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23 January 2013 | News | By BioSpectrum Bureau
Novartis' Bexsero gets approval for use in individuals from two months of age and older
Singapore: European Commission has approved Novartis' Bexsero (Meningococcal Group B Vaccine [rDNA, component, adsorbed]) for use in individuals from two months of age and older.
"This meningitis B vaccine is the most important medical breakthrough in the 30 years since I lost my son to the disease," said Meningitis UK Founder Mr Steve Dayman. "It could save thousands of lives and prevent other parents suffering the same tragedy. The vaccine must be made widely available through the immunisation schedule as soon as possible, any delay could mean lives lost."
MenB disease is a bacterial infection and is the leading cause of meningitis across Europe, particularly in infants. Although rare, one reason this disease is so feared is that it affects healthy people rapidly and without warning. Symptoms can often resemble the flu, making this disease easily misdiagnosed in its early stages. In many cases, doctors simply cannot treat infected patients soon enough to avoid serious outcomes.
About one in ten of those who contract the disease will die despite appropriate treatment. Up to one in five survivors may suffer from devastating, life-long disabilities such as brain damage, hearing impairment or limb loss. Prevention through vaccination is therefore the best defense against this aggressive disease.
"Each year, thousands of parents see their children die or left with severe disabilities as a result of this devastating disease. Through the combined efforts of many people over two decades, we are closer than ever to seeing an end to this suffering," said Mr Andrin Oswald, division head, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics. "Our vision is a world without meningitis, and our priority is to work with decision makers across Europe to ensure there is broad and timely access to vaccination."

subset: commoncrawl


text: Looking for information about graduation? Searching for the academic calendar? Need to request a discretionary day? To make your life easier and help you reach your goals, we have gathered the information and resources you need in one place, from course catalogs to career opportunities. We have also provided forms you may need and contact information for faculty and staff.


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Foster care initiative lands grant to boost intern support
By Kristina Kenney
University News Service
January 24, 2012
Texas State University-San Marcos Foster Care Alumni Creating Educational Success (FACES) initiative has been awarded a Public Benefit Grant from Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation (TG).
The award will provide approximately $90,000 over two years, helping support the goals and mission of the FACES initiative. Christine Norton, assistant professor in the School of Social Work, served as the grant's principal investigator, along with co-principal investigator Toni Watt, associate professor of sociology.
The grant will go toward resources for faculty to supervise two Master of Social Work (MSW) interns each semester who will serve as advocates in assisting and supporting students who were in foster care. Throughout the two-year award period, the outcomes, program goals, objectives and deliverables that apply to the grant will be evaluated in order to further expand this initiative.
FACES is a community and campus-wide effort to help Texas State students who grew up in the foster care system achieve educational success for personal and professional stability beyond graduation. In partnership with the Central Texas Foster Care Work Group, the School of Social Work, the Sociology Department, the Vice President for Student Affairs Office and the Center for Children and Families, FACES will expand and evaluate existing direct services to foster care alumni at Texas State through recruitment, retention and graduation.
An important aspect of this initiative is to ensure the success of foster care alumni by providing each student with a Texas State faculty or staff mentor. Currently the Vice President for Student Affairs office has matched 20 faculty and staff mentors to foster care students at Texas State. FACES has also created the Foster Care Advisory Council, made up of students, faculty and community members committed to working together to meet the complex needs of students who were in foster care.
For more information, please contact Christine Norton at email@example.com or (512) 245-2592.


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Baltimore, MD
Former in-house marketing & advertising expert, Bureau of Consumer Protection, Federal Trade Commission. PhD/JD/litigation guideline author. State/Federal Court-qualified expert for plaintiffs & defendants in deceptive advertising, marketing practices, advertising/consumer survey research, trademark litigation.


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Fritz Hansen
Fritz Hansen was established in 1872 by the visionary cabinetmaker of the same name. Since then, Fritz Hansen has become a natural part of both Danish and international design history. Today, it is an exclusive and international design brand. The history of Fritz Hansen is characterized by stupendous craftsmanship, unique design and an inherent sense of premium quality. Leading architects and furniture designers from all over the world have regularly contributed to the collection with beautifully shaped and functional furniture that seamlessly meet through the use of innovative techniques and new materials. Arne Jacobsen, Poul Kjærholm, Piet Hein, Vico Magistretti, Burkhard Vogtherr, Piero Lissoni, Kasper Salto and Morten Voss – the stellar string of designers is long and the list of furniture of classic and iconic fame is even longer.
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Okay, so just last week we were playing a serious tournament match.
Now, because we are the 'advanced' group we have to umpire and score out own matches (by 'we' I mean the two players me+opponent).
The girl I versed wasn't a very good runner and when I hit a volley she ran in but the ball double bounced. On the second bounce she hit it and I called out 'double bounce' but the girl started yelling and saying it wasn't a double bounce. then her mother came in and started arguing so the point went to the girl, this happened another 3 times.
This is a very upsetting case and because none of the people watching realize it there is nothing I can do.
How can I stop people from doing this?


text:
Aside from validations, you may want some process to do something with values before deleting/updating/creating.
Apex 4.1 introduces some new substitution strings:
APEX$ROW_NUM - the row number being processed
APEX$ROW_SELECTOR - If a check has been marked in the checkbox (value will be 'X')
APEX$ROW_STATUS - C if created; D if deleted; U if updated
I wasn't really sure how to work with these, and nor did I really investigate, when I first saw them in the builder guide. A recent thread in the forums, and it all makes sense!
With these changes, you no longer need to deal with the array, but instead can just refer to the above substitution strings in combination with bind syntax to access specific columns. The important steps are that when you first create the validation or process, you specify the tabular form it is associated with. According to the help text of execute condition, you must also specify the execute condition as For Each Row, if referencing any tabular form columns in the process - However, in my tests, I didn't experience this, Once or For Each Row didn't make any difference.
Side note: from what I can see, this doesn't work with Manual Tabular forms, so in that case, you will still need to use the g_f0x array.
For example, lets check the id column matches the row number (not a good example, as sorting will mess this up, but just to give you the idea)
Add a new validation, and specify the type as function returning boolean
return :APEX$ROW_NUM = :ID;(Referencing the column name with bind syntax)
Similarly, if you had some client side function to re-order rows, you could then have a page process:
update tabular_test set num_col = :APEX$ROW_NUM where ID = :ID;
One more example might be that you want to delete child records before performing the multi row delete. Another process:
begin if :apex$row_Selector = 'X' then delete from child_table where some_id = :id; end if; end;
Alas; no need to deal with the apex_application.g_f0x array (for the most part). Just associate a validation/process to a tabular form and make use of these new variables and reference tabular form columns using bind syntax.


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Book a flight to Berlin with Qatar Airways
Immerse yourself in one of Europe's great cities when you book a flight to Berlin with Qatar Airways. During your visit, you'll discover that the German capital's cultural openness and unconventionality has provided a fertile ground for innovative ideas to flourish. This is evident in the city's thriving art scene, which continues to attract visitors.
Many of the top attractions are in the city centre and can easily be reached on foot within a single day, enabling you to easily explore a city that embraces creativity all around.
Berlin highlights
Berlin is a modern European capital where you can enjoy a satisfying art-crawl or rewarding retail therapy.
Tourist attractions
You will not go wanting for museums when you travel to Berlin. Don't miss the Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf Museum and the Kulturforum near the famous Potsdamer Platz. In the city centre, you will also find Museum Island, a complex featuring five world-renowned museums. The area has been granted "world heritage site" status by UNESCO.
For more cultural immersion, visit the Art Centre Berlin Friedrichstrasse, and historic buildings like the Berliner Dom, Marienkirche and the Brandenburg Gate. At 368 metres, Fernsehturm, or TV Tower, is Berlin's tallest building. If you have a head for heights, go to the tower's observation deck, which sits at an elevation of 203 metres, for a bird's-eye view of Berlin.
The Kollhoff Tower in Potsdamer Platz also has a good observation deck and any trip to the city should also include a visit to the Siegessäule Victory Column in Tiergarten.
Leisure activities
There are plenty of things to do during a trip to Berlin. For a pleasant walk, take a stroll around the Tiergarten, the biggest park here, or Viktoriapark, which has some of the finest views across Berlin. There is also a popular beach at "Berlin's bath tub", the Wannsee.
If you're a fan of the theatre, you'll be spoilt for choice. The most popular classical theatre is the Deutsches Theater, with contemporary acts in the Berliner Ensemble. English language shows can be seen in the English Theatre Berlin. There are also four opera houses, the most prestigious being the Deutsche Oper.
Dining out in Berlin is relatively inexpensive when compared to other parts of Western Europe. The best area for eating is Hackescher Markt on Oranienburger Strasse. Many small restaurants feature old Art Deco furniture, offering a particularly pleasant evening dining experience.
For five-star dining, head to City West, where you'll find some top-quality restaurants, particularly on Potsdamer Platz. Berlin's restaurant scene presents an eclectic mix of options. However, if you want to sample authentic Prussian fare, try the königsberger klopse. This dish is made of boiled veal meatballs and traditionally served with potatoes and beetroot.
If you're travelling to Berlin with shopping in mind, you're in for a real treat. One of the main shopping streets here is Tauentzienstrasse, which specialises in luxury goods. Just north of the Hackesche Markt is a popular area for up-market shopping, while Prenzlauer Berg has many good designer shops.
There are also many large shopping malls in Berlin that house hundreds of smaller shops, such as Alexa in Alexanderplatz and the Ring Centre in Friedrichshain.
Essential facts about BerlinEnjoy a hassle-free journey with all the information you need to know before your trip
Visa information
Check visa and passport requirements before you fly.


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Lancashire apprentice Ben Finch and construction director Keith Collard found out 'how the other half lives' when they swapped jobs for a day for National Apprenticeship Week.
Keith, 52, from Chorley, got the chance to get his hands dirty drilling out joists and fitting pipes as a plumber, while Ben, 17, from Wigan, got suited and booted for a day at the office.
Undertaking such different roles for the day was declared by both Keith and Ben as 'an eye opener'!
"Being ready to go, full tilt, on site very early in the morning was a bit of a shock to the system," laughed Keith, "and it took me back to my own site-based days. But it was great to be part of the team, working alongside Ben and some of our subbies."
Although he has worked his way up to construction director from the grass roots of building and various management positions at Redrow Homes (Lancashire) over the last 32 years, Keith has never been an apprentice. He got the chance to learn what life is like for them when he spent the day doing second fix plumbing in one of the new Redrow homes at Lucas Green, Whittle-Le-Woods, working alongside Ben and other subbies from the North West contractor Prestige Plumbing.
"Spending time with Ben and seeing his approach to work has really made me appreciate the value of our apprentices," said Keith, "how much they bring to the business and how much they can promote us to family and friends. Hearing tales from Ben about apprentices he's met who were unsupported in their work or were only doing it because they didn't know what else to do, made me realise how good our apprenticeship programme is.
"We have some very committed, hardworking and articulate people like Ben who have a great future in the business. We need to capture more of the Bens in this world and that's what this year's recruitment drive is all about."
And Ben was equally impressed. "I was surprised at how busy Keith was and is," he said. "A lot of people just assume it's a straight forward 9-5 job in the office, but his day can be long in different ways. He is out of the office at meetings, seeing people on site, answering the phones, doing the paperwork and keeping a check on everything."
Although he is currently working at Lucas Green, Ben has worked at a number of developments including Dukes Manor in Walkden, Harbour Village in Fleetwood and The Hedgerows in Clayton-Le-Woods. He is in his second year as an apprentice, employed by Redrow but attached to Prestige during his apprenticeship.
"I always wanted to come out of school and start earning straight away," said Ben. "But I didn't want to just get any job, I wanted to learn a trade and so it's great. The apprenticeship allows me to earn while learning on the job, with support.
"When you are working on site you don't always know what goes on behind the scenes in the office so it was really interesting to learn at least a part of what Keith does and it made me realise that I'd like to take that route in the future. It's a natural progression.
"Watching and working with Keith gave me a much better perspective of how everything works and comes together, it gave me a clearer understanding of what other people's stresses are and the things that impact on them. It's a partnership."
Ben continued: "I have got two more years as an apprentice after this one and it is important to learn my trade, but I would certainly like to progress in the future and not stand still.
"Working with Keith has made me realise that – and it was good fun to swap jobs for the day. It made a nice change."
Redrow has pledged to take on a record 100 trade apprentices this year as it continues to grow its business, including 10 across the Lancashire division. Redrow launched its annual recruitment drive to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week (March 14-18).
Representatives from the national housebuilder have also been visiting schools and colleges up and down the country to talk to young people about the value of trade apprenticeships as a route into successful careers in construction.
For more on becoming an apprentice with Redrow visit redrow.bblabs.co.uk/apprentices.


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|October 31, 1998, 04:50 AM
Senior Member
Join Date: October 9, 1998
Location: Hotels
Posts: 3,667
This question is especially for Harry, but if someone else has good info, please contribute..
the latest Guru of the week that has been hired by a Nashville suburb to train the PD, specifically their SRT (which has been called out twice in over a year, both no-shoot situations, btw) in handgun techniques supposedly has a SAS pedigree and was a shooter in the Iranian Embassy raid. Anyway, word is that his two techniques involve a sideways stance towards the target. Fine so far, but then it gets more interesting. His primary style is almost like a precision rifle shooter, like you see the STC .22lr guys do, with their off hand under the handgun, elbow tight to the body, forearm perpendicular to the ground, then the firing hand is laid on top with the gun slide release side down (yes, gangbaber style..).
His second technique, while not as "hip" offers more chance fo the officer to injure themselves as it involves pointing the off hand elbow out, towards the target. The firing hand's elbow is pointing in the opposite direction. The firearm is supposed to be under the operators chin and slightly out towards the target. this technique is supposed to be used in CQC scenarios, to keep the bandits away from the firearm.
now, to me both of these techniques seem to bring the weapon far to close to the operators face. In the first, black eyes, inthe second bloody chins. Also, both techniques many weapons would throw the brass right into the operators face. The second technique also puts the operators bicep right next to the muzzle. Does this seem silly, or I am just not high-speed-low-drag-locked-cocked-and-continental enough to get it??
|October 31, 1998, 05:36 AM
Senior Member
Join Date: October 11, 1998
Location: Brisbane.....Australia
Posts: 1,258
Rob, do you think (as I do) this SAS guy prob'ly was in fact the " drinks " dude ? Sounds like the closest HE's been to a firefight would be try'in to put out a boyscout campfire ! ...HS
|November 2, 1998, 10:20 AM
Senior Member
Join Date: August 16, 1999
Posts: 1,173
Your kidding, right?
SAS is a big advocate of "Point Shooting" in a combat sit. They have also switched to SIG P-220's by the way... Why would you hold such an accurate pistol sideways?
Maybe he is advocating a "Tilted" hold. Holding the gun tilted in some does have advantages when shooting one handed... having to do with a better natural position?
Or is this guy really as silly as he sounds?
SAS huh? I have people telling me they used to be SEALs all the time... "Uh huh... Okay." You know the SEALS and DELTA force are the biggest units in the military. The Navy must have a bigger SEAL training base than the Army's Infantry Training Center (FT BENNING)
|November 2, 1998, 11:47 AM
Senior Member
Join Date: October 9, 1998
Location: Hotels
Posts: 3,667
no tilt, this is truly holding the pistol horizontally. I don't know if he is claiming htat these are SAS techniques. He is saying that he was with the 22nd SAS and he has been hired to teach these fabulous innovations to a local PD.
We shoot tilted from the holster at close to contact distance, an extension of a "punch" towards the target. Also when moving away from the target and shooting back (as in when pushing an innocent/client away from the threat). Other than that (and the G-18) I haven't seen a tilt hold to be very much of an advantage or more stable anywhere.
|November 2, 1998, 12:00 PM
Join Date: November 2, 1998
Location: Colorado
Posts: 20,731
The tilted gun position isn't new. It use to be used by Chinese (both KMT & Commie) during the 30's and 40's when shooting the Broomhandle Mauser - whether it was a full auto model or not. It is unknown whether anybody hit anybody else. I don't believe that the red tassel which was suspended from the lanyard ring contributed anything in the way of stability.
[This message has been edited by 4V50 Gary (edited 11-02-98).]
|November 2, 1998, 12:29 PM
Senior Member
Join Date: November 2, 1999
Posts: 121
Very interesting topic.
Coincidentally enough, I was at a hand-to-hand combat training facility two
weeks ago that does SEALS/ DOD/SOCOM stuff, and the owner was talking with a LE student about a more accurate, more natural way to hold a handgun, that doesn't have as much "perishable skills" problems as the other techniques. I later tried to get him to show it to me, but to no avail. He says he will give classes at a later date on it.
I wonder if they are related?
Also, I love to run into phony SEALs or
Marine snipers. The real ones are usually known for "not being known".
[This message has been edited by DAVID (edited 11-02-98).]
[This message has been edited by DAVID (edited 11-02-98).]
|November 2, 1998, 12:39 PM
Join Date: October 9, 1998
Posts: 73
P226s not p220s as far as I can tell.
|November 2, 1998, 01:40 PM
Senior Member
Join Date: October 9, 1998
Location: Hotels
Posts: 3,667
David, you hit the nail on the head, I love those "I've done some stuff" guys who just look at you like they are supposed to be James Bond and Rambo rolled into one or something. Even better, a guy who knows just enough to impress people who have never shot a gun or dreamed of wearing a uniform, that guy is soo much fun at parties!
Anyway, the tilted thing is not what this new-guru is teaching, it is a purely horizontla hold, resting on the palm of the off hand. The palm of the offhand is facing straight up.
I guess no one else has heard of this either....
|November 2, 1998, 01:40 PM
Senior Member
Join Date: August 16, 1999
Posts: 1,173
I was under the impression the SAS went to .45's IE P220's... I think I read that in a gun rag. SWAT or GUNS & WEAPONS... But since I don't know any REAL former SAS operators, I have no way of finding out for sure.
As for holding the gun in close to the shooter... WHAT? How can you fire accurately holding the gun close? You need the gun extended out for a proper sight picture. I dont see any advantages this new fangled method is supposed to give you. What is the point? How can you shoot accuratly, smoothly, and quickly while trying to take up an unnaturaly stance and form... the body POINTS with an extended arm in shooting. This is why the old cowboys got some hits in during all those gunfights with out using the sites.
I think this EX-SAS training guy is taking some people for a ride... And for the officers - it will be a long drive down a short road.
|November 2, 1998, 02:25 PM
Staff Alumnus
Join Date: October 13, 1998
Location: Huntington Beach, CA, USA
Posts: 59
Rob I am not sure who this new Guru from Hereford is but from your description, the techniques sounds like an ill conceived interpretation of a legitimate system.
We at GSGI teach a close- in combative system that has as it's basis a common fighting stance. This stance serves as the fighting platform for the hand and shoulder fired gun, the edged weapon and is in fact the base stance for our jiu-jitsu based grappling program. The key here is to eliminate any decision time by incorporating a common stance for the first phase(and most important) of entry into condition red or fight mode. The weapon, any off them, are as effective as the person using them which means stance or fighting platform must be an integral part of the training. The key elements of stance to be considered are: three dimensional stability, optimal use of peripheral vision, rapid weapon deployment for effective use and weapon retention during deployment.
Let's look at your test case for example. He teaches a highly bladed stance which is strong against an on rushing attacker but very unstable against the attack from any other direction especially from the blind side which is quite large as a result of the bladed position. In fact half of the frontal or danger area is not in view. This is why we prefer a modified Weaver stance, a cross between the Isosceles completely frontal and what has been called Weaver which is sometimes taught as completely bladed. Taking the best from both stances you have a knees slightly flexed position that is slightly bladed strong toe in line with heal or mid-foot of the weak foot. The fighter is not committed to one direction and is equally capable of rapid movement in all directions and is now in a position that allows for maximum peripheral view of the entire frontal area.
Your secondary test case uses a pistol presentation that incorporates an elbow block from the weak elbow while bringing the pistol to a high, under the chin weapons retention position. The elbow block is a good thing if conducted properly which I'll explain later. The weapon under or near the chin is not good as any physical encounter will introduce such issues as inter-limb inter-action and grabs to the neck area thus putting the weapon in a precarious if not lethal position to the shooter. And I wonder how many rounds one has fired in practicing marksmanship from the under neck position - not many if any?
The secondary presentation in close quarter battle is the most least understood and poorly taught element of weapon-craft training today. I don't know where the street statistics stand today but since Dr. Fackler and other prominent authorities within law enforcement academia have studied police shooting incidents in prominent cities throughout the US it is generally agreed that most shootings occur during poor light conditions, some 80% inside of 10 feet some 70% inside 7 feet and a hit ratio(from the good guys) under 20%. Shocking is it not? Well if one considers that previously taught Point Shooting, while admittedly effective within the highly trained and continuously training communities 22 SAS etc., simply does not work in law enforcement training, or military training for that matter, unless an unrealistic commitment to maintaining highly perishable skills is supporting. Jeff Cooper's modern technique must prevail in training today. The front sight discipline must be reemphasized if we are to get these hit ratios up to 70% or better. But let's face it there is no way in hell that a shooter will get a weapon out of a level two holster and present the weapon to a flash front site picture and shoot two well aimed shots inside of ten or seven feet - no way in hell is there enough time or space.
Our AFCQC system addresses this close in problem by teaching a presentation that is essentially the modern technique's presentation but we present the weak arm elbow braced with the hand locked against vest or shoulder and introduce one step from the holster that orients the weapon immediately on target, close above the holster with the palm of the shooting hand indexed on some bit of gear or rib. By stressing trigger finger discipline and repeatedly orientating the shooter to this position making sure of the weapon's alignment we than develop an interim firing position and practice firing at the target's lower abdominal area out to ten feet. We than teach the meshing of strong and weak palms at the strong shoulder and roll the weapon out to front site. With this initial presentation the elbow and body create a block from an un-rushing attempt to grab the pistol while enabling the officer or defender to use less lethal alternative force techniques during the evolving full presentation to front site.
I must reiterate this is not a system meant to preclude front sight discipline it merely allows one to get there in the close or surprise encounter. Do not attempt to teach this as a new student can cover the weak hand if the technique is not taught correctly.
|November 2, 1998, 02:49 PM
Senior Member
Join Date: October 9, 1998
Location: Hotels
Posts: 3,667
I appreciate your response, and I am grealty relieved to hear that you see someof the same dangers/weaknesses I do in this guys "system"
I think it was one of your AIs that told me about the "one stance" system that you guys teach, I think you are spot on with that one.
We practice a close in technique, combined with an off-hand strike or block, that sounds similar to what you are teaching, including the indexing. All of these techniques present some danger of painting yourself and/or friendlies during the presentation and execution of that all important first shot, but this new method I was hearing about seemed to do so at an unacceptable level.
|November 22, 1998, 01:02 PM
Senior Member
Join Date: November 15, 1998
Location: Sauk Rapids, Mn, USA
Posts: 127
I hope that this is not to far off the mark, but I am looking for a shooting/tatics school that is "close to home" but also has a good track record. "Close to home" is central Minnesota.
|November 22, 1998, 05:39 PM
Junior Member
Join Date: October 30, 1998
Location: Wamego, KS. USA
Posts: 12
I really like what I read from your posts and your web sight, Mr. Humphries.
I certainly haven't had the exposure to training and experience or to teaching that you have. But, throughout my involvement with weapons, various martial arts, and law enforcement / emergency services over the last 15 years I have noticed a lack of continuity throughout the use-of-force continuum.
As a training officer I have slowly been developing a martial art I refer to as law enforcement. As a civilian based arm of the government operating in constant association with 'innocent' citizans - law enforcement officers are held to a very high expectation of professionalism. Therfore, I think it is vital that systems of defense and offense be combined into one simple system which easily flows up and down the use-of-force continuum.
We also started with the stance as balance and strength are a prerequisite to any action - except falling or failing. We use the Hsing-I stance (facing at angles). It is also just a modified weaver, much like you describe.
I appreciate all attempts by professionals to provide, to law enforcement officers and trained citizens, complete systems of self defense.
Buck Peddicord
|November 22, 1998, 09:27 PM
Staff Alumnus
Join Date: October 13, 1998
Location: Huntington Beach, CA, USA
Posts: 59
I suggest you contact your Gov. Elect, my shipmate, and tell him you want GSGI to train in the state. Seriously, I don't know of a training academy in your area. Indiana will soon have Dick Marcinko's school but I don't have details as yet. You can be sure that I will announce the opening as soon as it occurs because he will put good information out there.
Thanks for the comments and you are absolutely correct - the force continuum is wrought with inconsistencies throughout the country. May I give you the following on conventional training as we are trying to change the training methodology within law enforcement to comply with our AFCQC fighting system that stresses the less lethal alternative to be habituated within the LE student
Conventional tactical team training does not adequately prepare the tactical officer for the "unknown" behind the door.
The team officer is expected to dynamically enter a room operating at maximum speed usually in low or no light conditions. Entry is almost always announced and often without prior intelligence or benefit of diversionary device. The conventionally trained officer has developed a conditioned, reflexive response which is a product of negotiate mentality, shoot /no shoot split second decision drills and the ever present fear of bad shoot agency reprisal and civil liability should that officer shoot. These mental issues are ever present and result in decision delay. Precious seconds are taken away from that officers ability to save his or her life. History is laden with bad shoot scenarios which were the result of the shoot / no shoot alternative - innocent victims who in poor visibility and heat of the moment have appeared to be a threat.
Our alternative force training program comes from the Special Operations community which is tasked with hostage rescue and counter terrorism. These very high speed entry teams prepare to enter a room fully expecting the hostage will be used as a shield often made to look like the "tango" or strangely enough try to prevent the entry team from neutralizing his or her captures as is often seen in Stockholm Syndrome cases.
The officer learns how to immediately present the weapon in a firing position, either primary or secondary, in a manner so as to maintain weapon retention while delivering non-lethal pain compliance moves to control the unknown individual. In worst case should a lethal alternative be required, the officer is able to deliver accurate fire up to ten yards.
A pragmatic approach to teaching close quarter marksmanship from this position in conjunction with delivering strikes and throws while maintaining weapon control is covered in great detail. Through this training concept the officer acquires a non lethal habituated response to a surprise encounter while maintaining a guarded lethal posture should force escalation be required.
|November 25, 1998, 04:38 PM
Senior Member
Join Date: October 13, 1998
Location: Fredericksburg, VA USA
Posts: 193
I liked your critique as is falls in line with my training:
(1) Generally better to move than block from stationary position.
(2) Neither bladed (back stance) nor square (front stance are best all around positions).
Let me ask a weight distribution question, in your reply it seems implicit that we are in a balanced position or perhaps slightly towards the rear foot?
Harry, I am not much for engaging in any form of grappling, punching, kicking while I am holding a functional pistol. As a civilian who find himself being rushed, (not a LEO who has as you indicate many other things to consider) I would be inclined personally to shoot. (Somewhat akin to the first lesson of rifle bayonet training, shoot first if possible)! Is this what you are getting at when you contrast HRT versus LEO training?
By the way, they speak hihgly of you over on Glock Talk. I can see why.
I hope we can discuss many things in this arena in the future.
yours in marksmanship
[email protected]
webpage http://www.1bigred.com/distinguished
|December 1, 1998, 02:25 PM
Staff Alumnus
Join Date: October 13, 1998
Location: Huntington Beach, CA, USA
Posts: 59
Thanks for your input. With respect to your weight distribution question we are actually trying to reach a neutral - position on the balls of the feet which essentially places one equa-distant from any braced direction that must be rapidly assumed in meeting the attack or misdirecting the force of an attack.
The decision to escalate to deadly force lies solely with the individual under attack. our AFCQC or Alternative Force Close Quarter Conflict program is designed to meet an attacking opponent with less lethal techniques allowing for the sound presentation of the holstered weapon. As you are well aware, the weapon can not easily be presented from leather if the attacking individual has the upper hand of surprise. It is quite another issue if you have the weapon presented prior to the attack.
Again thanks Mike
|December 8, 1998, 03:29 AM
Junior Member
Join Date: December 8, 1998
Location: Western Washington
Posts: 13
Tilting the weapon at about a 45 degree angle works well for those shooters who are right handed but have a dominant left eye, or vice versa. Makes it easier for these folks to aquire a quick sight picture.
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I first met Aram Manoyan, owner of Pristine Automotive Center, when he did wonderful detailing work for me at his WeHo Auto Detail Inc. detailing shop. You can read about my experiences at WeHo Auto Detail Review - Best Detailing in LA.
I knew that Aram also had an Automotive Center located across the street so when it was time for me to get work done on my Lexus I contacted him. I was happy to hear that his Fairfax location was very busy and that he had opened a new Automotive Center in the Silver Lake area.
Since my car needed new brakes, a tune-up, wheel alignment and a general going over, I took it to Aram's new Pristine Automotive Center. My car was returned the very same day and everything was done perfectly!
At Pristine Automotive Center, they offer a complete host of services, including, but not limited to:
- auto body repairs
- collision repairs
- tires and brakes
- suspension work
- oil changes
- 24-hour towing services
- car upholstery repairs and replacement
- auto glass replacement and window tinting
- auto detailing services
- car rental services
As explained on Pristine Automotive Center website:
"Established in 1994, Pristine Automotive Center Inc. is a family-owned business specializing in providing comprehensive auto body and repair services. We believe in maintaining a "customer for life" approach, by providing exceptional services, affordable prices and an honest approach to every auto repair project we perform.
Quite simply, when you turn to the team at Pristine Auto, you're treated like family! You'll also enjoy a 100% satisfaction guarantee. After all, if we don't stand behind our workmanship with confidence, how can you be confident in our work?"
There is lots more to this story than the brief summary above. It is my personal experience that more and more, certainly in Los Angeles, it has become harder and harder to find anyone who is honest and has integrity especially in the service fields. What I learned about Aram, by spending time with him both in the past and during this visit gave me new hope that old-fashioned hard-working ethical honest people still exist. Aram comes from the same kind of old-fashioned family that I come from. A family where the ethics taught emphasize that good things come from hard work over time. The philosophy that Aram lives by is to treat his customers fairly and honestly, with reasonable prices and they will come back and will recommend him to their friends. This is how businesses should be built, how businesses used to be built, and how Aram has built his businesses over the last 20 years. There's no way that he could have opened his new Pristine Automotive Center without having earned the trust of hundreds of loyal customers at his first location. Pristine Auto is among Yelp's top rated auto repair businesses and they maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, in addition to top ratings with Angie's List, the US Commerce Association and beyond!
In addition to full automotive repairs, Aram's businesses also do bodywork. I have a classic Mercedes whose bumper was torn off and is sitting sadly in my driveway. I will be taking it to Aram at Pristine Automotive Center so that he can get my classic going again with both body and mechanical work. I'm excited to post a new article about those experiences.
Pristine Automotive Center
(323) 661-2200
2022 Hyperion Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90027
To learn more go to the Pristine Automotive Center website
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Defeet Duraglove ET Cordura Gloves White LG. The Duraglove ET is an ideal glove for riding a bike or running. It's Cordura® yarn plated to the outside of the glove creates an abrasion resistant exterior that blocks enough air to keep you warm, while still allowing hands to breathe during...
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Path to Conversion
Several products and methods have been developed to control Poa annua over the years. These include many different herbicide chemistries and the use of plant growth regulators to control seed head production or limit Poa annua growth. While some of these controls have been successful, they are effective only when specific conditions exist or on a particular Poa annua biotype. No consistent, universal control for this difficult weed has been developed to date. Many golf course superintendents either have decided to manage Poa annua as a turf species, or limit its population growth. As described by golf course superintendent W.A. Alexander in the 1922 Bulletin of the USGA Green Section, the best method of Poa control may still be to, "cut it out with a knife."
The O.M. Scotts Company, along with the Monsanto Company, recently have developed lines of creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) that are tolerant of the non-selective herbicide Roundup (glyphosate). And other seed companies are also developing their own varieties of genetically modified turfgrasses (see Grounds Maintenance's "Battle of the Bents," August 2003). Roundup Ready creeping bentgrass (RRCB) was created by using molecular biology techniques to insert a Roundup Ready gene in the genetic code of the plant. Although currently not available, when released, Roundup Ready bentgrass may be a valuable tool to control Poa annua in creeping bentgrass greens, fairways and tees.
At Iowa State University, researchers have been working on the most effective means of converting conventional turfgrass areas to RRCB. Traditional conversion techniques require that you close your golf course for an extended period of time, resulting in frustrated golfers and lost revenue. It may be difficult to convince golf course owners, members, or the greens committee that closing the course to undergo a conversion process would be worth the end result. The objective of the research is to develop conversion methods that minimize surface disruption and shorten the period of time the area is out of play.
Traditional putting green and fairway renovation practices usually start with an application of Roundup, followed by seeding using a slit-seeder or seeding into aerification holes. Often, the time interval from the application of the herbicide to the time of seeding is 2 to 3 weeks. In some cases, you must repeat applications of Roundup to completely eliminate existing turf. The conversion to RRCB is unique because you can use Roundup to selectively remove existing turf while Roundup Ready seedlings are germinating. This makes it possible to shorten the conversion process. The objective of this study was to determine when an application of Roundup should be made to remove existing turf to ensure successful RRCB establishment.
The study began on September 3, 2002, when a creeping bentgrass green and fairway, and fairways established with Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass were core aerified. The study was conducted at Iowa State University's Veenker Memorial golf course with the help of CGCS John Newton. Aerification cores on the green were removed, the area was vertically mowed by using triplex-mounted verticut units, and topdressed with sand to fill aerification holes. Cores on fairways were broken up by using the triplex verticut units, and the area was dragged to fill in aerification holes with native soil. RRCB was seeded at a rate of 1.7 pounds per 1,000 square feet to the fairways and greens. These methods are similar to cultural practices that are regularly conducted on golf course greens and fairways.
Existing turf was killed with Roundup at various times before and after seeding. Roundup applications to individual plots were made 7 days before seeding, at the time of seeding, 7, 14 and 28 days after seeding, at the end of the 2002 growing season and in Spring 2003. The seed that used was 50 percent Roundup Ready with the remaining seed being susceptible to Roundup. This combination of conventional and RRCB is due to the process by which the seed is produced. The 1.7-pound rate is of the combined seed and the actual rate of RRCB was 0.85 pounds/1,000 square feet. Because of this mixture, plots that were treated before seedling germination were again treated with Roundup 28 days after seeding to remove any conventional bentgrass seedlings. To act as a control, the existing sod of one plot was removed after it was killed with Roundup and seed was applied to bare soil. This plot was treated with Roundup 28 days after seeding.
As the study progressed, the percentage cover of RRCB of each plot was recorded to determine the effect of Roundup application timing on the establishment to RRCB.
By late fall 2002, some of the plots were acceptable for play, although they were not in ideal conditions. The most successful Roundup treatment timings were 7 days before seeding, at the time of seeding, and 7 days after seeding. On May 7, 2003 (the spring after seeding), plots on the existing creeping bentgrass fairway, to which Roundup was applied 7 days after seeding, were 73 percent covered compared to the bare soil plot, which was 80 percent covered. Plots receiving a Roundup application 7 days after seeding on the Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass fairways were 90 and 80 percent covered by May 7, 2003, as compared to the bare soil plots that were 88 and 87 percent. Although some of the plots that were treated 7 days before seeding and at the time of seeding had greater RRCB cover, it was not significant enough to warrant the earlier Roundup application.
The conversion of the bentgrass green to RRCB was not as effective. On June 1, the year after seeding, none of the plots except the bare soil plot had RRCB cover greater than 75 percent. Furthermore, a green must have nearly 100 percent cover to make playing conditions acceptable.
The results of the 2002 study demonstrated that seeding into openings made by aerification and vertical mowing were not very effective for putting green conversion. In 2003, studies were initiated on a native soil creeping bentgrass green to develop methods that would result in the successful conversion of golf course greens RRCB. The objectives of these studies were to determine mechanical methods, seeding rates, and seeding dates that hasten the conversion of golf course greens to RRCB. The study was divided into two trials: one to study seeding rates and the other to investigate seeding dates.
Four different mechanical methods were used in the seeding date and seeding rate trials, a T.I.P. greens spiker (T.I.P. INC., Custer, Wis.), Terri Combi greens spiker (Wiedenmann North America LLC, Savannah, Ga.), Graden vertical mower (Graden Industries, Victoria, Australia), and aerification/vertical mowing.
On August 18, 2003, one day before seeding, all plots were treated with Roundup. The following day, all mechanical treatments were applied and seed was sown at rates of 0.5, 1.5, and 2.5 pounds actual RRCB per 1,000 square feet to sub-plots within the mechanical treatment. The seed used was 60 percent RRCB and 40 percent conventional bentgrass; therefore, seeding rates were adjusted to insure that RRCB seed was sown at the specified rates. Each plot was then topdressed with sand to smooth the surface and fill in any voids created by the mechanical treatments. The entire area was treated with Roundup 21 days after seeding, as the seed used was 60 percent RRCB and 40 percent conventional creeping bentgrass. This, again, is an unavoidable result of the techniques by which the seed is produced.
One day before the seeding dates of August 19, September 9 and September 30, Roundup was applied to each plot. Each mechanical treatment was applied to individual plots on the designated seeding dates. All plots were seeded at a rate of 1.5 pounds actual RRCB per 1000 square feet and were topdressed with sand to fill in voids and smooth the surface. Each plot was treated with Roundup 21 days after seeding to remove any bentgrass that was not Roundup tolerant.
Researchers determined the effectiveness of each method by recording percent cover and giving each plot a quality rating. Although the study is still being conducted, the researchers were able to successfully convert an existing bentgrass green to RRCB by June 1, 2004, when seeding occurred in mid August or early September of 2003.
Similar to results that you have probably seen when overseeding, seed tends to germinate only in holes created by the mechanical device. Therefore, it appears that the conversion process is quickest when the mechanical method used creates many, smaller soil openings for seed placement (e.g. Terri Combi spiker, TIP spiker) rather than fewer, larger soil openings (e.g. aerification/vertical mowing).
The results indicate there is no advantage to seeding at a rate of 2.5 pounds when compared to 1.5 pounds RRCB per 1,000 square feet; however, the rate of 0.5 pound was clearly inferior to the higher seeding rates.
As you might have expected, the quickest conversion to RRCB occurred at the earliest seeding date. An earlier seeding date does not guarantee a successful conversion to RRCB, but it does make establishment less dependent on ideal weather conditions later in the fall.
When released, RRCB will be a valuable asset for removal of Poa annua, as well as other weeds, from fairways, tees and putting greens. Establishing RRCB in late summer and using methods that provide uniform establishment over the entire surface appear to provide satisfactory results with a minimum loss of play. Work on the establishment of RRCB is continuing at Iowa State University and more information will be available in the future.
Luke Dant is a graduate research technician and Nick Christians, Ph.D., is professor of turfgrass science, both at Iowa State University (Ames, Iowa).
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February 29, 2012
Yugoslavian diplomat Ivo Andrić died in 1975, but Bosnia and the Balkans honor him, as does the world, not only for his diplomacy but also for his fiction, particularly The Bridge on the Drina, which won him the Nobel Prize in 1961.
Set in Andrić's native Bosnia, this historical novel spans three hundred years, beginning with the new wave of Ottomans in the late sixteenth century and ending with 1914 and the start of World War I, the life-time of the magnificent bridge that spanned the Drina River. Covering this period with the precision of a scholar, Andrić narrates the parade of Turkish and Austrian powers that occupied this stunning mountainous region, but with the eye and heart of a poet Andrić populates this vast canvas with images of human beings so ordinary in their capacities for celebration and passion, so extraordinary in their capacities for brutality and courage.
The novel begins with indelible images of the brutality that grows from the lust for power and land. Though eventually a work of engineering art, its "eleven arches…perfect and wondrous in its beauty" (64), the bridge begins when a Turkish Vezir arrives and conscripts laborers, beating and even killing any man who resists, turning this town on the Drina "into a hell, a devil's dance of incomprehensible works, of smoke, dust, shouts, and tumult" (29, 31). Painfully aware that the bridge will benefit Turks, not Bosnians, workers grumble; some even plot to sabotage the bridge. Enraged by such covert resistance, the Vezir finds a scapegoat, a brave peasant who pays for his alleged sabotage by having his toenails torn from his feet, his chest wrapped in red-hot chains, and his anus pierced by a pike that runs out through the back of his neck. Raised high on the emerging bridge for all would-be resisters to see, the impaled peasant "writhed convulsively" for hours before dying, just as the Vezir ordered (49).
We see the same brutality at the end of the novel, when World War I releases the "wild beast" inside us all that "does not dare to show itself until the barriers of law and custom have been removed" (282). That beast obliterates this town and even its seemingly indestructible bridge, as a bomb planted on a pier causes it to "crumble away like a necklace; and once it began no one could hold it back" (313). Perhaps the greatest cruelty, the survivors have no home, no place.
But between these bookends revealing our hearts of darkness, Andrić paints lighter hearts of those over these three centuries who take joy in simple pleasures, like fishing under the bridge (15) or meeting on the bridge to exchange flirtatious glances, to celebrate weddings, or to drink brandy and tell stories (19-21).
When William Faulkner accepted his Nobel Prize in Stockholm in 1950, he called on novelists not to paint portraits of despair; instead, he challenged writers to celebrate our strength, our ability not only to "endure" but to "prevail." As though accepting Faulkner's charge, Andrić describes hearts capable not only of simple joys but also of endurance, as these Bosnians must suffer floods and droughts as well as invasions (76-79). Following another Faulknerian challenge, to tell stories of the human heart "in conflict with itself," Andrić weaves together numerous tales of such inner-conflict we can expect to find in any century, such as Peter's struggle with his addictive gambling (145-152); Fata's torment over a marriage, having to obey her father or to obey her heart (104-112); or Zorka's agony over two men, having to choose a good man who loves her but for whom she feels no love, or to wait for a lesser man indifferent to her passion (276-281).
Finally, Faulkner urged writers to uplift us with stories of human beings—however few—who show "compassion" for others and the willingness to "sacrifice" to relieve others' pain. Among several of Andrić's characters who fit this description, Lotte stands tallest. We meet her first in the middle of the novel, a beautiful young widow with "ivory white skin, black hair, smoldering eyes," and a "free tongue," and therefore enough brass to start a hotel in a patriarchal culture (177). Far more than a shrewd business woman, Lotte serves as benefactress to many families, providing counseling and money for those whose lives have run amuck (180). By the end of the novel, Lotte has "grown old. Of her onetime beauty only traces remained" (257). Unconcerned about her physical decline, Lotte worries instead about her ability to help others. As the town has declined, Lotte's once prosperous hotel has declined, too. As a result, she suffers nightly over those in "hopeless poverty" that she can no longer relieve. Though "tired" to the soul, Lotte still gives others what she has left, her sage counsel (262). When we last see her, just before the bridge falls into the Drina, Lotte crosses bridge with a few other displaced old women—and with a "sickly child on a push-cart" (300).
Thanks to this Nobel Prize winner, then, no history of the Balkans can be complete that finds only cruelty in the human heart.


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@astro_andre: space is much more fun than Earth
Eighty tweeps came to ESA's technical centre in the Netherlands yesterday to talk to ESA astronaut André Kuipers in a live video call to the International Space Station.
Last April, people were invited via ESA's Twitter account @ESA, to send a question they would like to ask André. The lucky group was chosen from more than 500 entries to attend the SpaceTweetup in ESTEC, the Netherlands.
10 Twitter followers then had the chance to ask their question directly to André, during the live call.
Mirjam from The Netherlands asked André: "Before you left, what picture did you definitely want to take, and have you already succeeded?"
André replied: "I wanted to take a picture of a little island in the South Pacific where I got married. It is not easy to find as the Pacific is so big and the island is so small.
"I finally managed to find it by comparing the shape of the islands with an atlas."
Before the video call, the Twitter followers were treated to an interactive 3D tour of the Space Station, saw a zero-gravity drop tower in action and visited ESTEC's test centre.
Invitees could control ESA's Eurobot rover by sending commands via Twitter. Orders such as "move backwards 3 m" made Eurobot in Turin, Italy react as instructed.
While waiting for the call, the 80 winners met friends and made new ones. For some, it was an opportunity to see in person people they only knew via social media.
Tweeps from Spain, Italy, Germany, USA and many from André's home country, the Netherlands, attended the event.
Graphic designers, actresses, educators, lawyers, archaeologists and even professional hurdlers were united by their passion for space.
Spacetweep extraordinaire Remco Timmermans made a presentation on his 21 December trip to Baikonur. He was one of only two tourists to brave the cold and see André launched into space.
In the run up to the live event yesterday, ESA astronaut Christer Fugelsang gave a personal account of his two missions to the Space Station as well as introducing ESA's involvement in the orbital outpost, including the Automated Transfer Vehicle, Europe's Columbus science module and the microgravity science programme.
After only 20 minutes the call was over, with loud applause from the audience as André waved goodbye.


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Carrie Underwood says don't expect her to write any lovelorn songs about ex-boyfriend Tony Romo.
In short responses to a series of questions posed by Esquire Magazine, the former "Idol" and country music star shot down any ideas that she wrote "Cowboy Casanova" about the Dallas Cowboys quarterback.
"No. I would never immortalize a guy that did me wrong," she says. "I would never give him that much credit."
U.S. & World
News from around the country and around the globe
Underwood, who last dated Romo two years ago, has said in the past that she realized he was not her type.
"Point blank, he is about football," she said back in October of 2007, Usmagazine.com reported.
The sports star went on to date Jessica Simpson, who penned the tune "Back in My Old Boots" for Romo, Us points out.
Underwood told Esquire it was hard to find "normal celebrities" and "people who don't want something from you."
She also took a shot at "American Idol"judge Simon Cowell.
"Simon's obviously very smart," she said. "But he's not the smartest person I know."


text:
LL Bean Girls blue suede Slip on clogs mules shoes comfort size 5
LL Bean Girls blue suede Slip on clogs mules shoes comfort
Size 5
Whimsical design on these blue suede clogs.
Gently used condition. Smoke-free Home.
We accept PayPal only.
*RETURNS: Accepted w/in 14 days of listing's end. Please contact us for return instructions. Cash refund less any restock fee upon receipt of item as shipped (no odors, pet hair, unworn, any tags still attached, etc). All returns are expected to be as carefully packaged as when we sent them to you.
We combine shipping.
SHIPPING WITH IN the US
Our normal method of shipping is for first-class mail.
We ship by FIRST CLASS INTERNATIONAL.
Caution: Seller is not responsible for any custom fees, VAT taxes or other charge imposed by YOUR country. It is illegal to misrepresent the value or contents of the package on the mailing label.
International Buyers pay actual shipping cost. The shipping calculator is at the bottom of the listing.
This does not include PACKAGE TRACKING or INSURANCE.


text:
Close Window
In medicine, sensitivity may describe how well a test can detect a specific disease or condition in people who actually have the disease or condition. No test has 100% sensitivity because some people who have the disease or condition will not be identified by the test (false-negative test result). Sensitivity may also refer to the way the body reacts to the environment or to drugs, chemicals, or other substances. For example, a person who is sensitive to the sun may have skin that burns easily or get a rash when exposed to the sun. A person who is sensitive to caffeine may need only small amounts of it to feel its effects.


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Long Range - Works With All Devices
How it Works: Connect to a network up to 400 ft. In our extreme distance tests, we connected to an open public network 1 mile away (with no obstructions*).
The heavy duty antenna and amplifier mounts to a pole or ladder outside your vehicle and then connects to the CC Vector Repeater inside. The included 8dBi antenna does not require aiming and receives in all directions.
Great for extending your range at campgrounds, RV Parks, or remote outbuildings. Our CC Vector repeats a new WiFi signal to all devices in your RV, boat, or Big Rig Our customers explain it better than we ever could:
Amazingly easy set up that took less than 30 minutes from opening package to working WiFi. In my current campground went from no internet access to perfectly streaming video. I like that it creates a private network with a private passcode that can be used with all devices. So many campgrounds either don't have WiFi accessible throughout the park or have no security. This solves both problems. Worth the price. No technical skills needed....
M Reimer Newport, FL
The antenna's amplifier sensitivity exceeds average WiFi range extenders we have tested. The CC Vector system works on all Windows®, Android®, Apple®, iPhone® and Smart TVs.
There are two available Ethernet jacks on the CC Vector for hardwiring additional computers or routers. It uses the most popular, Longest Range WiFi band at 2.4GHz. The setup is straightforward for basic computer users.
The CC Vector RV is capable of supporting two users watching standard quality like Netflix™ or several users browsing the internet simultaneously. As distance is increased, speed is reduced.
Comes with C. Crane US based tech support
*Line of sight, without walls, trees or other obstructions. Also depends on the strength of the WiFi router.
|General Features:
Antenna Weight: 14 oz. Antenna size: 1"W x 22H" CC X mile WiFi Reciever, 8dBi Antenna, 30' USB split cable, software, sealant and silicone grease included. The 8dBi antenna has a cast-aluminum mounting bracket and outdoor rated connections for many years of reliable use. It can mount to a wall or a 1 ½" to 2" pipe mast(not included).
New Bruanfels, TX
July, 27 2020
Purchased this because I could not receive Wifi signal in my garage, and while at RV parks. I use it all the time in my garage and take it with me when I travel in our RV with great success. Wifi signal repeater signal is really strong
Wifi signal from repeater is really strong and goes way farther than any wifi modem I own
I little difficult to set up
Where weak wifi signals need a little boost
Maple Glen, PA
October, 10 2017
This system worked for 5 months, until it didn't. But, after spending a lot of time on the phone a good thing, I sent it back shipping on me. They tested it, and replaced the XMile. Now it works great again. Thanks.
This system saves me a monthly internet charge at my 2nd home. I'm a Comcast customer, and this system picks up a nearby Comcast Wifi Hotspot about 225 feet away very well. I just log in with my Comcast Id. This is perfectly legal, since I'm a Comcast customer. By the way, I keep the antenna in a bedroom closet, and it still has no trouble picking up a signal.
It failed once - hope it doesn't happen again. But, if it does, I'm sure C Crane will take care of it.
Picking up weak, even out of range wifi service.
Chester County, PA
July, 28 2017
This is not a knock on the product at all but I need a fold over mount to attach to the roof rack on my Subaru Forester as I don't (yet) have a RV. Any suggestions?
Easy setup,10 minutes.,Worked immediately.
The most difficult thing was connecting the two mini-USB connectors,very tight.
Mobile WIFI
Cookeville, TN
July, 26 2017
This Wi-Fi Repeater provided great service from my home to my shop, which is located ~250' away. The technical support staff did a great job of answering my questions regarding which model to choose and how best to install it. I could not be more satisfied. This is the 2nd C. Crane product that I have purchased and I have been extremely pleased with their quality and the company's customer service. Quality products at a reasonable price.
Newport News, VA
July, 14 2017
Will be using this with our travel trailer. Tried it here at home and picked up a wifi connection approximately 2 miles away!
Easy installation,Powerful reception well designed...quality product!
Columbia, SC
July, 12 2017
Installed antenna on RV TV mast and reused the existing TV cable roof opening. Antenna folds flat on roof with TV antenna for travel.
Each to configure and manage.
Having the sort pigtail on the antenna requires a connection to be made outdoors,This inreases the vulnerability to moisture intrusion and to inadvertent disconnection.
June, 20 2017
I live in an area where everyone around us has the latest and greatest access purchase internet service but our home can not because of our location. We were so frustrated and searched for months for an answer. I knew for sure that I did not want to have a contract with a company that was slow and could not provide access the internet during normal day time hours. We purchased this unit and worked out something with our neighbor. We couldn't be happier!! The signal strength is strong and I am able to stream movies, the upload and download are great!!! I recommend this product 100 times over!! Customer Service OUTSTANDING!!
First product we received did not work that well. No problem,I call the 800 number spoke to a representative and shipped me a new item.
Mt Pleasant, SC
May, 7 2017
Paired it with a TP-Link Archer C7 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router. We can stream video and have 2 iPads and 2 iPhones connected concurrently with no problems or degradation. I am camping at Edisto Island using the setup while writing this review. I am about 1/4 mile from the campground WiFi antenna. Even outside, my iPhone can't pick up the signal at all. The CC Vector picks up about 40?ignal strength. I mounted the antenna on the top of the roof ladder, routed the cable in through the power cord hole so I didn't even need to drill any holes. We are VERY satisfied with this equipment. I did have an issue with the first repeater but their customer service was great. They sent me a replacement unit right away. Can't beat this company. A
Super easy to setup,Works as advertised,Add a router to increase the number of concurrent connections
Haven't found any yet.
Anywhere one needs to increase a weak Wifi signal.,Camping
canyon lake tx.
May, 5 2017
I did have a couple of issues with equipment when received, got on phone with customer service they were very helpful but determined it was a hardware issue and sent me a replacement unit very quickly, works great totally satisfied. Would recommend them highly.
Pulls in otherwise unusable wifi signal,saves you from using phone data
none noted
rv parks
Norfolk, VA
April, 9 2017
Yes I would recommend it.??
great boost when away from buildings
hard to use loops for mounting antenna
February, 23 2017
My installation is used to repeat a weak outside Wi-Fi signal inside my metal boat house. Works good enough to stream full motion video from Netflix.
Good price.,Easy to follow instructions.
Newport, FL
December, 8 2016
Amazingly easy set up that took less than 30 minutes from opening package to working wifi. In my current campground went from no internet access to perfectly streaming video. I like that it creates a private network with a private passcode that can be used with all devices. So many campgrounds either don't have Wifi accessible throughout the park or have no security when you can access. This solves both problems. Worth the price. No technical skills needed. However u bolts provided for mounting antenna didn't fit in holes in antenna. Just taped it to my RV ladder which was fine because I move around a lot. Very impressive product.
Easy setup,,works perfectly,creates private network
Sprague, WA
October, 18 2016
Holy cow! I can't believe how well this antenna works. We bought the orphan version and it's not even mounted outside yet. We just pulled it out of the box. My wife had it working in less than 15 mins. At the moment the antenna is just lying on the bed lol. It's picking up through 2 buildings and the walls of the rv. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone looking to boost their WiFi signal. Again very impressed!
Great boost.
None so far
Rv'ers truckers or just needing a boost into the yard
Oregon Coast
September, 16 2016
We travel full time in a motor home. Often RV Park WiFi is weak or unable to connect. This 'kit' makes it strong and stable and fast. Super easy to use and setup. Couldn't be more satisfied. x
Very easy to set up. Tech support is great.
None found.
Clermont, FL
August, 1 2016
Customer service and tech support are the best I have have ever dealt with. These people know their products and know what they are doing. I'm a dummy when it comes to this stuff but they were amazingly patient and so respectful. I know if I ever have problems again, I can count on them. they are amazing!
I live in a park model in an RV park and had free wfif up at the office or clubhouse. This brings the wifi right inside my unit. Customer service with this company goes above and beyond and will work with you till everything is up and running properly. I have never know a company that stands behind you as this company does. Amazing
tried the super wifi repeater first and had problems and they were going to replace it anyway but I decided to upgrade and I'm so glad I did. I do occasionally loose the connection but I believe it is the parks system not this antenna as even in the office before I would occasionally lose the connection. I am in an area with fairly high winds and quite a few trees and tons of metal buildings so I think it is local interferance not this antenna. I am quite please with this product.
brings the free wif in to my unit which is saving me $50 a month
Sapulpa, OK
January, 26 2016
Works exactly as intended. Love the hotspot system. Allows ALL your WiFi capable gadgets a good signal. It literally brings a free (or passworded signal, if your allowed) right in to your own home. And are able to encrypt your hotspot with passwords to keep your own personal wifi. It is a bit on the pricey side but compare the price of this to what you pay monthly for Internet... Works if you have a clear line of sight to a WiFi signal (to be safe) 1/2 mile or so. It can probably go further but signal drops off the further out you go. Its definitely a recomended buy. Use mine all day, and used the neighbors for a week and had me convinced I needed one!
Great Distance., Moderately easy setting up., Repeater is great, makes your own personal WiFi from a distant signal.
Moderate wiring and mounting skills needed., No signal con's.
Rvers near a free WiFi source.,Live near a library or McDonalds.
- Check the cable to the USB Antenna and make sure it is pushed in all the way to the antenna's cable.
- Make sure you're using the Main USB cable connection to the CC Vector. Do not use the single floppy USB cable (not needed).
- Make sure to type the IP Address into the Address bar of your browser at the top of the screen. Do not type it in a Search Bar.
If the password for the selected network includes spaces or any special characters such as (!@#$%^&*_), then you will need to follow the "Detour" below:
- Follow the included Quick Start Setup Guide to step "E"
- Select "Configure Manually" (located under the password entry area)
- Select "Site Survey"
- dSelect your desired network with the existing internet connection
- Click "Select"
- Enter your wireless password in the "Pass Phrase" text box.
- Select "Next" (you may have to arrow over to scroll screen to the right to see "Next")
- Then select "Done"
- Resume following the included Quick Start Setup Guide at the "NOTE" on Step "E".
- Go into the CC Vector setup. Mouse over the Advanced tab and click on LAN under Network Settings.
- Change the IP address from 192.168.8.1 to your desired address. Write down this address for later access.
- Click Apply.
- Wait until the USB light reappears. You may need to wait for a while until it shows on the wireless device "Connected/Internet Access". The time can range from a few seconds to 10 minutes, depending on the router.
- If no change, power cycle the CC Vector.
|What's in the Box
|CC X Mile Omni General Specifications
|Wireless Standard:
|IEEE 802.11b
IEEE 802.11g
IEEE 802.11n
|Frequency Band:
|Antenna Gain:
|8 dBi
|Chipset Gain:
|23 dBm
|Data Rate IEEE 802.11b:
|11 Mbps
|Data Rate IEEE 802.11g:
|54 Mbps
|Data Rate IEEE 802.11n:
|150 Mbps
|Receive Sensitivity 11Mbps:
|-91dBm @ 802.11b
|Receive Sensitivity 54Mbps:
|-76dBm @ 802.11g
|Receive Sensitivity 150Mbps:
|-74dBm @ 802.11n
|Power Consumption Voltage:
|Operation mode:
|Infrastructure or Ad hoc
|WEP 64/128, WPA, WPA2, WPA-PSK, 802.1x support
|Wireless Broadcast Range:
|Up to 1.5 mile line of sight with no obstructions
|Antenna Dimensions:
|28" L x 1.5" W x 1.5" D
|Operating Temperature:
|Storage Temperature:
|Antenna Weight:
|1.3 lbs.
|1-Year Limited
Note: Specifications are subject to change without notice.
|CC Vector WiFi Repeater General Specifications
|Wired: IEEE 802.3/802.3u
Wireless: 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n
|WAN: 10/100BASE-TX Port * 1
LAN: 10/100BASE-TX Port * 1
USB 2.0 Port * 1
|WEP Encryption
WPA/WPA2-PSK (Pre-Shared Key)
WiFi Protected Setup (WPS)
|Input: 100-240V ~50/60Hz @ 0.35A
Output: 12V, 1A
|Compatible USB Wireless Adapter
|Super USB WiFi Antenna 3
CC X Mile Omni
CC X Mile Long Range
Versa WiFi USB Adapter 3
RT3070 USB Adapter (Any)
|2412~2462MHz (FCC)
2412~2472MHz (ETSI)
2412~2484MHz (Japan)
|Receiver Sensitivity (dBm)
|20MHz: MCS0 : -90, MCS7 : -71
40MHz: MCS0 : -88, MCS7 : -69
|6Mbps : -92
54Mbps : -75
|1Mbps : -95
11 Mbps : -90
|1-Year Limited
Note: Specifications are subject to change without notice.


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Beat the Streak Report: Thursday, August 4
BTS D-Day passed yesterday, but the Streaking continues. Your fearless current leader, simon_s999, sits at 30 games. Thursday's roadmap to Streakland fame and fortune is below.
Thursday's picks:
(Make a BTS pick)
Oh, hello there …
Michael Young: 533 (8-for-15) since '06 vs. Tigers starter Brad Penny
Miguel Cabrera: .667 (4-for-6) since '06 vs. Rangers starter Alexi Ogando
Vladimir Guerrero: .444 (4-for-9) since '06 vs. Royals starter Jeff Francis
Feeling kinda spicy?
Mark Reynolds: .400 (10-for-25) since '06 vs. Royals starter Jeff Francis
You'll thank me later …
Omar Infante: .160 (4-for-25) since '06 vs. Cardinals starter Kyle Lohse
Michael Cuddyer: .167 (4-for-24) since '06 vs. Angels starter Dan Haren
Carlos Beltran: .125 (1-for-8) since '06 vs. Phillies starter Cliff Lee
Top MLB streakers
Dan Uggla: 25 games
Freddie Freeman: 18 games
Adrian Gonzalez: 13 games
Hideki Matsui: 12 games
Yadier Molina: 12 games
Ryan Zimmerman: 12 games
Home Run Beat the Streak pick:
Ian Kinsler: 2 career home runs vs. Tigers starter Brad Penny
21 Comments
M. Young for 18.
For me: Mr.-Blue-Eyes-that-effects-my-performance-during-daytime (aka Hamilton)
Maybe he's wearing sunglasses or tinted contacts? 1st AB hit
Yay, Keep it going.
At least my guy walked, so no official AB yet.
LaV's List
Thursday's Top Picks of the current Top2500,
116 Batters picked overall
Batter, Times Picked, Percentage
Michael Young 242 9.78 (5TH)
Adrian Gonzalez 229 9.25 (3RD)(5TH)
Matt Holliday 214 8.65
Miguel Cabrera 124 5.01 (2ND)
Josh Hamilton 114 4.61 GOOD
Evan Longoria 98 3.96
Alexi Casilla 81 3.27 DL
Jacoby Ellsbury 77 3.11
Dustin Pedroia 76 3.07
Adam Jones 65 2.63
Melky Cabrera 54 2.18
Nick Punto 39 1.58 (3RD) DL
Starlin Castro 38 1.54 (5TH)
No Selection 35 1.41
Carl Crawford 10 0.40 (1RST)
Highest "No Selection" 😛 pg# 11 with streak of 16 back to zero.
Yesterday's Top2500 Reset rate was 12.37% with MELKY reseting the most.
There was also 13.83% PPD due to players not playing, These streakers do not reset, but did not increase either,
7.19% —> 178 picks of these were intentional DL/inj picks.
Got Pinched OR 1/2 AB Wonders
TOP2500 saved or reset by PHA (going to include any pinch hitters and/or double switch, 2 AB or Less)
J Jay STL, RESET 2, WERE 12,11 GAMERS
R Johnson CHC, RESET 1, WAS 11 GAMER
Bloggers Group Top2500
UserName, Streak, Page#, Rank, Pick, (Times picked in top2500)
gpearson17, 17, pg 6, 104, MIKE YOUNG (PICKED 242X)
box86rowh, 16, pg 9, 196, A-GONE (PICKED 229X)
jonhilliard, 16, pg 10, 196, MELKY (PICKED 54X)
trixiewright, 12, pg 36, 819, BUTLER (PICKED 17X)
Bloggers Reset Yesterday
GL to all
Elvisssss. Onto tomorrow.
Young gets me to 18! Now I can focus on my wife in labor (true story — we're at the hospital right now!).
Haha. Awesome man. Congrats on 18 and congrats on the soon to be new addition.
Thanks. I'm hoping to have his college paid for in about 39 days. (haha)
Even if you have to sacrifice, raise him right, raise him as a Cubs fan 😛
Oh, no! My dad and sister would love that. My house is a Reds house all the way. But I will teach him how to hate the Cardinals…
🙂 at least you two can agree on that.
Keith I've always wondered how you were a cubs fan livin MO ( I think I remember u saying you live just outside StL.)
Born & raised in Chicago. After retiring from U.S. Air Force, relocated to town just outside of St.Louis – good money. Trust me when I say it can be very painful this time of the year; especially when Cubs doing poor & Cards are not. Did have a couple good years a little while back, but they are far too few & between.
** too few & far between 😦
As for team loyalty. I can say I've never seen one of these anywhere in my vicinity, except on my car. I live in constant fear of vandalism
Well pending extras, leader just bitthe dust thanks to Crawford.
Think so. But new leader has chance at a 30-gamer tomorrow


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Gift Guide
Finding the perfect gift can be tough, but the pilots at Sporty's are here to help. Check out our comprehensive gift guide, where you can shop by pilot rating or by price range. From the latest in iPad accessories to unique aviation memorabilia, our gift guide is packed with unique ideas they haven't seen before. Have questions? Email us: firstname.lastname@example.com
Garmin D2 Delta S Watch in White/Rose Gold (White Band 42mm )4684AFREE Shipping!$899.00The fourth generation of Garmin's popular D2 aviator watch includes a sleeker model for women. Learn More


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Obama, Boehner meet on "fiscal cliff"
Updated 7:20 p.m. ET
As the "fiscal cliff" negotiations have seemed to hit a stalemate, President Obama and House Speaker John Boehner met for 50 minutes at the White House this afternoon, their third in-person meeting on the issue and their first since Sunday.
"The President and Speaker had a frank meeting in the oval office tonight," Boehner spokesman Brendan Buck said in a statement. "There will be no further readout of the meeting, but lines of communication remain open."
Before their meeting, Boehner forcefully argued that the discussion over the "fiscal cliff" shouldn't be about raising taxes but cutting spending and that is what's holding up any prospects of a deal.
"It's clear the president is just not serious about cutting spending. But spending is the problem," Boehner said at a news conference earlier today. "The president wants to pretend spending isn't the problem. That's why we don't have an agreement."
The president later told Minneapolis CBS affiliate WCCO that he's "hopeful that we can get this resolved. It shouldn't be hard to get resolved."
"I'm willing to do a lot more cuts in spending, we also need to pair it up with a little revenue. ... Couple two dollars of spending cuts for one dollar of revenue," he continued.
Republicans are demanding that President Obama agree to more spending cuts. The main components of the president's latest offer includes $600 billion in cuts with $1.4 trillion in tax increases. The Republican offer, meanwhile, is the opposite. It includes $800 billion in revenue increases and $1.4 trillion in spending cuts.
Boehner also said criticized the president's deal for including spending proposals. "[T]hey've put some spending cuts on the table, [but] unfortunately the new stimulus spending they want almost out strips all of the spending cuts that they have outlined," he said.
Mr. Obama said he understands "they have a philosophical objection; on the other hand, we're willing to make some really tough decisions about spending cuts."
"My sense is, it's less and issue of trust; I think that this has more to do with politics. You know, I think the idea of not raising taxes has become sort of a religion for a lot of members of the Republican Party.
"I think Speaker Boehner has a contentious caucus, as his caucus is tough on him sometimes, and so he's constantly... doesn't want to look like he's giving in to me somehow, because that might hurt him in his own caucus. There are real philosophical differences on issues," the president told WCCO.
The president appears to be winning the public relations debate as polls have consistently shown that Republicans will bear the brunt of the blame if no deal is reached on the "fiscal cliff."
While the president says the election results show that the public is on his side to increase taxes on the wealthy, Boehner disputes that sentiment. "[T]he election wasn't a mandate to raise taxes on small businesses, it was a mandate for both parties to work together," he said.
When pressed by CBS News correspondent Nancy Cordes about his resistant to raising the tax rate on the wealthy, Boehner replied: "Raising tax rates will hurt small businesses at a time when we're expecting small businesses to be the engine of job creation in America."
While Boehner continues to resist tax increases, rank-and-file Republicans are publicly admitting that tax rates, at least on top earners, are likely to increase. The president will "get his wish," Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., said today on "CBS This Morning."
More than a half-dozen Senate Republicans have now said publicly their party does not have the leverage or public opinion on their side on this issue, and that they should just give in and move on, Cordes reports. But House Republicans are more insistent, and even if Speaker Boehner does compromise in the end, he needs to show his conference he held out as long as possible.
Prior to Boehner's remarks, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., sharply criticized the Republican latest counter-proposal saying it "had more signatures than ideas."
"It had, like, one number," Pelosi said on its lack of specifics.
On the debate over how to deal with entitlement spending, the president has indicated a willingness to raise the eligibility age of Medicare from 65 to 67 but Pelosi once again laid down different boundaries. "Don't even think about raising the Medicare age," she said.
Spending is also not the only area Boehner would like to see the president budge. He wants the president to forgo his demand that the debt ceiling be lifted. But White House spokesperson Jay Carney said the U.S. needs to pay its debts.
"Congress controls the purse strings," Carney said. "It's about paying bills that Congress incurred."
Pelosi said a deal must be reached in the next couple of days or by next week for the "fiscal cliff" to be averted before Jan 1.


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Eye Care & Protection
Teens should have an eye exam to detect eye health issues at an early stage and possibly prevent those issues from becoming a more serious concern. Teenagers should also understand that eye exams can detect other underlying medical issues, and that having certain health issues, such as diabetes, can impact their eye health.
Click here to familiarize teenagers with what they can expect during their eye exam.


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Listen free for 30 days
The Enlightened Despots
But where did it come from? How, in the middle of one of the most corrupt centuries of all time, could a small group of monarchs suddenly become infatuated with the thinking of an even smaller group of eccentric intellectuals? On the face of it, it seems highly improbable. At the beginning of the 18th century, kings ruled by the divine right of God Almighty, and were answerable only to God. Near the end of the same century, they still ruled by the grace of God...but now they were answerable to the people they ruled. This was the era of the Great Awakening of the common man. The consequences were to be momentous for the world. For it was from the works of the Philosophes that the French Revolution would germinate, and it was from the French Revolution that the ultimate Enlightened Despot would emerge...Napoleon Bonaparte.
What listeners say about The Enlightened Despots
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
- Mair
- 05-04-10
really enjoyed this book
Its a great listen, really kept my interest all the way through, and it was great to get a light approach to what might have been a 'heavy' subject. Its informative on history and philosophy. The narrator might sound a bit serious, but is clear and lilting.
- Thomas Family
- 09-07-08
Interesting I suppose
The content of this book was very interesting, but unfortunately the way it was read just sent me to sleep so I never got the full benefits of the facts.
- Neil Chisholm
- 26-06-13
Leaders that could have done better!
Enlightened Despots is a bit of an oxymoron but compared with the monarchs that ruled before they were much more of the time and had a humanity about them that previous monarchs and leaders had not. They were still however despotic leaders.
What comes out is that they tried and tried hard - they read the relevant texts by Voltaire etc and were true in their belief of a fair go but they were also determined to hold onto their inherited throwns and empires come what may.
The clashes were monumental and very interesting when broken down. It is worth listening to. The world was a better place after their reigns - but they could have been even better but holding on to what they knew meant that they didn't go that step too far. How different European history could have been.
7 people found this helpful
- neilium
- 24-11-14
great subject, overwrought prose, terrible reading
Any additional comments?
The subject is fascinating and worth exploring. The modern world is a continuing echo of the Enlightenment, and the despotic leaders profiled in this book are of no small importance to any student of history. That said, the writing style is overwrought and too clever by half. The narrator's performance is a bizarre attempt at goofball entertainment, with a cheeseball "voice of God" reverb used in place of quotes. The overall effect is embarrassing.
4 people found this helpful
- Anonymous User
- 09-03-07
Very Interesting
A very interesting view of englightenment and the Despotic rulers of the Day.
9 people found this helpful


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Poll: Your Favorite Scripting Language?last updated in Categories Ask nixCraft, C Programming, Linux, Perl, php, Poll, programming, python, Shell scripting, Sys admin, UNIX
Like most sys admin, I'm lazy. I try to automate almost all things in order to save time. Inexperienced sys admin and help desk staff working under me finds all these tools useful. It saves their time and avoids security issues. Automation allows help desk staff to do things that they don't have enough direct system knowledge to do themselves. However, selecting correct tool and applying correct methodology is very important.
Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.


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Shortages: Water supplies in crisis
Over the past 40 years the world's population has doubled. Our use of water has quadrupled. Yet the amount of water on Earth has stayed the same.
Less than 1% of the water on planet blue is for humans to drink.
About 2% is locked up in ice. The rest is for the fish.
Seawater is only good to drink for humans who live near the sea and can afford the cash and the energy to take out the salt.
For most of the population this is not an option.
Desalinated water costs maybe 15 times more than regular water. It burns polluting fossil fuel energy, as solar-powered desalination is in its infancy.
No, most places will have to live with the water they've got.
Many countries are awash; they'll be fine. Others are desperately mining fossil H2O that seeped into rocks during the last ice age.
And as underground supplies run dry, water shortage sets in.
Large parts of Africa, Asia and Europe, including the south east of Britain are categorised by the UN as facing water stress or scarcity.
And for all the UN's recent boast about hitting drinking water targets, experts estimate that maybe three billion people worldwide still lack safe water to drink.
And it might get worse with climate change, although scientists' projections of future rainfall are notoriously cloudy.
The global capital of water shortage is Sana'a in Yemen. It's a city of two million people who fight to get water from tankers by the jerry can. Their boreholes are running dry.
But this water crisis like so many others is an act of man not an act of god.
Because, as in most developing countries, 90% of water is used for agriculture, in Yemen, much of it to grow the stimulant qat.
And experts insist that if farmers had used water more carefully there would still have been enough to go round.
If countries like Yemen are to tackle their water shortages they will need more skill in politics than in cloud-seeding.
Sustainable water depends on several factors: establishing with people who owns the water; who will pay for it and how much; and that the water is finite and therefore has to be limited.
In many places, people also have to accept that water is the ultimate recyclable resource and re-using it is the only choice.
Upstream privileges
The politics stretches from macro to micro. Many countries dependent on shared rivers like the Tigris, Euphrates, Nile, Brahmaputra, Ganges, Mekong.
In an ideal world, the mountainous up-river nations where the rain falls would use it for hydro-electric then send it downstream to grow crops on the fertile plains in a neighbouring land.
But this isn't an ideal world and often the up-river nations simply hog it and try to grow crops inefficiently themselves. The UN has proved mostly powerless to intervene.
At a micro level, there's often an intractable unhealthy embrace between land, money and power. In many developing countries farmers grab 90% of water supplies and hold politicians in thrall.
In a future of water security they'll have to pay the proper amount for the water they use.
Australia has led the way with water trading. The water in the rivers of the Murray-Darling basin has been turned into a tradeable commodity.
Paying by the gallon focuses the farmer's mind on water saving technology. But even that isn't enough. The World Bank says if farmers install water-saving drip-feed technology they simply irrigate more land unless politicians find the courage to tell them that water is limited.
Thirsty lawns
Even America is having to deal with the notion that you can't always get everything you want. Las Vegas pays people to dig up their thirsty lawns forever. But water rationing schemes immediately face political flak.
In the UK, civil engineers want to introduce a sliding tariff so people who water their lawns or their cars pay much more than others who just want to shower, cook and drink with their H2O.
Sometimes it takes a crisis or perception of a crisis to unlock the politics.
When Japanese troops invaded in Singapore they blew up the pipes bringing water from Malaysia. The Singaporeans have been jumpy about water ever since and have overcome objections to recycling their water - the so-called toilet to tap method long adopted in Europe.
Technology has helped before and will again. Three thousand years ago, India started installing a system of ponds and tanks to capture monsoon rains and allow them to replenish aquifers below. Many are now being repaired.
Future technologies include new forms of osmosis systems for desalination; GM microbes to help turn sewage back into drinking water; and new strains of seeds that don't require so much water in the first place.
Countries may have to run into crisis before the politics unjams for many of these solutions. But the solutions are there. For most places on the planet, a water crisis is eminently avoidable, if we can find the cash and particularly the resolve to do it.


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A novel, single-amplification PCR targeting mitochondrial genome highly sensitive and specific in diagnosing malaria among returned travellers in Bergen, Norway
(BioMed Central, 2013-01-22)
Background: Nested PCR is a commonly used technique in diagnosis of malaria owing to its high sensitivity and specificity. However, it is time-consuming, open to considerable risk of contamination and has low cost-efficiency. ...


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Geometric ring with twenty one round diamonds set in 14k Rose Gold.
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