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Princess Leena of Volterra
Orphan!Twilight. Esther Coleman never died in the pond, she survived, and she's irritated. Now, she joins the Volturi as a princess. Could this be her chance for the perfect life?
1. Meeting Aro and Pals
Rating 0/5 Word Count 1540 Review this Chapter
Esther's POV
I felt my neck crick back into place and winced from the pain of it. Not broken, but my shoulder was definetly dislocated. I could feel myself sinking from the weight of the cold icy water, and I knew I had to act fast if I was to survive this ordeal. Quickly, I pulled myself up and out of the freezing water. As soon as my hands hit the ice, I winced. So cold. I wasn't expecting that. It stung ten times worse because of the water I had just been in. I struggled to get to my feet, and almost overbalanced twice. But I've always been sturdy, even as a toddler, so I got to my feet easily. I was thankful that the runners I was wearing were thick-soled, which minimised slipping as I made my way across the ice. I reached the snowy hill and looked in the direction of the Coleman home.
'FUCK!' I swore mentally in Estonian, when I realized that all my prostethics, gauze and dresses, everything I needed to become "Esther" again were still back at the Coleman home. I mentally cursed myself for forgetting them. I would have to go all the way back there now to get them. That would put a dent in my journey. It then hit me that Kate would probably have taken Max to the hospital to get her checked out, and, with the police wanting to talk to them about "naughty Leena Klammer", I would be alone in the house for at least three to three-and-a-half hours. That would give me plenty of time to get my clothes and stuff ready. I took out the key to the house that I still had wrapped around my neck. I remember John giving it to me. "In case you ever need it, Esther" he'd said as he'd slipped the chain around my neck, taking care not to upset my ribbons, and I'd smiled up at him and said, "Merci, Daddy," (we'd been learning French in school that week- the language of love)
'Ah John', I thought to myself as I made my way back to the home I was so positive we would share together. He was the one. At least, I thought he was. I say this about every potential husband/father I have ever had, but John was different. I truly believed we had a chance. But I guess he just didn't love me back. No matter, I finished with him... permanently.
I ran all the way back to the Coleman's house, (not home anymore) and silently slipped in the front door. Nobody around, just the way I liked it. I made to go up the stairs and tripped over on of Max's stuffed teddy's on my way. I smiled to myself as I bent down to pick the brown bear up. I held it to my chest and breathed in her appley scent.
'Oh, Maxxie,' I thought forlornly. 'I didn't mean to hurt you, baby-girl. A motta* would never hurt her baby. Oh, Maxxie.' I kept the bear in my arms as I walked upstairs to my old bedroom. I was a little disappointed to note that all my paintings had been torn down by John. I thought he'd liked the art I'd done for him. I shook the thoughts from my head and concentrated on the task at hand. I put on my gauze in the bathroom, stressing it to completly hide the Acups I had been cursed with. Then, I squeezed my tiny curves into my "shaper" underwear, and then I struggled into a light pink dress that was the same style as the one I had worn my, or should I say "Esther's" first day of school. After that, it was time for me to put on my make-up. I was sort of upset that I had broken my mirror now. It would be easier to apply my powders and such without the cracks. Still, I managed. When I had the make-up applied, I put on my wrist and neck ribbons and smiled a false-toothed grin at the little girl in the mirror. Sometimes I could even fool myself into believing that Esther was a real person. The cuts on my face from the greenhouse stung when I smiled, so I stopped quickly. It was time to find a new family. Another unsuspecting couple.
Just as I was walking out into the hallway, I heard footsteps downstears. 'FUCK, THEY'RE BACK THEY CAN'T BE BACK ALREADY' I swore to myself. I peeked out into the landing. If nothing else I would get to kill Kate. And Maxxie would be mine. But when I looked out at the intruders, she was not among them, and neither was Maxxie. Instead, there were three men. If you could call them men, for they were exquisitely more beautiful, their pale skin emitting a faint diamonte glow. They all seemed to stare at me as I made my way down the stairs.
"Hello," I greeted them politely, stopping half-way and bobbing them a polite curtsy. "My name is Esther."
I saw them exchange glances with one another. The blonde one, who seemed to be scowling at me, which I didn't like, said, "Should we drain her now, Aro? I'm getting rather peckish."
"What do you mean 'drain me'?" I asked. I made my way down the stairs and came towards them. They all looked at me like I was a prize to be one, and I could practically see the drool coming from their mouths. I marveled again at how pretty they were. The one who had asked to drain me sniffed the air and his face broke into a wide smile, showing his perfected white teeth. "She smells good." "Now, now, Marcus," the black-haired one spoke calmly. "You're too old to play with food." That got on my nerves. I would not stand there and be ridiculed. "I am NOT food!" I spat angrily. "I seriously suggest you FREAKS leave before I fuck you up so much you forget your own name. We clear?" I fixed them my "glare"
The black haired one laughed, and that pissed me off even more. "She's feisty," he said. "Come here, Esther, sweetling, give me your hand. I won't hurt you."
Very slowly, I made my way over to him, and he took my hand. I felt incredibly hazy for a moment, and then it was gone. "Interesting" he spoke after he had released my hand. "Such an interesting young woman." I froze. WOMAN? How did he know? I didn't look like a woman. I was supposed to be nine years old. 'Maybe he's just being endearing' my mind soothed me. Yes, that was it, there was no way this man could know who I really was. But he did, and his next words confirmed it. "You are fascinating, Leena Klammer."
"Leena?" The third blond asked. "I thought her name was Esther?" "A little lie this woman has thought up, Caius." Aro said and smiled at him. I felt anger surge in me once more. I could feel my body shaking. "Peace, little Leena." Aro patted my shoulder. "I mean you no harm, and nor do my friends." "We don't?" Caius asked. I saw Marcus sigh and place his head in his hands. "NO" he moaned. "Don't tell me you want to keep her." "She has potential." "Potential for what?" I asked. "Sweetpops," Aro crooned. "You could make a fascinating immortal. You could have power noone has ever dreamed of." "Immortal?" I mused. "Vampire?" "Clever girl." "Aro," Caius snapped. "You seriously are not thinking of making her a member of the Volturi guard?" "You have only to read her thoughts to see the potential this pretty thing has. But no, not the guard. I know already she will be too special for that. No, she will rule at our side." I wrapped my arms around myself. "Rule?" I asked. "I'm sorry, sweetie," Aro apologized. I made up my mind, I liked him the best. He would be my new daddy. "I shouldn't be discussing your future with you right there. Leena, pet," he patted my shoulder. "We want you to undergo the transformation to vampirization. (AN:- like a rhyme lol) and to rule at our side in Volterra, Italy."
"I like Italy," I said childishly. "I accept your request, on one condition." "Name it, Leena," Aro told me. I stared him straight in his red eyes and said, "I want to call you Daddy." He smiled and gently kissed my cheek. "That would be lovely, Leena, sweetpops. Now, we need to take you to Italy to begin the transformation." I looked around at the house that had ruined me. "Just one thing, Daddy," I said. "I want the house to burn to the ground." My mouth curved in a wicked smile, and Aro and the other vampires laughed. "A fair request, little one." Aro said. "Very well."
After I had poured petrol on the house and set it alight, we watched it burn from outside. I clung tight to Aro's hand as the house burned. "My new family," I said, and my eyes seemed to light up like the blaze.
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Web 2.0 and Collaboration Inspire InnovationBy Dennis McCafferty | Posted 2010-02-04 Print
Government agencies investing in information technologies that make better use of existing data and resources can achieve positive, tangible results.
Web 2.0 and Collaboration Inspire Innovation
For decades, the U.S. Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) has served as the IT brainchild of the Department of Defense (DOD), consistently coming up with breakthroughs in the development of voice/video/data systems, command intelligence, satellite communications and other IT tools.
DISA understood that finding better ways to share ideas often produces better results, which led to its launch of Forge.mil, a Web-enabled collaborative platform that allows more than 3,000 registered software developers, testers, certifiers, operators and users to exchange thoughts and resources. Based on CollabNet's TeamForge software,
Forge.mil incorporates Web 2.0 tools, such as Wikis, and is in the process of adding blogs, social networking and social tagging. It uses tools such as JackBe, a mashup platform for enterprises to combine previously disconnected information resources for more informed decision making.
Given how large and global DOD operations are, the open-source nature of Forge.mil can help agencies better pursue even relatively routine tasks, such as the launch of a Linux operating system. "If one DOD agency has already done this and another is interested in doing the same thing, the two of them can share information on Forge.mil," explains Rob Vietmeyer, the DISA project leader overseeing the effort.
It also can assist soldiers in the battlefield. If an enemy target is pinpointed in Afghanistan, for example, intelligence officers can share geographic and other needed data swiftly via a classified version of Forge.mil. Commanders can use these tools to quickly collaborate on an execution plan, which can then be accessed by military forces in the field.
"This allows us to take all kinds of resources and tools—such as geospatial programs, Army intelligence and even resources available to the public on sites like Google—and mash them all together so we can make good decisions and come up with even better tools," Vietmeyer says.
Boosting Health Care Reporting
In the past, Illinois would have handled a typical infectious disease case this way: A patient would walk into a doctor's office and complain of symptoms. He'd get checked out, and if there was reasonable concern, be sent to a laboratory for a blood test. The blood would be evaluated and—anytime from a few days to 10 days later—health-care providers would know what they were dealing with.
Today, thanks to an information-sharing/collaboration system called the Illinois National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (I-NEDSS), that timeline is significantly fast-tracked. Once a patient's blood work is completed, the lab immediately inputs the results electronically into a network that connects state, local and federal health-focused agencies. The local doctor and patient are given the information needed for treatment within 24 hours of the lab sample submission.
The results are also immediately reported to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, so federal officials can collect the data to assemble a national database of cases. "This gives us a robust, Web-based capability for reporting these cases," says James Driscoll, CIO of the Illinois Department of Public Health. "We have important data on an estimated 140 diseases in this system."
Developed in-house with support from Rose International, a technology services firm, I-NEDSS was launched in the wake of post-9/11 concerns about the reporting capabilities of public health systems in the event of a bioterrorism attack. The Illinois system was first tested in 2004, when it reported 10 food-borne diseases in a database shared by state and local health departments. In spring 2009, H1N1 was added.
Today, Illinois is planning to expand the system's capability to include Sexually Transmitted Diseases and death records. Ultimately, state officials seek a tool that will determine where outbreaks are occurring to allow for swifter intervention to minimize the impact on the public.
"We're constantly asking what more this system can do to help local health departments," says Suresh Kathiresan, project manager. "We want them to have a clearer understanding of what they're dealing with."
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subset: commoncrawl


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Condition: Normal > Stunned, Bruised / HP: 1+2 = 3 / Free Surge: 1
The robots are remarkably powerful and well-built for killer bot minions. Dash nimbly ducks, leaps and jinks through the flurry of attacks, rolling away from a laser blast and just barely avoiding a blowtorch and cannon shell that whistles past her cheek. "Not good enough, you cheap tin --"
The rest of her taunt dies in a scream as a fourth robot ducks in under her guard, and slices her from right shoulder to left thigh with a circular saw. If she had been a normal girl she would be on the ground in halves by now. But whatever mutation gave her her powers also gave her her body the strength needed to withstand the forces it could produce. Dash crumples to the ground, bleeding heavily and her clothing in tatters, but otherwise still largely intact and very ticked off.
Toughness DC 25 (1d20+10=20) Failed by 5, Stunned and Bruised


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May 9, 2008
MÖNCHENGLADBACH, Germany - With a 3-0 win over SV Wehen Wednesday evening, former UC Santa Barbara forward Rob Friend and Borussia Mönchengladbach sealed its return to the Bundesliga, the premiere soccer league in Germany and one of the top leagues in all of Europe. Friend, who holds UCSB's all-time record for goals scored in a season, scored in the 67th minute to put Borussia up 2-0.
With two matches remaining Friend leads the squad and ranks second in the league with a total of 15 goals.
A member of the Gauchos in 2001 and 2002, Friend became first player in program history to be drafted by an MLS side when he was selected by the Chicago Fire in the fourth round of the 2003 SuperDraft. The native of Kelowna, B.C. became UCSB's first All-American in 32 years when he received NSCAA and College Soccer News accolades in 2002 after finishing with a school-record 20 goals. Friend helped guide Santa Barbara to its first ever NCAA Tournament appearance that year, where the Gauchos advanced to the second round before losing to Cal 2-1.
Friend led UCSB to an overall record of 29-8-4 and a Big West Conference mark of 16-2-2 in his two seasons in the blue and gold. He ranks fourth on UCSB's all-time scoring charts with 31 career goals and also holds single season records for points (44) and shots (108).


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Federline is asking for legal and physical custody of the couple's children. Sources tell TMZ that Federline will fight Spears on the custody issue. In the response, obtained by TMZ, Federline is asking the judge to award Spears visitation.
Federline is also asking the court to award him spousal support.
Federline's lawyer, Mark Kaplan, filed the response Wednesday in Los Angeles County Superior Court.
In her petition, Spears asked for sole physical and legal custody of the kids.


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Fashion in the 21st century has surely soared to a whole new level with more and more types of clothing options available for people to wear as well as stylish apparels to flaunt at several occasions and social events. The trend to look good and dress up differently is on the rise and people love to shop for all sorts of clothes and thus never miss out on anything in the world of fashion. Elite and high fashion too has been in demand especially in the upper class people who prefer to wear a designer and branded clothing line that not only suits their style but also adds an eccentric charm to their personality. The fashion preferences amongst children too have substantially increased due to the media boom on them. There are more and more people who love to shop for clothes nowadays and spend time out to buy different fashion accessories and products that would suit their style.
High fashion has particularly grown a lot due to the advent of movies and other media content that has encouraged more and more people to try and wear some of the finest branded and expensive products out there. The fashion trend has surged new heights and the interest too has increased due to commercialization and the advent of branded apparels in India Today we have many elite apparel and clothing line like Gucci, Versace, Armani etc that have their franchisees over here to sell products at a good rate and maintain the brand image in India. Ideally if you're looking on buying such high class fashion apparels for you, it is rather preferable to visit few fashion blog and figure out yourself how people rate the products and compare it with other brands. Fashion bloggers often have a better insight on high end products and thus instead of visiting websites it is better to read their viewpoints on different branded apparels and their scope in India. When it comes to choosing on high end apparels, one cannot simply go to various online portals to avail the products as the products are mostly available for sale at select franchisees and retail outlets. Thus it is crucial to gain as much as information possible about the product, before buying it. Considering how a product in fashion can get outdated the very next moment, it is also important to buy something that will be durable and last long and still be persistent in style and finesse.
High fashion is something that is common between the elite and people who love to wear designer brands. But nowadays due to the advent of online portals, there has been a rise of branded apparels at cheap prices allowing many more people to purchase which makes its lose its essence. Designer brands today are available for a great amount of discount at many online shopping portals and are thus easily affordable. The elite class who loves to buy heavily priced branded apparels surely need to re think how and where to buy fashionable apparels from.


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Traffic Alert for Those Commuting on Highway 80 Near Faudree
If you're heading out, we want to let you know of an accident on Highway 80.
According to our media partners at Newswest 9, a dump truck was heading west on Highway 80 and tried to stop at a red light, but slid on the wet roads and flipped over into the eastbound lanes.
The eastbound lanes are shut down right now, but no injuries have been reported. If you can, avoid this area and find another route.


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Best Wilmington live music, Feb. 11-17
ANTiSEEN Feb. 12 @ Reggie's 42nd Street Tavern Now in its fourth decade, this North Carolina shock-punk band is known for its explosive, sometimes bloodstained live shows and over-the-top antics. The band has carried on after losing founding member and guitarist Joe Young two years ago. With Street Clones and Slomo Dingo. Details: 10 p.m. Friday, 1415 S. 42nd St., Wilmington. Big Daddy Love Feb. 12 @ Ziggy's by the Sea This North Carolina band calls its music Appalachian… Read More »


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In Maria Jose Garcia Piaggio's "Through the Window," she appropriates found images as part of her investigation about cybersex. A project in two parts, the images of men capture them watching though free portals; the women's photos are taken from live shows where the viewer has to pay to participate.
"I want to be able to show these scenarios that we all know are there but we keep hidden, deconstructing it from the virtual context and taking it to other scenarios to show these two groups to the viewer."
There's no mention in the project description of consent, so it's unclear whether these voyeurs and provocateurs are willing participants in this project. Likewise, there are no descriptive texts or photographer/videographer credits available. Since these are found images, Piaggio serves less as an artist and more as a curator of these experiences. The images she's chosen are interesting in their variety: the men's and women's faces are both alternately fully exposed and hidden. Rooms are revealed in the background, or left darkened and unspecific. Some subjects smile into the camera, others seem unaware that they're being photographed.
It's a broad subject and a provocative one, and Piaggio's notes indicate that this is just the start of the project. She says, "I reflect about the body, the pose and the clichés." In continuing to compile these images, Piaggio has the opportunity to push past the expected and reveal more about the proclivities of the watchers and the watched.


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Windows - Other
eXtreme Movie Manager 6 1 8 0 Deluxe Edition Full Version
Use VPN to make yourself hidden while Downloading torrents.
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Name:eXtreme Movie Manager 6 1 8 0 Deluxe Edition Full Version
Infohash: 4B69B9DD11DE3194ECA234D61CEEE571D7D540F2
Total Size: 8.99 MB
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eXtreme Movie Manager 126.96.36.199 Deluxe Edition Full Version.rar (Size: 8.99 MB) (Files: 1)
eXtreme Movie Manager 184.108.40.206 Deluxe Edition Full Version.rar8.99 MB
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eXtreme Movie Manager 18.104.22.168 Deluxe Edition
eXtreme Movie Manager Deluxe - is probably the most advanced Movies/TV Series/Actors collection manager around. It can catalog movies stored in your Hard Disk and removable devices in seconds in any video formats such as DivX, XviD, VHS, DVD, VCD, SVHS, DVD-R, or LaserDiscwith all detailed information about codecs, resolutions etc. automatically. XMM import movie information and covers directly from online databases, take a look at supported websites.
eXtreme Movie Manager is not just a movie/video collection manager, it's also a movie and actor database and a cover manager. You can record extensive information about your favorite movies and actors. With the exclusive "MagicScript" Technology It allows you to retrieve movie information (especially PICTURES, IMAGES and COVERS) from ALL online movie databases.
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Ultimate 5-in-1 Geek Pen
One pen to rule them all
- Five geek tools crammed into one pen
- Pen, stylus, LED flashlight, UV light, red laser pointer
- 5.25" long, batteries included
Sometimes a gadget passes our desks that makes even the most cynical simian here giggle with delight. The Ultimate 5-in-1 Geek Pen is such a gadget. Why? Because there is a simple formula that says gadget enjoyment increases in direct proportion with the number of things said gadget has crammed in it. In simple terms: the more it do, the more we like it. And this Geek Pen does it all.
This high tech gadget has enough bells and whistles to make most geeks drool. Twist the shaft one way and you get a ballpoint pen, twist it the other way and you get a stylus tip for stylusing stuff. Press the top button to turn on the laser pointer, press the bottom button to cycle through the flashlight and UV light. The flashlight even comes on a flexible shaft for precision aiming. Hee hee. Flexible shaft.
Please Note: Your pen will ship with a small separator between two batteries that needs to be removed prior to use.
Ultimate 5-in-1 Geek Pen
- Five geek tools all crammed into one pen.
- Features:
- Ballpoint Pen
- Stylus (non-capacitive, so for older PDAs and Nintendo DS (stuff like that)).
- Bright white LED flexible-shaft flashlight.
- UV light.
- Red laser pointer.
- Pen is not refillable. That's the official statement. We think there might be a refill out there, so we're searching.
- Batteries: 3 LR41 button batteries (included)
- Dimensions: 5.25" long


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Tuesday's training session allowed the coaching staff to get another look at the team as Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter prepares for his first exhibition match.
A couple of notes from Berhalter's media work following the team lunch:
1) The goalkeeping decision is still up in the air. Berhalter told TheCrew.com that the staff hasn't made a final decision about the Opening Match starting 'keeper, but that Steve Clark and Matt Lampson should split time in net against Malmö.
"It's way too early to tell," Berhalter said to TheCrew.com. "The important thing is that they're all working hard and fighting for a spot. We want all four of them contending to be the first goalie. We're going to give both Steve and Matt half a game tomorrow, and then we'll get Brad and Daniel some playing time as we go on.
2) Don't read too much into Wednesday's Black & Gold starters. Berhalter spoke with The Columbus Dispatch about getting plenty of minutes for several players.
According to a report from The Columbus Dispatch's Adam Jardy, "The plan is to have at least 22 players in uniform, Berhalter said, and have two teams of 11 each play 45 minutes. Lineups will be mixed so there is no clear-cut first or second team, he said."
3) Be sure to follow @ColumbusCrew for live tweets of the match if for some reason you're unable to watch Wednesday's match at work or at home. The live stream of the match is scheduled to air on MLSsoccer.com. A full preseason schedule of live streams is available here on how to catch MLS teams in action before March.
Frankie Hejduk went with Crew staff to watch the U.S. Under-14 squad train on Tuesday in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. Afterwards, Hejduk had the chance to give a speech to the players about his career. Most importantly, he opened the floor up to questions about anything. The young players capitalized and asked specifically about training as a professional.
"Growing up, I was always interested in what it was like to be a pro, what it was like to play in Europe," said Hejduk. "I think it was cool for me – not only because I got to recap my career – my head started growing a little bit as I was speaking about the career, but you start to remember a bunch of cool moments."
Although Hejduk was the center of attention on-stage, he found the discussion to be the most rewarding to him as he looked out at the crowd following the session.
"I was actually surprised about how knowledgeable the kids were at that age," continued Hejduk.
"We didn't have a U-14 National Team when I was that age. We were practicing maybe twice a week and games on Saturday. Now, these kids are practicing every day and have the opportunity to get in these camps.
"There are some really talented, talented players coming up in this country. Those kids that I saw … I didn't have that type of skill and that type of training to be honest growing up.
Continued Hejduk, "The future is definitely bright for these kids."
Frankie's sit-down interview from the Crew's hotel lobby can be heard in its entirety here.
The end of Tuesday's training focused on finishing drills as the squad was broken into teams to be the first to bury goals off of crosses. Be sure to check out some action shots below of leaping headers, lunging attempts and plenty of well-timed hits in TheCrew.com's exclusive photo gallery.


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Bradley waits for his return
SACRAMENTO — The need for Avery Bradley is growing exponentially with each embarrassing Celtics defensive performance. Once again Bradley's name surfaced as a possible salve following the Celtics' stunning 118-96 loss to the Sacramento Kings on Sunday at Sleep Train Arena.
Bradley is expected to return for the Celtics' next game, Jan. 2 against the Grizzlies, and his defensive prowess is needed. The Celtics have allowed an average of 108.3 points in the past three games and yielded seven 3-pointers in the fourth quarter Sunday.
"The biggest thing is now is just trust in our communication defensively,'' point guard Rajon Rondo said about the defensive struggles. "With Avery coming back, obviously that will be a better pick-and-roll defender for the guard spot, but it's not just going to be on Avery. It's going to be trust from our bigs and our guards, being patient, and playing together.''
The club kept Bradley at home during this West Coast road trip to workout in Waltham in preparation for his first NBA game in seven months after surgery on both shoulders.
"We can use a lot of [spark],'' Rondo said. "But Avery will be good for us. I think it's contagious the way he plays defensively. Hopefully, everybody else will feel the same way and fill their role.''
Rondo back at it
The Celtics got their floor leader back, although it didn't make much of a difference in the final tally.
After missing Saturday night's 101-83 loss to the Warriors with a bruised right hip, Rondo was back in the starting lineup against the Kings. Rondo scored only 2 points (on 1-for-6 shooting) and had 10 assists in 36 minutes.
On Saturday, the trio of Jason Terry, Paul Pierce, and Jeff Green combined for 12-for-50 shooting as the Celtics shot 36 percent as a team. Rondo dressed for the game, but watched from the bench.
Head trainer Ed Lacerte sent a text message to coach Doc Rivers Sunday morning clearing Rondo to return. He participated in pregame shooting drills before getting treatment and getting the start.
Rondo missed two games after being suspended for a Nov. 28 fight with Brooklyn's Kris Humphries and the Celtics went 1-1 during that stretch.
Courtney Lee, who led the Celtics with 18 points Saturday night, returned to the bench, getting shutout in 21 minutes.
Barbosa back
The Celtics heartily welcomed back Leandro Barbosa
after he missed the past four games because of a personal matter in his native Brazil. Barbosa actually did not leave Sao Paulo until Sunday morning, flying 16 hours to Sacramento with a stop in Atlanta.
He said he was exhausted by the travel but played four minutes late in the fourth quarter and scored 2 points. He had last played Dec. 19 against Cleveland before leaving for Brazil the next day.
"Yeah I was missing the energy of my teammates and everybody,'' Barbosa said. "Especially playing basketball, it was a tough situation being [in Brazil]. I know I had to be there for [his family]. It was really, really hard. I am wishing the best, family is family, and I am glad to be back.''
Barbosa said he was unsure about his endurance after 11 days off.
"I don't how my body is, I haven't been sleeping much,'' he said.
Having signed a one-year contract and playing an important role as Rondo's backup, Barbosa said he felt it was time to rejoin his teammates.
"It's time, you know?'' he said. "Leaving the situation is really bad. I have never been far away from my teammates that long so I just [thought about it] and it was time to come back.''
Tough time
Rivers wasn't pleased with the 6 p.m. local start Sunday after his team had played at 7:30 p.m. local time at Golden State. He said he would like at least 24 hours between starts on back-to-back games.
"I didn't reach out [to the league office] to the point where I got a response,'' he said. "I wasn't expecting a response. It's something as a coach, we've been talking about this for as long as I've been coaching. I just really feel there should be a 24-hour period. I think the other one that I dislike . . . the 8 o'clock [national television] start and then the 7 o'clock game the next night on the road. Those are just as bad because those [national TV] games last longer.''
The Celtics' game with Golden State did not end until about 9:45 p.m. Pacific Time. The Celtics then took a bus to Sacramento and had to prepare for the early Sunday start.
"We're playing 22½ hours, actually it's less than that when you think about it because the game ended at a certain time,'' Rivers said. "So it's a lot less.''
Rivers is a member of the league's competition committee and said the game-time issue will be on the agenda.
"You want the best for everyone, the fans, you want the performance to be good, and that affects it,'' he said.
Evans out again
The Kings were without starting guard Tyreke Evans for the seventh consecutive game with a sore left knee. Isaiah Thomas got the start at point guard and scored a game-high 27 points . . . After scoring 75 points in his previous two games, Pierce is 20 for his past 58 from the field after going 8 for 15 in Sunday's loss . . . After attempting a season-low six shots Saturday, Kevin Garnett returned with 13 attempts, good for 16 points. He notched his seventh double-double of the season . . . Rookie Kris Joseph tweaked his right ankle during mop-up duty Saturday but was suited up and did not play Sunday.


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Announcing Our 2011/2012 Winter Collection October 2011- May 2012
Posted on October 22, 2010
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As the most inclusive luxury cruise line in the world, all 2011/2012 Winter Collection voyages will feature 2-for-1 Fares plus additional bonus savings of up to $6,000 per suite, FREE Roundtrip Air, FREE Unlimited…Read More »
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Regent Seven Seas Cruises will once again lead the way in providing the best value in luxury cruise vacations with our launch of a FREE Luxury Hotel Package in virtually all of our embarkation cities! This extraordinary offer begins with the following 2011 sailings: Seven Seas Navigator January 7, Seven Seas Mariner April 17 and Seven Seas Voyager June 7.
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Milwaukee Brewers embattled left fielder Ryan Braun plans to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
Braun, according to people who are familiar with his plans, is ready to soon admit that he used performance-enhancing drugs in parts of the 2011 season, the reasons why he did it and publicly apologize for the lies and deception.
People familiar with the plans, who spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because Braun has yet to make the announcement, said he has begun sending apologies to baseball officials and is expected to express remorse in the statement. It's unclear what specifics will be in the statement.
REPORT: A-Rod's 'inner circle' leaked documents on Braun
A-ROD ON REPORT: "It never happened"
And, for the first time, he will admit guilt.
People close to Braun said he is eager to be the anti-Alex Rodriguez and is desperately trying to distance himself from the New York Yankees third baseman.
He wants days like Friday, when he was once again entwined with A-Rod, to never happen again.
Braun found himself in the headlines all day after a 60 Minutes report that someone in Rodriguez's "inner circle" implicated teammate Francisco Cervelli and Braun in the Biogenesis doping scandal by leaking documents with their names to the media. Rodriguez adamantly denied the report before Friday night's game at the Boston Red Sox.
"I've been a member of the union for 20 years,'' Rodriguez said, "and it's important for the other guys to know, for my reputation in this union, that it never happened. And it didn't happen.''
Yet, even as Rodriguez made his denials, Braun was left facing more allegations, this time, by a longtime friend.
Ralph Sasson, Braun's friend from the University of Miami (Fla.), filed a lawsuit last month against Braun for defamation. According to ESPN, the lawsuit alleges that Braun used illegal performance-enhancing drugs through his collegiate career at Miami, committed academic fraud and took money from Hurricanes boosters.
Sasson, a 29-year-old law student, also said that he helped Braun win his successful appeal of his positive test for testosterone in 2011. ESPN reported that Sasson said he was assigned to conduct background research on drug-testing sample collector Dino Laurenzi Jr. and paid $5,000 by Nez Balelo, Braun's agent.
Sasson threatened a lawsuit when he didn't receive his money, he claims, and only recovered his $5,000 when he agreed to sign a non-disclosure agreement. The agreement was violated, Sasson said, when Braun made defamatory statements about him to undisclosed parties.
"This lawsuit is an unfortunate attempt to capitalize on Ryan's recent press attention for taking responsibility for his actions,'' said Howard Weitzman, Braun's attorney, in a statement to USA TODAY Sports. "The factual allegations and the legal claims have absolutely no merit. We believe the lawsuit will be dismissed.''
So the Braun saga continues. …..
The public admission, and apology, will definitely be the right step toward public forgiveness.
It will take time. Lots of time.
But Friday, nobody was in the mood to hear it.


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Archive for the 'Travel' Category
Gluten-free at Lake Ann Camp
From Tim Vine:
I was at Lake Ann Camp this weekend and one of their Chef's has been diagnosed with Celiac. I was pleasantly surprised that all the food I had brought was not needed because he was providing alternatives for every meal that matched the campers schedule. They even had the most amazing gluten free cinnamon rolls Saturday morning.
Anyway, I found out that last summer they had at least one gluten free camper each week for the entire summer. So this summer since their cook has to prepare gluten free food for himself, he will do it for any campers they might have to eat gluten-free.
So, you actually could have a summer camp that will be preparing truly gluten-free non-contaminated food for your camper. They are even willing to work with individuals that have other food allergies as well–all at no extra cost.


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"Storage Wars" is a popular reality TV show, but the title may seem all too real to enterprises trying to deal with storage demands as they drown in data. The battlefield has changed dramatically. Organizations are faced with storing billions or even trillions of files – increasingly unstructured data, large digital files such as videos and images. And the old solution – simply adding more physical storage – doesn't work anymore. It's too expensive, inefficient and unmanageable.
Fortunately, technology has a way of solving the problems that technology creates, and new approaches to storage are emerging to attack the deluge of data pouring from Internet-connected devices and systems. We are seeing a major shift in how today's enterprise storage is being developed. The emphasis now is on data management at today's scale – intelligent, software-based systems that provide scalable, fast and reliable data storage systems and enable organizations to focus on extracting value from data rather than managing storage.
In this slideshow, Brett Goodwin, vice president of Marketing, Qumulo, has identified the top five disruptors in enterprise storage today.
Related Topics : Fujitsu, Storage Virtualization, Desktop Virtualization, Virtual Tape Library, InfiniBand
Survey findings include pain points for secondary storage, average restore times, the growth of hyperconvergence and rate of cloud adoption in enterprises. ... More >>
With today's modern solutions, enterprises should be able to transform backup and recovery from a low-level legacy IT function to a modern function delivering continuity and value to the entire business. ... More >>
The top three data dangers lurking in cloud environments and tips for how to manage data protection and backup in a SaaS-based world. ... More >>


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2012 year in review
Cliffhanger: The best-- and worst-- of 2012
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Dec 19th, 2012
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When Mark Warner was governor, he once told the Hook the most annoying thing about Charlottesville was its belief that it is the center of the universe. Guess what? In 2012, Charlottesville was the...
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Broward County
Paint-by-number murals uplift Fort Lauderdale neighborhood
In a Fort Lauderdale neighborhood recovering from an economic slump, a little bit of color is going a long way in restoring the area's former vibrancy.
Under Saturday's chilly gray sky, kids and adults alike grabbed brushes and paint and went to work with two professional artists to make the Northeast/Northwest 13th Street corridor a prettier place. A third artist will add embellishments later.
"I really think it's important, and art works to raise the level of the community and bring people together," said Jacklyn Laflamme, a nationally known mural artist who helped organize the project.
About 30 people turned out to paint murals on two buildings that face Northeast 13th Street.
The community art day was a collaboration of H.O.M.E.S. Inc., a housing and community development program; four neighborhood associations, Laflamme and local artist Lorraine Maxwell. Eventually, the groups hope to paint 15 or 20 murals in the neighborhood.
Earlier in the week, LaFlamme and Maxwell painted the outlines of the murals in black. One mural is a whimsical representation of Fort Lauderdale, with faces painted on each building in the skyline.
Later on, local sculpture and metalwork artist Glen Mayo will add kites, stars and flowers made of polished aluminum.
The other mural features a tree and a family.
On Saturday morning, the artists painted numbers inside the outlines to correspond with colors — two giant paint-by-number projects. Laflamme stood on a ladder to paint the top of the mural with color No. 5: bubblegum pink. The wind whipped her dark hair as she painted over years of gloominess.
The area along Northeast/Northwest 13th Street between U.S. 1 and Powerline Road had become depressed in the past 10 years, with some of the highest burglary rates in the state, South Middle River resident Pam Roloff said.
It got so bad that when Roloff went to neighborhood crime watch meetings, drug dealers would try to sell to her in the parking lot of the police station, 10 yards from where Roloff and her neighbors were trying to figure out how to run the dealers out of town.
"We all try to fight the crime together," Roloff said. "We've cleaned up the area a lot."
On the sidewalk near the murals, Lauren Erving and three of her children were improving a sculpture provided by Mayo by covering it with splashes of pastels.
Erving, who lives nearby, said the area has been on the upswing in the past couple of years as people have moved back in and opened businesses.
That's the internal improvement, she said.
"Now the external is trying to catch up," she said, gesturing to the colorful building behind her.
A new friend, Andrew Evangelisti, held up 4-year-old Audrey Erving so she could paint some orange squiggles on the face of the lizard-like sculpture. She signed her name in pink, which soon found its way onto her blond curls and the end of her nose.
Maxwell, whose work studio is just a block from where she was painting, said she was glad to see the community engaged in its own rebirth. She doesn't think there will be any graffiti covering up the murals later on.
"When people have to participate," she said, "they take care of the murals."


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Watch how to make this recipe.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray an 8-inch square cake pan with cooking spray.
Whisk together the all-purpose and whole-wheat flours, the baking soda and salt. In a small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar, cinnamon and walnuts. In a large bowl, beat the brown sugar, butter and oil until fluffy. If necessary, use the back of a spoon to press out any lumps in the brown sugar. Beat in the eggs, 1 at a time, beating until fully combined. Beat in the vanilla and yogurt.
Add the flour mixture in 2 batches, stirring until just combined.
Spread half of the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the nut mixture over the batter and top with the blueberries, gently pressing them into the batter. Spoon the rest of the batter into the pan, smoothing the top. Sprinkle the remaining nut mixture over the cake, pressing gently. Bake until a wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, about 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool slightly and then unmold and allow to cool completely on a cooling rack. Cut the cake into 2-inch squares.
Good source of: Thiamin


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Burl Toler, the first African American game official in NFL history, has died. He was 81.
Toler died Sunday at a hospital in Castro Valley, Calif., according to the University of San Francisco. He was a star lineman and linebacker on the Dons' 1951 football team that was denied a bowl bid despite a 9-0 record because it refused to leave its two black players -- Toler and Ollie Matson -- behind.
"We were disappointed at the time, sure," Toler told the San Francisco Chronicle in 2001. "But we were not going to accept any old thing; it was not what the team, our coach [the late Joe Kuharich] or the university stood for. We were very fortunate and blessed to have had a group like that."
Toler was drafted by the Cleveland Browns but suffered a career-ending knee injury in a 1952 college all-star game against the Rams. He was hired by the NFL in 1965.
"Burl Toler was a pioneer as the first African American game official in pro sports," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said. "He was a great athlete who then became a great official. The NFL will always be proud of his contributions to football and his unique place in NFL history."
Toler spent 25 years as a field judge and head linesman in the NFL. He was head linesman in Pittsburgh's 31-19 Super Bowl victory over the then-Los Angeles Rams in 1980.
Burl Abron Toler was born May 9, 1928, in Memphis. Before coming to USF, he was an All-American football player at City College of San Francisco. He graduated from USF with a bachelor's degree in 1952 and a master's in 1966. Toler was a longtime educator in the San Francisco school district, a director of personnel for the San Francisco community college district and a USF trustee.
Toler's son, Burl Toler Jr., and grandson, Burl Toler III, played college football at UC Berkeley. Burl Toler III has spent time on the practice squads for the Oakland Raiders and Washington Redskins.
Toler is survived by his brother, Arnold, of Memphis; six children, Valerie, Burl Jr., Susan, Gregory, Martel and Jennifer; and eight grandchildren. His wife, Melvia, died in 1991.
A funeral Mass will be held Aug. 26 in San Francisco. A scholarship in Toler's memory has been established at USF.


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Manchester City suffered a dismal 3-1 defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich during tonight's Champions League group game.
Bayern, who are the tournaments current holders, were always expected to be tough opposition, but few will have expected them to deal with City in such a comfortable manner at the Etihad.
It took just seven minutes for City, who had made four changes to the team that lost to Aston Villa at the weekend, to concede, with Franck Ribery finding the net with a shot that in truth Joe Hart should have saved.
From there on in things only got worse for the Manchester side, as Pep Guardiola's Bayern, despite not fielding a striker, treated fans to a masterclass.
After the break things seemed to perk up for City as Bayern momentarily took their foot off the gas, but with 56 minutes gone the German champions doubled their lead, Thomas Muller this time finding the target after losing Gael Clichy with alarming ease.
Four minutes later former Chelsea winger Arjen Robben smashed home an effort at Joe Hart's near post to kill the game, with City's attempts at containing their opposition futile at best.
Manuel Pellegrini's men did rally late on, with Alvaro Negredo, who came off the bench to replace Edin Dzeko, managing to pull one back, but in the end it was simply too late.
David Silva hit the post with a free-kick that had Manuel Neure well beaten late on, and Jerome Boateng was shown a red card for the visitors, but Bayern never looked anything less than in complete control.
City's next Champions League fixture sees them play CSKA Moskva in a game that they really need to take three points from.


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Jones and Beamer Announced as Co-Grand Marshals For Food City 500
866.415.4158 Food City 500 Tickets
While not scheduled to meet in the infield at Bristol Motor Speedway until September 10, 2016, the coaches for two of the nation's tradition-rich football programs get together at the start/finish line for the March 16 Food City 500.
University of Tennessee football coach Butch Jones and Virginia Tech head man Frank Beamer, whose teams meet in the Battle at Bristol in two years, serve as co-Grand Marshals for NASCAR's Sprint Cup stop in Bristol this week.
"We have been honored to host both Coach Beamer and Coach Jones as our guests at Bristol in the past," said Food City President and CEO Steve Smith. "But the excitement that has continued to build since last October's announcement of this game prompted us to invite them back.
"As two exceptional friends and partners of our company, they represent two great programs, two outstanding institutions and one of the most anticipated football games I can remember in my lifetime. On behalf of the more than 13,000 Food City associates, we're thrilled to have them serve as co-grand marshals for the upcoming Food City 500."
Beamer served as honorary starter for the 2005 Food City 500 and Jones was in Bristol last spring as grand marshal.
"People talked about this game for 17 years," said Bristol Motor Speedway General Manager Jerry Caldwell. "It is hard to believe, but now that it has been announced, conversation and interest has just increased. People are excited, few more so than these two coaches."
Jones' experience at Bristol last year convinced him the speedway could host a game.
"I am honored to once again have the opportunity to travel to Bristol Motor Speedway and play a role, along with Coach Beamer, in the Food City 500," said Jones. "We are very much looking forward to breaking the all-time college football attendance record in September 2016 at Bristol. While our game is still two years away, I had such a great time at last year's race that I wanted to return to Bristol to witness again one of NASCAR's most iconic and exciting events."
A native of Carroll County, Va., less than two hours away, Beamer has been coming to Bristol for years and even drove the high banks in a 2009 charity race. He is looking forward to being back and teaming with Jones.
"As I said in my book, Let Me Be Frank, I think Butch Jones has the right "stuff." I think he is going to have a great career at Tennessee. To be the Co-Grand Marshal with him is a pleasure as we represent the two schools that have a lot of fans in this area.
"Bristol Motor Speedway is one of the most exciting sports venues that I know and like to visit, and we look forward to playing Tennessee there in 2016 before the largest crowd to ever watch a football game."
Tickets for Sunday's Food City 500 start at just $70 and weekend packages for all three races are available for as low as $89. Fans may call (855) 580-5525 or visit BristolTix.com to experience this spring's battle on the high banks of the Last Great Colosseum.


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This version was available for comment from 20 June to 1 July 2011.
This page is intended to document progress in regard to the GSIM Common Reference Model.
This page will always refer to the most recent material that has been made available for broader review and input. It will also link to earlier material.
Broader context in regard to GSIM, and the OCMIMF Collaboration Team which is progressing it as a Statistical Network initiative, is available on this wiki's home page for GSIM, including a linked document providing Notes on the Generic Statistical Information Model.
Current Status
A set of initial ideas from the Collaboration Team were released for wider input on Monday 20 June as GSIM Common Reference Model V0.1. A list of specific unresolved questions is included in the package of information. Comments and suggestions in regard to all other aspects of the material are also sought.
The target date for initial feedback is Friday 1 July. Methods for providing feedback are described on the home page for GSIM.
Notes in regard to GSIM Common Reference Model V0.1.
Recognition of V0.1 as an incomplete draft
V0.1 of the GSIM Common Reference Model is recognised by the Collaboration Team as an incomplete draft. For a number of months the team focused on seeking to identify a "top level structure" which was most likely to be intuitive for the greatest number of users. Having arrived at the current concept only a few weeks ago, and then spent time refining it, very little work has been put in to
- aligning the new approach with the work of the CORE ESSNet, with the work on the MCV Ontology and so on
- reviewing and developing "Level 2" and "Level 3" within the GSIM Common Reference Model in the context of the newly established "Level 1"
From one perspective it is tempting, given a newly established Level 1, to now spend more time within Collaboration Team addressing the above two aspects - which would allow us to present a better rounded V0.1 for review outside the team in a few weeks' time.
This is seen as outweighed by the following factors
- It is quite possible that a round of wider comment on V0.1 will include input that
- allows the Collaboration Team to address the two key outstanding aspects more effectively - saving time and improving results overall, and/or
- leads to further significant refinement of Level 1 and hence further changes the approach to Level 2 and Level 3
- Substantial interest has been expressed beyond the Collaboration Team in seeing, and providing input on, V0.1 at the earliest possible stage in its development. Especially given external input may further reshape Level 1, it is hard to prioritise further finessing within the Collaboration Team prior to releasing V0.1 for comment. (31 May was the original target date.)
Suggestions to reviewers
The fact V0.1 is recognised to be an incomplete draft leads to some suggestions to reviewers.
It is expected and hoped that later draft versions (prior to V1.0) will warrant detailed review and comprehensive feedback. Rather than investing in such comprehensive review for V0.1, however, attention might focus on
- The proposed overall scope, purpose and structure for the GSIM Common Reference Model
- Levels 0 & 1 as currently specified
- The list of unresolved issues included in the release package
- Broad suggestions for progressing the two aspects (alignment with other initiatives and detailing of Levels 2 & 3) which were identified in the previous section. These aspects will now be progressed by the Collaboration Team subsequent to broader review of V0.1.
Text mining of information objects from documentation of GSBPM
While a number of other sources have also been referenced, the most prominent means of identifying information objects for V0.1 if the GSIM Common Reference Model has been "text mining" apparent references to information objects in the documentation of GSBPM. While the documentation description of GSBPM did not explicitly set out to catalogue and discuss the most significant information objects used and/or produced in the course of the various sub processes, it is seen as a good heuristic approach for arriving at an initial list. More information on the methods used, and the results from applying them, is available via the following page
The aim is that V1.0 of the Common Reference Model should be as meaningful and useful as possible to general readers (who are not ICT or Statistical Information Management specialists). Many other sources for identifying information objects appeared more theoretical and/or technical in nature than the text mining approach. Nevertheless, a possibility remains that the text mining based approach has left some significant gaps in structure and content
2 Comments
Firstly, this is a great piece of work, and rather more advanced already than I expected for a version 0.1. Congratulations to all involved. I have the following fairly minor comments:
1) General - paragraph numbers would facilitate the comment and review process
2) Components of the GSIM - First paragraph - could be useful to spell out the expected audiences explicitly in points 1. and 2.
3) GSIM and GSBPM - 7th paragraph, first line - "without" instead of "with"
4) Level 2 diagram:
- Not sure about "Statistical Domain", and whether this has a real bearing on requirements, particularly given the moves towards more process-based statistical production. Also, if we use the current definition, and also apply the ideas behind "industrialisation" all statistical production is ultimately covered by one domain, making the object more or less redundant.
- For "Statistical Unit" there may be another information object called something like "related unit". This may or may not be a statistical unit itself. For example, the statistical unit "enterprise" is typically constructed based on other units (legal unit, local unit, enterprise group), and "household" may be constructed from "person" or "family".
- For "classification", it is becoming increasingly important to hold some sort of text description rather than just a code, as this facilitates re-coding to other classifications or other versions of the same classification, therefore perhaps "description" should be added.
- For "data source", an object called "secondary source" may be needed to reflect the growing use of non-statistical sources, sometimes directly rather than via a register.
- For "collection instrument", an object called "data transfer" could be added - this is the most common collection instrument for international organisations, and is becoming more important at the national level
- For "data", is there a need for a catch-all object called "attribute" to cover things like quality flags, data status markers, data source codes etc? If so, perhaps "weight" could be included in "attribute"?
Regarding the specific questions:
1. Are there information object groups (Level 1), or primary information objects (Level 2), which are not yet represented in the Common Reference Model but should be?
See above comments
2. Should any of the information object groups (Level 1), or primary information objects (Level 2) which are currently included be placed at a different level?
"Variable", "Classification" and "Data source" could be seen as attributes of "Statistical unit", whilst the other information object groups are attributes of the production process - but I am not sure yet quite where (if anywhere) this line of thought leads, and hence whether it implies any changes - perhaps something to discuss if it hasn't been discussed already?
3. Some information object groups do not have additional primary information objects represented at Level 2. What are your thoughts on this?
No problem
4. Section III of the document sets out current ideas and plans related to the relationship of GSIM with other standards and models.
a. Are there additional standards and models which you believe should be reviewed as a high priority by the team?
It might be useful to go through Part B systematically to determine any other relationships, but I think you have captured the main ones - perhaps a sentence or two on ISO 11179 and the CORA model?
b. Are there opportunities which seemed to have been overlooked in terms of GSIM leveraging, and/or co-ordinating with, the models and standards which have already been identified?
Not that I can think of at the moment
5. Annex 1 provides additional information on the approach taken to modelling GSIM, including the Common Reference Model, to date, and the planned path for moving forward. Do you have comments and/or advice in regard to the approach taken?
No - the approach seems sound.
The acronym for Common Reference Model is CRM, which is more commonly associated with the term Customer Relationship Management. There is only a tenuous connection between the role of the Common Reference Model and the common translation of "CRM". Is there an alternative designation you would suggest for what is currently the "Common Reference Model"?
Depends if CRM will be used as a stand-alone acronym or as "GSIM-CRM". If the former, it is not very informative about what it covers, so perhaps Common Reference Information Model (CRIM) or Common Reference Statistical Object Model (CRSOM) - an acronym that is relatively unique might help those searching for information on the model (e.g. via Google).
Comments from Statistics Canada (Alice Born)
General issues
1. Are there information object groups (Level 1), or primary information objects (Level 2), which are not yet represented in the Common Reference Model but should be?
Level 1: In the Canadian model, we refer to "event" as a type of statistical unit (object class) such as birth, death, marriage, etc. I cannot think of another term right now for consideration.
Level 2:
Statistical domain: I agree with Steve's comment and that it should be removed from Requirement and add to Concept
Statistical unit: add 'event', 'agents', 'items'; I agree with Steve, need related or derived statistical units
Variable: I suggest that your add property/characteristic, statistical unit (do objects have to be mutually exclusive?), and representation class (type of, value of). Also are we referring to "statistical variables"?
Classification: I agree with Steve. I would change the title to "Statistical classification" and add the following information objects: class title, class definition, inclusions, exclusions, (concordances?)
Data source: I agree with Steve. Add secondary source. Are "registers" administrative data sources? (cancer registries, birth/death registries, tax registries)
Collection instrument: I am not sure how granular you want to be but I suggest adding: question block, response choices, notes to interviewers, etc.
2. Should any of the information object groups (Level 1), or primary information objects (Level 2) which are currently included be placed at a different level?
For now, I think that the objects are at the appropriate level but more detail is needed at Level 2. Also, can the primary information objects occur in more than one object group (Level 1) if they are attributes of them?
3. Some information object groups do not have additional primary information objects represented at Level 2. What are your thoughts on this?
Not sure at this time. It seems to me that there should some primary information objects for analysis and datasets. (I will discuss with Tim and Sheri).
4. Section III of the document sets out current ideas and plans related to the relationship of GSIM with other standards and models.
Are there additional standards and models which you believe should be reviewed as a high priority by the team?
Should include ISO11179 especially since DDI3.0 states that it is compatible with 11179, and that GSIM is to include semantic specifications.
Are there opportunities which seemed to have been overlooked in terms of GSIM leveraging, and/or co-ordinating with, the models and standards which have already been identified?
Not at this time.
5. Annex 1 provides additional information on
o the approach taken to modelling GSIM, including the Common Reference Model, to date, ando the planned path for moving forwardDo you have comments and/or advice in regard to the approach taken?
In my opinion, both the common reference model and semantic reference model are important. I would propose additional levels be added (Section VI). It is not clear to me what would be in Level 3 - is this semantic reference model layer?
The acronym for Common Reference Model is CRM, which is more commonly associated with the term Customer Relationship Management. There is only a tenuous connection between the role of the Common Reference Model and the common translation of "CRM". Is there an alternative designation you would suggest for what is currently the "Common Reference Model"?
In suggesting any alternative designation(s), please note that the GSIM Common Reference Model is intended to be a resource that stands in its own right, but also has a "Semantic Reference Model" (which could also be given an alternative designation if appropriate) associated with it that allows GSIM to be operationalized consistently.
I agree with Steve's solution.
Issues relating to specific information objects
Information Object
"Release" is a class about final products that have been approved to leave the agency. In some agencies, a release included pre-packages products only. In others, it includes a suite of information identified within separate information object groups on the diagram (e.g. "Dataset" and "Analysis").
Are there particular information objects that people expect to see at Level 2?
Currently, the objects that make up the method class are quite generic.
There are concepts referred to in GSBPM which might appear at Level 2 although it is commonly a challenge to differentiate the information object (which should be incorporated in GSIM) from the activity (which belongs in the domain of statistical business process represented by GSBPM) when it comes to terms such as "edit" and "validate".
This can be thought of as a piece of data or a method. What is the preferred placement for this information object?
The V0.1 document currently identifies two quite different definitions and scopes for the "Event" information object.
Would you recommend a third alternative? Ideally the definition would be internationally recognised although it might not be (and ideally would not be?) specific to the domain of production of statistics. (BPMN is not a specifically statistical standard.)
If you cannot identify a recommended third alternative, is there one of the two current definitions that you would recommend over the other?
The first option makes "Event" an overarching concept (which encapsulates concepts related to points in time, activities, actors/agents etc) where the second positions it as referring to something that happens at a point in time and positions it as an interrelated "sibling" concept to Process.
Business Case
This can be thought of as a collation of information or a piece of information in its own right.
Where, if anywhere, should "Survey" be placed as an information object?
- It could be added in the "Data Source" grouping as a means to source data (eg in the sense "sample survey")
- It could be added in the "Collection Instrument" grouping as a means to collect data from respondents (eg in the sense "survey form", "survey interview")
- Some agencies' appear to use the term "Survey" to designate an instance of the Statistical Business Process (also sometimes termed a Statistical Activity) even if that particular production process did not include designing, and collecting data through, a sample survey.
or in the " Collection Instrument" class. In this case the "survey" information object might be expected to record information for a particular production process through the nine phases of the GSBPM.
Given the ambiguous and varying meaning of the term "survey" it has not been included as an information object at this time - but could be incorporated if there is a broad consensus on how it should be included.
As indicated within the documentation of this information object group, additional thought is required on structuring it on a consistent basis.
For example
- There is the question of whether separate primary information objects related to aggregate and unit level (macrodata and microdata?) should be identified at Level 2.
- The definition of Statistical Data may not yet be clear in conveying the sense that it refers to information that is the objective <and the "raw material"> of the statistical data collection or production process as distinct from Process Metrics which inform in regard to the data collection and production processes themselves.
One element of rationalisation may be to determine which distinctions are best addressed through differentiating attributes being applied to a single information object rather than defining separate information objects.
At the level of the Common Reference Model, whatever approach is ultimately selected must make sense from the perspective of staff associated with the statistical business process who are not information modellers and also be able to be operationalized consistently through the associated semantic reference model.


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After a slew of business trips and a broken piece of software, I've finally got the latest–and last*???–science cards for you!
First up is Marie Curie, the first person honored with two Nobel Prizes! Best known for her work as a pioneer in radioactivity, Curie had a distinguished career that included isolating radioactive isotopes, discovering two chemical elements (she even had one named after her!) and working to cure cancer with radiation. Continue reading
Filed under: Great Scientists, Today's Science | Tagged: Chemistry, Marie Curie, Nobel Prize, Science, Science card, Science trading card, Scientific Hotties, Scientists, Women in Science | 2 Comments »


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May I access my child's student records? At the post-secondary level, parents have no inherent right to access or inspect their son's or daughter's educational records. The right of access is limited solely to the student.
May I view my child's grades, exams, or academic progress? Final grades, grades on exams, and other information about academic progress are examples of the confidential information that makes up part of a student's educational record. This information is protected under FERPA and parents do not have access to it unless the student has provided express, written authorization.
What about crisis or emergency situations? If nondirectory information is needed to resolve a crisis or emergency situation, an educational institution may release that information if the institution determines that the information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals.
Whom should I contact with questions or concerns? Direct general questions to the University Compliance Services, the vice president for student affairs, or the registrar, as appropriate. Send comments or suggestions to the registrar's office. » to top
Contact us
- 512 475-7644
- Main Bldg room 16, Student Academic Records M5505 | off campus: The University of Texas at Austin, Office of the Registrar, Student Academic Records, PO Box 7216, Austin TX 78713-7216


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The person who voted yes told me that he had one of them but a different version and that it was listed in the Museum of London archives and hed seen the drawing via one of the ppl who work there. Its not catalogued in any the available Whitefriars catalogues online.
your bowl and probably Nigel's has none.
Hello, did any my question about the scratching ..i think my message dissappeared
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A while ago Tobias Arnhold posted a tweet suggesting that we should have an APEX Plugins competition. After a few months, many emails, a lot of effort by an excellent group of people, and the support from ODTUG, I'm pleased to announce the first ever world wide APEX Plug-ins competition! Here's a short blurb from the official announcement on odtug.com:
ODTUG is holding its first ever world wide APEX Plug-ins competition! This is your opportunity to write an APEX plug-in and have it viewed by the entire international APEX community and maybe crowned 2012 ODTUG APEX Plug-in Developer of the Year! Even better, there are some really great prizes with the grand prize being a free pass to Kscope13 or a Jawbone Jambox!
This is your opportunity to showcase your Oracle APEX Plugin skills and win some really cool prizes. We also made a special Experts category to ensure everyone is on a level playing field.
I hope this encourages everyone to try to submit a plugin and help expand the list of already fantastic plugins.
Good luck!
Update: Here's the original tweet from Tobias!
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
ODTUG APEX Plug-In Competition
3 comments:
Thanks for the information Martin. I'll try to get into the competition.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousFebruary 20, 2013 at 11:25 AM
Is there gonna be another APEX Plug-In Competition this year?ReplyDeleteReplies
I don't think we're planning to have another APEX Plug-in before Kscope this year. We may have one after the summer but that's still to be determined.Delete
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


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Many people are starting to decorate with a white chest of drawers in order to bring a little bit of class into their houses and portable buildings. What many people do not realize is the simple fact that they do not have to place the chest of drawers into their bedroom and leave it there, where no one can see it. You really do have a lot of options and you may have never realized what these options are. This article will examine these options so that you can see just how versatile these drawers are. Who knows, it may even end up being something that you would like to add to your home. A white pine chest of drawers is better than plastic storage drawers in terms of durability.
There are a lot of individuals that are starting to use the chest of drawers in their hallways and foyers. If you think about it you may realize that this can be a really good place for you to store some of the small things that you never really know what to do with. You could consider using the white chest of drawers as a location to place all of your hats and gloves in the winter time. This is great if you have small children that seem to misplace their things each and every time that you turn around. If you decide to place the chest in that location you might even want to think about putting a mirror over top of it. This will be a good place for you to look and check yourself before you leave. If you place a brush, lipstick, deodorant, and such, in this you will be able to add any finishing touches before you actually leave the house.
Another option that you may have would be to place this stand in the living room area of your home. Many families use this location of their home as a gathering place. This is where everyone seems to come together so that they can socialize and spend quality time together. Because of this, you could use the drawers as a location to store games and such for when the family is together. You may also want to use the top of the chest as a great place to store the remote controls for your television and stereo, as well as a place for magazines and books that everyone may enjoy.
Finally, another idea would be to place the white chest of drawers in the bathroom. Many people will do this if they do not really have a location to store their towels and such. If you do not have a cabinet or closet nearby then the chest of drawers really would be a good idea. You could place towels in the bottom drawers and you could use the upper drawers for makeup, brushed, combs, etc.. It really is up to you but you can see that the possibilities are endless if you just take the time to think about it. This piece of furniture does not have to simply remain in the bedroom.
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Some new businesses opened in Gadsden in 2012, but the focus, according to Gadsden Commercial Development Authority Director Lesa Osborn, was on maintaining, rebuilding and relocating existing businesses.
Some new businesses opened in Gadsden in 2012, but the focus, according to Gadsden Commercial Development Authority Director Lesa Osborn, was on maintaining, rebuilding and relocating existing businesses.
Kmart closing its East Gadsden location early in the year was a blow, Osborn said, but she is working with the family members that own the 9.9-acre site to redevelop the property. She said a number of developers have expressed interest in the location.
Kmart, which closed a number of stores nationwide, shut down its location on Alabama Highway 77 in 2009.
A validation hearing was held in August on a development incentives package for the River Trace project.
The court OK'd the incentives the Gadsden City Council approved in November 2011 for Blackwater Resources' planned 180,000-square-foot development.
The Gadsden City Council approved incentives of sales tax rebates totaling up to $10 million over 15 years, beginning after the development is 75 percent occupied.
Blackwater has said it will spend $30 million on the development and projects annual sales of $30 million. It will develop about 28 acres of the 100-acre River Trace Golf Course.
John Abernathy, senior developer with Blackwater, in an interview earlier this month said work on the project site should begin in late spring. He said some stores should open in the summer of 2014. That's a change in the announced propection, but Abernathy said the firm remains close to its initial plans.
The development is expected to include about 20 stores and restaurants. Abernathy said announcements of tenants won't be made until construction begins and will come from the retailers themselves.
Osborn said GCDA worked for two years with Back Forty Brewery, which opened in January. It employs 25 people and has hosted several large events.
The Shoe Show moved to a location in the Gadsden Mall vacated in December by The Gap and reopened as Encore, the company's higher-end store. Justice for Girls opened in October in The Shoe Show's old space.
Osborn said about 3,000 square feet remains to be rented in the mall from those moves.
She said Jos. A. Bank, which opened in September 2011 in the mall, is doing better that corporate officials had anticipated.
Several restaurants opened or moved in 2012, according to Osborn.
McDonald's on Rainbow Drive rebuilt its restaurant, and Jack's relocated its Noccalula Falls restaurant and moved its downtown location to East Gadsden on George Wallace Drive.
Sky's Restaurant also opened at the former Warehouse location on South Second Street, and Super Hibachi Grill located in the former Ryan's location on Rainbow Drive.
The Fish Market Restaurant moved to a new location on Rainbow Drive. Osborn said she has been working with Darden Restaurants and Dr. Sanjay Singh, the property owner, on a LongHorn Steakhouse that will locate at the former Fish Market site. She said GCDA convinced Darden to modify its national restaurant design for LongHorn to better utilize the river location, and it will be only the second LongHorn in the U.S. to offer outdoor dining.
Also in 2012, the Gregerson family opened a new grocery store, Cash Saver, in the Midtown Plaza. Mattresss Firm purchased the former Blockbuster location on East Meighan and redid the building for its use.
Osborn said Nissan of Gadsden is redoing its dealership on Rainbow Drive to meet corporate requirements.
Her top priorities for 2013 are the River Trace development, redevelopment of the Kmart property, the development of other commercial property in the city and retaining existing businesses.


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Valv.Piti wrote:Angliru wrote:Valv.Piti wrote:I am really considering buying a League Pass for the upcoming season. Watched a fair amount of basketball back in the day but these off-season moves have really caught my attention. Melo, Russ and PG, Harden and Paul, Wade, Thomas and LBJ, the Thunder, the Spurs.. man, there are some extremely talented teams out West that I would like to watch. Meanwhile the East looks more trash than ever apart from Cavaliers obviously. Always been a West-guy, I remember I liked watching the Thunder, Warriors and Nuggets running up and down the floor all day.
There are some exciting players entering the league or at least players that show a great deal of potential for excitement and one in particular who while not drafted this year, will be playing his first official game this season.
The new players I'm looking forward to watching are Dennis Smith Jr., a point guard with Dallas out of NC State and Ben Simmons who was the first pick by the 76ers in the 2016 draft but didn't play last year due to injuries.
I like the up-tempo game too, being a big fan of Magic and the Lakers back in the day (except when they were beating up on my Pistons!).
Thinking of following Warriors and Thunder, they are just so talented and explosive and play very high scoring games (I suppose). Pretty mainstream teams, yes, but have liked Warriors since Ellis-Curry and there was just something about Thunder that I liked with Russ, Harden and KD. KD is obviously at Warriors now, but Melo and Russ are also great fun to watch. I like Melos laid back attitude, he reminds me a bit about Ronaldinho.
Bucks seem super talented as well, same for T-Wolves. Im talking myself into buying LP now..
We're on the same wavelength. Those same teams have been my favs to watch for years. Curry and Monta Ellis were the draw for me too. Westbrook's intensity and always high revving motor have always been a joy to watch.
The draw for me with the Bucks and the T-Wolves were their young guns, soon to be rulers of the NBA. Now the T-Wolves have added some veteran leadership to go with their young talent, they should be ready to make a run for the playoffs this year. The Bucks with the "Greek Freak" ready to make that next step to elite status like the your T-Wolves.
I'm very curious to see how the pairing of Chris Paul and James Harden works out especially with both accustomed to being the one running the show.
Edit: Funny (I have to laugh to keep from crying!) story relating to basketball and cycling: Coming up as a youngster basketball was my sport. Loved it then the way I love cycling now. By my late twenties to mid thirties cycling came into the picture and eventually pushed basketball to the side until it became a once a year activity at my family picnic. It would always start as just shooting around, evolving to playing 21 then half court and if feeling especially ambitious (stupid!), full court (which would last all of about 1 or 2 games before the August heat and sun would drain me). This year I began completely out of synch which was to be expected but things began to flow like the old days, the ball handling trickery (always loved the point guards!) slowly returned as did my shooting touch. When all that came together so did my motivation to lock up my opponent defensively. I soon began looking up at the sky hoping for the sun to go behind the clouds as it was sucking the life out of me such that I began looking on the sidelines for my back up point guard from the bench (there was none of course, the next generation of kinfolk aren't ballers at all). I had to quit mid game but the fact there weren't any protests from the other guys made me feel a little better knowing maybe they were as worn out as me.
As my family picnic involved missing cycling, this year I decided that I would take up my friend's idea of revisiting an old route that we used to regularly ride when we first founded our cycling club. Very hilly challenging route of about 40 miles the day following the picnic. I woke up sore as hell but figured I would ride the soreness away. Didn't happen but I didn't think too much about it as I was mad that half the group bailed mid ride, one being the dude who thought up the idea of the ride in the first place! So 3 bailed and 3 of us continued on, one guy being the strongest guy in the club.
Long story short, not allowing my old joints to recover from that hour and a half of basketball on asphalt resulted in the acceleration of the aging of my joints (or so it felt like for the following month and a half). Sharp knee pain 4 days after that infamous ride on my first ride meant I had to cut short a ride after 2 miles. I had occasional a minor hip issue prior to this and it also seemed to worsen. My doctor diagnosed it as tendonitis/arthritis and I am just now getting my knees to feeling somewhat normal. The hip is another story.
All a result of trying to revisit glory days of the past. Really just trying to have a little fun on the court but forgetting that one of the reasons I took up cycling was to avoid the common injuries that come with playing basketball. I kept saying that this year would be the year that I quit altogether but it was one year too much.
I'm back on the bike but getting out of the saddle is an issue and have yet to try any serious hills .


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Palladium Hotel Group offers its clients a transfer service that will come pick you up at the airport on the day of your arrival and bring you to the hotel and will pick you up on time to make your return flight. (Estimated trip of 15-20 minutes each way).
This service will allow you to get to your destination without having to wait in line at the taxi stop, especially in July and August.
Reserve your transfer service along with your hotel reservation through our website www.PalladiumHotelGroup.com or through our CallCenter.
Reservations subject to availability and upon request.
Enjoy your holidays!
By car: From the airport follow the highway to IBIZA-SAN ANTONIO-SANTA EULALIA. Follow the highway towards San Antonio. It is clearly indicated by signs. Before arriving to San Antonio, you will find a round-about next to a gas station. Take the third exit into Ses Paises. Continue straight on at Garovers Street where you will find a sign pointing you to the left. Passing the Gala Night Restaurant you will find the Hotel.
By taxi: From the airport taxi stop, the hotel is about 20min /20km away.
Santa Eulalia: 20Km / 20min
Ibiza City: 20km/ 15min
San Antonio: 2km/ 5min
Airport: 20km/ 20min
Port of Ibiza: 15km/ 15min
Hospital: 15km/ 15min
Health centre: 2km/ 5min
Fair Pavilion: 15km/ 15min
Police station: 4km/ 10min
Can Marça cave: 25km/ 25min
Dalt Vila (old town): 20km/ 20min


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Ecological and Earth Sciences
UNESCO New Delhi uses the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR) to promote environmental sustainability and addresses conflicts between environment and development, in the Cluster countries.
Establishment of national Man and Biosphere (MAB) committees or focal points in countries where they do not exist is encouraged for development of programmes and for implementation of recommendations made during regional network meetings.
A number of important initiatives have been undertaken such as a subregional training programme on planning, management and exchange of experience in applying the 'biosphere reserve concept' to coastal areas and small islands with emphasis on the Gulf of Mannar between India and Sri Lanka, a multi‐disciplinary, multi‐institutional research programme initiated in 2000 on people centered land use development in shifting agriculture affected buffer zones of Namdapha National Park in the state of Arunachal Pradesh and the "World Heritage Biodiversity Programme" initiated in 2005, started to be implemented in four World Natural Heritage sites in 2007
Coastal and Small Islands (CSI) is a global platform for environmentally sound, socially equitable, culturally respectful and economically viable development in coastal regions and small islands. The driving force and main goal are the mitigation and management of conflicts over coastal resources and values. Through the CSI platform, wise coastal practices for sustainable human development are exchanged, the voices of small islands amplified, indigenous knowledge mobilized for equitable resource governance, and youth given a say.
UNESCO Chairs:
UNESCO Chair at Earthen Architecture at Auroville, Tamil Nadu, established in 2007.
UNESCO Chair for Climate Science and Policy, at TERI University, New Delhi (2012)


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Great for positioning lower extremities following hip replacement surgery.
Immobilize and comfortably position lower extremities with the Abduction Pillow.
Constructed of soft foam. Includes two 4" (10cm) wide Velfoam® straps.
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Large size measures 6" across the top, 17" across the base and 24" long (15 x 43 x 61cm).
Hip Abduction Pillow, Small
Hip Abduction Pillow, Large


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Free software is a different beast from gratis software. Free software activist, Richard Stallman, discusses the importance of freedom across all modes of computing. The software developer and political activist is best known for his creation during the early 1980's of the GNU Project, which combined with Linus Torvalds' kernel programming efforts in the early 1990's to form what we today refer to as the Linux operating system.
Stallman also founded the associated Free Software Foundation in the mid-1980's and is the original author of several popular software projects.
Going back to 2005, there was a strong debate in Australia about the potential for individuals and organisations to use the GNU/Linux operating system as a desktop replacement for Microsoft's Windows platform. The debate has gradually died down, although the maturity of the GNU/Linux desktop and its degree of user friendliness has increased.
Does the trend disappoint you, and how could the free software community best seek to reverse it?
Stallman: I have no independent knowledge about this. If you are right, I hope my speaking tour will direct attention back to the question. Freedom for software users is no less important today than it was five years ago.
The definition of free software is that it respects users' freedom. It's free as in freedom — price is not the issue. Specifically, it means that you as user are free to run the program as you wish, study the source code and change it so that the program does what you wish, and to redistribute copies with or without changes. With these freedoms, the users control the software and control their computing.
Without these freedoms, the software controls the users. Don't let that happen to you!
I launched the development of the GNU operating system in 1984 specifically to make it possible to use a computer without letting the software control you. In 1992, the kernel Linux was freed and filled the last gap in GNU. The GNU/Linux system makes it possible to use a computer and have freedom, but in order to realise this benefit, you need to take care to avoid installing non-free programs.
Should the free software community even seek to reverse this trend, or should it instead focus on other angles of attack — such as on the burgeoning smartphone platform?
Smartphones are computers on which users install software. Just as on a PC or server, the user of a smartphone deserves free software. Winning this freedom is our goal, and it applies to all kinds of computers.
The importance of this was reinforced by a report which investigated many gratis apps for the iGroan and Android which found that a third had spyware.
The article characterised these apps as 'free', but I presume it meant 'gratis'. If the programs were 'free' software, users would be able to find and remove the spying and other malicious features.
Android's source code is free software, but in many phones the binaries of Android are not free, because the phones are set up to refuse to run modified versions if the user installs them. [This practice is called 'tivoization', named after the product that pioneered it.] If the software in Android were under version 3 of the GNU General Public License (GNU GPL), users would be guaranteed the freedom to install their own modified versions.
Even when Android is not tivoized, it needs non-free drivers or firmware to run. As far as I know, no smartphone is made that can be run without proprietary software. None respects its users' freedom.
The shortest path to making it possible to run a smartphone without non-free software is to reverse engineer those non-free drivers or firmware and write free replacements.
You recently posted on your site that you had no love for former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd — "who wanted to impose filtering on the internet". What is your opinion of the internet filtering project, which is still going ahead?
Australians should stop being distracted by the minor issue of refugees that come from Asia, and start focusing on the real threat: Tyrannical government policies that come from Asia.
If that plan is rejected, the existing censorship still stands between Australians and liberty.
The government also plans surveillance of Australians' internet use, and is keeping the details secret to "avoid premature debate". Has Australia taken China as its model?
Australians should stop being distracted by the minor issue of refugees that come from Asia, and start focusing on the real threat: Tyrannical government policies that come from Asia.
Australians' freedom of association has been damaged by laws supposedly directed against 'terrorism'. Governments must not have the power to arbitrarily label a group as 'terrorist' and punish people for having a relationship with the group. This power endangers anyone that supports a cause the government might like to ban.
If the state suspects some group of terrorism, it should have to prove that in court before it can take any action against the group and its members. If people are to have legal rights, there must be no punishment without trial.
What do you most like about Australia, and what activities are you planning to undertake while you are here?
What I specifically like about Australia is the presence of parrots. I love to see wild parrots, but I really delight in meeting domesticated friendly ones that enjoy my company and attention.