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The Chen Guangcheng case could have been a disaster, but both countries proved how dedicated they are to working together, says Elizabeth C. Economy.
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Two developments signal a positive shift in U.S.-China relations--progress in last week's high-level talks in Beijing, and the two sides' efforts to cobble an agreement that would allow dissident Chen Guangcheng to leave China for the United States, says Elizabeth C. Economy, who directs Asia studies at the the Council on Foreign Relations. "Both sides are clearly committed to maintaining stability in the relationship and were very unwilling to allow this one striking and important incident to cause the relationship to spiral downward," says Economy. The two sides announced modest economic accords, including an agreement that foreign banks would be allowed a higher stake in Chinese banks, and an agreement to cut import tariffs on some consumer goods. "In the context of the Chen Guangcheng situation," says Economy, "the fact that they were able to announce anything positive is a real compliment to both sides."
Do you think China will let this Chen deal go through?
This deal is a significant accomplishment on the part of China and the United States. I certainly hope Beijing will follow through on it. It wouldn't seem to be in China's interest to block the deal at this point; the international outcry would be significant. Frankly, getting Chen out of China likely has its benefits for Beijing: It gets him off the radar screen in China--particularly on the Internet, where his case was followed with some interest--and minimizes the likelihood that he could cause trouble while he was studying law someplace in China, which was promised in the first deal.
Of course, there is always the possibility that Beijing will renege on the deal based on something Chen says or does--or something someone in the United States says or does--but the greater risk is that Beijing won't let him back into the country when and if he wants to return.
The English-language Chinese press has been attacking the United States for interference, but I guess this is normal.
Yes. This is par for the course. At this point, the Chinese leadership in Beijing needs to accomplish a couple of different objectives. On the one hand, they are eager to reach accommodation; they are eager to see the Chen Guangcheng situation resolved fully and to move past it. But by the same token, they don't want an avalanche of Chinese political activists or dissidents descending on the U.S. embassy and trying either to seek asylum or put pressure on Beijing to arrive at some new kind of accommodation for them. They want to send a clear message to the Chinese people that the Chen deal represented a unique case that included some poor behavior on the part of the United States, and that no one should expect that this kind of deal will be repeated.
This incident was particularly dramatic because at the same time, Secretary of State Clinton and Treasury Secretary Geithner were both in Beijing for the U.S.-Chinese talks on security and economics. What is the overall state of U.S.-Chinese relations now?
In many respects, this was a fairly astonishing set of discussions that these two countries managed to have in the midst of this emerging crisis surrounding Chen Guangcheng. The fact that Beijing and Washington were able not only to conduct the two days of discussions but also to arrive at some concrete agreements was a sign that there may be an emerging maturity in the relationship. Both sides are clearly committed to maintaining stability in the relationship and were very unwilling to allow this one striking and important incident to cause the relationship to spiral downward, or to cause a real deterioration in the relationship. So perhaps ironically, in some respects, this strategic and economic dialogue demonstrated as positive a state in the relationship as we've seen in a while.
What specifics were worked out?
The only specific achievements that have been noted were on the economic side. It doesn't seem as though there were real advances on the political and security side, although surrounding the dialogue there was the announcement that China had agreed to sanction three additional North Korean companies--but this was out of a list of forty the UN had proposed, and not really an outcome of the strategic and economic dialogue.
But on the finance and economics side, Beijing seemed to make some progress on issues important to the United States, agreeing, for example, that foreign banks could take a larger stake in Chinese banks, from a 33 percent stake to 49 percent stake--that's significant for U.S. financial institutions. They've also indicated that they are going to consider cutting import tariffs on a number of consumer goods, which might allow the United States to export more.
On the U.S. side, they're talking about taking a more serious look at the controls on dual-use high-tech exports. There was no pledge on the part of the United States to change the policy, but there was a commitment to look at it more carefully. And the Chinese side has also suggested that it is going to consider reforming its export financing policy, which has traditionally advantaged Chinese companies at the expense of U.S. and others' multinationals. I know that the Chairman of the Export-Import Bank, Fred Hochberg, has been very aggressive in trying to level the playing field in this area, and if the Chinese actually undertake some change in this area, that would be a significant accomplishment.
These are some small steps that both sides are either going to take or are willing to consider. And again, in the context of the Chen Guangcheng situation, the fact that they were able to announce anything positive is a real compliment to both sides.
What can you tell us about the new Chinese leadership that's likely to take over later this year?
One of the surprises of the past few months has been this very dramatic downfall of Chongqing party secretary and Politburo member Bo Xilai, who many people expected might move into the Standing Committee of the Politburo. The takeaway from that is: It ain't over till it's over, so we really have to wait and see about precisely who will take a seat in the Standing Committee later this year.
But by and large, of the people being considered to hold seats in the Standing Committee of the Politburo, they are a relatively strong group of leaders. They tend to be better traveled than their predecessors were (in advance of assuming positions); they are more grounded in the social sciences as opposed to the hard sciences; and a number of them seem to have ideas about moving forward on reform in terms of good governance, whether that's the rule of law, bringing greater transparency to the system, or enhancing the role of civil society. It's an interesting group, but we're not going to know whether this group might lead China in a different direction or down a different path until we see the precise makeup of the standing committee, and we should know that by late summer or early fall.
Now what about Xi Jinping, who is going to be the next president?
Xi Jinping continues to remain a little bit of a mystery, and I don't think we have a good sense, really, of what he's interested in doing that might differ from what his predecessors have been doing. He seems to hold his cards very close to his vest. One of the accepted truisms of Chinese leadership transition politics is that you keep your head down low so that it doesn't get lopped off; Bo Xilai, in contrast, was quite enamored of the spotlight. There also doesn't seem to be much in Xi Jinping's history that would suggest his orientation on issues such as political reform.
Is the Chinese defense minister in the United States? What is he doing here?
China's defense minister Liang Guanglie is traveling throughout the United States visiting various bases and holding talks with Secretary Panetta. This is the first time a Chinese defense minister has visited the United States in nine years. His trip is an important effort to develop military cooperation and trust between the U.S. military and the People's Liberation Army. From the Chinese perspective, of course, one of their primary concerns at the moment is the South China Sea.
Have things at all eased there?
I don't think they've particularly eased. Tensions are still high between China and the Philippines, for example, and there doesn't seem to be any progress toward real resolution of the issue of sovereignty. The Chinese want to ensure that the United States isn't offering the kind of support to countries like the Philippines and Vietnam that will embolden those countries to be more assertive. No doubt they would like a signal from the United States that it is not going to adopt too active a role in the regional disputes surrounding the South China Sea. At the same time, it appears as though at least some Chinese scholars recognize that the United States is going to continue to be an Asia-Pacific power and that China will not simply be able to assert its interests and assume everyone will fall in line; Beijing may need, in fact, to adjust its behavior to accommodate the interests of these smaller states.
This article originally appeared at CFR.org, an Atlantic partner site.
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Journalists have certainly become enlightened since I first started writing about blogging in 2003. Many of them now write blogs of their own–some I know have begun making their living via the blog format. Still the post below from 2003 still makes some good points.
Blogging: tip of the iceberg or tail of the dog?
Originally posted December, 2003
The Quill, a quasi-scholarly publication of the Society of Professional Journalists, has been arriving in my mailbox for the last few months because I became a member of that well-respected group this year (2003). I glance through it, but much of their content is related to traditional journalistic discussions rather than to the concerns of business. Some business writers have been known sometimes to find that approach a tiny bit self-important.
Imagine my surprise, then, to see two articles in this month's edition ("Hard News versus Narrative") that deal with the struggle of a few veteran journalists to convince the denizens of their world that they ought to be telling stories instead of rigidly following the 5-W format (who, what, where, when, why) for their reporting.
One high-profile journalist, Tom Hallman, Jr., laments his inability to keep up with requests from young journalists about how to tell stories in warm, personal terms. Call me crazy, but I see this as the tail following the dog…the dog being the trend that has spawned the phenomenon of blogging–the need to take a simple, honest, individual-voice approach to writing–even for "news" stories.
The point is–you want people to read what you write! And because the competition for people's attention (just like for your business) has multiplied exponentially with every improvement in the Internet, you just aren't as likely to get what you want with old-fashioned marketing approaches.
People do not have time to read pre-digested, uninspired, impersonal corporate-speak. Write as if you were telling your friend about whatever you are frustrated, angry or happy about.
People want to read writing that's from the heart. How close to your heart is your business? So, write!


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The Left-Fascist Axis. Again
By James Lewis
We are seeing another Left-fascist axis in our time, recapitulating Stalin's (and worldwide communism's) embrace of Hitler's Germany. The Gaza flotilla crisis was set up by the radical Left (Bill Ayers, Bernardine Dohrn, Jodie Evans and other Obama buds), in collusion with Hamas, which is about as fascist as they get. If you doubt it, watch Hamas TV on the MEMRI website. They are the worst. They teach toddlers about the glories of dying for Allah. Even Fatah thinks Hamas is a throwback to the Dark Ages.
In the Gaza flotilla, the Turks who yelled out "Khaibar! Khaibar!" as they were trying to kill Israeli soldiers, were members of the Turkish branch of Hamas, the Muslim Brotherhood. They yelled out "Khaibar!" because that massacre of Jews was Mohammed's own Auschwitz. That doesn't leave any doubt about who they are. Martyrdom is just a means to an end, and that end is "Khaibar." The media always forget to tell us that part.
Words matter, which is why the Left is always making up new words for themselves, to disguise who they really are. The Left isn't Communist any more, they are "progressive" — which leaves the rest of us back in 1776. "Progressives" always know which way to find "progress," and it always comes down to stomping on the rest of us. Because if you're not "progressive" you must be an enemy of "progress."
The radical Left hasn't changed one smidgen since Stalin. The Left still believes in global totalitarianism. Stalin is dead, but Stalinism is on the march. Listen to the stomping of their boots.
The Left is a throwback to all the ancient utopian cults, the Mayans, Genghis Khan and the Yellow Emperor of China, Idi Amin Dada and Robert Mugabe. It's the ancient Egyptian priesthood, which was also a cult run by a totalitarian clique. In ancient Egypt you had to die to get to utopia, but the psychology is always the same. Utopian cults always appeal to suckers. They are a very nasty part of the human condition. But there's nothing new there, and they are certainly not "progressive." They are a throwback.
Obama doesn't look like a normal American because he is a High Priest. Harry Truman wouldn't recognize him, but King Tut would. Obama has all the arrogance and ignorance of a Pharaoh.
So here are two ways to simplify the daily media circus. First, the media are the cult of the Left, trying to twist your mind. The "Left" equals global totalitarianism, which is Stalinism, which is Leninism, which is radical feminism, which is the hateful racism of the Reverend Wright and Louis Farrakhan. Same story, different labels. Keep it simple.
Whatever mask they try on, radical leftists are internationalists — meaning that they are against America as a sovereign nation. That's Obama's real beef against us, and it's why he will never enforce our borders. Sure, leftists are all "patriots" in their own minds, because they worship the prairie flowers and the pretty mountains. And they all despise MacDonald's hamburgers and eat arugula, because at bottom they are the most amazing snobs. America is just one little piece of Planet Gaia, where everybody will live in peace and harmony because Obama or Algore will rule us with an iron fist. It's all for our own good.
So, the Left hasn't changed since ancient times. That's why Harvard has a "speech code," courtesy of the likes of Elena Kagan and the PC Commissars. People can't be trusted to say what's on their minds. They might hurt somebody's feelings. Speech codes are ancient ways to control people. All the prehistoric little Hitlers had speech taboos.
The second useful word is "fascist." Academics spend their lives trying to define that word. But if you believe in killing people until they surrender to your totalitarian hokum; if you want to enslave women, kids, Jews, Christians, nonconformist Muslims (like the Bahai'is), gays, Africans in the Sudan, Marxists (yes), Trotskyites, liberals, and anybody who thinks the US Constitution is a good idea, you're a fascist. Simple, reasonable definition.
So we are seeing the Hitler-Stalin Pact, Take 2. The motivation is identical. These people hate the modern world, just like the Nazis and Lenin did. Hitler wanted to go back to the Nordic gods. His utopia was in a fantasy past. Lenin placed his utopia in the distant future. If you're a coercive utopian you have to dream of a long-ago past or a misty future, as long as it's impossible to see what it's really like.
Today the Saudis want to go back to Mohammed in the 7th century, and the Twelvers in Iran want to go back to the Hidden Mahdi in the 11th century. They all want to make utopia by force and terror.
The Left-fascists are intolerant of individualism, liberty, free speech and electoral legitimacy, which is why they always try to sabotage constitutional government. Kagan on the Supreme Court. Obama as Pharaoh in the Oval. Why bow down to the King of Saudi and the Emperor of Japan? They are both medieval reactionaries. Obama bowed down to them, but he was really giving the high sign to America. That's Obama's schtick.
We are seeing a re-run of the Hitler-Stalin Pact of 1938. That Left-Fascist alliance fell apart when Hitler flipped and decided to send tanks into Poland and Russia instead.
It is what Freud called a "repetition compulsion." It happens over and over again, because these people don't live in reality. That's why they are dangerous. They can never figure out what went wrong last time, so they keep trying it again. They live in egomaniacal fantasies, and real people keep getting in their way. Off with their heads!
The last time a Left-Fascist Axis rose to power it led to World War Two and the Cold War. Maybe the only way to win is to make them fight each other. That's how we came out of it before.
I don't know how decent people will prevail this time. I think we will, because we have done so over the centuries. But we are in another Long War with some real bad hot spots. The enemy today is both the Left and the fascists.
Read the news and you'll see it every day.
They're baaaaack!


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News Release
Printer-Friendly Version
OPA News Release: [04/21/2009]
Contact Name: Sonia Melendez
Phone Number: (202) 693-6075
Release Number: 09-0435-NAT
WASHINGTON The following is the written statement for the record of U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis, who today testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions regarding green jobs skills training for workers.
"Chairman Kennedy, Ranking Member Enzi and members of the Committee, thank you for the invitation to testify today. As the 25th Labor Secretary and the author of the Green Jobs Act (Title X of P.L. 110-140), I appreciate this opportunity to discuss the role of green jobs skills training for workers in the larger context of empowering our workforce to rebuild America's economy and promoting long-term competitiveness.
"It is no secret that our economy is struggling. Real GDP declined at a 6.3 percent annual rate in the fourth quarter of 2008 and corporate profits fell at a 51 percent annual rate, the largest decline since 1953. Manufacturing employment is at an over 50-year low and businesses are having difficulty borrowing and meeting their payrolls.
"Earlier this month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the national unemployment rate reached 8.5 percent the highest in 26 years. In many areas the situation is even more severe. In March, the unemployment rate was 11.2 percent in California, 11.4 percent in South Carolina and 12.6 percent in Michigan. The rates of joblessness among minorities are even higher. Latinos are unemployed at a rate of 11.4 percent and African Americans are unemployed at a rate of 13.3 percent. Teens are unemployed at a rate of 21.7 percent. People with disabilities also are facing considerable challenges to securing employment. According to the BLS Current Population Survey's new monthly data series on the employment status of people with disabilities, the unemployment rate for this population is 13.1 percent (not seasonably adjusted), and their labor participation rate is 22.8 percent compared with 70.9 percent for persons without disabilities.
"Our nation has lost 5.1 million jobs since the recession began in December 2007. The number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks or more) rose to 3.2 million over the month of March and has increased by about 1.9 million since the start of the recession. Investing in our nation's workforce and creating a positive environment for new jobs is a critical component of our efforts to restart our economy.
"Green jobs play an important role in our economic recovery. The promise of green jobs is not only to help re-start the economy and put Americans back to work, but also to help make America more energy independent. Investment in our nation's clean energy future will not only secure America's energy supply but will do so in ways that promote economic stability and the advancement of all our communities.
"For instance, many green jobs are in the construction trades, and these jobs tend to pay above average wages. The May 2007 Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates published by BLS indicate that construction and extraction occupations pay a median hourly rate of $17.57 as opposed to $15.10 for all occupations. Therefore, we can expect that many green jobs will pay 10 percent to 20 percent better than other jobs. In addition, data from the Current Population Survey published by BLS indicate that 21 percent of construction and extraction workers were represented by a union in 2008, which suggests that many green jobs will be unionized. These are jobs that will provide economic security for our middle-class families while reducing our nation's dependence on imported energy. These are also jobs that traditionally cannot be outsourced. Small businesses will play an important role in hiring skilled workers to grow the green economy.
"The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act), signed by President Obama on February 17, 2009, is the most significant single investment our nation has ever made to ensure our future economic success. The Recovery Act will enable the repair and improvement of the country's infrastructure, fund innovative research and development initiatives, create job opportunities for Americans and propel the growth of green jobs. The Recovery Act also contains funding for training, a significant portion of which will be used for training in sectors and industries identified as high growth, including green jobs. This training will improve workers' employment opportunities in occupations that pay good wages.
"Across the federal government, billions of dollars have already been distributed to the states for investments in infrastructure and research and development that will create opportunities for green job growth. For its part, the Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration (ETA) has already made available $3.47 billion in Recovery Act funds to support workforce investment activities. Such activities include retraining dislocated workers, summer employment for youth and community service employment for low-income seniors.
"The Department of Labor is developing plans for use of the $500 million provided in the Recovery Act for research, labor exchange and job training projects that prepare workers for careers in energy efficiency and renewable energy industries, and will soon issue solicitations for grant applications to be administered by ETA. These grants will provide an infusion of workforce training funding that will help ensure there is a qualified American workforce ready to meet the needs of our country's expanding green industries. Department of Labor personnel are developing guidance for solicitations, which will include requirements for community engagement, the formation of strong local and regional partnerships, as well as the identified leveraging of additional funds. The departmental review criteria will ensure that the grants are awarded to those applicants who are most responsive to these requirements for collaboration, with the objective of effectively targeting the communities most in need through our "green training" investments.
"The unemployment data show that particular segments of the population young people, people with disabilities, African Americans and Hispanics are facing unemployment rates in the double digits. Green jobs provide an opportunity to rebuild our communities in a more equitable manner which is inclusive of all Americans regardless of socio-economic background. In order to realize this opportunity, the department will include features to prioritize access and inclusion in these training programs for low-income workers,
unemployed youth and adults, high school dropouts or other underserved sectors of the workforce within areas of high poverty. These represent some of the communities hardest hit by this recession, and they too will have an opportunity to benefit from green jobs in our economic recovery. We hope to have the first round of solicitations available in June 2009.
"We can also promote green jobs across all workforce investment programs. The Department of Labor has already begun some of these efforts. The department recently issued guidance to states to help implement the formula funded job training provisions of the Recovery Act, noting that the energy efficiency and renewable energy industries offer workers new opportunities that may require additional training and certification. Through the Recovery Act, a number of other federal programs will receive large investments in programs and projects that could create green jobs. These initiatives include investments in renewable energy infrastructure, energy-efficiency home retrofitting, biofuel development, and advanced drive train/vehicle development and manufacturing. As states receive Recovery Act funding and implement training and re-employment strategies, the department encourages states to recognize opportunities to prepare workers for green jobs related to these other sources of federal funding.
"The department has also encouraged states to expand existing training programs, such as registered apprenticeship programs, that have the potential to prepare workers for careers in the renewable energy sectors and for other green jobs. The department's guidance has encouraged states to identify regional and local environmental resources, businesses, and pre-apprenticeship programs promoting green jobs and projects to provide youth summer work experiences that prepare them to compete in a "green" economy. With green jobs workforce training, we will ensure that America's workers have the needed experience and expertise to succeed in the green economy.
"We are working throughout the Department of Labor to leverage resources responsibly within existing government programs to promote green jobs. Some examples of action include:
"Furthermore, I am very interested in "greening" the Department of Labor's workforce system to ensure that the system and its partners are fully connected and fully committed to sustaining the green economy in both current jobs and emerging occupations. Some of our initial ideas include promoting green jobs through technical assistance, greening the state and local workforce investment system, registered apprenticeship, YouthBuild, Job Corps, opportunities for veterans and people with disabilities, and more. Community organizations, both secular and faith-based, can be important partners in our efforts, as well as labor-management partnerships, employers, community colleges and postsecondary education institutions. Activities coordinated with these partners could include approaches such as on-the-job and classroom skill training, alternative delivery methods (such as evening and weekend programs as well as computer-based training) and customized industry training, which leads to recognized vocational and industry certificates or credentials.
"Our green jobs workforce training efforts will be even more effective in aiding our global economic recovery if we work together with our partners within the U.S. government and around the world. Two weeks ago, I participated in the meeting of the G-8 Labor Ministers, which focused on the human perspective of the economic crisis. In each plenary session I attended and in each of my bilateral meetings, my fellow labor ministers raised the topic of green jobs. Some of them are further ahead in terms of their economic transitions; others are not. Two things became clear from these conversations. First, we must work globally to address this economic crisis. Second, green jobs are an important component of our global economic recovery, and the world is looking to the U.S. for leadership. The message I delivered was well received as a newly confirmed secretary of labor I was there to listen, learn and help lead to bring about the change we need. This includes working locally and globally to advance a green economy.
"My colleagues in the Cabinet and I recognize that our investments cannot be made in a vacuum. The Department of Labor and other federal agencies have already begun to coordinate our work to strategically implement programs that ensure cooperative interactions between investments in infrastructure and research and development on one side and job training and worker placement on the other. My staff, along with others throughout the federal government, is meeting regularly to discuss green jobs issues and identify ways in which we can partner to leverage resources and avoid duplication. I am pleased to provide you with a few examples of such discussions and partnerships:
"I am interested in working closely with Secretary of Veterans Affairs Shinseki to facilitate the entrance of veterans into green jobs as part of their transition into the civilian workforce. Secretary Shinseki and his staff can be helpful in identifying the Department of Labor as an important resource for employment services for veterans and transitioning service members. Secretary Shinseki can also focus the VA's Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service on training opportunities for disabled veterans pursuing a program of rehabilitation. In addition, I will work closely with Secretary of Education Duncan to discuss the role that adult education system and community colleges can play in vocational rehabilitation and the training of our workforce.
"I am eager to begin partnering outside of the federal government to ensure that communities suffering in the recession benefit from green jobs training. Just last week, the Institute for Women's Policy Research and Wider Opportunities for Women met with the staff of the Women's Bureau to discuss opportunities for women in green jobs. I am pleased to be holding a round table on the issue of women in green jobs on Earth Day and am excited to work closely with those in both the public and private sector to ensure that our efforts complement the productive work that I know many in both sectors are advancing.
"There could be future linkages between green jobs and the recovery of communities hit hard by layoffs. Workers can be retrained and re-equipped to contribute to the growing of the green economy. One example is in the U.S. automotive industry. The Department of Labor is playing a vital role in supporting the economic recovery of communities that depend on car manufacturers and related industries. Many of these communities are passionate about green jobs being a part of their future economic success, and the Department of Labor will work with these communities to ensure they not only survive but thrive in our country's recovery.
"I am also eager for staff to meet with key apprenticeship stakeholders and other business leaders to discuss the impact of an emerging green economy on registered apprenticeship. I appreciate that employers and manufacturers in these sectors have much to offer as do members of this committee in this regard.
"At our recent Middle Class Task Force meeting in Philadelphia, Vice President Biden stated that 'we'll measure our success, whether it's four years or eight years by one thing: If we can raise the standard of living for middle-class people.' We cannot ignore the disconnect that persisted between economic growth and middle-class incomes even when the economy was strong. I am committed to ensuring that both diversity and inclusion are reflected in the federal funding of green jobs workforce training.
"While we deal in facts, figures, and charts, we must remember that behind the 'numbers' of the economic downturn and the economic recovery are human faces, people, facing challenges unlike what many have faced in our lifetime. I believe that green jobs, if implemented correctly, can be an opportunity for the nation to regain economic security. I thank you for your time and look forward to our dialogue on this matter."
# # #


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MONDAY, June 18 (HealthDay News) -- People suffering from anxiety, depression, sleeplessness or other forms of psychological distress are at greater risk of death from a stroke, according to a new study.
Researchers from University College London pointed out that psychological distress affects about 15 percent to 20 percent of the general population. Previous research has linked these common mental conditions with coronary artery disease, but an association with stroke and other cardiovascular diseases has not been established, they said.
The researchers examined information from a study of 68,652 adults who participated in the Health Survey for England. The vast majority of participants were white, 45 percent were men and the average was about 55.
Nearly 15 percent of the people questioned said they were affected by psychological distress, most of them women. Those who reported having psychological distress also tended to be younger, smokers and taking medication for high blood pressure. They also tended to have lower incomes, the researchers added.
After following the participants for an average of about eight years, the study's authors found 2,367 deaths from ischemic heart disease (blocked artery), stroke and other cardiovascular problems.
The study was published June 18 in CMAJ.
"Psychological distress was associated with death from cardiovascular disease, and the relation remained consistent for specific disease outcomes, including ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disease," Dr. Mark Hamer, of the college department of epidemiology and public health, and his co-authors said in a journal news release. "We saw an association between psychological distress and risk of cerebrovascular disease among our participants, all of whom had been free from cardiovascular disease at baseline. This association was similar in size to the association between psychological distress and ischemic heart disease in the same group."
The researchers concluded that questionnaires could help doctors screen their patients for common mental illnesses, which could reduce their risk of death from heart disease and stroke.
More information
The U.S. National Institutes of Health provides more information on the causes of stroke.
-- Mary Elizabeth Dallas
SOURCE: Canadian Medical Association Journal, news release, June 18, 2012
|Copyright©2012 ScoutNews,LLC.
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text: B_Dub___Cigar_Ambassador Posted November 22, 2003 ARTURO FUENTE Special Selection Curly Head Deluxe 6.5" x 43RG Wrapper: Ecuador/USA/Connecticut Binder: Dominican Republic Filler: Dominican Republic ----------------------------------------------------------------------Handmade in Santiago, Dominican Republic. Arturo Fuente learned the art of growing and processing tobacco and the making of premium, handmade cigars in Cuba at the end of the 19th century, producing his own line in 1912. Today, his son Carlos and grandson, Carlos, Jr. oversee the more than 500 rollers who manufacture more than 24 million cigars every year. Their line offers a medium-to-full bodied taste, with the celebrated Hemingway series a little mellower, thanks to an additional 140 days of aging. Many of the natural-wrapper cigars (including the Hemingway series) feature Cameroon leaves, with Connecticut leaf used for maduros.----------------------------------------------------------------------I'll make this review short and to the point. I bought a box of these after smoking one that I got from The Tobacco Leaf in Stockton, CA. That one was probably well-aged, and smoked beautifully. I remembered it to be a fairly sturdy, thin cigar, and a medium smoke. After getting my box delivered all the way from Florida, I broke the rules and smoked one right away. It seemed kinda dry and burned hot, like one might expect after a long summer's journey. After sitting in my humidor for a couple weeks, others were not much better. So I was a little disappointed - and didn't pull out another one until they had been resting for a couple months. What a difference a little time in the humidor can make! I decided to pick out two cigars for a garage smoke, while reading the newest issue of Cigar Aficionado. So I grabbed the Fuente Curly Head (which I wanted to smoke first, as it was a medium smoke) and an Onyx Reserve Mini Belicoso (rated 94 by CA, almost black, and a much spicier, fuller smoke). After smoking the Fuente, I decided it was no longer necessary to smoke the Onyx, so I put it back. The Fuente redeemed itself so nicely... it was an unexpected surprise! The burn was more even this time, and it took a long time to smoke. There was an element of leather, and a subdued but pronounced element of white pepper. It was definitely a medium-to-full bodied smoke, which is just what I was looking for. It was definitely Fuente tobacco. I would give this cigar maybe a 6 out of 10, and I expect it to get a little better with age. ----------------------------------------------------------------------Take heed my friends! Always let your stogies rest for a month or so before smoking, for best results. Don't wait until you're out of cigars before making another order, and you'll always have some nicely conditioned sticks ready for your consumption. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites


text:
Record-Breaking Thread
- Updated
Saw Ford vs Ferrari last night. It definitely does not feel like a 2.5 hour movie. And my wife didn't fall asleep. Two thumbs up.
Added another steed to the fleet. Say hello to my new F8 Tributo!
Monday - The Daytona 500 was rained out 20 LAPS IN?!? Who saw THAT coming???
Didn't see the movie but DID enjoy some excellent steak and shrimp at Otani's, then three more episodes of Person of Interest, which continues to impress for its plot structure and characters.2 Replies
Starting at 3 something in the afternoon in February is a bad idea. They'd have been fighting sundown even if it didn't rain.
John Albrecht wrote:
Starting at 3 something in the afternoon in February is a bad idea. They'd have been fighting sundown even if it didn't rain.
Correction. Daytona has lights so sunset shouldn't be an issue. That's good because it starts at 4PM and sunset is 6:15.
198k mile Lotus Elise! Needs some body work, otherwise I'd really tempted, but still. 198k miles on an Elise!
https://www.lotustalk.com/threads/2006-lotus-elise-polar-blue-best-offer.474905/#post-59979396 Replies
maarp wrote:
Toyota engines in those, no?
I think this one has the Toyota 1ZZ with a Yamaha-designed head. Seen numerous examples for sale with 60k-100k miles, but this is the first one I've seen for sale with over 100k.
Edit - just found a red 2005 Elise for sale with 102k miles. Decent condition, asking $26.5k. It's probably a good thing most of these are located on the west coast because otherwise I might accidentally buy one, lol.
maarp wrote:
Not many people have that kind of stamina.
My dad had a coworker based in Houston who daily drove an orange Elise for a while. Getting in and out is the worst part, but from what I remember it's not too bad once you're actually in the car (been a while since I've been in an Elise though). Hoping to get one in a few years once I'm done with college, as long as my knees aren't bothering me too much by then lol. An Evora is way easier to get in and out of but has other problems (like a leather dash that shrinks if you park in the sun, which attracts ants for some reason).
Trochu wrote:
What would something like that go for?
Probably $18k-$20k-ish, mainly due to body damage that is expensive to repair because fiberglass. Hope he posts an asking price, since it seems to be required on that forum. Elises generally seem to hover around the ~$33k mark, with high mileage common spec examples bottoming out at about $25k-$27k for acceptable condition, and lower mileage rare spec models going for $40k+.
I read today with some sadness that Holden is being mothballed in Australia. Too bad, they made some pretty cool cars. I always thought their utes would have had a fanbase here.4 Replies
I always wonder how dominant GM (or really any of the American automakers) would be if they had competent leadership. There are going to be tradeoffs with any car, but with GM it generally feels like the "yeah but...." is a really big yeah but. The C7 is the only exception I can think of.
maarp wrote:
I read today with some sadness that Holden is being mothballed in Australia. Too bad, they made some pretty cool cars. I always thought their utes would have had a fanbase here.
With or without the GM badge engineering exercises, I might well have bought a left hand drive Holden Ute with LS3 engine, TR6060 transmission and Torsen differential, but not with the pricing inflated by the Chicken Tax import tariff.
I vaguely recall reading that somebody at GM figured out how to avoid the Chicken Tax by building knock down kits at Holden Australia and assembling those in a location exempt from the Chicken Tax. It was mentioned that the plan never went further than the PowerPoint presentations, rather was killed when GM decided to kill automobile manufacturing in Australia.
That Holden was built on GM's Zeta platform. I would have been very much more interested in a newer generation variant built on the newer and much better Alpha platform.
I'd buy one, with an LS V8, it would be awesome.
I enjoyed reading the Falcon vs SS ute comparisons.
Good news for Ford I guess, not that it's a huge hole to fill with only about 65K units sold between Australia and New Zealand though.
The horses are on the track... Two good practice sessions today. Two more tomorrow.3 Replies
My thoughts are with Ryan Newman after his horrific crash on the last lap of the Daytona 500. It brought back some images of Dale Sr's untimely demise as he initially took a 90 degree right turn into the wall. While he benefits from SAFER barriers and HANS devices that Sr. did not have, he followed that by being t-boned directly in the drivers door by another car, then took flight and flipped onto his roof, crossing the finish line that way and in flames. He was descended upon very rapidly by the track medical staff, his car was righted, and he was extracted from the car. They did this with the car covered with black tarps so as to keep things as private as possible. He was taken directly to the hospital. As of this writing, no further details are known of his well being.
It is in times like these that we are reminded how violent and dangerous a sport this can be. Whatever deity you might call your own, pray for Ryan and his family. He will need it.5 Replies
Just watching the video now, you know it's not good when the other drivers are that somber and serious after a race. Blaney in particular looked like he was trying to hold back tears during his interview. Definitely hoping and praying Newman recovers.
"NASCAR in a statement announced that Newman is in serious condition but that his injuries are not expected to be life-threatening."
In a note from Roush Fenway Racing, doctors at the Halifax Medical Center have released news that, while Ryan is in serious condition, none of his injuries are life threatening.
Trochu wrote:
"NASCAR in a statement announced that Newman is in serious condition but that his injuries are not expected to be life-threatening."
Beat me by a minute. At least it is good news.
It wouldn't be a surprise if he was knocked unconscious when the car hooked into the wall. That initial slap was extremely violent. The secondary impacts would have compounded the initial concussion. When a safety crew finds an unresponsive driver the protocol goes to the highest level of emergency. Not knowing if there are head or spinal injuries they cut the car apart to extricate the driver with the least possible stress to the driver's body.
They cover the car because they don't want video of an unconscious driver (who could die or already be dead) circulating on the next news cycle. Nobody wants distant family and friends to see their loved one being removed in an unresponsive state. It isn't good for the sport either but that's secondary to the humane considerations.
Tuesday - For what I hear of the Daytona 500, part of me is glad I missed it, part of me isn't. [sigh]
Got this and that to do today, nothing cosmic.
Wednesday - Time to help my best friend out with his sound system again today and probably share Ford v Ferrari with him as well. Should be fun!
View of a protected area where seals gather on the beach about 300 yards north of where we're staying.
And the view out the dining room window of our B&B in Pacific Grove
Murphy's Law... Monday night was taken over by body aches, runny nose, sore throat and today the hacking cough arrived. Zicam and Advil managed the aches and juiciness yesterday and was 8 tenths faster in practice. :-)
Today is an off day so will lay low and walk over to the Monterey Aquarium with my wife to see the sea otters, penguins, and plethora of aquatic life. It's a truly great aquarium if you haven't been.
Tomorrow we'll have a practice session, a qually session and a race. Then rinse and repeat on Friday.
Suck's being sick but life is about overcoming the obstacles.4 Replies


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SO-400-34 (Std)
Sold Out
Dura weave is made from high density polyethylene. The color and UV protection is saturated throughout the weave. Frames are made of high quality aluminum that are fully welded and powder coated with a 10 step process to protect against rust and corrosion due to the elements. Standard cushions are made of premium outdoor foam covered in 100% polyester outdoor fabric. optional upgrade to Sunbrella™ fabric available.
Depth: 62″
Width: 34″
Height:* 32″
Seat Depth:* 56″
Seat Width: 30″
Seat Height: 12″
Arm Height: 25″
* Without Cushion
Frame: Heavy Coated Aluminum
Exterior: Commercial Grade HDPE Wicker; (High Density Polyethylene, UV Resistant)
Cushions: Commercial Quality Outdoor Foam
Source Outdoor Manufacturers Warranty:
Source Outdoors' limited 3-year residential warranty covers all defects in workmanship and materials of the Source Outdoor product. The Source Outdoor warranty does not cover freeze damage within the frames. It is very important NOT to store the furniture upside down as it will allow water into the frames. At Source Outdoors' option, Source Outdoor will repair or replace any part of the product, or the entire product if it is defective in material or workmanship. Source Outdoor has the right to replace said item with a similar item of the same or higher value if the item is no longer available. Repair or replacement will be made at no cost to you other than cost of shipping to and from the Source Outdoor's warehouse. Source Outdoor may require inspection by a warehouse representative prior to any repairs or replacement. Source Outdoor also offers a separate 1 year warranty that applies to all Source Outdoor fabrics and cushions.
Source Outdoor, established in 2007, is a wholesale manufacturer of quality patio furniture. Source Outdoor takes pride in their workmanship, attention to detail, and their environmentally responsible resin wicker furniture is always on the cutting edge of design. Source Outdoor offers its customers a complete ensemble of high quality comfortable outdoor furniture that can furnish any outdoor area. Their furniture is built to Hospitality grade and meant to be outside in the elements 24/7.
We can't wait for you to enjoy your new BBQ Island.
For items that are too large or fragile to be delivered via UPS, USPS and FedEx, we partner with carriers specializing in the transportation and delivery of Large Parcel freight. Shipping options will vary depending on the size of your item.
Large Parcel Delivery
The standard freight shipping delivery method is typically called curbside delivery. Curbside delivery is the method used on all our freight shipments unless other arrangements are made.
The delivery company should give you a call a day or two ahead of time to schedule and confirm the delivery timeframe. Your delivery will be made with a full-size Semi-Truck ranging from 20 to 53 feet in length. Unfortunately, we do not have control over the size of the truck used to deliver your island.
In most cases, the driver will usually need a lift gate and hand truck / pallet jack to remove the Island from the truck. Please note: The driver is only obligated to deliver curbside at the end of your driveway. In some cases, drivers will deliver up your driveway when possible, but it is up to them to decide. They may help, but are not obligated to assist once the freight is off the truck.
If the item is too large to use the lift gate, you will be responsible for getting the item off the back of the truck, or picking up the item from the nearest freight terminal. In these instances, Better Patio does offer Preferred Delivery as an additional service to assist in oversized freight unloading.
Please see our Shipping Policy for additional information.


text:
I have just installed ubuntu server edition in order to create a home network. But I am not able to find IP of the machine through ifconfig (showing only localhost). Then I tried
lspci | grep -i ethernet
09:00.0 Ethernet controller: Marvell Technology Group Ltd. 88E8040 PCI-E Fast Ethernet Controller (rev 13)
lshw -C Network
Then output was
*-network DISABLED


text:
We have been receiving requests for 3 Days West Turkey tour including visits to Pergamon, Ephesus and Pamukkale We offer 3 days private tour of Western Turkey. For these private tours we recommend to overnight in Kusadasi.
Below please find suggested tour program and costs:
Day 1- Arrive Izmir - Pergamon - Overnight in Kusadasi
Boarding your vehicle in Izmir airport drive to the north of Izmir, pass fertile fields and olive trees, to the present day, modern town of Bergama, once known as Pergamon, a great center of culture. The ancient city was a capital of the Pergamon Kingdom, and it was here that parchment paper was invented. Today, Pergamon is one of Turkey's finest archeological sites. Drive up to the Acropolis, to see the remains of the citadel and the city walls, the foundations of the Zeus Altar, and the Royal Palace. The famous Pergamon Library once contained 200.000 scrolls which were a gift to Cleopatra from Mark Anthony. Walk through the Agora and see the restored Trajan Temple and the remains of the Demeter, Athena and Dionysus Temples. On the steep slopes of the Acropolis you will visit the Theatre, which once held as many 15.000 spectators, view the town and its surroundings from this site. Continue to the town en route, see the Red Basilica which was used as a temple dedicated to the Egyptian godess of Serapis. Enjoy lunch in local Restaurant of Bergama and have a taste of Turkish food. In the afternoon, visit the Asclepion, a healing center from the 4th century BC and one of the most important sites of Pergamon. Here patients had herbalistic, aquatic and psychological treatment. Visit the Temple of Asclepios, the theatre, and walk through the sacred corridor and down the ancient,arcaded, marble-paved boulevard. Drive to Kusadasi. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 2 - Fullday Tour of Pamukkale
After departing from Kusadasi, drive east approx. 3 hours to Hierapolis (Pamukkale) Enter the site from North Gate and walk through the Ancient Necropolis (Cemetery). So far Italian archaeologists excavated over 1200 tombs in the area. The total number is expected to exceed 3000. No where in the world you can see such a gigantic ancient cemetery. Afterwards see the Roman Bath, walk through Domitian Gate, Frantinus Avenue to see the other remains. View the huge Roman theater having a capacity of 10000. Walk on the calcium deposit terraces of Pamukkale. Enjoy the stunning views. The water temperature is 32 degrees. At the end of the tour we can drop you at a hotel in Pamukkale or drive you back to Kusadasi. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 3 - Fullday Tour of Ephesus
Meet with your guide in front of your hotel in Kusadasi. Drive to the country. Your first stop on this fascinating tour is at the HOUSE OF VIRGIN MARY. Then, you will continue on to visit ancient EPHESUS, one of the most magnificent and best-preserved ancient sites in the world. See the Odeion, the Market Basilica, Curetes Street, Bath,Celsus Library, Marble Street and the Great Theater with a seating capacity of 25,000 people. Afterwards visit the BASILICA OF ST. JOHN and see the TEMPLE OF ARTEMIS, one of the wonders of the ancient world. En-route to Kusadasi enjoy the scenery or shopping opportunity. Drive back to Izmir Airport.
TOTAL COST: 535 EURO (Total amount to be paid for party of 1-6 people)
Rates Cover:
Rates Do Not Cover:
There is no prepayment required for the reservation. To avoid disappointment, we recommend to make your private tour reservation at earliest possible.
Payment Terms:
Payment can be made in Euro or US Dollar cash at the end of the tour. There is no prepayment required.
* If you arrive Izmir in the evening. For the first night we recommend you to overnight in Izmir downtown or Izmir airport hotels. For the next days book a hotel in Kusadasi.
Recommended hotels to stay in Kusadasi
(booking.com links):
Recommended hotels to stay in Izmir
(Booking.com links):
Orty Airport Hotel
Tav Airport Hotel Izmir
DoubleTree By Hilton Izmir Airport
* If requested Aphrodisias ancient city can be added to Day 3. The surcharge for this addition is 30 Euros.
* If requested above program can be modified.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. We will arrive in Izmir late, and will stay overnight at Kusadasi (based on your recommendation). So we will need airport transfers from the airport to Kusadasi. And the Pergamom tour on Day 1 will start at Kusadasi. Would there be any change in the quote then?
> In this case, we recommend you to overnight at an airport hotel in Izmir for the first night. Therefore there would not be any surcharge in the cost of the tour.
booking.com links for Izmir Airport Hotels:
Orty Airport Hotel
Tav Airport Hotel Izmir
DoubleTree By Hilton Izmir Airport
2. Lunch and food is not so important for us, a quick vegetarian lunch is enough, we rather have more time at the sites. Is this possible?
> Time allocated for lunch during the tours is 1 hour. That will give your tour guide and driver a little break too. You will have enough time at the sites.
3. For the full-day tour in Ephesus, do we see the terrace houses and the Ephesus museum too?
> If tequested Terrace Houses and Ephesus Museum can also be added to the tour program. There is no surcharge for these additions.
4. What are the exact schedules for each day? Like when does each day start and end?
> This is a private tour so the tours can start any time you wish
Recommended start times and approximate duration of the tours are as follows:
Day 1: Pergamon Tour: 09.00am - 7-8 Hours
Day 2: Ephesus Tour: 09.00am - 7-8 Hours
Day 3: Aphrodisias + Pamukkale Tour: 08.00am - 12 hours
5. Because of the long drives to the sites, is there enough time af the sites to visit them in detail? How many hours are we in Ephesus, Pergamon and Pamukkale?
> Yes, there will be enough time at the sites.
Approximate visiting times are as follows:
Ephesus Ancient City: 2 Hours
Pergamon Acropolis: 1 hour
Pergamon Asklepion: 1 hour
Pamukkale/Hierapolis: 3 hours
6. If we are not interested in shopping stops, can we easily say that we don't want them?
> There is no scheduled shopping stops during the tour program. This is your private tour you will decide what to do. Your tour guide will make recommendations.
For larger group costings and for more infformation, please contact us.


text:
Laundromats in town Erandio, Spaina object
Do you lack the time to do laundry and iron your clothes, or is there a stain on your evening dress that you don't know how to get out? We offer the best solution: an extensive catalog of laundromats in in Erandio (Basque Country), Spain. When you can find the laundromat, you never have to forego freshly washed things even while traveling.
Our site provides the most detailed guide to laundromats. You can find one in just a few minutes, including laundries that provide around-the-clock service to hotel guests. Solve the problem of where to take your personal belongings to be cleaned. The range of professional services that you can find in this category is exhaustive: washing using eco-friendly detergents, bleaching, removal of difficult stains, ironing, rush orders, and many other options. Each listing contains important information about the individual business, including: detailed addresses, business hours, contact phone numbers, and prices.
If you need quality professional care for your clothes while at home or abroad, then search the database of our site.


text:
Slip on Bandana
Instant cool for your dog. Just slide the bandana onto your dogs collar and that's it. They'll be The Fonz of the park in no time.
Available in 2 sizes:
Small is best for little breeds like Yorkies and Patterdales (up to our size 2 collar) – even cats…
Medium/Large will fit all other breeds, from a Westie right up to a Great Dane.
If you have a bold and flamboyant dog who is big in personality but small to medium in stature, you may be better choosing the medium/large bandana and folding it around the collar before putting it on. See our blog for more details.
This bandana is made in a printed cotton.


text:
Last week, my friend and colleague Matt Cabral wrote up an excellent preview of Hitman: Absolution for Kotaku. I was given the same demonstration by IO Interactive and Square Enix this week at CES and couldn't agree with him more - the game is going to be bloody fantastic.
However, one small reason for this is because it happens to borrow one of your favorite game mechanics from one of your favorite games. Red Dead Redemption.
Toward the end of our guided demo of Absolution, Agent 47 walks into a room full of goons, activates his "instinct mode," slows down time, paints all the targets in the room with little red x's, then proceeds to blow them all away with a micro uzi.
Matt said he felt that this was similar to the "Mark and Execute" mechanic used by Sam Fisher in Splinter Cell Conviction but when I saw this happen, I just couldn't help myself. I screamed out, "Haha, he's got deadeye!"
IO wasn't amused. "Well, not exactly - you see we based this off a real world technique used by Special Forces operatives. You can look it up on Wikipedia!"
Ok, first off, don't ever tell me to go look anything up on Wikipedia. Second of all, I don't have to goto Wikipedia to know that there is no Special Forces technique that allows you to slow down time, then paint and gun down 14 targets in a 180 degree radius. Unless of course our Special Forces are now made up of clones of John Marston and Sam Fisher! At least admit that "maybe" Agent 47's "instinct mode" was inspired by these extremely similar gameplay mechanics? Speaking of which, did you know that Red Dead Redemption and Splinter Cell Conviction came out within a month of each other? The plot thickens!
Anyhow, I'm not trying to get down on the guys from IO, they make awesome games and gave me an awesome demo. Not to mention I've been a fan of theirs for years now. Hell, I'm the guy that liked Kane & Lynch 2! What I'm saying is, the deadeye mechanic in Red Dead Redemption was awesome. The fact that it has (damn well sure to some extent) inspired game mechanics in Hitman: Absolution is even more awesome. So much so that I just said awesome four times in the same paragraph.
I'm not quite sure that I understand some of Agent 47's other new abilities, like his Jensen-esque ability to see through walls, but I'll suspend my disbelief because Hitman: Absolution, much like its new "instinct mode," looks absolutely brilliant.
Headline image by Chad Lakkis


text:
http://www.djoglobal.com/products/donjoy/armorvman wrote:TracyS wrote:I tore my miniscus and sprained my MCL June 1st of this year. I got an MRI to confirm the damage. Surgery is optional based on how much pain I have. I have decided not to get surgery. Instead I bought a brace from Donjoy. They have all sorts of models, but I bought the next best thing to a custom brace, which is called the Armor. I went to their website and used their guide for measuring my knee, then I purchased on on ebay for $160. I started kiting the day I received it on the mail, which was exactly 4 weeks from the day of my injury.
It has been a few months now and I kite almost every day with my brace. I have met a few others who said they used Donjoy for a few years but they prefer the CTi. I am thinking about getting a CTi now.
The Armor works decently. The only problems I notice are that the velcro loosens up when I get it wet and I have to adjust it often. And when I jump and have some hard landings, the brace gets all tweaked up. I assume that is to be expected.
Great info, can you please provide me with the websites for the braces you recommend
I have slight pain still. but nothing that holds me back. I do sometimes tweak it a bit if I lose my board and my ankle twists, even while wearing the brace.
http://www.betterbraces.com/donjoy-armo ... art-anchor
http://www.betterbraces.com/donjoy-armo ... video-size


text:
Advanced Broadcast Solutions, a division of Key Code Media:
Providing Solutions To Tell Stories With Technology
From single camera solutions to complete broadcast facilities Advanced Broadcast Solutions has been at the forefront in the design, integration and installation of digital and high definition television systems since 1992. We've taken the experience we've acquired building 24/7 broadcast facilities throughout the world and extended our reach to a broad range of audio and video design clientele. Our company's combined total of 250-plus years experience provides us with unique buying power and extensive technical know-how. Give us a call to find out for yourself how our customer-driven approach creates value far beyond the technical.


text:
Google will not place its ads on sites distributing fake news
- 15 November, 2016 14:05
Google plans to update its AdSense program policies to prevent placement of its ads on sites distributing fake news.
False news stories have become a sore point after the U.S. presidential elections with critics blaming internet companies like Twitter and Facebook for having had an influence on the outcome of the elections as a result of the fake content.
The controversy also reflects concerns about the growing power of social networks to influence people and events, as well as help people to communicate and organize. Facebook promotes democracy by letting candidates communicate directly with people, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said recently in an interview.
Google had its own embarrassing moments on Sunday with a false story that claimed that President-elect Donald Trump had won the popular vote in the U.S. presidential elections figuring atop some Google search results. Trump's Democratic rival Hillary Clinton is leading in the popular vote.
"We've been working on an update to our publisher policies and will start prohibiting Google ads from being placed on misrepresentative content, just as we disallow misrepresentation in our ads policies," Google said Monday in a statement. "Moving forward, we will restrict ad serving on pages that misrepresent, misstate, or conceal information about the publisher, the publisher's content, or the primary purpose of the web property."
Google evidently expects that the threat of a cut in revenue from ads will dissuade sites from publishing fake content.
Zuckerberg has described as "crazy" the criticism that fake news on Facebook's news feed had influenced the vote in favor of Trump. "Of all the content on Facebook, more than 99% of what people see is authentic. Only a very small amount is fake news and hoaxes," Zuckerberg said in a post over the weekend. The hoaxes are not limited to one partisan view, or even to politics, he added.
Identifying the "truth" is complicated, as while some hoaxes can be clearly identified, a greater amount of content, including from mainstream sources, often gets the basic idea right but some details wrong or omitted, or expresses a view that some people will disagree with and flag as incorrect even when it is factual, Zuckerberg wrote.


text:
Combines eye tracking, speech recognition, switch and IR control for desktop computer access
Global End of Sale Notification – As of November 29th, 2020, the PCEye Plus will no longer be available for sale. For more information, please click .
The PCEye Plus solution empowers you to individually create the most efficient way of computer interaction. Surf the web, connect with friends online, play games, use Skype, turn on the lights or TV, and even make spreadsheets and documents using only your eyes.
The PCEye Plus can be used to fully replace the traditional keyboard and mouse with the Access package, which includes our software Windows Control for full computer access. If the ambition is to get started with eye tracking, the package Track & Learn is a good option. Choose product option below to see more information.
Both product options include the PCEye Plus eye tracker with an integrated switch port and the EyeR dongle, used for IR, and the software Virtual Remote, needed to control the EyeR.
Experience greater personal freedom and independence by accessing all the functions of your Windows desktop or laptop computer using only your eyes. Designed for computer-literate individuals with physical disabilities and communication challenges who want to make full use of their computer – completely independently.
PCEye Plus is a versatile eye tracker designed for all levels of eye gaze skills and needs. It can take you from paint, play and draw to full computer access.
Eye gaze & switch access
Dictation enabled
Environmental control
Replace a traditional keyboard and mouse with your eyes and surf the web, connect on social media, play games, turn on the lights, create documents and more.
If you're new to eye gaze, try a simple and efficient way to learn how to use it then measure and track your progress.
Whether you're just getting started with eye gaze or are ready to fully access your computer, we have a PCEye Plus package to meet your needs.
For full computer access, get PCEye Plus, an EyeR dongle and Windows Control software as a package to replace a traditional keyboard and mouse.
Get PCEye Plus together with Gaze Point and Gaze Viewer, our entry level software offering a simple way to learn and document the use of eye tracking and gaze interaction.
If you're a beginner, you mightwant to start with Gaze Point to learn and explore eye tracking. Use Gaze Viewer to measure your progress. Continue on to new levels of computer access with Windows Control, and if you need Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), add Communicator 5 or Snap Core First software. PCEye Plus can take you from paint, play and draw to full computer access when combined with Windows Control. A single solution that meets you exactly where you are and takes you where you want to go.
Eye tracking + dictation
When a voice is picked up perfectly, dictation is the fastest way to convert the spoken word into written text. The PCEye Plus has a high quality 4-array microphone system integrated into the eye tracker, offering two extremely efficient interaction methods to switch between to find your preferred individual balance.
Eye tracking + switch
PCEye Plus has an integrated switch port, providing you with a switch connection exactly where you need it, giving you the power to control your computer more intentionally. With the "sticky left click", the mouse curser follows your eyes constantly and performs a left click whenever you hit the switch.
The PCEye Plus, together with the zoom functionality of Windows Control, allows you to hit even the smallest targets on the screen with almost pixel precision.
Our easy, one-time calibration is helpful for users who have difficulties keeping focus on a calibration target. It is a fantastic way for beginners to get started with eye tracking.
The trackbox is the imaginary volume within which you can move your head without losing accuracy or interrupting the eye tracking session. PCEye Plus's large trackbox size gives you the freedom to sit or lie down comfortably while maintaining eye tracking performance.
The PCEye Plus provides higher quality tracking results compared to other eye trackers, regardless of most lighting conditions, eye color, or eyewear (glasses or contact lenses).
The PCEye Plus attaches perfectly to most laptop and desktop monitors, with an excellent performance on screens up to 27'' in size. Processing takes place within the PCEye Plus eye tracker itself, enabling you to use both old and low performance PCs. The 75cm long USB cable and the eye tracker's slim design make it possible to use the eye tracker on an external monitor. The built-in switch port enables switch use directly where needed.
The PCEye Plus comes with a uniquely designed EyeR dongle that opens the door to IR (remote control of appliances via infrared) without the need for any additional equipment. This unlocks control of sensory rooms, IR toys, TVs and smart home functions. To use it, simply connect the dongle via USB to your computer or laptop, direct the IR signal at the intended device using your eyes, and take control.
All elements of the EyeR like the USB connector, the flexible arm and the IR component are quality tested. The IR signal is emitted through the glass cover at a 180-degree angle. The small and lightweight IR dongle is extremely flexible and can be rotated 360 degrees. Once adjusted, the EyeR holds its position, so it can hang upside down, stand still and fit snuggly around corners. This flexibility ensures that the IR signals are directed perfectly at the device for optimal communication and control.
Simply plug it into your computer's USB port, and you can jump right into the Virtual Remote software (included with the PCEye Plus). Virtual Remote provides pre-programmed and manual options for setting up an IR connection, so you can start using it quickly.
EyeR comes pre-programmed with many popular IR codes, helping you to simply create "Virtual Remotes" and take control of devices in your home or office. There is an extensive list of device brands to choose from, and once the brand is selected, all matching remotes are displayed, so that you can find the best one.
Here you are starting with a pre-determined layout, which consists of un-programmed buttons. You can now program these buttons individually according to your preferences. After the initial programming, every button can still be edited and changed.
Once chosen and set-up, the remote can still be edited afterwards.
The PCEye Plus is designed to evolve with your changing needs. Start with Gaze Point and Gaze Viewer software to learn about and explore eye tracking. Try Windows Control for full computer access if you're ready for the next step. For those who need augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), PCEye Plus is compatible with Communicator 5, Snap Core First and Snap Scene software.
Control your desktop or any app with a simple, two-step process. Simply select the task that you want to perform in the taskbar, such as a double click. Then look at the desired area or icon on the screen where you want to execute the task.
If you need augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) software, you can add Communicator 5, Snap Core First and Snap Scene for even more assisted communication options.
The Access package comes with the EyeR dongle and related Virtual Remote software.
Gaze Point is our entry level eye tracking software. Combined with the PCEye Plus, Gaze Point lets you move the mouse pointer and perform left mouse clicks.
Together with Gaze Viewer, it offers an efficient way to learn how to use eye tracking and document gaze interaction.
Gaze Viewer records real eye tracking data to help you understand physical and cognitive abilities. It's an assessment tool for SLPs, teachers, parents, educational psychologists or anyone else wanting a better understanding of the capabilities of the person they are helping.
|Technical specifications
|Tobii Dynavox PCEye Plus
|Medical Device
|93/42/EEC (MDD) - Medical Device Directive, as amended by 2007/47/EC
|Data Streams
|Eye tracking (gaze point, eye position, etc.) IR image stream at 30 Hz
|Power Consumption
|<2.2 W typical average
|Processing Unit
|IS-4L Tobii EyeChip™ with fully embedded processing
|USB 2.01 or higher
|Track Box2 Dimensions at 65 cm (26'') Distance
>40 × 30 cm ellipse
|Operating Distance
|50 - 95 cm
20″ - 37″
|Screen Size3
|Recommended up to 27"
|Detected Gaze Interaction >30 Hz
| 99% for 95% of population4
|User Calibration
(Former Tracking Robustness)
|<0.3° ideal5
<1.0° for 65% of population
<1.3° for 80% of population
<1.7° for 90% of population
<1.9° for 95% of population
|<0.1° ideal5
<0.2° for 65% of population
<0.25° for 80% of population
<0.3° for 90% of population
<0.4° for 95% of population
|Max Head Movement Speed (Eye Position)
|40 cm/s (16 in/s)
|Max Head Tilt
|Max Yaw, Pitch
|Low visibility (850 nm)
|No flicker (30 Hz constant)
|Gaze Latency / Gaze Recovery
|25 ms / 100 ms
|Size (w × h × d)
|322 × 22 × 18 mm
12.7″ × 0.87″ × 0.71″
|280 g
9.9 oz
|System Requirements (Recommended Minimum)
|Processor: Dual-Core 2.0 GHz
Memory: 4 GB RAM
Hard Disk: 450 MB available
USB Interface: USB 2.0 or higher
|Compatible Operating Systems
|64-bit Windows 7, 8.1 or 10
|Compatible Tobii Dynavox Software
|Windows Control, Gaze Point, Gaze Viewer, Virtual Remote, Communicator 5, Snap Core First, Compass
|Incompatible Tobii Dynavox Software
|Classic Tobii Gaze Interaction Software, Snap Scene, ALL, Boardmaker Student Center
|Microphone array consisting of 4 microphones
|1 × 3.5 mm Switch connector interface
1 USB 2.0 BC1.2 provides Tobii IS4 with sufficient power and signal bandwidth.
2 Track box describes the space in front of the eye tracker where the user must have at least one eye to get gaze data. The eye tracker is at a 20° angle looking upward from below the screen.
3 For larger than recommended screens, the limiting parameter is the quality of the gaze accuracy at the upper corners of the screen when the user sits close to the screen.
4 The degree-of-accuracy and precision over percentage-of-population numbers result from extensive testing across representatives of the whole population. We have made use of hundreds of thousands of diagnostic images and performed tests on approximately 800 individuals with different conditions, vision, ethnicities, everyday dust, smudges or blemishes around their eyes, with eyes out of focus, etc. This has resulted in a much more robust and high performance eye tracking experience and a much more realistic representation of true performance across the whole population, not just in a mathematically "ideal" scenario.
5 The "ideal" degree numbers are the previous standard of measuring accuracy and precision, both previously from Tobii and presently from all eye tracking competitors. Though "ideal" numbers are useful to get a general feel about comparative quality and performance, they are not applicable to real world usage in the same way as quantitative degree-of-accuracy and precision over percentage-of-population numbers based on extensive testing across representatives of the whole population.
Download PCEye Plus product leaflet
|Technical specifications
|Tobii Dynavox EyeR
|Medical Device
|93/42/EEC (MDD) - Medical Device Directive, as amended by 2007/47/EC
48 g
|Size (l × h × d)
|284 mm × 9.3 mm × 23.4 mm
11.2" × 0.37" × 0.92"
|Active range of IR transmission
|>4 m
|Compatible Operating Systems
64-bit Windows 7, 8.1 or 10
Included Software
Virtual Remote
|USB 2.0 or higher
Download EyeR Safety & Compliance
© Copyright 2020 Tobii Dynavox


text:
READ about Piers Morgan's long career in journalism here.
Coming up this evening at 9, "Piers Morgan Live" welcomes Glenn Close for an honest and engaging primetime interview.
Joining Piers Morgan in studio, the Tony, Golden Globe and Emmy award winner spoke passionately about mental health awareness, a cause near and dear to her, as multiple members of her family are battling various symptoms.
As chairperson and founder of "Bring Change 2 Mind," Close graciously attached her name, face and voice to an organization that lists among it's objectives "working to end the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness."
More than a quarter century since staring opposite Michael Douglas in the hit film "Fatal Attraction," tonight Close offers her reaction to learning that Douglas' wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones, suffers from bipolar disorder:
"I immediately thought, boy ... and she built a career dealing with that," she remarks. "And not being able to talk about it, I'm sure."
Despite her professional relationship with the 68-year-old Douglas, Close says she hasn't reached out to him on a personal level:
"There's always that thing, you want to give people their space and sometimes, unless they bring it up," she explains. "It's a great tribute to whatever support group she has around her, and that's, you know, her family, I'm sure. Because you can't do it without family."
Tune in at 9 for the entire interview with Close, as the six-time Academy Award nominee opens up about her work in front of the camera and her passions beyond it.
» Follow "Piers Morgan Live" on Twitter
» Follow "Piers Morgan Live" on Instagram
Catherine Zeta-Jones is a beautiful, classy , vibrant woman who hasn't worked at her professional craft in far too long. I've missed her in film. She needs to feed her own soul again, which is real therapy. I wish her well.
why does AMERICA HATE AMERICA.....


text:
Supermassive black holes, rare galaxies, oh my! Tomorrow afternoon, NASA will be hosting a teleconference to discuss new discoveries surrounding these and other extreme deep-space objects.
According to SPACE.com:
The NASA update is set for Wednesday (Aug. 29) at 1 p.m. EDT (1700 GMT) and will discuss the latest science findings from NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer mission. The prolific WISE space telescope mission actually ended in 2011, but astronomers continue to mine the observatory's data for new discoveries.
According to NASA, briefing participants will include:
- Daniel Stern, astronomer, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
- Peter Eisenhardt, WISE project scientist, JPL
- Jingwen Wu, astronomer, JPL
- Rachel Somerville, Downsbrough Chair in Astrophysics, Rutgers University
We'll be streaming a feed of the teleconference live on io9, so be sure to check back then. Alternatively, you can watch a Ustream feed of the telecon live at NASA beginning shortly before the start of the event. See you all there!


text:
|Benedikt Schmidt <firstname.lastname@example.com>
|Safe Haskell
Term Equalities, Matching Problems, and Subterm Rules.
An equality.
evalEqual :: Eq a => Equal a -> BoolSource
True iff the two sides of the equality are equal with respect to their
Eq instance.
Matching problems
Matching problems. Use the
Monoid instance to compose matching
No matcher exists.
|DelayedMatches [(a, a)]
A bunch of delayed (term,pattern) pairs.
flattenMatch :: Match a -> Maybe [(a, a)]Source
Flatten a matching problem to a list of (term,pattern) pairs. If no
matcher exists, then
Nothing is returned.
matchOnlyIf :: Bool -> Match aSource
Ensure that matching only succeeds if the condition holds.


text:
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text:
HP's TouchPad was announced about a month ago, but no solid shipping date has been set. I'm not sure what it is about companies announcing products with no real information on availability, but tablets seem to be especially prone to this phenomenon. We heard June, then we heard April, and now HP's Leo Apotheker, in a Q&A, has said that yes, June is the month it will ship, alongside the new Pre 3 and Veer.
He also remarked that he wanted webOS to make its PC debut this year — though a full roll-out would have to wait until 2012. I'm interested by skeptical. PCs are PCs and tablets are tablets. I think crossing the breeds may make for a bit of a mutt.


text:
Are there any rules or policy regarding which config options etc are made available in Ext Designer? I was under the (perhaps misguided?) impression that everything was available, but after 1 minute of using Ext Designer I hit problems because the Window container does not have a buttons config option.
What a shock when the very first thing I did was dropped a window into the design area and tried to setup "OK" and "Cancel" buttons!
Perhaps I missed something obvious... but it seems pointless to use Ext Designer for anything if standard features are not available. Is there something else I should be using or doing instead?


text:
Police arrested 17 people in Victorville, a city outside of Los Angeles, after protesters tried to storm a shopping mall and a group of youths opened items at a gas station market and left without paying, authorities said.
Most of the arrests were for unlawful assembly, and eight of those arrested were under age 18, according to Cindy Bachman, spokeswoman for the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner.
The protests were over the acquittal of George Zimmerman, a Florida neighborhood watch captain who fatally shot Trayvon Martin, an unarmed black teenager, after a fight.
Local news from across Southern California
The majority of protesters in Victorville - about 80 of them - remained peaceful and obeyed the law during a rally in the desert city, Bachman said.
However, a "large group" gathered in a mall parking lot and tried to enter the mall, but mall security guards locked down the building and none of the protesters made it inside. Sheriff's deputies ordered the group to disperse over loudspeakers and detained about seven people who did not, Bachman said.
In addition, a group of 10 to 15 people described as "juveniles" went into a Chevron gas station at the intersection of Bear Valley Road and Balsam Road, opened items and left without paying, Bachman said.
No injuries or damage were immediately reported.


text:
UPDATE: We will be broadcasting the Membership Meeting portion of the upcoming Spring AAVSO Meeting via GoToWebinar. The details are below.
Award presentations are first on the agenda! We hope that many of you will be able to join us.
Title: AAVSO Membership Meeting, June 12, 2014
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time (02:00 - 04:00 UT June 13 )
Join us for award presentations (first on the agenda!), Association reports, and Q&A.
For those who could not attend the AAVSO 2013 Spring Meeting in person but wish to take part, we will be broadcasting the following 2 events via GoToWebinar:
Talk by AAVSO Vice President Jeno Sokoloski
"Working Together to Understand Novae"Friday, May 17 at 11:00am EDT (15:00 UT)
AAVSO 102nd Spring Meeting was held at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC.
- Updates
- Transportation
- Description of Events
- Registration
- Preliminary Schedule
- Abstract Submission
- Accommodations
Don't forget to register for the AAVSO Annual Meeting!
For more information please visit the Annual Meeting Description Page. We hope to see you in November!
Join us on Wednesday, May 23rd at approximately 7:15pm Pacific/10:15pm Eastern/2:15 UT for Arne Henden's Director's Report. On the heels of the very successful "Astro-April" series of webinar broadcasts for the Citizen Sky celebration and as part of the Spring 2012 Meeting being held jointly with SAS in Big Bear, California we are using GoToWebinar to broadcast Arne's talk.
Click here any time between now and the talk to register for the broadcast. (Mac or Windows)
The AAVSO held its 101st Spring Meeting in Big Bear, CA on May 22-24, 2012. This was a joint meeting with the Society of Astronomical Sciences (SAS). (We had a very well attended joint meeting with SAS in 2009 at this same location.) As before, SAS handled the registration and paper submissions for this meeting. Both AAVSO members and SAS members received the member registration rate.
Scientific Paper Session
Saturday, October 18, 2008
11:30 am — 5:30 pm
11:30 am – 12:00 pm
Variable Star Astronomy Education Outreach Initiativepowerpoint | pdf
Donna L. Young
20 minutes
Data Mining Workshop
Friday, October 17, 2008
9:00 am — 12:00 pm
9:00 am
Introductionpowerpoint | pdf | video
Paula Szkody
15 minutes
9:15 am


text:
Our volume UPS discounts are passed-on directly to you for the lowest possible shipping rates.
Honeywell RP418B1002 and RP818 Electric/Pneumatic Relay:Electrically operated pneumatic switches used to interlock an electrical system and a pneumatic control system.Replacement devices are available for Johnson, Powers, Robertshaw, Barber-Colman, and older Honeywell devices.Product Specifications: Type Electric / Pneumatic Relay Operation De-energized: ports 2 and 3 connected, port 1 blocked, Energized: ports 1 and 3 connected, port 2 blocked Airflow Usage 0.42 scfm (200 mL/s) at 20 psi (138 kPa) supply with 1 psi (7 kPa) pressure drop Capacity (Cv) 0.075 Cv minimum Air connections Barb fittings for 1/4 in. (6 mm) plastic tubing Dimensions (in) 2 7/8 in. high, 1 3/4 in. wide, 1 1/4 in. deep Dimensions (mm) 73 mm high, 44 mm wide, 32 mm deep Electrical Connections 15 in. (380 mm) leads Voltage 24 Vac Frequency (Hz) 60 Hz Maximum Operating Pressure (kPa) 340 kPa Maximum Operating Pressure (psi) 50 psi Mounting Type panel Temperature range (C) -18 to 38 C Temperature range (F) 0 to 100 F Description Electric / Pneumatic Relay, Panel Mount Approvals, Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Component Recognized File: MP1502, Vol. 11, Sec. 1, Listed: Guide Y10Z Approvals, Canadian Underwriters Laboratories Listed: File No. LR50900


text:
Pill cutter.
The UK national suppliers that sell this item are listed below.
Head office
Unit 6
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Union Road London
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23 January 2019,
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The following suppliers have not updated their product details for over two years. We list the last price they entered but provide less information on them. These records will be removed after three years. They can update their records using our self-service system.
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text:
Farewell, My Friends, Adieu
I hate to say good-bye
Yet we have to say farewell
For we shall meet again
That I can foretell
The future is unpredictable
Tomorrow is uncertain
Keep our laughs and memoirs
But I wish you have no burden
We shall keep on learning
Remain as students and become as mentors
Face the unknown with confident yearning
Pursue our life endeavors
Farewell, my friends, adieu
I utter it with pain
Farewell, my friends, adieu
In sunshine or in rain
Farewell, my friends, adieu
This day would come, we knew
Our dreams we shall pursue
For now, my friends, adieu
With a heavy heart and these words by Dhainee Pfafflin, I wave you Good bye.
Yeah I am feeling terrible as I write down these words, but then for some unavoidable reasons, I am taking a break from Blogging. For how long ?? Well it may be for just a week or a month or many…future is unseen and unpredictable. But if you…each Dear visitor of this blog, do your bit to keep this blog alive in my absence, by visiting it , digging out some old posted recipes here, Sharing your comments and views, despite of knowing that I may not be able to respond…then rest assured that I will be back with a bang, soon. Or else……sigh….
So keep those Emails pouring in my Inbox, keep sending your recipes, drop in a line or two at sindhirasoi (at) gmail(dot) com, keep writing few flattering ( Lol) comments , keep updating me with the events hosted and the round ups, so that I don't miss out all the fun while I am not here. I will surely go through all the mails as and when possible
Before I move on with a new chapter in my life, here is yet another Sindhi delicacy, though not a healthy one…but those of you, who relish potato chips , cakes, pastries etc, this is not more sinful than those. And taste wise….hmm…its a lovely way to enjoy potatoes
Potato Took as we call this Double fried potato in Sindhi, is generally served with Kadhi Chaawal...another Sindhi Signature dish. But this is equally loved with Bhughe chaawal or any type of Biryani/Pulav too.
The picture here shows, some sinful Took Patata , with vegetable Pulav , Papad, and some paneer burji, which was a leftover from previous meal. The burji doesnt actually goes with pulav, but since i was about to eat it anyway, why not flaunt it…lol
Recipe of Took Patata( Double fried crisp Potato snack) ?? Well there is hardly any, still..
Ps: The plate above (in which food is served) travelled all the way from Uk to Mumbai. Thank You Dear Sk, for a thoughtful gift 🙂
- Potatoes 4
- Salt
- Turmeric powder ¼ tsp
- Coriander powder ½ tsp
- Red chilly powder ¼ tsp (Or as per taste)
- Amchoor powder(Dry mango powder) ¼ tsp
- Oil for deep frying
- Peel and cut potatoes into four pieces (Take medium sized potatoes)
- Slit them in criss- cross pattern, not very deep
- Add Salt to potatoes, and keep aside for 2- 4 minutes
- Rinse them with some water
- Heat oil in Kadai, or frying pan and gently slide the pieces in oil
- Fry on high heat for few seconds, lower the heat and put a lid over the pan, putting some extra weight (like heavy utensil etc) above it
- Let these cook until just done, and remove from oil
- Gently flatten these with palm of your hands (beware not to scald your hands) pressing these on a flat surface like rolling board or flat(back) side of a plate.Do not do this harshly or else the potato will crumble and turn into messy stuff. Skip this step if you are not comfortable with it
- Drop the pieces again in hot oil, frying on high heat, until crisp and golden brown
- Remove all the oil from pan( or remove potatoes, transfer the oil in some container and put the potatoes back in pan)
- Sprinkle some salt if needed, and all other dry masalas, mix well for 2-4 seconds
- Do not cover these with any lid, or else these will lose the crispness. So serve immediately and Relish.By the time you crib about calories, the potato TOOK will lose its crispness, so fret upon it later 🙂


text:
I'm alone. It's quiet. I'm seated at my desk, one leg bouncing, looking at a blank computer screen. This is very common. It's what happens at the start. I don't mean a screen with some words, a few sentences. This is an entirely blank screen, nothing but a cursor. I can sit like this, for long stretches, waiting.
I've always done this. It wasn't until recently, though, that something changed. I was in this familiar situation, blank document, Lady Grey at hand, when I made the mistake of thinking about it, thinking about what was (hopefully) going to happen.
How long did it usually take to get started and why? How long did I usually sit like this? I wasn't sure. Was I wasting time just looking at the screen, without knowing more about what was going to happen? Is this actually an important part of the process, or just veiled procrastination?
For the preceding few weeks, whenever I sat down to start something — an essay, a story, even an email to a friend — it all came with a pernicious dose of introspection. I wanted to go back to just starting, oblivious and unconcerned. I thought about changing my routine, of introducing pre-planned outcomes and detailed outlines for what I was working on. I'd never used either in anything I'd written before.
During this bout of stagnation I decided to visit Toronto for a few days. On my first night in the city, I met my friend, Alex Edkins, a member of the Polaris Prize-nominated band, Metz. They'd just returned from extensive international touring and we're getting back into their own writing mode. We had supper at a small pub. Before our food arrived, I asked Alex about his process, what a day of songwriting is like for Metz.
"For us, no, there's very little premeditation that happens before the song writing process starts," he told me. "Too many restrictions, especially at the start, can inhibit some of the more exciting possibilities or shapes the song might take if left open-ended, at least that's how it is for us."
I'd always felt the same way about writing. I didn't want to put any restrictions on what might happen. Even when suddenly inactive and unable to start. Creative involution always seemed borderline inexplicable to me, so I'd never thought much about it, or questioned it. Now I was curious.
Around the same time I was sent a copy of Nick Bantock's newest book, The Trickster's Hat: A Mischievous Apprenticeship in Creativity, which is derived from the author's "mischievous" workshops on art and creativity. Bantock, a visual artist and writer, is the author/artist of 25 books, including the bestselling Griffin & Sabine books. He seemingly has no issues with getting started.
The Trickster's Hat offers a series of playful exercises meant to help an artist expand "the imagination so that it's more willing to encompass the less obvious." Each of the 49 exercises are designed to overcome "the blocks that restrict our creative potential." Exercises come with specific prompts, outlines, lists of materials, perhaps a brief anecdote, and an explanation and a hint why it might help.
This book is to the creation of art as stretching is to the eventual playing of basketball. It's about starting at the beginning and not thinking too far ahead. It's about removing expectation. It's about getting warm.
This is not a book I would usually read. I'm not one for exercises or prompts or drills, even when struggling to get going. But I enjoyed it. Bantock's voice is appealingly conversational and he's sincere in his desire to help others get started.
Beyond the exercises in the book and the anecdotes, thinking more about process, not less, was unavoidable. Once started on a project, once we do get going, how and why do we progress, regardless of painting, music or writing? At what point does a started piece offer worth to its creator?
Beginning with limited expectation, without knowing too much, is important for Bantock. It's a belief in creating on the go. I like this. There's value for the artist in the muddy middle, not just in producing a finished product that may or may not appeal to others.
"We often find ourselves deconstructing a song until it's a shadow of how it sounded at the start," Alex said. "The finished product is always a surprise. Sometimes a horrifying surprise, but a surprise nonetheless."
This is true for Metz's songwriting and, I think, true for many things. Allowing for potential surprise is too often misrepresented as stressful or inattentive. Awareness of, and interest in, chance and possibility is a positive. And not just for an artist.
"When people (not only artists) expand their vision," Bantock writes, "they intentionally widen themselves to a different or original version of things."
With art as staring point, exploring ideas about imagination and creativity with a widening lens starts to get very interesting and slightly overwhelming. Imagination is everywhere and constant, not only when starring at an empty canvas or blank computer screen.
Imagination isn't only essential to the creation of art. It's not just an instrument for artists. Art, as much as anything, helps us to understand existence. We know this. But imagination, unrestricted and uncensored, comes first, before anything else. It's the foundation, the bedrock.
Imagination isn't just about our understanding of reality. It is reality.