE UNIVERSE BRINGS YOU MORE OF WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT MOST!
I have been a good student of Wattles (he pre-dates EVERYBODY including Nightingale), Abraham, Trudeau, Hannel, Braden, Hawkins, and a HOST of others, all saying basically the same thing. There you have it. The next move is yours!
Speaking of thinking, here are five little-known techniques for improving your concentration by thinking with both sides of your brain. The first four are from "Kinetic Education" (Richard Bellamy, 1985), and the fifth is from "Your Body Doesn't Lie" by Dr. Diamond (1975):
- Place your palm across your forehead.
- OR draw an X on a piece of paper.
- OR cross your ankles or wrists.
- OR karate chop the side of your wrist three times with your opposite hand.
- Do the THYMUS THUMP (tap the skin a half inch below the V in your neck and feel the difference! Besides helping your concentration, it calms you and strengthens your immunity!).
How lovely to be alive at this time when we understand so much more about how the Universe works!
Here's to your happy thoughts!
My blog posts have many other fascinating energy-wellness techniques, too, so I invite you to scroll through the navigation panel to your right!
Rev. Sheila Van Houten, DD, PihD
Special note: In addition to my coaching/teaching consultations for which I do have a set charge of $75/30-minute session, I am also a Shaman of Native-American heritage, trained and certified to do energy-wellness alignments both in person and from a distance. I make no set charge for these alignments, but I do accept love offerings in whatever amount you feel called to gift me for my time.
You can reach me by completing this contact form:


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Thoughts on the Anonymous Analytics takedown of Huabao International HUIHY, +0.00%, from Integrity Research's Sandy Bragg: "What exactly were the sell side analysts from firms such as Citigroup, Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank and J.P. Morgan doing since Huabao went public in a backdoor listing in 2004? ... What this graphically illustrates is the sorry state of sell side research."
• Dan Primack believes Wall Street doesn't know how to evaluate private equity firms like Blackstone BX, +0.40%, KKR KKR, +1.36% and new issue Carlyle CY, +0.00% - and that could create opportunity for investors.
• Why Alan Greenspan thinks stocks are now cheap.
• Hedge fund manager Amit Chokshi has a scathing letter to Media General MEG, -2.20% CEO Marshall Morton, urging him to sell assets now: "every failure you have notched has set the stage for an even greater fiasco."
• A look at Nokia NOK, -2.88% bonds as an alternative to buying the stock.
• Why ?Aussie billionaire ?Kerr Neilson likes Microsoft MSFT, +0.51% and Google GOOG, +1.04%.
• Michael Bigger looks into American Apparel's APP, +7.69% booming wholesale business.
• On Broadcom BRCM, chessNwine thinks "buyers of size want in...and now they have their floor to do their thing."
• Why Tim Eriksen of Marketocracy believes DirecTV DTV, -1.41% could double from here.
• Whitney Tilson is not covering his Green Mountain Coffee GMCR short.
This commentary does not constitute individualized investment advice. The opinions offered herein are not personalized recommendations to buy, sell or hold securities.


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Jeju's Famous Specialty: Black Pig BBQWednesday, January 22, 2014
|We're in love with GoPro Hero 3+ :)
|I notice that the actual flesh of black pig is the same as the usual pig. The only difference is that the hair is black.
How to eat Black Pig BBQ/Korean BBQ?
Simple. Get a piece of lettuce and wrap around the freshly grilled meat. Add bean paste and grilled garlic. Make a bite size sandwich. I don't recommend 2 lettuce leaves because the size gets bigger and it would be hard to chew.
|don't cut the sandwich, eat in one big bite :)
|very nice container of Makgeolli
|creamy appearance of Makgeolli
|black oink oink :)
2 comments
Hi. What flight did u take from seoul going to jeju? and how much did u spend? i'm planning a trp with my friends, they wanted to go to jeju at least for a day. i really dont know how to do it since i've been to seoul once. and i have no idea how much it would cost usReplyDelete
We got a very cheap airfare from Easterjet (2.9K RT with free baggage allow of up to 15 KG). The standard rate for a day tour in Jeju is around 130,000 - 150,000 KRW per day (8 hours). This includes parking fee, driver's lunch and fuel. If you are travelling in group, say 3-4 pax, I suggest you take this tour. Entrance fee to Jeju's famous attractions is not included. You can ask your hotel's receptionist to contact a cab for this tour. :)ReplyDelete


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Air Conditioning
Indoor Air Quality
Water Heaters
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A humidifier is an important component in Atlanta when the weather gets cold and dry in the winter months. If you are ready to have a new humidifier installed or if you would like to learn more about the benefits of having one installed, the first thing you should do is call Premier Indoor Comfort Systems LLC.
Premier Indoor Comfort Systems LLC offers heating and air conditioning services in Atlanta and the surrounding areas of Peachtree City, Tyrone, Canton, and Swain County, NC including the cities of Bryson City and Whittier, NC.
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During the cold winter months, the air inside your home can become quite dry. That's why a humidifier can be very beneficial. We offer installation of a full range of humidifiers designed to maintain the proper level of humidity for your entire home.
Some of the benefits of having a humidifier installed include higher efficiency in your home heating system. Humidity holds heat more efficiently and therefore requires less active time from your home's heating system. Another benefit is that a humidifier improves air quality. Slightly dry air can worsen the symptoms of cold or flu and complicate specific allergies. Low humidity can also cause damage to certain pieces of furniture or upholstery in your home.
Dry air can cause all kinds of problems, including colds and flus, as well as static electricity and dry, itchy skin. A whole–house humidifier adds moisture to the air, which can then circulate through your home and elevate the humidity levels until they are once more comfortable for your entire family.
The Humidifier Installation Process
If you have decided it's time to have a humidifier installed in your home, one of our technicians will perform a thorough inspection of your home and help you decide what type of humidifier is best for you. We can size the humidifier based on your home's square footage and the current humidity levels in the home. From there, we will install it for you.
After installation, we recommend an annual tune up to ensure your humidifier is working properly. The tune up will involved cleaning out the filters and other components of the humidifier then checking for any potential issues that may interrupt humidity control during the winter. This maintenance can be performed as part of the rest of your home's annual preventive maintenance or as a standalone tune up for only your indoor air quality systems.
A new humidifier is a good addition to any Atlanta home. To learn more about humidifier installation and how these systems can benefit the air quality and comfort levels in your home, contact Premier Indoor Comfort Systems LLC today. We can help you choose a model that fits your needs and then install it for you.


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Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Slight Alteration of the Blog Theme
So what say thou?? Good enough, or should I go farther??
13 comments:
Actually, I don't like the white on black so much in terms of readability.ReplyDelete
Also, I'd like to add some links to the "us" column:
The Blowfish Blog: http://blog.blowfish.com/
BlueBlood Blog: http://www.blueblood.net/
ErosBlog: http://www.erosblog.com/
Furry Girl: http://www.feminisnt.com/
Men of Color Blog: http://menofcolor.blogs.com/
Monica Foster: http://monicafoster.blogspot.com/
Ms Naughty Porn for Women Blog: http://www.msnaughty.com/blog/
Porn Perspectives: http://pornperspectives.typepad.com/
Sugarbank: http://sugarbank.com/
Viviane's Sex Carnival: http://www.thesexcarnival.com/
Funny...I tend to like the dark background...and I did alter the text to be a bit less white for easability. But, this is not quite the final color; still have other themes and templates to play with.
I will add those links you recommended later today.
I like the new look, but I'm curious: what is the new theme/impression you are going for? I am new to the blog but I definitely think this theme has a bit more character to it :)ReplyDelete
Thanks for updating the blogroll, Anthony.ReplyDelete
A little proofreading: there are a couple of URLs that are misspelled or have changed, so the links aren't working. Here are the correct ones:
Black Sexxxology: http://blacksexxxology.com/
Carol Queen's Blog: http://carolqueen.wordpress.com/
Furry Girl: http://www.feminisnt.com/
It looks like the "Feminists for Porn" page is completely gone and I haven't been able to find a new page. Also, the link for Ren's old blog has a backward end parentheses.
Sorry 'bout that...my proofreading skills must be going south on me.ReplyDelete
Will be correcting shortly.
Actually, Whitney, there's really no rhyme or reason to my tweaking the theme...just trying to make an improvement over the older theme, which was rather blech and blahh, but served its purpose.ReplyDelete
And, as you can see, I'm still experimenting...though this looks to be more or less the finished product.
While you at it, here are few more blogs worth linking to:ReplyDelete
Jiz Lee: http://jizlee.com/wordpress/
Kinky Feminism (Madison Young): http://kinkyfeminism.blogspot.com/
Theresa "Darklady" Reed @ Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/theresa-darklady-reed
And under the "Sex Workers and Allies" heading, I highly recommend adding
Border Thinking (Laura Agustín): http://www.nodo50.org/Laura_Agustin/
(Indispensable blog on sex work, even if it isn't about porn per se.)
Oh, and Furry Girl's blog URL is still typod. Its http://www.feminisnt.com/ . (eg, FeminIsn't).
Thanks for dropping by, Whitney, and, yeah, good question about visual theme.ReplyDelete
When I do PowerPoint presentations (typically on scientific topics totally unrelated to this one), I usually give some thought to how design elements are related to the presentation I'm giving. In one, the color theme I used was largely sampled out of one of the main photos I used in the presentation, with some variation on color saturation and value.
For this blog, I'm kind of lacking in suggestions as to what to go for visually. I'm not sure what visual theme cries out "Sexual Freedom!", "Free Speech!", "Sex Worker Rights!", which are some of the driving values that converge around the politics of porn.
More generally, I suppose "pink" is the stereotypical color for porn and the sex industry, and Fleshbot makes pretty good use of it. See also, Susie Bright's blog. In any even, readability is priority #1, and actually, I really like what Bound, Not Gagged and Sex in the Public Square do in terms of white boxes on darker background, which is easily readable. On the other hand, the Black Sexxxology blog, which I saw for the first time today, is visually very nice and highly readable, in spite of using light text on dark background.
- Ernest GreeneJanuary 16, 2010 at 2:23 AM
Nice work by all concerned. I think it's looking sharper every day.ReplyDelete
- Ernest GreeneJanuary 16, 2010 at 9:29 PM
Still not sure about the gray background, but otherwisse like the remodeling so far.ReplyDelete
Readability has to come first, but given the subject matter, I think we're still a bit on the somber side.
Took everything into consideration, and came up with what you see now. Feel better about it so that I can close it as the final look (at least for now)??
For the background, I'd go for a less saturated pink along the lines of Susie Bright's blog or Fleshbot. I don't know if you're using software that allows much choice for color, though.ReplyDelete
your theme is nice. but i think the picture on the top is not appropriate on a background color. it will look perfect on black and white theme. and one more the text color red. it blend on the background.ReplyDelete


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Perfect pastels, in vintage shades of blue, pink, and green, form a multicoloured paradise of florals and foliage in the dreamy Songbird Eau de Nil. Pretty birds take centre stage in complementing tones, and the whole display sits on a bed of homely cream.
The Eau de Nil is the ideal blind for a modern country vibe in your living room or master bedroom. Keep walls in a matching cream, or the palest of pastels, and choose one or two shades from the blind to colour your accenting bedlinen and oddments.
Please Note: Roman blinds over 130cm wide require vertical seams due to limited fabric width. We recommended you split large windows into smaller blinds.


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Editorial – Recent burglaries should remind us to use care
The Ocean View Police Department (OVPD) reached out to us late last week to offer a bit of a public safety warning to residents, and we are happy they did.
According to OVPD, there was a rash of burglaries in early November, including 10 instances in two days of people entering unlocked cars at night, apparently searching for valuables.
The OVPD reaching out in this instance accomplishes two very practical things: It lets residents know the importance of locking up their cars, and it puts this rash of burglaries in everybody's minds, increasing the chances that people will report suspicious activity happening if they happen to see it.
We get asked all the time why we didn't cover something in particular, and often times our answer is simply that we didn't know about it, or we don't have enough people at specific times to get to things. We imagine the police go through the same thing — they often don't know something is happening unless someone tells them, and they just don't have enough people to be everywhere, at every moment.
This is a beautiful community, with relatively low crime. But, just like everywhere else, there are some bad apples, and some people who have been affected by drugs to the point where they make awful choices to support their problems.
Lock up your car doors. Lock up your homes. Report things that seem odd or out of place to the police. We all have to be in this together to make the world around us a better place.