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Texas Governor George W. Bush:
An Inventory of Governor George W. Bush Budget and Planning Office Records Located at the George W. Bush Presidential Library, 1967-2000, undated, bulk 1990-2000
Agency History
The governor of Texas is the chief executive officer of the state, elected by the citizens every four years. The duties and responsibilities of the governor include serving as commander-in-chief of the state's military forces; convening special sessions of the legislature for specific purposes; delivering to the legislature at the beginning of each regular session a report on the condition of the state, an accounting of all public money under the governor's control, a recommended biennial budget, an estimate of the amounts of money required to be raised by taxation, and any recommendations he deems necessary; signing or vetoing bills passed by the legislature; and executing the laws of the state. The governor can grant reprieves and commutations of punishment and pardons, upon the recommendation of the Board of Pardons and Paroles, and revoke conditional pardons. He appoints numerous public officials (with the consent of the Senate), fills vacancies in state and district offices (except vacancies in the legislature), calls special elections to fill vacancies in the legislature, fills vacancies in the United States Senate until an election can be held, and serves as ex officio member of several state boards.
The office of governor was first established by the Constitution of 1845 and superseded the office of president of the Republic of Texas. The position now exists under authority of Article IV, Section 1 of the Constitution of 1876 and Texas Government Code, Chapter 401. To be elected governor, a person must be at least thirty years old, a United States citizen, and a resident of Texas for at least five years preceding the election. In 1972, the term of office was extended from two to four years, effective in 1975. Since 1856 the governor has had the use of the Governor's Mansion.
In 1999 there were 198 full time equivalent employees in the Office of the Governor. Thirteen divisions outside of the Executive Office assist the governor in carrying out his functions: Administration, Appointments, Budget and Planning, Communications, General Counsel, Legislative, Policy, Scheduling, Criminal Justice Division, Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities, Office of Film, Music, Television and Multimedia Industries, Women's Commission, and Texas Council on Workforce and Economic Competitiveness.
The Texas Office of the Governor's Budget and Planning Office advises the Governor regarding state fiscal matters. The office also prepares the Governor's biennial budget recommendations to the Legislature, monitors state appropriations and operations, analyzes fiscal and economic issues, and performs other duties determined by the Governor. The budget office assigns each agency a budget analyst who serves as the contact point between the agency and the Governor's Office for the following issues: strategic planning; performance measurement; agency operating budgets; appropriations requests; consultant contract notifications and findings of fact; federal grant designations; emergency/deficiency grant requests; and other appropriations bill requirements.
From 1995 to 2000, Albert Hawkins was Texas State Budget Director for Governor George W. Bush. In this capacity, he headed the Budget and Planning Office, served as the chief advisor to the Governor on state fiscal issues, oversaw the development of the Governor's state budget, and represented the Governor before the Legislature on budgetary matters. Dale Craymer, the former Director of Budget and Planning under Texas Governor Ann Richards, briefly served as Deputy Director until he was replaced by Wayne R. Roberts. Several Group Directors, responsible for such broad areas as Health and Human Services and Governmental Services, worked under the Deputy Director, while the individual budget analysts appear to have worked under the Group Directors. Following the 2000 presidential election, Deputy Director Roberts became Acting Director as Hawkins prepared for the move to Washington D.C.
Grants Team Background
The Texas Legislature established a State Grant Writing Team in the Office of State Federal Relations in 1991 (Senate Bill 3, 72nd Legislature, First Called Session, 1991). In 1995, this Team became part of the Texas Governor's Budget and Planning Office (House Bill 1399, 74th Legislature, Regular Session, 1995). The Grants Team monitors the federal, state, and private funding information resources and alerts state legislators, state agencies, non-profit organizations, all subdivisions of government and individuals to funding opportunities. The Grants Team, specifically: 1) provides technical assistance on federal funding matters to state agencies, subdivisions of government, Texas legislators, non-profit agencies, and individuals; 2) provides counseling on the availability and means of obtaining federal, state, and private funding assistance; 3) identifies federal and state funding opportunities and responds to inquiries about federal policies and agencies; 4) provides proposal writing support and review of applications; 5) collects and analyzes performance data from state agencies on maximizing federal funds; 6) compiles and distributes the Grant Alert, a fax newsletter about funding opportunities; 7) maintains a clearinghouse of information on the availability of federal, state, and private grants; 8) identifies and facilitates opportunities for collaboration among state agencies to seek federal discretionary funds; and 9) provides proposal writing training on a cost sharing basis. By law, the state Grants Team may charge fees to recover service costs.
The State Single Point of Contact is co-located with the Grants Team and provides grant applicants with information on how to comply with the intergovernmental review requirements of Federal Executive Order 12372 and the Texas Review and Comment System. During Bush's administration, all targeted grant applications (and responses) that were subject to statewide or regional review and had been or would be submitted to the federal government were routed to the Single Point of Contact. The Texas Review and Comment System [TRACS], run by the Grants Team, provides state and local officials with opportunities to comment on state plans, applications for state or federal financial assistance, and environmental impact statements related to projects or funding that affect their jurisdictions before the proposals are approved or funded. For further information on Texas grant and contract management see Texas Government Code, Title 7, Chapter 783: Uniform Grant and Contract Management. This chapter may be cited as the Uniform Grant and Contract Management Act.
Staff members in 1996 were (with their areas of responsibility): Denise Francis, Director - child care, criminal justice, employment and job training, health and human services, law enforcement and public safety, mental health, and substance abuse; Ron Ayer, Grants Analyst - agriculture, business development, disabilities, economic development, housing and homeless issues, telecommunications, and transportation; (by 1999 his responsibilities had evolved into disabilities, homeless issues, mental health, and telecommunications and he seems to have been doing a substantial amount of proposal review and grant writing training workshops); Clair Burleson, Research Assistant - academic research, education, energy, environment, historic preservation, Indian affairs, parks/recreation, and youth (non-incarcerated); and Mary Helen Rositas, Administrative Technician - compiled and managed the Grant Alert; database maintenance, document handling and administrative support; and maintenance of reports from state agencies on receipt of federal funds. By 1999 Clair Burleson seems to have left and the following staff members had been added: Jennifer Fisher, Grants Analyst - agriculture, rural development, business development, economic development, housing, and transportation; and Rita Stephan, Grants Analyst - academic research, education, energy, environment, historic preservation, Indian affairs, parks/recreation, and youth (non-incarcerated). Over time, other staff members and interns seem to have included Debra Mills, Reagan Swank, Matt Salazar, Maria Hernandez, Joe Castillo, Andres Alcantar, and others. Tom Adams was the State Single Point of Contact.
(Sources include: Guide to Texas State Agencies, 9th and 10th eds., (1996 and 1999); the contents of the records; and versions of the Governor's Office web site during Governor Bush's term available on the Internet Archive at http://web.archive.org/web/*/http://www.governor.state.tx.us, accessed on March 3, 2009.)
George W. Bush Biographical Sketch
George W. Bush served as governor of Texas from January 17, 1995 to December 21, 2000, resigning as governor in the middle of his second term to become president of the United States.
He challenged the incumbent governor, Democrat Ann Richards, running on promises to improve public education and to reform the juvenile justice system, welfare, and the state's tort laws -- the system under which an injured person may sue for damages. During the 74th Legislature in 1995, he worked with the Democrats who controlled both houses of the Texas legislature and managed to get bills passed that dealt with the four issues he had emphasized in his campaign. Bush was seen as pro-business and a consensus-builder.
Bush advocated and signed the two largest tax cuts to date in Texas history, totaling over $3 billion. To pay for the cuts, he sought (unsuccessfully) federal approval of a plan to privatize Texas' social services. Education reform was a priority throughout his terms, with legislation emphasizing local control of schools, higher standards, and a revised curriculum. Controversy has followed, with charter schools mired in financial scandals and protests against one test determining a child's promotion. After winning reelection in 1998, Bush began his bid for the presidency and was not as involved in the 76th Legislature in 1999.
George W. Bush was born July 6, 1946 in New Haven, Connecticut and grew up in Midland and Houston, Texas. He graduated from Andover Academy, and received a bachelor's degree from Yale University and a master's from Harvard Business School. He served as a pilot in the Texas Air National Guard. In 1978, Bush was defeated in a run for the U.S. Congress in West Texas. He was involved in energy exploration from the 1970s into the 1980s. From 1989 until his election as governor, Bush worked with the Texas Rangers baseball organization, leading a group of partners in purchasing the team, and then serving as managing general partner. He married Laura Welch in 1977; they have two daughters.
(Sources include: Versions of the Governor's Office web site during Governor Bush's term available on the Internet Archive at http://web.archive.org/web/*/http://www.governor.state.tx.us, accessed on March 3, 2009.)
Scope and Contents of the Records
During Texas Governor George W. Bush's term, the Budget and Planning Office advised the Governor regarding state fiscal matters, prepared the Governor's biennial budget recommendations to the Legislature, monitored state appropriations and operations, analyzed fiscal and economic issues, and performed other duties determined by the Governor. Administrative correspondence, budget development files, statewide cost allocation plans, Grants Team records, and publications were created and/or maintained by the Budget and Planning Office in the course of developing and carrying out budgets and plans for funding Texas state government during the terms of Texas Governor George W. Bush. Types of materials include correspondence, memoranda, tracking slips, reports, statements, plans, proposals, manuals, opinions, printed material, legal documents, questionnaires, contracts, organization charts, notes, publications, memoranda of agreement, executive orders, bylaws, policies and procedures, drafts, budgets, legislative records, speeches, clippings, 3.5-inch floppy disks, and audiocassette tapes, dating 1967 to 2000 and undated, bulk 1990 to 2000, created and/or maintained by the Texas Governor's Budget and Planning Office during the terms of George W. Bush. Albert Hawkins was the Director of the Budget and Planning Office during Bush's terms in office.
Administrative correspondence comprise the Budget and Planning Office "central files" and contain predominantly incoming and outgoing letters and memoranda that passed between the Budget and Planning staff and various other staff members in the Governor's Office, state agencies, federal agencies, corporations and consultants, state legislators and members of Congress, and various public officials. The subjects of the correspondence concern the development of the state budget and the financial needs and plans of Texas agencies and other state funded institutions, including appropriations, exempt salary issues, consultant contracts pursuant to Wagner-Peyser 7(b) allocations (a program providing employment-related services to veterans), emergency grants, applications for federal funds, allocation of additional full-time, part-time, and temporary employees, receipt of grant funds and other payments from federal bodies, Year 2000 transition costs, and disaster funding. General subjects include welfare to work, tax reform, the funding of public education and distressed communities, and managed care. A few memoranda concern internal Budget and Planning Office polices.
Records found in the State budget development files aid in documenting the development of the Texas state budget and were submitted by various state agencies to fulfill the reporting requirements of the General Appropriations Acts (House Bills 1) of the 74th and 75th Legislatures. The materials specifically concern, and can include copies of, rules review plans, biennial operating plans, capital acquisition statements and requests, salary level information, fee and tax collection income reports, cost containment reports, position classification statements, exceptional item funding requests, employee bonuses in return for Year 2000 conversion activities, service and population category information, contract approval requests, lawsuit notifications, and various other subjects. Correspondence is frequently addressed to Albert Hawkins, but was logged and handled by the office staff, as indicated by the logging/tracking forms attached to the letters. The role of the Legislative Budget Board in the budget development process can be discerned in some of the materials. A few documents concerning agency exempt salary plans date from the term of Texas Governor Ann Richards and were written by Dale Craymer, her Director of Budget and Planning.
Records in the Statewide cost allocation plans series concern the creation of plans that track the state's indirect costs and the recovery of those costs for the purpose of satisfying federal grant guidelines. The cost allocation plans were prepared by David M. Griffith & Associates, LTD and by KPMG Peat Marwick. Additional training materials, manuals, and proposals were submitted by David M. Griffith & Associates, LTD. Correspondence and attachments concern the plans and particularly involve communications with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the agency designated by OMB (U.S. Office of Management and Budget) as the cognizant agency responsible for negotiating indirect, fringe benefit (and other specialty) rates and issuing related rate agreements for a significant number of organizations receiving federal awards. Budget and Planning Office Grant's Team staff member Tom Adams figures prominently in the majority of the correspondence. Major subjects of concern in the records center around costs that the federal government disallowed, particularly charges regarding the Capitol Complex Telephone System and the Uniform Group Insurance Program (UGIP). Some of the materials date from the terms of Texas Governors William P. Clements and Ann Richards and involve Budget and Planning Directors Sheila Beckett and Dale Craymer.
Property tax relief records are written testimony, public testimony registration cards, sign-in sheets, audiocassette tapes of public hearings, and correspondence, 1976 to 1996, bulk 1996, created, received, or maintained by the Governor's Office of Budget and Planning, which provided administrative support to the Citizen's Committee on Property Tax Relief. The committee was created by Texas Governor George W. Bush to explore ways to reduce property taxes. The Staff Work Group on Property Tax Relief, composed of designees of Governor Bush, Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock, House Speaker Pete Laney, and Comptroller John Sharp, was created to develop possible replacements for the school property tax without providing recommendations. Registration cards include the names of individuals testifying at hearings held by the citizen's committee, title and address of those testifying, who they represent, and the location of the public hearing. Hearings were held in Amarillo, Beaumont, Corpus Christi, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Harlingen, Houston, Lubbock, San Antonio, Tyler, and Wichita Falls. Testimony was presented by state officials; former state officials; representatives of organizations, businesses, and agriculture; and home owners, including those on fixed incomes. Correspondence was sent by individuals unable to attend the hearings.
The Grants Team monitors the federal, state, and private funding information resources and alerts state legislators, state agencies, non-profit organizations, all subdivisions of government and individuals to funding opportunities. Records of the Grants Team include correspondence, memoranda, letters and memoranda of agreement, grant reference materials, casework, executive orders, strategic plans, evaluations, reports, publications, bylaws, policies and procedures, manuals, printed materials, calendars, drafts, budgets, performance measures, legislative records, speeches, opinions, clippings, web page printouts, forms, organization charts, mailing lists, notes, telephone directories, travel and purchase records, and 3.5-inch floppy disks that date 1967 to 2000 and were maintained by the Grants Team in the Texas Office of the Governor's Budget and Planning Office during the tenure of George W. Bush.
Grants Team records of assistance to regional planning commissions, dating 1967 to 1999, document the activities of the administrations of all Texas governors from John Connally to George W. Bush in the origination, development, and functioning of Texas' regional assistance funding program and regional planning commissions. Staff member Tom Adams figures prominently in the records from the 1990s. Initial records contain founding executive orders and governing legislation, Attorney General opinions, speeches, early policies and procedures, proposals, rationales, and reports concerning the regional council/commission system and its relationship to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 701 program. The redelineation files concern the biennial reviews, beginning in 1971, of state planning region boundaries by the Governor's Office. The general files contain information about all of the regional planning councils, such as funding allocation formulas, general correspondence, requests for project funds, and the 1996 quarterly/annual reports for all of the councils. The final section of records consists of files for each of the individual planning councils. The files generally include reports, correspondence, and other information submitted to enable the councils to receive state planning assistance funds.
Denise Francis' files cover a wide range of subjects handled as head of the Grants Team. Staff casework records respond to requests for assistance in locating and obtaining grant funds. Training files document workshops presented by Grants Team staff around Texas from 1998 to 2000. Agency strategic plans and reports, 1995-1996, seem to have been submitted in 1996 in accordance with the responsibility of the Texas Governor's Budget and Planning office's Grants Team to collect and analyze performance data from state agencies on maximizing federal funds.
The records of the Budget and Planning Office include eight publications maintained in that office during the terms of George W. Bush. The publications concern proposed Texas state budgets, a budget policy message to the 74th Legislature in the form of a published speech, statewide strategic planning elements from 1998 and 2000, and property tax relief.
Restrictions on Access
Because of the possibility that portions of these records fall under Public Information Act exceptions including, but not limited to, information within the attorney-client privilege (V.T.C.A., Government Code Section 552.107); agency memoranda and working papers (V.T.C.A., Government Code Section 552.111); a citizen and a legislator and/or lieutenant governor (V.T.C.A., Government Code, Chapter 306); social service recipients (V.T.C.A, Human Resources Code, Title 2 - Department of Human Services and Department of Protective and Regulatory Services, Section 12.003); home addresses, phone numbers, social security numbers, and personal family information of government employees and officials (V.T.C.A., Government Code, Section 552.117); e-mail addresses (V.T.C.A., Government Code, Section 552.136); account numbers (V.T.C.A., Government Code, Section 552.136); government information related to security issues for computers (V.T.C.A., Government Code, Section 552.136); Texas drivers license numbers (V.T.C.A., Government Code, Section 552.130); and proprietary and trade secret information that may be subject to V.T.C.A. Texas Government Code Section 552.110, an archivist must review these records before they can be accessed for research. The records may be requested for research under the provisions of the Public Information Act (V.T.C.A., Government Code, Chapter 552). The researcher may request an interview with an archivist or submit a request by mail (Texas State Library and Archives Commission, P. O. Box 12927, Austin, TX 78711), fax (512-463-5436), email (email@example.com), or see our web page (https://www.tsl.state.tx.us/requestgovernorbushrecords.html). Include enough description and detail about the information requested to enable the archivist to accurately identify and locate the information requested. (Note: The Governor's Office has requested that the State Archives contact the Public Information Coordinator for the Governor's Office when we receive a Public Information Act request for these records.) If our review reveals information that may be excepted by the Public Information Act, we are obligated to seek an open records decision from the Attorney General on whether the records can be released. The Public Information Act allows the Archives ten working days after receiving a request to make this determination. The Attorney General has 45 working days to render a decision. Alternately, the Archives can inform you of the nature of the potentially excepted information and if you agree, that information can be redacted or removed and you can access the remainder of the records.
Records series described in this finding aid have access restrictions specific to each of them. The terms of access are found following the series' descriptions.
Restrictions on Use
Most records created by Texas state agencies are not copyrighted. State records also include materials received by, not created by, state agencies. Copyright remains with the creator. The researcher is responsible for complying with U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17 U.S.C.).
Technical Requirements
Records contain information on 3.5-inch computer disks. Researchers wishing to view any of the information on the disks should consult with Archives staff and be aware that these disks may or may not still be readable. Some information on the disks may be exempted from disclosure under the Texas Public Information Act.
To obtain equipment to listen to the audiocassettes, please contact Archives staff.
Related Material
Administrative Information
Preferred Citation
(Identify the item and cite the series), Texas Governor George W. Bush Budget and Planning Office records. Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
Accession Information
Accession numbers: 2002/151, 2005/144
In December 2000, Governor George W. Bush designated the George Bush Presidential Library as the repository for the records from his tenure as Governor of Texas, under authority of Texas Government Code, Section 441.201. Shortly after he left office, the records were shipped to the Bush Library in College Station, Texas. Texas Attorney General John Cornyn ruled the records are state records subject to the Texas Public Information Act and the management of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission even after transfer to a federal facility (Opinion No. JC-0498, May 3, 2002). In July 2002 the records were transferred from the Bush Library to the Texas State Archives in Austin for preparation for research use. In June 2003, a memorandum of understanding signed by representatives of the National Archives and Records Administration, the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, and George W. Bush replaced a January 2002 interim memorandum of understanding. Additional material was transferred to the Archives and Information Services Division of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission by the Texas Office of the Governor on May 18, 2005. The records were moved to the George W. Bush Presidential Library in February 2013.
Processing Information
Nancy Enneking, April 2003, March 2004
Tonia J. Wood, March 2007
Jessica Tucker, October 2011
Finding aid updated by Tonia J. Wood, April 2013
Detailed Description of the Records


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David Wingrove's Chung Kuo Redux
Just a shortish update/recommendation for you on the epic future history of The Whole Damn World known as Chung Kuo, written by David Wingrove. The original 8-book saga was published in the UK by New English Library between 1989 and 1997 (and was also issued by another 18 publishers throughout the world). I knew David from letters and exchanges that took place during my frantic/manic Shark Tactics days, and was lucky enough to be in on the ground floor when his 1st Chung Kuo volume, The Middle Kingdom, came out. I was immensely impressed by David's grasp of character, his meticulous and consistent world-building, and his ability to present a huge story across many storylines, all set against an epic backdrop.
I stayed with the Chung Kuo series to its star-spanning end; it was and remains practically a masterclass demonstration of the orchestration of characters and events, of human drama, flaws and nobility.
And it pleases me enormously to know that the epic of Chung Kuo, now revised and expanded, is due to be republished by Quercus Books. The saga will consist of 19 books, the first of which will be a new prequel to the entire story, showing how our world turned into the world of the 7 Tangs. The first volume is due out in May 2009 (just 2 months after your humble author's newie, Seeds Of Earth) and will continue every few months until the final volume appears at the end of 2012. I would unreservedly recommend David's work (including his partnership with Brian Aldiss in the Trillion Year Spree), so keep yer eyes peeled for it!
Since a lot of people seem to be reading this page first, I thought I`d provide a link to a later posting on Chung Kuo, which is
No related posts to recommed. Maybe later...
36 Comments already, do join in...
19 books? The eighth was a disappointment even admitted by david wingrove himself.
ms amy Says:
I have it on good authority that DW is doing quite a bit of revision. Oh, and its coming out as 19 books due to each volume published in 2 parts.
rockitboy Says:
technobabbler Says:
Yes, book 8 sucked. No I haven't read book 8 as I found that the original publisher wasn't going to pay for book 9, so David Wingrove had to add them together.
However Quercus Books is allowing David to finish his work, so his fans will finally get to read the true end.
HURRAY! Quercus Books has David Wingrove's newest book, 'When China Comes' and we should see it late next year. Also he is working on a new Chung Kuo series.
Will there be a big gap between releases? I hope not. I'd love to get them all at once so I wouldn't have to wait until 2012 for the entire set.
Jewell Says:
I think the plan is to publish a book every 5 or 6 months. Shall investigate.
rockitboy Says:
As I understand, "When China Comes" will be available in the UK in May. How will those of us in the U.S. get our hands on a copy? Will it be sold by the American Amazon.com? The reason I'm concerned is because I haven't seen it advertised anywhere, even though it's due out next month.
Oh, and David Wingrove does explain why book 8 was so weird. I can provide the website address where he explains it if anyone's interested.
Gabriel Gonzales Says:
I have had a couple of conversations with the great man hisself recently, and it turns out that the republication of the Chung Kuo saga, beginning with the prequel, will now take place next year, perhaps late spring 2010. Got that straight from DW. When that does come about, I imagine that there shouldnt be a problem about sourcing copies, either via Amazon or Ebay.
rockitboy Says:
Oh…okay. Thanks. I was pretty relieved two years ago when a man named Bob Newell who is also a friend of David Wingrove posted David's explanation regarding book 8 on his website. For the previous 9 years I was actually afraid that David had been in a car accident or something because after writing all of those critically acclaimed books, he seemed to have disappeared.
Thank you for the update. I don't mind waiting another year as long as I can look forward to reading the upcoming books sometime. Whenever you talk to David again I would definitely appreciate you asking him whether Quercus is also willing to eventually publish the time travel epic that David wrote.
Gabriel Gonzales Says:
Dave Says:
I've heard from Quercus that Atlantic Books in the UK now have the ball for publishing the set. This falling down, or lack of interest, on Quercus' part IS discouraging.
Can't really go into details, but I urge you not to be discouraged. Matters are afoot.
rockitboy Says:
Dave Says:
See? Even the most cryptic remark can raise my spirits!
Um……are you David Wingrove? If you are, OMG! You're my favorite living author (my favorite dead author is John Milton)! I've always wanted to thank you personally for writing the Chung Kuo novels. They are such a breath of fresh air from all of the politically correct tripe we're always inundated with from the entertainment industry. The story is very disturbing in a good way. That is, it makes people THINK! One of my favorite scenes in the entire saga is when Li Yuan asks his father, "Are we good men or evil men?" That scene just totally puts the reader on the spot with a question that is VERY difficult to answer. Many stories (and especially movies) are very condescending in that they make a good guy VERY good and a bad guy VERY bad so that the audience don't have to struggle with any moral dilemmas. It is a huge compliment you have paid to your readers' maturity level to constantly present us with moral dilemmas in your books. Please continue to do so.
Your time travel epic sounds AWESOME! From your letter on Bob Newell's site I gather that it revolves around chess the way Chung Kuo revolves around weiji. I cannot WAIT to read it!
Anyway, I guess I just made an ass out of myself if you're not David Wingrove but just another fan who happens to be named "Dave." Thanks for reading all of this anyway, though.
Gabriel Gonzales Says:
Gabe – if I were DW, I would be a better writer, betcha! I have known David since about 1987 and he has been a great source of inspiration to me, both personally and professionally (in that his work is, as I've said before, a masterclass in writing). As I hinted above, some seriously major developments are in the offing, including a net-tastic website which DW hopes to get up and running by the autumn. And that will the global infohub of the Wingrove Milieu, for all your Chung Kuo needs!
afterthought – ah, right, I see, you were replying to the guy above whose handle is 'Dave'. No, he's not DW either.
rockitboy Says:
Dave Says:
Smile. No, I'm not, but want to be when I grow up.
Of course. Well, I guess I should have figured that out.
Anyway, Dave (who's not DW after all), do you mean to tell me that Quercus has reneged on the deal? That sucks! Are these books EVER going to be published!? I really want to read that time travel epic that DW wrote.
Gabe Says:
Gabe – when the announcement is made, you'll see that recent developments were not reneging on deals. Arrangements and finalisations are in hand – blimey, I`m trying to tell you without telling you, y'dig? Also, DW is very hopeful of getting a deal likewise for the Roads To Moscow time-travel novel, which I confess to having read in an early draft, and it was stonkingly good then!
rockitboy Says:
i can't wait. hopefully there won't be anymore delays.
jewell Says:
Hmm……what I 'dig' is that you're privy to some good news that you're just not able to share quite yet. I'm okay with that, because the important thing to me at this point is that the news actually is GOOD. I can't wait to hear it.
Do you want to know how I first found out about DW? I was in a book store several years ago and found a novelization (you guys in the UK would probably spell that with an 's' instead of a 'z') of the video game 'Myst' that I was quite impressed with. The sequel entitled 'Book of Ti'anna' completely knocked my socks off, and that's why I decided to give the Chung Kuo novels a try. By this time book 7 was already mass marketed in paperback. Furthermore, I was a student in the University of Washington (majoring in China Studies, of all things) on my summer break. I basically slept all day and stayed up all night for weeks just reading one book after the other. Imagine how deeply I delved into the story, without time elapses between the first seven novels. I was glad when I finally got my hands on book 8 a while later, but the developments in that volume were a little disappointing.
I really want to see how DW will mend the bad plot twists for Chung Kuo, and I REALLY want to read Roads to Moscow. I'm a lot more familiar with chess than I am with weiji. Hopefully it will get published sooner rather than later.
Thanks again for keeping us fans abreast of the developments.
Gabe Says:
I gather from other book-industry websites that the switch in publishers wasn't directly a consequence of Quercus's lack of enthusiasm, but was fallout from the departure of the Cheathams [I prolly got the spelling wrong]{corrected}. Is it now certain that Atlantic is the new publisher? And that they will commit to the 19 book deal?
Also, I originally discovered Chung Kuo because I am such an avid collector of any fiction which has scenes of the game of go/weichi. I'm also a big fan of epic political stories, whether in the science fiction genre or mainstream, so that is what kept me engrossed, but the go referencs are what originally brought it to my attention. Perhaps those of you who know Mr. Wingrove or have read the unpublished work could let me know whether any of his other work mentions the game.
chiwito Says:
Assuming all goes according to plan (and as far as I am aware), Atlantic Books do intend to publish the full 19 book sequence, which will include the prequel, formerly entitled 'When China Comes' but which I am reliably informed will now be called 'Son Of Heaven'.
As for GO in any of David's other works, he has written a couple of mainstream novels which have no reference, and he also wrote an epic, time-spanning novel called 'Roads To Moscow'; I was lucky enough to read an early draft and any SF fan with a taste for tales that cross the ages would love it. No mention of GO, as I recall.
rockitboy Says:
From reading David Wingrove's letter on the Bob Newell site I gather that Roads to Moscow will center around chess the way that Chung Kuo centered around weichi. I've only read his published work. What introduced me to him was his 'Myst' books (book of Ti'Ana was the best one).
Gabe Says:
So it's Atlantic Books that have picked up the torch now? Wow, we'll probably have to wait another year before MAYBE we'll see a new novel published. Then again, a year from now we'll probably just find out that we have to wait ANOTHER year due to some other change. Sorry,…I'm not in the best of moods right now.
To be honest, though, I'm a lot more interested in reading the time-travel epic than the retelling of Chung Kuo. I want to know if Atlantic, Quercus, or anyone else is going to publish Roads to Moscow (as a side note, I think that's poorly titled…it sounds like some kind of documentary about Russia that one would be forced to watch in a high school history class).
Gabe Says:
Thanks for the info, Gabe and Rockitboy. I appreciate it. I do like tales that cross the ages, and am hoping just as much as all the other Wingrove fans for the appearance of Roads to Moscow.
chiwito Says:
so, everythings gone quiet on the chung kuo front has it?
i really wish david wingrove himself would come out and clarify what the situation is regarding the republication of his books.
jewell Says:
Well, the republication process is, er, proceeding on course. I'm not privy to every last detail, but I can say that this is definitely going ahead. Details have been confirmed and yes, paperwork has been, er, exchanged. I`ll see if I can get Mr W hisself to get in here and drop a line. But in any case, by the autumn DW intends to have his own website up and running with updates and teasers and all manner of Chung Kuo goodness to keep y`all happy.
rockitboy Says:
Any more news re the Chung Kuo saga? As a fan first time round I was gutted when May passed with no Chung Kuo book.
Dave C Says:
Shall be having a chinwag with the man this weekend; see if I can winkle any definite news outa him!
rockitboy Says:
Right, what I can tell you is this – book one of the expanded saga is due for publication next year after June, perhaps late autumn (well, y'know, recession blues etc); all the books will have Ltd Edition slipcase releases, prior to publication in hardback and softback; Dave is still intending to get at least a blog of some kind up and running before the end of '09, not least because there is a LOT of background and ancillary material he wants to get onto the net for readers and fans of the series. He also told me to say how much he appreciates the loyalty of his readers, and that he will have something much more concrete to say – either here or elsewhere – in about 3 weeks time.
rockitboy Says:
It is good to hear that Mr. Wingrove will have a renewed opportunity to have his books read. I was lucky to find his original book 1 in a book store in Jimbocho, Tokyo back in early 90′s. It was a good read then, as it is now. Best of luck to all of us and Mr. Wingrove
Henry Servin Says:
Well…um…it's been a little more than 3 weeks…so is there anything more from Dave?
Gabe Says:
Gabe – I know, doesnt time gallop past? – which is quite typical for the publishing industry (for any industry-accounced deadline always add another month!) Anyhow, Dave W tells me that Atlantic/Grove should be about to make a public announcement this week, now that the Frankfurt Book Fair is over for another year.
rockitboy Says:
Oh, I get it…so then this public announcement will actually come in about a week + 1 month, right? (haha)
Gabe Says:
Yeah, something like that. Spoke with Mr W today and he's patiently waiting for some of the final, FINAL milestones to be completed before real and reliable information can be announced. I can reveal that the Chung Kuo saga will be appearing from Corvus Books, which is an imprint of Atlantic-Grove – you can download their catalogue (which mentions the first volume, Son of Heaven) from this link;
rockitboy Says:
Checked out the catalogue – DW is mentioned last page… June 2010 as the release date. Hmm… I really hope and pray this is going to come off… and the web site too.
Picked up the Middle Kingdom when it first came out… '89, Swansea University book shop (Taliesin), of all places. Read the back, liked it, bought it. Brilliant.
I've read the whole series a bunch of times… I'd reread all the books every time a new one was released. Didn't have a major problem with the The Marriage of the Living Dark – yes, it was a bit abrupt – but I liked it. That said, I'm looking forward to a more detailed version.
As for the pending releases – I want everything: limited edition versions (because I want them) plus paperback reading versions.
Come on DW!! We are so excited!
johnc Says:
Dave Says:
Nearly three months since last post. Anyone have an update?
Could 2010 be "the year"?? ;o)
More recent info on this thread:
rockitboy Says:
Feel free to join (or start!) the conversation:
Please be aware: the first time you leave a comment it will be checked and has to be approved before it appears live on the site (so there may be a short delay while we put the kettle on...)

subset: commoncrawl


text: barb65 #1 Posted July 14, 2019 I realize that to get the drink package, both people who share a cabin must purchase the Deluxe Drink Package, however, I don't drink, but my daughter does. I thought I read in one of the posts that one person could buy the Deluxe Drink Package as long as the second person bought the beverage package (or would it be better to call RCI and ask). Our first cruise on Royal so I don't know if they bend the rules.. 0 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites


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Mash House is proud to be Cumberland County's oldest continuously operating brewery. Located in the heart of Fayetteville, North Carolina, we an incredible selection of craft beers that pair perfectly with our juicy steaks and other delicious menu items. If you're looking for a unique and local place to dine or grab a few, come and experience our brewery and restaurant.
This July we are celebrating Independence Day from June 29-July 4 with our Brew. S. A. Growler special. Stop in to see us and grab 2 standard growlers for $10, 2 standard growler refills for $15, or 2 filled standard growlers for $25.
We recently joined forces with the CVB and Fayetteville's four other independent craft breweries when we participated in the Hometown Hops program, which started in April (NC Craft Beer Month) and ran until Blues-N-Brews on June 2nd. Hometown Hops helped to spread the word about our local breweries while allowing patrons to earn prizes while drinking locally brewed beer.
Be sure to follow Mash House on Facebook to keep up with different events, including weekly trivia, quarterly beer dinners, and parking lot parties.
Also, be sure to check in on our website to see which beer is currently available on our rotating taps.


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The NASCAR XFINITY Series season is officially underway! Here are some of the best sights:
Want more NASCAR? For checking us out, we're extending you a special offer for the TOYOTA OWNERS 400 on Sunday, April 24! Click here for more details.
Enter your email below and sign up for the RIR Monthly E-Newsletter! Stay up-to-date with whats going on at the track and across NASCAR


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Creamy Long Last Lip Liner
Long lasting, creamy lip liners colored from fruit pigments. Free of synthetic dyes, carmine, chemical preservatives, artificial fragrances or any other toxins. Natural, vegan and cruelty-free formulas. Use lip liners to shape your lips or to fill in for a gorgeous matte look.
Related blog post: Do You Know What's Really In Your Lipstick?


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John Brady Kiesling: Victory Through Defeat
I get a fair number of reader submissions, most of which I choose not to run. That's not meant as a knock on the submitters; their submissions are often interesting and noteworthy, but they just fail to get me inspired enough to go through the effort of posting them.
This one came in this morning from reader Alex, and I just now got around to checking out the links he sent. And was promptly blown away.
Hi, thanks for an excellent site!
Did you read an article by John Brady Kiesling in May 9th Washington Post (Outlook section)? I loved it, it has dozens of very insightful observations, and most importantly, it presents the only more or less realistic plan of ending this war with minimal damage. Here's the URL: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A10160-2004May8.html
And here's online discussion with the author: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A9164-2004May7.html
Kiesling's voice of reason is a reminder that there are actual grownups, people of intelligence and experience and integrity, in this country. Just not so much in the ranks of our current political leadership. But they do exist, and there's hope in that.


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Every week, Features Editor Alyssa Gautieri hits the archives and finds old Signals that relate to current College topics and top stories.
A student wrote an opinion for The Signal in 2001 about the College's lack of a party scene. Since the beginning, the College was never considered a party school. Even now many students would agree that the College could be more exciting on the weekends. The recent addition of Campus Town has helped to liven up the campus, but should the College be doing more to encourage students to stay on campus on the weekends?
A college town.
I think that is Princeton.
A Frat row, possibly a College Ave.
Not here, but you could try University of Maryland.
There is 7-11 around the corner, but the nightlife here isn't anything to write home about.
After going to class all week we want to have a good time. And yes, it probably does include beer.
It is not a secret that TCNJ has the weekend social life cards stacked high against them. And what it does have in its favor the students have created for themselves.
So for the part of the student body that doesn't empty out of here on Friday, there is a system in place to ensure there is little fun.
Creating and keeping the social scene alive are fraternities, sororities and the sports teams who open their houses to the student body every weekend and provide rides to all wanting to go due to the distance from campus.
Behind Travers and Wolfe Residence Halls is where herds of students wait outside to get picked up.
But the system is meeting some adversity with campus police. A few weeks ago the police blocked off the road that leads into T/W parking lot, and even threatened to arrest freshmen for loitering.
Programming is not the answer.
Please don't try to convince me programing is going to stop my peers from drinking.
The administration is concerned with underage drinking. It has to be. And yes, underage drinking is illegal. But this is college.
Many colleges and universities find a common ground. Rutgers, a public New Jersey university offers buses on the weekends that shuttle their students around safety when going out.
On a campus that is so desperate to create an environment that keeps people around, it is time to realize it is the people that keep people around. It is the socializing and the party atmosphere that keeps college kids on campuses.
The administration better smarten up and realize something has to be done to help, not hinder, the social life on this campus.


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Astralis? Team Liquid? Both individually? Both in one bet slip? We take a look at some possible combinations for your bet slip from Thursday's ESL Pro League action.
Astralis (1.30)
Astralis and Fnatic have a rich history, not just against the world but also against each other. Over 120 maps against each other, Astralis have won 60 and Fnatic 60. That's how tight their contests have been.
Astralis' sensational recent run has seen them rise to No. 1 in the world rankings. Fnatic's good form has resulted in their ascent up to No. 4. So, form isn't a great indicator of what's to come. However, there are several other factors that are decidedly in favour of Astralis, including skill, confidence, player aggression and the map match-up. Also, it might be prudent to never bet against the world No. 1.
Team Liquid (1.35)
For a world No. 2 so early in a competition, odds of 1.35 seems really good. Like Astralis, Liquid are one of the most skilled teams in the CS:GO circuit. Their form has been middling, at best, in recent times. But there is plenty of depth in their roster in Twistzz, Naf and Elige. Considering Team Liquid's propensity to cruise past opponents like Renegades, who don't quite have the same level of experience, you could even bundle Astralis and Team Liquid in a double for your bet slip, giving you combined odds of 1.76 on picklebet.
Total maps: Over 2.5 (1.93)
North haven't had a great run of form into the ESL Pro League. They have lost four of their previous five matches; two of them were against Liquid. In this match-up, however, they are the more superior team. Kjaerbye and Gade have been their go-to weapons from an aggressive standpoint.
Aristocracy, although ranked No. 30, are very capable of challenging North in this contest. Dycha, Rallen and Mouz all average in excess of 0.70 kills per round in the last three months. This should result in both teams winning at least a map each.
Singularity (2.34)
Over the last few months, Singularity have consistently improved their efficiency across maps. They have a 78% win rate in their last nine maps in Mirage, two of three wins in Inferno, a 57% win rate in their previous seven attempts in Nuke and a stunning efficiency rate of 90% wins in their last 10 maps in Overpass. While ATK are a slightly better team on paper, there is plenty of promise in this Singularity team, so much so that it's quite possible they might be hard to get past.


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If you wish to observe the Grand National in real time on the web and you're currently not in the UK then the options are restricted, but in this guidebook Im going to demonstrate ways to see the sports event live on the internet from any state on earth.
If youre in the UK then you certainly may just view go on Route 4. If youre in the UK and need to see stay on the web then you may also utilize Route 4s on-line loading support, All 4.
If youre not in the UK then the procedure is somewhat more concerned even though it isnt difficult at all and under Im going to demonstrate the straightforward approach to view the Great Nationwide stay 20-16 from everywhere on earth.
So lets learn.
If youre away from the UK and youve actually attempted to get Funnel 4s on-line buffering support All 4 then youll understand its impossible to see. Somewhat than having the capacity to see what you need youre obstructed with both an email helping you discover youre maybe not in the UK or the movie simply wont perform despite you push the perform switch.
If you wish to observe the Fantastic Countrywide stay then your just choice is on-line on Route 4 and fortunately there's a way it is possible to fake you happen to be in the UK to see stay.
What you want is a support called a VPN that enables you to protect your online privacy. Portion of the secrecy safety is the capability to surface in yet another place therefore web sites cant monitor where youre getting from.
When you see the Route 4 web site it assesses your place and when it views youre outside the UK it obstructs you from showing. With a VPN you're able to looks like you happen to be in the UK watching from any state on earth.
Fortunately VPNs are beginner-friendly and just consider a couple of clicks to setup. S O if you need to see the Grand National 2016 overseas then examine below to figure out where to grab a VPN support.
If you choose a SmartDNS solution (just for unblocking TV, no other features like traffic tunneling or anonymous surfing possible) to Stream Eurosport UK online outside UK then check the link as they have one of the best descriptions online. In the following I'll get deeper into the VPN topic.
Where to get a VPN for the Grand National
A great VPN or SmartDNS service service may price about 4-7 ($ 5-$ 10) contingent upon the length of time you register for but may permit you to see the Great Nationwide overseas and all the additional UK loading solutions like bbciplayer, Sky Go, ITV Player and so forth, s O youll have the ability to put it to use for greater than one function.
When youre loading video you need a trusted and quick VPN support otherwise youll endure cushioning and thats the final factor you want while viewing the Fantastic Nationwide particularly when youve got a wager on!
For my opinion the subsequent VPN and Smart DNS suppliers are the best choice:
– Unlocator
– IPVanish
– Overplay
– SmartDNSporxy
– ExpressVPN
The best way to utilize the VPN service
In the illustration below Im heading to direct you through the procedure on a Windows PC but-its just precisely the same on a Mac pc also. Its potential to see on a tablet PC or telephone number but youll want the Route 4 All 4 program already installed and when youre away from the UK then its not too easy.
So allows discover away tips on how to see on Windows or Apple Macintosh.
Essentially whatever you must do is down-load the software for the Windows or Mac computer in the web site of the VPN supplier you registered to. Do the installation and the connect into a UK Machine.


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Files with aia file suffix are related to the ANDI (Analytical Data Interchange).
There are 2 other file types using
the AIA file extension!
.aia - Adobe Illustrator action data
.aia - App Inventor project
AIA file extension - ANDI chromatography data
What is aia file? How to open aia files?
File type specification:
The aia file extension is related to the ANDI (Analytical Data Interchange), a format used to exchange spectrometry and chromatography data.
The aia file contains chromatography data. Seems to be obsolete.
This aia file type entry was marked as obsolete and no longer supported file format.
This type of file is no longer actively used and is most likely obsolete. This is typically the case for system files in old operating systems, file types from long discontinued software, or previous versions of certain file types (like documents, projects etc.) that were replaced in higher versions of their original programs.


text: Ocean (722) Galaxy DK Wool (17 ratings) 50g Ball £2.49 Quantity: at £2.49 each Add To Basket This is a 50g ball of Galaxy DK wool by King Cole in Ocean. It is 31% Wool, 65% Premium Acrylic & 4% Soft Payette. It is threaded with tiny sequins. It is a soft yarn that adds a touch of luxurious bling to your wardrobe. Perfect for evening & party outfits. Each ball measures approx 175 metres/191 yards. This is a special clearance offer, so the stock is limited!


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Search for Polk County, MN county jail records. A county jail search can provide information on inmate records, arrest records, parole records, jail detentions, jail bookings, incarceration records, criminal charges, bail records, court sentences, locating an inmate, criminal history records, and perform a background check.
Polk County Jails and Prisons are responsible for incarcerating convicted criminals and detaining suspected criminals in Polk County, Minnesota. County jails process individuals who have been arrested for misdemeanors or felonies, and they maintain records for people who are arrested and booked through the Polk County correctional facility. They also keep records on people being detained before and during their trials, as well as individuals who have been sentenced to jail time and incarcerated. These Polk County public criminal records contain information on the individual, the criminal charges, any arrests and bails, as well as court sentences, probation, and parole. Jails and Prisons may provide online access to their records.
Northwest Regional Corrections Center Crookston MN 816 Marin Avenue 56716 218-470-8100
Polk County Jail Crookston MN PO Box 416 56716 218-281-0431
Red River Valley Juvenile Center Crookston MN 600 Bruce Street 56716 218-470-8327
Tri County Corrections Crookston MN 816 Marin Avenue 56716 218-470-8100
Polk County Police Departments act as law enforcement agencies by investigating crimes and maintaining public order in Polk County, Minnesota. They also maintain a number of documents about Polk County jail records, including an individual's detentions and incarcerations at a county jail, arrests and bookings at county jails, and any detentions at a county jail before or during a trial. These Polk County criminal records may provide personal information, all criminal charges, any arrests and bails, as well as court sentences, court-ordered probation, and parole from county jails. Police Departments often provide online access to many of their records.
City Of Climax Police Department Climax MN 107 West Broadway 56523 218-945-3232
Crookston Police Department Crookston MN 321 West Robert Street 56716 218-281-3111
East Grand Forks Police Department East Grand Forks MN 520 Demers Avenue 56721 218-773-1104
Fertile Police Department Fertile MN 101 South Mill Street 56540 218-945-3232
Fosston Police Department Fosston MN 220 1st Street East 56542 218-945-3232
Polk County Sheriff Departments are law enforcement agencies charged with maintaining order and protecting the public safety in Polk County, Minnesota. As part of this job, they maintain a number of documents related to county jail stays, including an individual's incarcerations at a Polk County jail, all arrests and bookings at county jails, and any detentions at a county jail before or during a court case. These records often list personal information, all criminal charges, any arrests or bails, as well as court sentences, court-ordered probations, and paroles from county jails. Sheriff Departments may provide online access to their jail records.
Polk County Sheriffs Office Crookston MN 600 Bruce Street 56716 218-281-0431


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Fruit Rooibos – Herbal Tea (Caffeine-Free)
Signature Tastes – February Exclusive
smooth persimmon
The Cat's Pajamas!
Steeping Directions
water at a simmer or a rolling boil (~180-212° F)
1 tsp tea leaves per 6 oz. water (standard teacup)
~ 4 1 ⁄2 minutes: Drain tea strainer, serve, and enjoy!
white or brown sugar will complement, but this tea does not take milk
Tea Tip: To prevent rooibos dregs, use a tea strainer without loose mesh or large holes. We recommend tea sacks or tea socks.
water at a rolling boil (~212° F)
1 1⁄2 even Tbsp tea leaves (32 oz. water / medium-sized teapot)
1 3⁄4 even Tbsp tea leaves (48 oz. water / large-sized teapot)
~ 2 1 ⁄2 minutes: pause timer, drain tea strainer, return, continue steeping
~ 4 minutes: start tasting every 15 seconds, steeping to your preference
~ 4 1 ⁄2 minutes: recommended steep time for "The Cat's Pajamas!" Drain tea strainer, serve, and enjoy!
white or brown sugar will complement, but this tea does not take milk
Tea Tip: Taste by pouring only a quarter inch of tea into the cup.
At Teatime
More Favorites!
"My Fair Lemon"
spunky yet elegant lemony herbs
citrus and spice
"Sweet Autumn Crisp Rooibos"
toasted brown sugar


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Since January 2018, the prices of almost all the cryptocurrencies have been declining. Certainly, this gradual decline in the values of top cryptocurrencies has shocked the crypto experts as well as crypto investors. Most of the investors fear to lose their wealth due to this slump in their values. Bitcoin pioneer Charlie Shrem has given a rejoicing statement. Shrem says that Bitcoin is the only cryptocurrency that would survive the nuclear attack on Earth. He says that Banks and fiat currencies would disappear in flames.
Charlie Shrem is the person who founded Bitcoin exchange Bitinstant in 2011. He went to jail in 2015 for selling Bitcoins to drug traders. In September 2018, Shrem also has to face a $5000 sue. It is most noteworthy that Shrem has won all the properties after releasing from Jail.
A Hacker Noon post yesterday revealed that Shrem seems quite optimistic about the future of Bitcoin. He compares Bitcoin with cash and gold and considers it superior. Fiat currencies have physical existence and could incinerate in nuclear explosions. There are also many other reasons for their failure. Bitcoin has no physical existence and is only a digital asset that can survive the attacks. He also mourns the helplessness of the banking system during nuclear war. Charlie fears that it would lose the currency needed for operation.
He did not stop here and went a step further to say that online banking system would become meaningless. The nuclear warheads would destroy banking organizations, computers, and banks around the world. People would even be unable to withdraw their funds from ATMs. The banks would stop working from the day the first nuclear bomb hits the planet. Their bank balances would become meaningless. He expressed in rejoice that fire flames will vaporize some banks. The radiation bursting out of the nuclear weapons will also contaminate many others. Only, the digital currencies will survive because these have no physical existence.
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Shrem wanted to speak against the anti fragility of the cryptocurrencies. Because, anti fragility is the biggest reason of slump in the values of cryptocurrencies. He says that Bitcoin is fragile and will survive because it has no physical existence. It runs on blockchain technology that records transactions. Each block stores a separate transaction and has links with preceding block in the form of nodes. It would keep running until the last node keeps running. These nodes are present in different parts of the world. Some nodes may survive in spite of severe nuclear attacks. These surviving nodes could communicate with the help of satellite internet.
Now if the nuclear war hits the world, the biggest concern of the people would be their wealth. Shrem considers the news about Bitcoin demise exaggerated. He urges people to invest in Bitcoin if they want to survive such an attack on the Earth. There is no truth in the people's saying that Bitcoin price would tank to zero. He considers governmental regulations the biggest hurdle in the progress of cryptocurrencies.
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What is an Elm Tree?
An elm tree is a majestic tree that once lined the streets of many American and European cities. It suffered from a debilitating disease that killed most of the trees on these continents. Resistant varieties are now being bred, and hopes are that these stately trees will once again grace streets as they did before.
There are about 30 to 40 species of elm trees, belonging to the genus Ulmus. From the 1700s to the early 1900s, elm trees were very popular along streets in Europe and North America. They could tolerate air pollution, and their leaves decomposed quickly. The trees were also useful to farmers as shade for livestock and protection from winds and storms. The branches were used to feed animals.
In the 1900s, the trees came under attack by a fungal elm tree disease known as Dutch elm disease that is carried by bark beetles. There were two waves of this disease. The first, lasting into the 1940s was not very serious. In the late 1960s, however, a strain appeared that was three times more lethal. It wiped out the majority of elms in most of the areas in which they were grown, except for China and Australia.
Resistance breeding programs have been underway for decades. In the 1970s, trees that were supposed to be disease-resistant turned out not to be. Subsequent breeding efforts have produced a new crop of resistant lines, but the previous, failure has soured some people on planting these current resistant trees. So far, however, these new lines appear to be holding up.
The most common elm tree in North America was the American elm, or U. americana. It grows rapidly, is resistant to wind damage, requires little pruning, and is adapted to a wide range of soils and climates. The most common street name in the United States is Elm Street, due to its one-time prevalence. Trees that are isolated, such as on a farm, are more likely to have survived, without contracting Dutch elm disease.
This deciduous tree can grow to 100 ft (30.5 m) with a spread that can be even greater. Trunks typically reach up to seven ft (2.1 m) wide. Before the leaves appear, the trees bloom with inconspicuous small flowers, followed by seedpods that are eaten by wildlife and birds. The elm tree leaves have a rough surface, and are 3 to 6 in (7.6 to 15.2 cm) long, with serrated edges. The bark of the tree is grayish-brown, turning to ash gray as the tree matures.
In the United States, the American elm tree is hardy in planting zones 2 through 9. This tree is still planted by people willing to be vigilant about monitoring for Dutch elm disease. Cultivars with the most resistance to this disease are Valley Forge and New Harmony varieties. Some people have abandoned trying to grow the American elm and instead grow the Chinese or lacebark elm, U. parvifolia. The Chinese elm, while resistant to Dutch elm disease, is not a good shade tree.
Control of Dutch elm disease relies heavily on sanitation measures. Weakened or dead trees and logs should be removed and destroyed. Sometimes the disease can be eliminated by pruning infected branches and twigs. Healthy trees can be sprayed with insecticide in the winter and spring, to kill the beetles that spread the fungus. These measures have been only partially effective, however.
The roots of nearby trees can sometimes join together. Killing these grafts with chemicals can limit the fungus to a particular tree. A promising new treatment is to inject the trunk or roots with a systemic fungicide to attack the fungus directly. This technique has been used to cure diseased trees, but is not always dependable. There is currently research on using viruses that attack the fungus to control Dutch elm disease.
Elm trees should be planted 40 to 50 ft (12.2 to 15.3 m) away from other trees, and at least 15 to 20 ft (4.6 to 6.1 m) away from houses. They prefer full sun and regular watering in soil with good drainage. When planting the trees, one should plant bare roots in holes slightly more shallow than the roots. To allow the roots to spread out, one should dig more deeply around the edges of the holes. The young trees can be transplanted in early spring or fall, when they are between 4 and 7 ft (1.2 and 2.1 m) tall.
There are some downsides to planting elm trees. The roots grow near the surface, and can interfere with mowing or lift sidewalks. The trees require pruning and produce quite a bit of litter. Many people feel the beauty and shade produced by these trees, however, more than makes up for any negative attributes. Hopefully, elm trees will once again be part of the urban landscape in Europe and North America.


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Is square more social?
Times. Trafalgar. Steve Urkel. Instagram photos. What do these things have in common? They're all famous squares. But in recent years, it's been Instagram, not Steve Urkel, making headlines. But why the sudden popularity of square images?
Square format images have been around for a long time, from Mondrian to Polaroid; square-shaped art's not a new development. What is new, however, is the massive popularity of square-dimension media across digital and social platforms including Vine and Instagram. What is it about square visual media that resonates on social?
Here are three reasons why square has taken over:
1. Square is Mobile
Most digital media consumption now takes place on mobile phones, and most of that via mobile applications like Facebook, Vine, Instagram and Snapchat. What this means is that more images and videos are viewed on tiny handheld phone screens than on desktop computers. Because of the physical constraints of mobile phones – namely size and how they're held – square is the most effective way to format and present imagery; you don't have to turn your phone on its side to better view a square video like you would have to do with a video formatted in a traditional, rectangular aspect ratio.
Additionally, when scrolling through content on your smartphone, square images fill up just enough of the screen to leave equidistant margins above and below the image, making them more visually appealing if you want to convey textual information in those spaces. Simply put, square-shaped images just look better on phones.
2. Square is Simple
In many ways, it's easier to create pleasing compositions within a square aspect ratio. Because all sides of the image are the same length, squares are great for making effective use of the rule of thirds. Unlike with rectangular images, you can center a subject in the middle of a composition without creating too much awkward negative space.
Because of this, you can create beautiful square images with less mental effort than you would have to put into making a visually appealing rectangular image since centered subjects and symmetry look more pleasing and less trite in square.
Finally, it's easier to fill up the image when you're using square meaning less negative space which allows a viewer to more quickly understand the subject matter and its overarching message.
3. Square is Instant
Above all else, the appeal of the square lies in instant gratification. It takes the human brain less time to comprehend a square image than a rectangular image.
When you look at a horizontal image, your eyes tend to travel across the composition in the same way one reads a book; that is to say, left to right, top to bottom while following leading lines across the plane:
When you look at a square composition your eyes tend to focus in the center of the composition before traveling around the image in a circle:
This means that rectangular images are better at creating a narrative as the human eye follows a linear path to take in different elements at points along your visual journey. However, the strength of the square image is that your eyes don't have to travel as much which results in your brain processing the image more instantly. In this way, square images are naturally suited for the digital age and mobile media where speed and efficiency are important for short attention spans – an image only has a few seconds to make an impact as a viewer scrolls through and square images can give faster and more effective impressions.
When and Where to Use Square
– Use square when most of your audience will be accessing your content via mobile.
– Use square if you want to convey a simple image or idea that requires less critical thinking. If your subject matter is more complex and will require a longer time or emotional investment, go with a rectangle to tell a more complete story.
– Don't be afraid of symmetry and centering subjects when using a square format. What might look obvious or simplistic in a rectangular composition could look amazing in square. Simplicity and visceral reactions are key.
– When creating square videos, keep your subject matter simple, centered and short.
The Takeaway
However, there are no hard and fast rules about art OR social media so the above tips are not definitive! Experiment by using the same content cropped in different ways and see what you think works best for you. Below are some video examples where I repurposed conventional 1280×720 footage into 640×640. See if you can notice any differences in their overall effect:
We just found out that the #CSUPavilion is the first building at #ColoradoState to achieve #LEED #platinum status which means that it's super #sustainable! You can check out this #greenbuilding with your student #EcoLeaders today at 4 p.m. in the Pavilion! @4240architecture #CSUgreen #green #eco #sustainable #leedplatinum #hammocks #college #collegelife #colorado #EarthWeek
Laurel Village's Pavilion has just achieved LEED Platinum status which means it's officially the most sustainable building on campus! Join your student…
Springtime poi spinning in front of CSU Summit Hall. #101ReasonsToLiveOn


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Spring is here and with it seems to come new energy - feels much like shedding an old lazy skin that grows over in the winter - if you know what I mean!! Additionally, summer clothes are quick and easy to make. This is an important factor now that I have three little people to please.
While I've been absent I have been collating lots of ideas on my Pinterest boards. I have a collection of bigger girls wear for Ruby (who just turned 7). Here are some of my summer favourite looks for her.
Then there is this board for boy looks for Sachin (who will soon be 6). I'm thinking I might try up-cycling some of Dad's T-shirts to make shorts or PJ's - inspired by these pants by Ffarmom
Last but certainly not least is the little girls style inspiration for Quinn (17 months). There's so many to choose from (and of course having an older sister she already has copious amounts of clothing) but these are some of my favourite summer looks.
Why don't you join me? All you need is a sewing machine and 1 hour each day.... tempted????


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Printing from QuickBooks is one most important and essential feature in QuickBooks. Despite the benefit of printing from QuickBooks, you may face printing issues such as QuickBooks Won't Print. It is very frustrating and it slows down the workflow.
Such issues occur in QuickBooks when a component is missing or corrupt. In order to fix the QB Printing issues, check if the printer is working correctly with the windows.
Checking Printer Status
- Turn off the printer. Restart the computer and Switch on the printer.
- Ensure that the paper tray in the printer is loaded and is located properly.
- Open Control Panel and double click in Printer and Faxes.
- Right click on the printer and choose Use Printer Online, if the printer is offline.
- Now Double Click On the printer and then click on the Printer icon.
- Cancel all documents.
- Now, Close the window
- Right click on the printer and click on Properties
- Now click on Print Test Page
- If the printer prints the test page successfully then try it again using WordPad.
Solution to QuickBooks won't Print
Since the printer is working fine outside the QuickBooks, now do as following.
- Rename QuickBooks qbprint.qdp file and try to take a print out.
- If the QuickBooks slowdown or freezes, then print a QuickBooks sample file. If you get the printout successfully, then your company data, report or file might be damaged.
- Try to print in small batches
- Make sure that you use the latest driver for the printer. You can visit the Printer's manufacturer website for the latest driver version of the printer.
- Ensure that the printer has verified and secure network connectivity
- If the QuickBooks still freezes while taking print out then it is recommended to uninstall QuickBooks and Reinstall it.
If you have tried all the above-mentioned steps and you are not able to print then you need to get in touch with the QuickBooks Support Phone Number +1888-382-7559 to talk to our technically experienced experts. Our QuickBooks Support team is very helpful and they will solve your issues in quick time. For any kind of technical query related to QuickBooks, Just call us on QuickBooks Tech Support Phone Number +1888-382-7559 and your every query will resolve in a quick and efficient manner by our QuickBooks Advisors.


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Ten students from the Texas A&M University Forensic and Investigative Sciences program completed a weeklong Crime Scene Investigation course held this month at the Texas Forensic Science Academy (TFSA) located at Riverside Campus. The unique program is a collaboration between Texas A&M and TEEX that allows students to earn 2 semester hours of credit for completing of the course, delivered by the TEEX Public Safety & Security division.
One Texas A&M student, Meaghan Pimsler, also earned her Forensic Technician Certificate, awarded to students who complete both the 40-hour Crime Scene Investigation course and the Latent Print Processing course, scheduled for May delivery.
During the Crime Scene Investigation course last week, the students learned information, techniques, and methodologies for conducting investigations ranging from general crime scene investigations to death investigations. On Thursday, they tested their knowledge on a mock crime scene set up in TEEX Prop Houses at Riverside.
"It was a different perspective to be given a blank slate and having to think of everything on your own and figure it out," said Kortney Parchman. "It kind of gave me the idea of what I will be doing in the future."
According to TEEX Training Manager Lee Santo, "This class gives these forensic science students some valuable hands-on experience in the law enforcement crime scene investigations field they otherwise might not receive." For those intending to pursue a career in the forensic field, having this hands-on experience and credentialing from the TFSA is a great benefit, he added. In addition to the Forensic Technician Certificate, the TFSA offers certificates for Forensic Investigator I and Forensic Investigator II, Major Crimes Investigator and Property & Evidence Management.


text: Spooky2117 • 3 years ago According to Apple, FaeID is much more secured and they even used it to approve transactions through Apple Pay. If it wasn't secure, they wouldn't have used it. It's a bit more hassle to use it, but still I think it's a good alternative. 1ReplyFlag


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June 4, 2012
Enhancing Horizonti's Mission and Performance Through the Integration of Social Performance Management
Horizonti is a CRS partner microfinance institution that provides financial services to the poorest and most underserved communities in Macedonia. In 2010, CRS awarded Horizonti a...More
February 10, 2009
Tools for Field Staff›Learning Briefs
Increasing Savings and Solidarity among Households with Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Rwanda
This learning paper looks at linking the Savings and Internal Lending Communities (SILC) methodology with orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) programming in Rwanda. CRS...More
May 5, 2008
Tools for Field Staff›Learning Briefs
Mobilizing Savings for CAURIE-MF Clients in Senegal
This learning paper documents the experience of CAURIE-MF, a CRS partner in Senegal, during the design and launch of its new savings product. CAURIE-MF's clients have been saving...More
August 19, 2001
Tools for Field Staff›Manuals
The Board Rules
As microfinance institutions transition to formal, local organizations, decisions about governance and ownership become major issues. This book provides guidance that makes the...More
October 23, 2002
Research›Case Studies
Mergers in Microfinance
Intended as a companion resource to "Tying the Knot: A Guide to Mergers in Microfinance". The 12 case studies presented here demonstrate that mergers are already taking place in...More
November 20, 2002
Tools for Field Staff›Manuals
Tying the Knot
An in-depth look at a merger process in Armenia in order to examine the pros and cons, explore the lessons learned, and articulate some guidelines for other MFIs that might be...More
October 10, 2004
Review of MAGI Assessment Experiences in South East Asia
This publication documents the findings and lessons learned from 11 CRS-managed MAGI organizational assessments of partner microfinance institutions (MFIs) in Southeast Asia...More
June 1, 2015
Research›Case Studies
A Sustainable Approach To Community-Based Savings in Rwanda
This report presents results from the final evaluation survey of Catholic Relief Services' Private Service Provider (PSP) project in Rwanda's Eastern Province, which was...More
July 13, 2016
Research›Impact Evaluations
Strengthening Trade, Building Peace
This overview of the Commerçantes Solidaires pour la Paix/Région des Grands Lacs (COSOPAX/RGL) project shares testimonies from women working together to promote conflict...More
October 16, 2017
Tools for Field Staff›Tool Kits
Children's Coloring Book
This 30-page coloring book helps children learn about the importance of saving money, and is meant to be used either in children's savings groups, or in adult savings groups in...More


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Aston Martin has announced the North American pricing for the 2010 Aston Martin Rapide. Aston said that prices of the 2010 Rapide will start at $199,950, which will feature an extensive list of standard features including Bang & Olufsen Beosound audio system tailored specifically for Rapide, heated memory seats, dual cast brakes and Adaptive Damping System.
The Rapide features a 6.0-liter V12 engine which produces 470 bhp (477 PS / 350 kW) and 600 Nm (443 lb-ft) of torque. Connected to a six-speed automatic transmission, the Rapide accelerates from 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds (0-100 km/h in 5.3 seconds) before hitting an estimated top speed of 188 mph (303 km/h).
Currently available for order, the first Rapides will be delivered in the spring of 2010.
Aston Martin Announces Rapide Pricing for the United States
Irvine, 5th December 2009. As the eagerly awaited Aston Martin Rapide four-door sports car goes through final engineering and testing phases before being launched in early quarter two 2010, Aston Martin confirms US pricing.
The price of the Rapide will start from $199,950 in the US which features an impressive level of standard specification including: Bang & Olufsen Beosound audio system tailored specifically for Rapide, heated memory seats, dual cast brakes and Adaptive Damping System.
The Rapide is Aston Martin's first production four-door sports car encapsulating the practicality of a car with extra doors and fusing it with the trademark sports car dynamics synonymous with modern Aston Martins.
Customer deliveries will commence in spring 2010, and it will be the first sports car to be hand-built at the Aston Martin Rapide Plant (AMRP) in Graz, Austria. The new 17,000 m2 building has been designed to reflect the quality levels established in Gaydon since 2003 permitting the fusion of modern technology, advanced manufacturing processes and handbuilt craftsmanship. Each Rapide will take approximately 220 man hours to build and will benefit from timeless craft skills just like the existing range: DBS, DB9, V12 and V8 Vantage do at Gaydon.
It is anticipated that +/- 2,000 Rapides will be built in the first year attracting a high proportion of new customers to the brand. Core to this trend is the mix of huge attention to detail throughout the car, ample accommodation for up to four adults and the spacious trunk while maintaining Rapide's elegant beauty and sports car profile.
The Rapide is on sale now available to order from the Aston Martin dealership network across North America.


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GWS is Hiring! Program Coordinator - Gender Learning Center Appy by 6/3
Gender & Women's Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is hiring a Program Coordinator for the Gender Learning Community.
The Program Coordinator is a key member of the Gender Learning Community - Open House (GLC-OH) Leadership Team and works collaboratively in providing leadership, programmatic and organizational direction, and support to students living in the GLC-OH. The Program Coordinator reports to the Phillips Hall Area Coordinator and Faculty Director.
Apply by June 3, 2016 to ensure priority consideration.
Questions can be directed to Su Ann Rose at 608-263-4704 or firstname.lastname@example.com.


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I am constantly asked how to start a travel blog and why, and the reasons certainly never change. To be honest this is one
Author Archives: admin
Planning A Trip To The End Of The Earth: Antarctica
Planning a trip to Antarctica is something a little different, it isn't like any other location on earth and therefore planning a trip is a little different. However it does not need to be hard and it is important to know the follow tips before you
Discovering Polzeath
There is really nothing better than a Polzeath holiday and I have been going to this wonderful place. I find that it is a great place
Things You Will Want For A Multi Day Hike
Setting out on a multi-day hike is exciting and rewarding. Being in the outdoors for a few days is a great way to challenge yourself and at the same time relax. With so many great hikes and trails the world round, it isn't difficult to find somewhere to experience the great outdoors
Eyelashes can be trickier than you'd think!
It is the desire of every woman to look beautiful. Some women have even gone the extra mile of performing facial surgery for them to look more attractive. If you are looking for a place to do your Eyelash Extensions, then search no more. Houston
What is Important to Consider while traveling
One of the oldest cities in the world is London. This is a must go place for everyone who loves adventure. The city has numerous attractive sites that tourists all over the world go to experience. The press mostly advertises London as a city of festival yet it has many historic places where people


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(Reuters) – Lydia Ko had her putter to thank for keeping her in the hunt for a third straight major on Friday after the world number one shot a one-under 70 that left her a stroke behind leaders Brooke Henderson and Lee Mi-rim at the KMPG Women's PGA Championship.
Ko scrambled her way to eight pars and a birdie on the back nine of her second round at Sahalee Country Club outside Seattle. South Korean Lee had a 69 while Canadian Henderson had a two-over 73.
"If it wasn't for my putter I know I wouldn't be in this position," said Ko, who won the Evian Championship in September and the ANA Inspiration in April.
"I feel like I'm in really good position. There's still a lot of golf to be played, I just have to focus on my game and enjoy it rather than think about what could happen on Sunday."
First-round leader Henderson looked like she would again finish the day alone in top spot but her second into the 18th found a bunker and she made bogey to drop into a tie with Lee.
"I'm disappointed with the missed (par) putt at the last but overall I'm happy with where I am," said the 18-year-old.
"It was a tough day and the conditions made it difficult. I hung in there."
Early sunshine gave way to cool temperatures and eventually rain.
Lee enjoyed one of the day's best rounds with a two-under-par 69 that took her to the top. Ko has Gerina Piller and Brittany Lincicome for company in third spot.
Piller, who has finished in the top three in three of her last five events, was unhappy with her ball-striking on Friday.
"I just knew that I was going to probably hit some squirrelly shots, but if I can kind of keep it in front of me and if I'm out of position, and get back in position," Piller said.
"I'm putting great, so I know if I can just get around the hole I have a chance to make par or birdie or save some shots there."
Japan's Ai Miyazato shot a one-under 70 playing alongside Henderson and is two shots back at even-par with Tiffany Joh, Australian Su Oh and South Koreans Ryu So-yeon and Kim In-kyung.
(Writing by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; Editing by Peter Rutherford)


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- Description
DetailsThe Open Data Element Framework (O-DEF) enables basic units of data to be classified, so that equivalences and similarities between them can be determined easily. This simplifies the development of interface software and contributes to improved management and organization of data. While it may have other applications, the O-DEF is primarily intended for deployment within extended enterprises, and by groups of collaborating enterprises.
- Additional Information
Additional Information
Reference C163 US ISBN 1-937218-75-1 Published 23 May 2016 Pages 100 Superseded by C202 Type Standards Subject Semantic Interoperability
- Standards Information
Standards Information Base
Common Name O-DEF 1.0 Status Adopted Service Category Data Management Services Service Data Dictionary/Repository Type The Open Group Standard
- Reviews