text:
populations may not correspond to the broad racial and ethnic categories stipulated by the federal government. It should be noted, however, that the OMB standards establish minimal racial and ethnic categories and therefore do not prohibit the use of more detailed categories.
Each state issues birth and death certificates as part of the country's vital statistics system. These data provide states with information that can be used to assess and improve the health of the population. For example, states use vital statistics for prenatal care interventions and infant mortality reduction. Information for birth certificates is recorded at the birth of an infant by a health care professional, and information for death certificates is usually collected by a funeral home director. It is believed that these two record systems are essentially complete in their coverage of births and deaths in the United States (see U.S. DHHS, 1997).
All states and territories provide these core data to the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) under the Vital Statistics Cooperative Program (VSCP). The program (and its predecessors) was implemented to record national vital statistics and to encourage comparable reporting of these events across states and U.S. territories. Standards for the reporting of minimum basic data items were developed (and continue to be reassessed) by NCHS working with state vital statistics organizations. States are funded to provide the standardized data to NCHS, with each state's federal funding level based on its reporting of these minimum basic data.
Standards for reporting racial and ethnic data are included as are standards for reporting the education levels of the parents (on birth certificates) or of the decedent (on death certificates). For birth certificates, the race and ethnicity of the infant are not reported; rather, the race and ethnicity of the infant's mother and father (if known) are reported. The education levels of both parents are recorded in the same manner, as are their countries of origin. The form is filled out by a medical records clerk, who is supposed to ask the parents for this information. In the case of death registrations, the race and ethnicity and education level of the deceased are usually recorded by the funeral home director or a health care worker who requests the information from either the decedent's next of kin or a family representative while filling out the forms. No data are collected on the decedent's country of origin or language.
The racial and ethnic categories currently used in the vital statistics system were reviewed as part of the regular vital statistics standard certificate review process (NCHS, 2000). This review resulted in a recommendation for expanded racial and ethnic categories that would include separate Asian categories (Asian Indian, Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Viet-


text:
Looking for a sign?
Georgia Nicols helps jump-start your week with her seven-day astrological outlook. The feature appears exclusively at www.suntimes.com.
Updated: November 12, 2012 6:11AM
ALL SIGNS MOON ALERT: Avoid shopping or making important decisions until 2:30 p.m. today. After that the Moon moves from Leo into Virgo.
◆ARIES (March 21-April 19): You're in a practical frame of mind today, especially at work and also, perhaps, with ideas related to your health. Nevertheless, check with the Moon Alert above before you make a commitment or important decisions.
◆TAURUS (April 20-May 20): All creative activity requires drudgery, practice, playing scales, and cleanup work — whatever. This is perhaps an ideal day to do this sort of thing. Your motivation is oriented to children, sports, the arts and creative outlets but your impulse is practical.
◆GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Discussions with female relatives, especially mothers, might focus on practical repairs or ways to do things that will have a long-term benefit in the future. Certainly, you can benefit from the advice of anyone who is older or more experienced than you.
◆CANCER (June 21-July 22): In one way, this is a good day for serious thought and study. However, for most of the beginning of the day (see Moon Alert above) things are kind of loosey-goosey and vague. Just persevere. Your imagination can figure at the beginning, and your down-to-earth common sense figure later.
◆LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): You're giving thought to your finances and cash flow today. Basically, you would like things to look better! And they will if you can reduce your debt and increase your earnings. (You wish.) Intentions are very powerful. If you constantly think about reducing your debt and increasing your income — you will!
◆VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): This afternoon, the Moon moves into your sign bringing a rather serious mood with it. You will look for ways to be more practical. You won't mind work or accepting whatever duties and obligations you have. Your physical comforts will be less important.
◆Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): This is a great day for research of any kind because you have the motivation plus the energetic persistence to keep on looking for whatever it is you want to find.
◆SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Listen to the advice of someone older or more experienced today because you can benefit from this. You might encounter this person in a group situation, a casual meeting or even in a classroom.
◆SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The impression you create with others today is one of solidity, purpose and reliability. You're working hard for some time now for your goals and today others, especially bosses, see you as highly dependable.
◆CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Although this is a good day to make practical plans for travel in the future or anything to do with higher education, further training, medicine, the law as well as publishing and the media). Nevertheless, wait until the Moon Alert above is over.
◆AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): This is a good time for practical discussions about how to share or divide something, especially inheritances, shared property, jointly owned possessions or anything to do with insurance disputes. But do take note of the Moon Alert above and make your decisions accordingly.
◆PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Be prepared to go more than halfway when dealing with others today because the Moon is opposite your sign later in the day. It simply means you have to be open to co-operation and certainly, you have to be tolerant. (You can do this.)
IF OCTOBER 11 IS YOUR BIRTHDAY: Spiritual teacher/peace activist Thich Nhat Hanh (1926) shares your birthday today. You are charming and gentle-hearted. People like to be in your company. You also like excitement in your life and have a vivid imagination. You work well with others and are comfortable being with all walks of life. You have the gift of being satisfied when you find what you want. Good news! Your year ahead might be one of the most powerful years of your life. Dream big!

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Street Fighter EX 3 Cheats for Playstation 2Home / Playstation 2 /
This page contains Cheats for Street Fighter EX 3 organized by sections for Playstation 2. Street Fighter EX 3 is a Action Fighting 3D game, made by Arika, released on Oct 24, 2000 and published by Capcom. If you can't find a hint or secret in our list, then please check this page periodically for the latest updates.
- Developer:
Street Fighter EX 3 Playstation 2 CheatsArika
- Publisher: Capcom
- Genre: Action Fighting 3D
- Release Date: Oct 24, 2000
- ESRB: Teen
Hidden characters: Complete original mode with a regular character without continuing under the normal or hard difficulty setting to unlock one of the hidden characters. Another character will be unlocked each time the game is completed, in the following order: Sagat, Vega, Garuda, Shadow Geist, Kairi, Pullum, Area, Darun, and Vulcano. Note: A diff...From: Dagbreara
Stuck on this game? Set a specific, clearly defined question and let others answer your question or view answers to previously asked questions. If you think you are an Street Fighter EX 3 expert then please try to help others with their questions.
Street Fighter EX 3 - Ken Masters Playthrough
- May 31, 2014, Views: 24
Street Fighter EX 3 - 90 damage
- May 31, 2014, Views: 27
Street Fighter EX 3 - Kairi Playthrough
- May 31, 2014, Views: 35
Street Fighter EX 3 - Kairi Playthrough
- May 31, 2014, Views: 29
- Thunder Force 6 - CGs Gameplay Best Ending, (PS2)
- Arcana Heart - Trailer, (PS2)
- Sega Ages: Monster World Complete Collection - Gameplay Footage, (PS2)
- Soul Nomad And The World Eaters - Skills And Gameplay, (PS2)
- Growlanser: Heritage Of War - Teaser Trailer, (PS2)
- Hack//G.U. Vol. 2//Remininsce - Trailer (HD), (PS2)
- GrimGrimoire - Trailer, (PS2)
- Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Phantom Blood - Television Review Trailer, (PS2)
- Saint And Sinner, (PS2)
- Buzz! De Strafste Van Belgie, (PS2)
- Cart Kings, (PS2)
- RC Toy Machines, (PS2)
- Hugo: Magic In The Troll Woods, (PS2)
- Heavenly Guardian, (PS2)
- Code Geass: Lelouch Of The Rebellion: Lost Colors, (PS2)
- Fullmetal Alchemist And The Broken Angel, (PS2)
- Wipeout Pulse, (PS2)
- Cocoto Funfair, (PS2)
- Kim Kardashian: Hollywood - Gameplay, (iPhone-iPod)
- Episode: Choose Your Story - Gameplay, (iPhone-iPod)
- How To Train Your Dragon 2 - Ready To Fly Trailer, (Wii)
- The Settlers - Kingdoms Of Anteria - Announcement Trailer, (PC)
- Entwined - Quick Look Trailer, (PS3)
- Blue Estate - Official Launch Trailer, (PS4)
- Goat Commando 3D Simulator - Gameplay, (iPhone-iPod)
- Munin - Official Launch Trailer, (iPad)


text:
|Regulatory Story
|Go to market news section
30 November 2012
Genus plc
Total Voting Rights
Genus plc announces that its issued share capital consists of 60,607,453 ordinary shares of 10p each with voting rights ('Ordinary Shares'). No Ordinary Shares are currently held in treasury and the voting rights of all the Ordinary Shares are identical.
The above figure may be used by shareholders as the denominator for the calculation by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in, Genus plc under the FSA's Disclosure and Transparency Rules.
Cara Crichton
Assistant Company Secretary
Genus plc
Tel: 01256 345996
London Stock Exchange plc is not responsible for and does not check content on this Website. Website users are responsible for checking content. Any news item (including any prospectus) which is addressed solely to the persons and countries specified therein should not be relied upon other than by such persons and/or outside the specified countries. Terms and conditions, including restrictions on use and distribution apply.
|©London Stock Exchange plc. All rights reserved


text:
Watson turned professional in 2003 and joined the Nationwide Tour where he played until 2005. He claimed his first victory in 2010 at the Travelers Championship beating Corey Pavin and Scott Verplank in a play-off. In the same year he came agonizingly close to winning the PGA Championship at Whistling Straits, losing to Martin Kaymer in a three hole play-off.
In 2011 Watson won twice on the PGA Tour, the first coming at the Farmers Insurance Open where he finished one stroke ahead of runner-up Phil Mickelson and the second in a playoff at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans from Webb Simpson. In 2012 Watson's won his first major championship at the 2012 Masters Championshoip. He began the final round at six-under-par and three strokes off the lead but recorded a final round of 68 (-4), including four consecutive birdies on the back nine, which left him tied tied for the 72-hole lead with fourth-round playing partner, Louis Oosthuizen. In the sudden-death playoff, Oosthuizen and Watson both made par on the uphill 18th hole before Watson played a miraculous recovery shot from deep in the woods on pine straw to save par and win the title. The victory took him to a career-high world ranking of four.
Watson is known for the distance that he hits the ball from the tee and has won the PGA Tour's driving distance statistic on several occasions.


text:
22-7 overall
11-5 and in second place in the Pac-12 Conference
For three out of the four halves of basketball that UCLA played this past weekend against the Oregon schools, it looked like the Bruins' season would go into the dumpster.
It started in an alarming fashion as their two best players, Kyle Anderson and Jordan Adams, were suspended for the Oregon game on February 27 for violating team rules.
It was an impressive show of integrity by coach Steve Alford, but it also maimed their chances against the Ducks and – though UCLA played valiantly in forcing two overtimes – failed to keep the team from suffering a devastating 87-83 loss that more or less ended any hopes for a Pac-12 championship.
Then in a must-win game against Oregon State on Sunday night at Pauley Pavilion, the Bruins played about as bad as they did in Corvallis, taking a nine-point deficit into halftime and incurring Alford's wrath in the locker room.
"I was not happy with our effort," Alford said in an obvious understatement.
Fortunately for them, there was a second 20 minutes to play, and that's where the Bruins finally woke up as they outscored the Beavers 45-31 and came up with a 74-69 win on Senior Night – David Wear and his twin Travis Wear were honored beforehand – that solidified their place as the second best team in the Pac-12 as Arizona clinched the regular season title with a win over Stanford.
"I though the effort…was who we are," the Bruin coach commented. "we got steals which ignited our transition game. We got to the free-throw line (where they made 11 out of 13 shots from the charity stripe in the last 1:13). We ran the offense much better."
Anderson and Adams were determined to redeem themselves for the wrongdoings which caused them to sit on the bench in street clothes against Oregon as Anderson grabbed nine rebounds, dished off five assists, and made all eight of his free throws in scoring 14 points.
While Adams exploded in the second half in scoring 20 of his game-high 24 points.
The ultimate result was a win that may have saved UCLA's season as a loss, which would have been their third in a row, would have pretty much ruined it in the form of a lower seed in the NCAA tournament in the midst of a downward spiral.
It also assured the Bruins of a first round bye in the upcoming Pac-12 Tournament in Las Vegas as they are a game up on third-place Arizona State with two conference games to go.
A main issue facing this team is their inside play, which led to their losses to Stanford and Oregon and which they sorely need to improve on if they plan on having good things happen to them in the coming weeks.
As well as executing in both halves of a game rather than just one going forward.
Even though UCLA showed much heart against Oregon late and against OSU in the second half, I'm still not convinced that this is a team heeded for March Madness glory.
These Bruins can change that in their last two conference games against the Washington schools on the road, where their mission – and they will accept it, I'm sure – is this:
That will break the pattern of disappointing splits that Alford's team has endured away from Westwood, and will also make me and I reckon the bulk of Bruin Nation feel much better about their postseason prospects.
** Washington Huskies, Alaska Airlines Arena, Seattle, WA
Thursday March 6, 6:00 p.m. TV: ESPN2
** Washington State Cougars, Wallis Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum, Pullman, WA
Saturday, March 8, 8:00 p.m. TV: Fox Sports 1
Tags: David Wear Jordan Adams Kyle Anderson Pauley Pavilion Travis Wear UCLA UCLA Basketball


text:
As we approach the start of the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs, Too Many Men On The Site will be taking a look at the teams that have qualified. Included will be stats, record, and why they will and will not win the Stanley Cup. Next up are the Montreal Canadiens
Montreal Canadiens – 3rd in the East, 2nd in the Atlantic Division (98 points)
Scoring Leaders
- Max Pacioretty (39 G, 21 A, 60 points)
- P.K. Subban (10 G, 43 A, 53 points)
- David Desharnais (16 G, 36 A, 52 points)
Why The Canadiens Will Win The Stanley Cup
The Canadiens last won the Stanley Cup in 1993, and this season the Cup may make a return visit. Montreal has strong goaltending, and one of the best defensemen in the NHL in P.K. Subban. The Canadiens also have six players with 40 points or more, giving them a well-rounded offensive attack. The addition of Thomas Vanek was in part to hep the Canadiens get past the Boston Bruins, a task that will need to be accomplished if Montreal does want to bring the cup back to Canada.
Why The Canadiens Will Not Win The Stanley Cup
Pressure may be their hardest hurdle to get over. Just making the playoffs is not good enough for the historic Canadiens franchise. Their fans expect the Stanley Cup, and anything short will be met with disdain. The Canadiesns may not have physical style of play needed to withstand the hard-hitting NHL playoffs. If a series is pushed to six or seven games I'm not sure that the Canadiens roster is will able to hold up for a cup run.
Previous Posts In This Series: Pittsburgh Penguins – St. Louis Blues – Colorado Avalanche – Detroit Red Wings – San Jose Sharks – Minnesota Wild – Chicago Blackhawks – Tampa Bay Lightning – Philadelphia Flyers – Columbus Blue Jackets
Tags: 2014 Nhl Playoffs Atlantic Division Eastern Conference Montreal Canadiens NHL Playoffs


text:
Watch This Attack on Taylor Swift During Her Grammy Performance
It seems as if Taylor Swift suffered an attack during her performance at the 56th Grammy Awards. It was so quick that not many saw it. Well, here's the video.
It seems as if Taylor Swift suffered an attack during her performance at the 56th Grammy Awards. It was so quick that not many saw it. Well, here's the video.
Not all of the fun at the 2014 Grammys took place onstage and in the audience. Thanks to the wonders of social media, we got a keyhole, behind-the-velvet-rope look at all of the happenings.
At the 2014 Grammys (Jan. 26), there were way more hits than misses and hardly any red carpet trainwrecks. There was an abundance of blush-hued, strapless, sleeveless and frilly-femme frocks. We've weeded through all the looks, and these were our absolute favorites and picks for best dressed
Wow. Just wow.
Macklemore and Ryan Lewis didn't just perform 'Same Love,' their commanding and potent song about same-sex equality, at the 2014 Grammy Awards (Jan. 26). The Seattle rap duo had couples of all ages, races and orientations get married on their cathedral-like stage during the performance.
Generations collided when Sara Bareilles and singer-songwriter Carole King paired up to perform a mashup of Bareilles' modern hit 'Brave' and King's classic 'Beautiful' at the 2014 Grammys (Jan. 26).
You may not have seen this guy, because the camera's did a great job of not showing him as he walked on stage before Adele could get there and accept her Grammy. Vitalii Seduik reportedly did not have a ticket or credentials, took Adam Levine's seat and Adam took a seat on the floor after discovering his seat was filled, reportedly spent the night in jail and has a court date in March
As the 2013 Grammys begin winding down, the biggest awards start to be handed out, and Record of the Year is certainly no exception.
Maroon 5 and Alicia Keys performed together at the 2013 Grammys, mashing up a performance of their songs 'Daylight' and 'Girl on Fire,' respectively. It didn't exactly feel like an "Oh yeah, that makes sense" partnership, but more like a way for the producers to pair up two acts, right next to one another, without having to swap out the stage or set up.
If you thought Sophia Grace and her hype girl Rosie had used up their 15 minutes of fame, think again. As previously announced, the dazzling duo appeared on the red carpet of the 2012 Grammys as correspondents for 'The Ellen DeGeneres' show, charming the likes of Taylor Swift, Flo Rida, Maroon 5 and more.


text:
By Reg Jones
Service computation date and FERS retirement
July 2nd, 2013 | Uncategorized
Q. I am contemplating retirement with a separation date of Jan. 6, 2014. Under FERS, my creditable service for retirement (on Jan. 6, 2014) will be 29 years and two months (service computation date of Oct. 24 1984). My creditable service for RIF and leave (on Jan. 6, 2014) will be 31 years and seven months (service computation date of June 20, 1982). The estimate I have indicates the MRA+10 provision, reducing my annuity by approximately 35 percent (5 percent each year under 62; I will be 57 in January). From an eligibility standpoint, which would be the correct creditable service date to use? I understand the annuity formula (1 percent x high 3, etc); if I have at least 30 years of service and have reached MRA, why such a huge penalty when the annuity is already based on the years I was able to contribute to the annuity portion of FERS?
Tags: annuity, creditable service, FERS, minimum retirement age, MRA+10, reduction-in-force, service computation date
Reduction in force and retirement
June 25th, 2013 | Uncategorized
Q. I will be 58 next year, when we are supposed to be RIF with the Postal Service if we have not found another EAS position. At that time I will have 24½ years in and be 58. I understand I will be eligible for DSR.
How is the amount calculated? Is it the same as the FERS amount, is it permanent and can I still receive the FERS supplement? Can I receive DSR and FERS, or just the DSR or FERS? I don't want to retire but am trying to see how I will be financially if I am part of an RIF. Also, does this affect my Social Security?
Tags: annuity, FERS, reduction-in-force, SOCIAL SECURITY, special retirement supplement
FERS, special retirement supplement and reduction in force
June 11th, 2013 | Uncategorized
Q. I have 29 years of federal service and am 50 and under FERS.
If I am involuntarily separated by a reduction in force at age 50, do I get the FERS Social Security bridge along with my Discontinued Service Retirement, or do I have to wait until I turn 56 to collect the bridge portion of my retirement? Does this start automatically with the DSR, or do I have to apply for the bridge with SSA when I am 56?
Tags: annuity, Deferred retirement, Discontinued Service Retirement, FERS, minimum retirement age, reduction-in-force, SOCIAL SECURITY, special retirement supplement
VERA/VSIP and retirement benefits
May 1st, 2013 | annuity reduction Minimum retirement age PAY Special retirement supplement VERA VSIP
Q. I am a Defense Department civilian and have met my minimum retirement age. I will not be eligible for full retirement under FERS until September 2015.
By then, I will be 60 and will have 30 years of service.
If I accepted a VERA/VSIP (I am on the offer list), would I get hit with an annuity reduction if the offer is not the result of a reduction in force? If I could take the offer without a reduction, would I also receive the special retirement supplement?
Tags: annuity, FERS, reduction-in-force, special retirement supplement, VERA, VSIP, years of service
RIF, VERA, penalty and SRS
March 29th, 2013 | DOWNSIZING SOCIAL SECURITY Uncategorized VERA
Q. I was born in 1966 and my organization may undergo a reduction in force. I anticipate that I will have the 50 years of age and 20 years of service by the time they may offer the Voluntary Early Retirement Authority/Voluntary Separation Incentive Pay. Please let me know if the minimum retirement age counts during a RIF if I am a FERS employee because my MRA is 56½, of which I will only be 50 years of age, so I need to know if I will be penalized 5 percent each year under MRA. Hoping that the 50/20 rule is an exception to being penalized.
Also, how can I find out more about the special retirement supplement?
Tags: FERS, minimum retirement age, penalty, reduction-in-force, SOCIAL SECURITY, special retirement supplement, VERA, VSIP
RIF, special retirement supplement and penalty
March 28th, 2013 | Uncategorized
Q. If I retire at 59 years and five months with 28+ years of service, under a reduction in force, would I qualify for the special retirement supplement and only be penalized until I reach 60?
Tags: age, annuity reduction, MRA+10, penalty, reduction-in-force, special retirement supplement
RIF and leave
March 22nd, 2013 | Uncategorized
Q. If I am subject to a reduction in force with just under 25 years of service (say, with 24 years and nine months), can I use sick or annual leave to make up the difference? If not, is there any recourse to take a retirement in lieu of a RIF when you are so close to the 25-year threshold? I am 46 years old.
A. While you may only use sick leave for purposes spelled out in law and regulation, your agency can allow you to use your annual leave to continue past the date on which you'd be separated if it will allow you to qualify for retirement.
Tags: annual leave, creditable service, reduction-in-force, RETIREMENT, sick leave
Retirement options
March 15th, 2013 | furloughs Uncategorized
Q. I am so totally lost in all of this early retirement and buyouts and furloughs. I have 33 years of service with the government and am 55 years old under CSRS. Not sure which to apply for or wait until our office gives us reduction-in-force notices if our office is going to reorganize, restructure. Would I be eligible for early buyout with full benefits come May?
A. You really are lost! However, everything should be clearer when I tell you that you can retire anytime you want to. That's because you have the age (55) and service (at least 30 years) needed to do that. As a result, you can keep working, retire now, wait until your agency offers you a buyout, or wait until you receive a RIF notice. The world is your oyster. Enjoy it.
Tags: buyout, CSRS, Early retirement, furlough, reduction-in-force
RIF and special retirement supplement
March 14th, 2013 | Uncategorized
Q. I am a FERS employee, age 59, and have over 28 years in the Postal Service. Our facility is going through an accelerated transfer of function to a facility more than 100 miles away. If they cannot offer me a position in my same craft and I am given a notice to separate voluntarily or involuntarily, can I retire and receive an unreduced annuity and the special retirement supplement until age 62? If I retire, should I elect a discontinued service retirement or optional retirement since this is an organizational change involving reduction in force, transfer of function. Could I also receive separation pay?
A. Yes, you can retire on an annuity that wouldn't be subject to an age penalty and entitled to the special retirement supplement. Since you would be eligible for either an optional or discontinued service retirement, you can decide which you prefer. If you elect optional retirement and later return to work for the federal government, the salary of your new position would be offset by the amount of your annuity. If you elect a DSR, your annuity would be terminated, and you would once more be a regular employee.
Tags: annuity, Discontinued Service Retirement, FERS, Offset, Postal Service, reduction-in-force, separation, special retirement supplement
Re-employed federal retiree wants to cancel retirement
March 12th, 2013 | High-3 PAY Uncategorized
Q. I took a voluntary early retirement (at age 52 with 20 years of service) about five years ago and have since been re-employed with federal civil service full time. My salary is reduced by my retirement annuity, and I understand I need to work five more years to receive a recomputed retirement. Can I cancel my existing federal retirement and just receive my full salary? This may give me the more secure status of being a regular employee rather than a re-employed annuitant. A re-employed annuitant appears to be more vulnerable to reductions in force. Also, my next five years of retirement contributions are only at the reduced salary amount (salary — annuity), so I am not contributing much to my retirement; plus, since it is a reduced salary, I don't know if these next five years can qualify as any of my high-3 years for computation.
A. No, you cannot cancel your annuity and receive your full salary. If you work for at least five years full time and then retire again, your annuity will be recomputed based on your highest three consecutive years of average basic pay, regardless of when they occurred in your career.
Tags: annuity, annuity recomputation, re-employed annuitant, reduction-in-force, retirement cancellation
Reduction in force and creditable service
March 12th, 2013 | Uncategorized
Q. I am a FERS employee with slightly less than five years' creditable service.
If I am the victim of a reduction in force before I reach the five-year point, will any unused leave be counted toward creditable service?
A. No.
Tags: creditable service, FERS, reduction-in-force, unused leave
Term employees and reductions in force
March 11th, 2013 | Uncategorized
Q. I am a term FAA employee. I was a permanent employee with the Department of Defense. I have 13 years of civil service. I have no military time. For 11 of the 13 years, I was a permanent employee with the Department of Defense.
If a reduction in force occurs, do I as a term employee received the separation incentives usually offered to permanent employees? What benefits are term employees allowed, such as priority placement program, return rights, etc.?
A. You couldn't receive a voluntary separation incentive payment because only employees serving in an appointment without time limit are eligible for that. During a reduction in force, you'd fall into the lowest retention category — Group III. For more information about RIFs and how they play out, go to www.opm.gov/rif/general/rifguide.asp.
Tags: OPM, reduction-in-force, term employee, voluntary separation incentive payment
RIF and health benefits
March 6th, 2013 | Uncategorized
Q. I'm 53 with 27 years and 10 months. I could get six months of military service for Army Reserve full-time training credit. I'm in a term position. If I'm given a reduction in force, what are my options? Can I defer my retirement until my minimum retirement age of 56? If so, would I lose my health and insurance benefits? If I'm RIF'ed and do not defer, does that means I lost health benefits?
A. If you receive a RIF notice, you have two choices. You can either sit tight and see if you are going to be separated, or you can take early retirement. If you are going to be involuntarily separated, you can still retire. Whether your retirement was voluntary or involuntary, the age penalty would be waived. Therefore, there wouldn't be any point in retiring and postponing the receipt of your annuity to a later date. As for your Federal Employees Health Benefits coverage, as long as you were enrolled in the program before the RIF was announced, you could carry it into retirement.
Tags: age, Deferred annuity, Early retirement, FEHB, involuntary separation, military, minimum retirement age, penalty, reduction-in-force, term positions
Deferred annuity
March 3rd, 2013 | Uncategorized
Q. I was separated by a reduction in force in March 1996. I left all retirement dollars in CSRS. I have more than 21 years of combined federal service from the Department of the Army and Department of Energy. I am 56. Can I apply for a deferred retirement at age 60 (with over 20 years service) since my separation from DOE was due to a reduction in force, or do I have to wait until age 62 to apply for my deferred retirement?
A. As a former CSRS employee, your only option is to apply for a deferred annuity at age 62.
Tags: age, CSRS, Deferred annuity, Deferred retirement, reduction-in-force
Military buyback and RIF before vesting
February 28th, 2013 | Uncategorized
Q. I am a career conditional employee with 1½ years total civilian service time who is eligible to buy back my military time. Due to the current budget constraints, I fear that I could be subject to a reduction in force. If I buy back my time and am RIF'd prior to completing my five years of civilian service that are required to be vested in FERS, what happens to my military deposit?
A. You'll have a choice to make. You can either ask to have that money refunded to you or you can leave it in the fund. If you ask for a refund and later return to government service, you can always redeposit the money.
Tags: deposit, FERS, five-year vesting requirement, military buyback, reduction-in-force, refund
How are VERA applicants selected?
February 19th, 2013 | Uncategorized
Q. I am eligible for and have quickly submitted the interest form for Voluntary Early Retirement Authority three times now. I am a GS-11 with 25 years and seven months of service at 56 years of age. I have been turned down twice and fear being turned down again. I have been told that it won't save someone else's job or variably because they can't hire behind me. How are successful VERA applicants chosen? My job is not so specialized that someone couldn't backfill. There are plenty of other people at my level with the same job series. I understand the Voluntary Separation Incentive Pay isn't automatically offered to everyone but thought VERA was approved for those who were eligible.
A. VERA is a mechanism for restructuring the workforce with a minimum of disruption. An agency is required to submit a detailed plan to the Office of Personnel Management, which includes a detailed summary of the agency's personnel and/or budgetary situation that will result in excess personnel because of delayering, reorganization, transfer of function, reductions in force, etc. The plan must specify the occupations, grades, organization units and geographic areas where VERAs can be offered. As you can see, employees aren't selected for a VERA, nor can they apply for one. If offered one, they can only accept or reject it.
Tags: OPM, reduction-in-force, VERA, VSIP
Discontinued service retirement
February 12th, 2013 | Uncategorized
Q. I will be RIF'ed on July 29 with 24 years and seven months of service. Do I qualify for a discontinued service retirement? How much will my annuity be reduced? I am 43 years of age. I am covered in a law enforcement officer position. Additionally, I have six months of sick leave. Can I use this time to meet the 25-year DSR time period for any age?
A. You aren't eligible for a discontinued service retirement. To be eligible for a DSR, you'd have to be age 50 with 20 years of service or any age with 25. Sick leave cannot be used to meet the length of service requirement.
Tags: age, annuity reduction, creditable service, Discontinued Service Retirement, law enforcement, reduction-in-force, sick leave
Benefits following RIF
January 24th, 2013 | Uncategorized
Q. I have 36 years of creditable service under CSRS, and I am 56 years of age. In a reduction-in-force situation, assuming I was not placed in another government position, would I be entitled to both 52 weeks severance pay and an immediate annuity?
A. Because you'd be eligible for an annuity, you wouldn't be eligible for severance pay.
Tags: annuity, creditable service, CSRS, reduction-in-force, severance pay
Special retirement supplement
January 17th, 2013 | Uncategorized
Q. I am a FERS retiree who was RIF'd into retirement in October 2009 with 27 years of service. I reached my minimum retirement age of 56 on Jan 4. I understand I will receive the special retirement supplement for first year regardless of my employment income. Will that continue for the 12 calendar months from February through January 2014? Or is it only until Dec. 31, which would be 11 months?
After that first year, I understand that the Office of Personnel Management will evaluate my previous year's income (I assume total 2013) and then cut off my supplement or at least adjust it based on how much over the $14,160 earnings limit I made. I will have made more than three times the $14,160, so I assume, in my case, they will cut me off. Will they cut me off for 12 months and evaluate me again on Jan. 1, 2015, looking at my 2014 income? Or will they look at each month of 2014 to see if I exceed the prorated allowable income during 2014?
A. Start your search for answers at www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2/rule.htm.
Tags: earnings limit, FERS, income, minimum retirement age, OPM, reduction-in-force, SOCIAL SECURITY, special retirement supplement
FERS RIF and annuity
January 16th, 2013 | Uncategorized
Q. I am 57 and have 27 years of service as a FERS employee with the Interior Department. I am in an RIF situation and would like to know my options.
It appears, because of my age, that I am eligible for an immediate annuity.
Will my annuity be reduced because of my age and my being three years short of 30 years of service?
A. Yes, you will be eligible to retire, and you won't be penalized because you are short of the 30 years of service normally required for an immediate, unreduced annuity.
Tags: annuity, FERS, immediate annuity, reduction-in-force, years of service


text:
Egypt: Islamic Veil on Board EgyptAir Flights for First Time.
Some of EgyptAir's flight attendants started wearing the veil for the first time in the company's history on Saturday, following approval by the minister of aviation.
On 14 September Aviation Minister Samir Imbaby approved flight attendants' demand to wear the Islamic veil after almost a year of protests and lawsuits.
They will be temporarily allowed to wear a head scarf until they can replace it with a uniform cap to be released in December.
The head of EgyptAir holding company, Tawfiq Assy, detailed that the new uniform will be allowed on all of its flights in all countries.
In September for the first time in history, as well, a veiled woman (Fatma Nevine) anchored an Egyptian state television programme.
An EgyptAir cabin crew who filed a lawsuit on 10 July are still demanding the carrier allow them to grow beards.
The national carrier, along with many other airlines, prohibits stewards from growing facial hair, saying it prefers to have "clean cut" staff in direct contact with clients. No legal ruling has been made and beards remain forbidden.
The interior ministry sacked policemen in February 2012 for growing beards in accordance with their religious belief. The policemen have a lawsuit pending and occasionally make appearances in demonstrations.
Related News
- Malala Yousafzai and Kailash Satyarthi win 2014 Nobel peace prize
- New President, Old Pattern of Sexual Violence in Egypt
- Child marriage remains common, despite legal ban
- Letter to Obama Administration on Egyptian State Violations of Human Rights
- EIPR shocked by continued detention of 23 defendants including an awarded human rights defender
Related Actions
- Over 220 Global Organizations Call for Immediate Release of Seven Imprisoned Women Human Rights Defenders in Egypt
- Send your support to Yara Sallam and other human rights defenders imprisoned in Egypt
- URGENT: Join the international campaign against Egypt's repressive protest law!
- Arbitrary Arrests and Detention of Women Human Rights Defenders
- Egypt: Postpone the 15 December referendum on the draft Constitution!
Relevant Resources
- Reclaiming the Streets for Women's Dignity: Effective Initiatives in the Struggle against Gender-Based Violence in between Egypt's Two Revolutions
- The Politics of Mobilising for Gender Justice in Egypt from Mubarak to Morsi and Beyond
- Egypt: #noprotestlaw campaign abridged toolkit
- "Maybe we are hated": The experience and impact of Anti-Muslim hate on British Muslim Women
- Austerity Measures in Developing Countries: Public Expenditure Trends and the Risks to Women and Children


text:
1ASTB/STB Environment Canada, 335 River Road South, Ottawa, Ontario, K1V 0H3, Canada
2ASTB/STB Environment Canada, 4905 Dufferin Street, Toronto, Ontario, M3H 5T4, Canada
3National Research Council Canada, 1200 Montreal Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0R6, Canada
Abstract. In this study a photoacoustic spectrometer (PA), a laser-induced incandescence instrument system (LII) and an aerosol mass spectrometer were operated in parallel for in situ measurements of black carbon (BC) light absorption enhancement. Results of a thermodenuder experiment using ambient particles in Toronto are presented first to show that LII measurements of BC are not influenced by particle coating while the PA response is enhanced and also that the nature of this enhancement is influenced by particle morphology. Comparisons of ambient PA and LII measurements at four different locations (suburban Toronto; a street canyon with heavy diesel bus traffic in Ottawa; adjacent to a commuter highway in Ottawa and; regional background air in and around Windsor, Ontario), show that the different meteorological conditions and atmospheric processes result in different particle light absorption enhancement and hence the specific attenuation coefficient (SAC). Depending upon location of measurement and the BC spherule diameter (primary particle size – PPS) measurement from the LII, the SAC varies from 2.6±0.04 to 22.5±0.7 m2 g−1. Observations from this study also show the active surface area of the BC aggregate, inferred from PPS, is an important parameter for inferring the degree of particle collapse of a BC particle. The predictability of the overall BC light absorption enhancement in the atmosphere depends not only on the coating mass but also on the source of the BC and on our ability to predict or measure the change in particle morphology as particles evolve.
Citation: Chan, T. W., Brook, J. R., Smallwood, G. J., and Lu, G.: Time-resolved measurements of black carbon light absorption enhancement in urban and near-urban locations of Southern Ontario, Canada, Atmos. Chem. Phys. Discuss., 10, 19939-19980, doi:10.5194/acpd-10-19939-2010, 2010.


text:
Chertoff speech addresses FEMA's role in DHS
DHS secretary points to value of having response, prevention and intelligence organizations together
Finally, I observe this. Many of those who argue that FEMA ought to be pulled out of the department do so because their vision is that, where FEMA is about natural disasters and hurricanes and not terrorism and that's what the rest of DHS is about. But need I remind you that one of the critical elements, if there were a serious terrorist attack, would be the need to have an effective response and a response not to a weather event but a response perhaps to a dirty bomb or multiple improvised explosive devices or a biological weapon, and in order to have that capability, FEMA needs to continue to be a consumer of intelligence and expertise that the entire department brings to the issue of combating terrorism.
But let me stand back even from the narrower issue of FEMA's participation in the department and look more generally at the role of the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security as the incident manager when there's an incident that cuts across agency lines and has national implications.
When DHS was created and shortly after it was created, the president issued a Homeland Security Directive known as HSPD-5 which put the Secretary in the position of the operational incident manager in the case of a terrorist attack or natural disaster of significant consequence. The purpose of doing this was to recognize that while the White House guides policy, the operational planning, training and execution needs to be in a department and the conception was that the Department of Homeland Security wouldn't control the other departments but that there would be someone who would be saddled with a central responsibility to make sure all of the components of the operators were being synchronized and working well together.
This is, of course, a reflection of what they call the Incident Management System which has been adopted in many states as their way of dealing with incidents at the state level. It's a recognition of the fact that again crisis management and consequence management are part of a spectrum, that when you're dealing with a potential terrorist attack, for example, you are simultaneously looking at how you prevent further attacks, how do you protect against the attacks that are underway, and how do you respond and mitigate the attacks that have occurred. If you don't bring all these elements together, what you have is a disconnected response and it's that kind of disconnection that causes the kinds of problems that are often complained about when there's a terrorist attack and a failure to effectively respond.
That is really, in my mind, one of the core missions of the Department of Homeland Security. What happens when you don't have someone to coordinate the incident across the entire spectrum of prevention, protection and response? Well, I would argue that that's what we saw in Mumbai, India. Again, this is not my opinion. This is what was reflected in the Wall Street Journal a couple days ago when they wrote about a lack of communication between the fire responders and the emergency responders, the police and the military dealing in the hours and then days after that initial assault in Mumbai.
The failure to coordinate all of those elements led to delay and uncoordination and resulted in criticism directed against the government by the citizens of India itself. This is not again my opinion. I'm not commenting. I wasn't there. This is what the papers are reporting the citizens of India have indicated. What you come to recognize is without the kind of incident management and coordination that we are building at DHS, joint planning, joint execution, cutting across the lines of the different operators, without that kind of capability, it's easier to have a disconnected response than to have a coordinated and properly connected response.
Now let me give you some examples of what happens when we do do it the right way, when we do have properly coordinated response on an operational basis. In July 2006, you may recall that there were questions about the safety of Americans living in Lebanon during the war between Hezbollah and Israel. Working in a coordinated way with CBP and TSA and the State Department, using this incident management construct, DHS was able to facilitate the repatriation of Americans who had to leave Lebanon literally under the stress of fire fights in order to make sure they were not engulfed in the struggle between Hezbollah and Israel.


text:
Foreign Ministers are gathered today in Brussels for the final phase of the negotiations on the constitution, preparing for the make-or break (probably break) summit on Thursday and Friday which will decide whether the project lurches forward or drives into the sand.
The Tories were of course calling for the government to "show a bit of humidity" – I think that was what they said - and abandon plans to adopt the constitution, in the wake of the Euro-election results.
However, Jack Straw, on his way over to Brussels, immediately demonstrated that he didn't know the meaning of the word. He turned up in a BBC studio for World at One to tell the listener that the constitution was a jolly good thing really and that he and the prime minister – whoever he is – were going to secure a jolly good deal for Britain and Europe if they jolly well could.
What's more, they were jolly well going to win the referendum, just like Harold Wilson did in 1975 when he managed to shift hostile public opinion to support the Common Market. "When people shifted from heart to head and started thinking about the issue in detail... they voted Yes by a very substantial majority", he said.
As to his jolly good constitution, he reminded the listener that "People complain about lack of efficiency and transparency in the EU, they complain that national governments are not sufficiently in control over what happens, they also say national parliaments don't have a big enough role." "All true", he declared, "and all things which this draft constitutional treaty is there to put right."
Funny thing is, none of us seem to remember anyone – people that is – ever complaining about the lack of efficiency in the EU, especially when by "efficiency" is meant the rate at which this dire organisation churns out new laws. In fact, the general preference seems to be for a little less efficiency or, if Mr Kilroy-Silk is to be believed – and I think he should – none at all.
Not quite so funny was Neil Kinnock, the other side of the Channel, urging Blair to launch a drive to win the support of the British people for the proposed constitution. "The battle is joined and we had better get stuck in," he said. "We will do it by candour, explanation, fact and destroying myths and legends," he said.
Kinnock could do well to start with Mr Straw and his claims that the constitution would address the problem that national governments were not sufficiently in control over what happened, and national parliaments didn't have a big enough role.
Perhaps he could explain how creating another thirty policy areas subject to QMV, so that individual member states can be over-ruled, actually gives national governments more control, or how allowing national parliaments to protest about the lack of "subsidiarity", only to be over-ruled by the Commission, actually gives them a bigger role.
Perhaps we'd better forget that bit about candour and go for the humidity – at least you can sort that out with air conditioning.
Talking of which - humidity that is - Jaques and Gerard had their little tete-a-tete in Aachen yesterday for their traditional pre-summit meeting, when they stitch up the agenda and make sure the Franco-German "motor of integration" keeps the project on track.
After their meet, the deadly duo cooed at the press, saying, "Our will is to succeed in adopting the constitution." They wish. There are 25 countries in the EU now, chuck, and the Poles - to say nothing of the polls - are not in a pretty mood.
Our Manifesto
Our manifesto
Who governs Britain?
EU Documents
The Lisbon Treaty
That "mandate" analysed
EU Constitution - official version
Constitution analysis
Constitution Summit analysis
Building a political Europe
The seven basic myths
Good for the environment
Co-operating nation states
Europe reunited
The EU is democratic I
The EU is democratic II
Can't be a "superstate"
Keeping the peace in Europe
A free trade area?
Constitution for enlargement?
36 minutes ago
42 minutes ago
58 minutes ago
1 hour ago
1 hour ago
2 hours ago
4 hours ago
9 hours ago
10 hours ago
10 hours ago
11 hours ago
16 hours ago
19 hours ago
20 hours ago
1 day ago
1 day ago
1 day ago
1 day ago
1 day ago
1 day ago
2 days ago
3 days ago
3 days ago
3 days ago
4 days ago
4 days ago
5 days ago
5 days ago
5 days ago
5 days ago
1 week ago
1 week ago
1 week ago
1 week ago
2 weeks ago
4 weeks ago
4 weeks ago
5 weeks ago
1 month ago
1 month ago
2 months ago
2 months ago
2 months ago
2 months ago
3 months ago
4 months ago
4 months ago
5 months ago
7 months ago
9 months ago
9 months ago
9 months ago
9 months ago
10 months ago
11 months ago
1 year ago
1 year ago
1 year ago
1 year ago
1 year ago
1 year ago
1 year ago
1 year ago
1 year ago
1 year ago
1 year ago
1 year ago
1 year ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
Climate Change
6 minutes ago
44 minutes ago
3 hours ago
17 hours ago
18 hours ago
1 day ago
3 days ago
6 months ago
1 year ago
Blog Archive
- ► 2011 (1596)
- ► 2010 (1372)
- ► 2009 (1557)
- ► 2008 (1456)
- ► 2007 (1691)
- ► 2006 (1471)
- ► 2005 (1784)
- Take the square root…
- The troops are grumbling
- Pay off time
- Who is the outsider here?
- Specsavers
- Least surprising appointment
- Remembering everything, and learning nothing
- The wit and wisdom of President Chirac - No 1
- ECJ confirms who's boss
- The man, he say yes!
- Yet another benefit of our membership of the EU
- Are they listening to themselves? - Part V
- Only two days to go
- You mean we have to spend money on defence?
- End of the Special Relationship?
- They are not having much luck
- It really is rubbish
- Tories against the Constitution
- What a Messerschmidt
- Only three days to go
- Shout it from the rooftops
- Myth of the week - Europe is being reunited
- Turkey 1 - Greece 0
- They really are living on another planet
- Czech Prime Minister resigns
- Only four days to go
- Hard life being a failure
- We are not going to represent you
- Not playing the game
- The Booker column
- Barking cats
- Swivel-Eyed Loon Update & EU Membership
- Heading for rocky waters
- Only five days to go
- El presidente
- Poland on the brink?
- What is the bloody point?
- The things they say
- It's the politics, stupid
- Decisions, decisions
- Belka confirmed as Polish prime minister
- Nuts!
- That wonderful, impartial BBC
- Quote of the week
- Stop Press
- Slagging off journalists
- A far-off country that could be important
- Only seven days to go
- A carve-up in the offing?
- What on earth are the French up to?
- Learning from history can be tricky
- Is this the pay-off?
- Another landmark, of sorts…
- EU Referendum round-up
- Mote and beam
- Only eight days to go
- The shadow of Maastricht
- Marr laments…
- It is more expensive than you think
- Democracy is as democracy does
- Well, what about that European Public Prosecutor?
- Only nine days to go
- A failure to understand
- Mr Straw reassures us ... sort of
- Myth of the week
- Worth a read
- The Brussels Broadcasting Company
- Are they listening to themselves? - Part IV
- Not a semantic difference
- Red lines wavering
- Download available
- A landmark of sorts
- Myths and reality
- It's finished
- How they see it in Washington
- Read this and weep
- A role for national parliaments
- Back to the treadmill
- You couldn't make it up
- I'm losing it...
- So much noise, so little substance
- The IGC agreement
- A summary of the agreement
- The European Commission
- The President of the European Commission
- Qualified Majority Voting
- European Parliament seats
- Provisions specific to euro members
- Co-ordination of economic policy
- Stability and growth pact
- Excessive deficits
- The Multiannual Financial Framework
- Charter of Fundamental Rights
- More provisions specific to euro members
- Eurojust
- Enhanced co-operation
- Economic, Social and Territorial Cohesion
- Energy
- Authentic texts and translations
- The UK and Irish positions on border controls, asy...
- It's all over - it's done!
- Inching closer
- Well, there's a surprise
- And now to our "on the spot" reporter
- A bicycle made for an unknown number
- Pure Theatre
- Er… Is it me? (2)
- Are they listening to themselves? - Part III
- Er… Is it me?
- When is a veto not a veto?
- The times they are a'changin' ... but very, very s...
- Pull the other one, Tony
- Assume the position
- That's enough Europe - ed
- Meanwhile: Sinn Fein
- Something stirs in Belgium
- We will not give in to the people
- Nobody is interested in hearing your views
- Of candour and humidity
- Are they listening to themselves? - Part II
- They still don't get it…
- Are they listening to themselves? - Part I
- The Dirty Dozen
- More on those pesky East Europeans
- Spain bucks the trend
- It's all a bit of a muddle
- Well, no, actually it is not about the Iraqi war
- And another one…
- Booker
- The power of the internet
- Understatement of the Century
- Howard's way - forward
- And now for something slightly different
- Euro-election update
- In praise of apathy
- Another day, another draft
- The end – and the beginning
- Just so you know who (and what) you are voting for...
- Group Bondage
- Back from the Abyss
- Howard blows it!
- "Perestroika" europhiles
- "Man bites dog"
- Without comment
- The "handbag" ploy
- How Americans see it
- Implications… and consequences
- The demise of the Greens
- Some Russians are European
- Letter from Rome
- Remembering a great leader of the Western alliance...
- Straddling and migratory stocks
- Gadflies
- The missing link
- Money down the drain
- Confusion reigns
- Gutless! – the BBC strikes again
- The worm turns?
- A French protectionist ramp?
- Wrong end of the telescope?
- They've started!
- Democracy – EU style
- The Blessings of UKIP
- You have been warned
- The attack of the teenage scribblers
- Rounding up the iceberg
- Defrocked peers by Lord Willoughby de Broke
- People have stopped believing
- How Americans see it
- Back to the ethical foreign policy (or not!)
- ▼ June (170)
Of candour and humidity
Foreign Ministers are gathered today in Brussels for the final phase of the negotiations on the constitution, preparing for the make-or break (probably break) summit on Thursday and Friday which will decide whether the project lurches forward or drives into the sand.


text:
What: Omaha Summer Arts Festival
When: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (artists market) and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. (music stage) Friday and Saturday, June 6 & 7; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 8
Where: Next to the Gene Leahy Mall, between 10th and 15th streets on Farnam Street.
Admission: FREEWeb: summerarts.org
So the Omaha Summer Arts Festival is officially a cougar now, right? But you know what – at 40 years old, the annual arts and entertainment celebration looks more vibrant than ever.
In addition to the 135 artists – who represent a wide variety of mediums – this year's event offers new features, including a hands-on T-shirt coloring activity for kids, downtown public art tours and a special area for the tiniest of sprouts to create a take-home art piece.
All that is very cool. But I'm going for the food and free live music. I especially want to see the band that performed last year, which went down as my best SAF experience. Ever.
But, Jim, it was a non-stop rainy affair last year – how could that be a good experience? Easy. It was all because of the MarchFourth Marching Band (aka M4), which is back for the second time this year.
Beginning from rain-soaked 10th and Farnam streets, this colorful, multi-instrumental collection of crazy cats from Portland march west under a steady drizzle. Behind them, about 100 soggy festival-goers like my wife and I followed, clapping and whooping it up as the group's stilt-walkers provided grin-inducing visuals. Funky horns, guitars, drums and plenty of rock-fueled marching beats made the water-logged event magical.
I expect lightning to strike twice. Of course, I mean that figuratively – although it was a blast in the rain last year, I'd like to see M4 under drier circumstances this time. The ensemble will march through the festival at 6:30 p.m. Friday (June 6) and then perform a full set at 9 p.m. Get a feel for what this band has in store by watching a video of them performing. Just click on the link at right to see it.
Below you'll find a schedule of the live music for the Omaha Summer Arts Festival, Friday, Saturday and Sunday (June 6, 7, & 8) – and it's all FREE!
FRIDAY, June 6


text:
John Reid is Labour's best hope of averting calamity
If th'assassination could trammel up the consequence and catch with his surcease, success…
If John Reid is to challenge Gordon Brown, he'd better get on with it
The one thing holding Labour MPs back, we keep being told, is the absence of an alternative candidate for the leadership. Even if the various rival factions could agree on a candidate, why should anyone want the job?
Comrades, you are forgetting John Reid. The likeable Celtic chairman has held virtually every other job in the Cabinet – Health, Home Office, Defence, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Leader of the House: a talent of all the ministries, as it were. He is easily the most popular and plausible Labour politician before the focus groups. And he might just be willing to do his party one last service (hat tip, The First Post).
If he took over, Labour would still lose. But if the party cleaves to Gordon Brown, it faces al-Nakba: a catastrophe. I haven't mentioned Reid before since, to be honest, I didn't want to put the idea into anyone's head. But, now that Iain Martin has flagged him up, there is no purpose in keeping quiet.
One point, though. Such advantage as may accrue to Labour from ditching the Fifeshire feartie will be lost if there is further delay. To put it another way, had Labour taken my advice and changed leader in May, when it was already clear that the Broon's position was irrecoverable, it wouldn't be in this mess. Every day that passes now confirms the impression of a self-obsessed Cabinet, wrangling over promotions and preferment as Britain scrabbles into recession. If it were done when 'tis done, gentlemen, then 'twere well it were done quickly.
Recent Posts
Tragic and transient, autumn is the loveliest season
October 22nd, 2014 7:13
Life gets better – for most people in most places at most times
October 20th, 2014 8:07
The European Arrest Warrant is a betrayal of our freedoms. Are MPs really going to opt BACK into it?
October 16th, 2014 10:30
David Cameron isn't Eurosceptic; but he alone can deliver an In/Out referendum
October 13th, 2014 23:36
The way to defeat British jihadis is to offer something better
October 9th, 2014 21:05


text:
Another North Minneapolis school may be in trouble.There may be more bad news for students in North Minneapolis: The Strib is reporting that The City Inc. might be closing, along with its alternative school, as early as today. That could mean another kick in the gut for a neighborhood that's ... More >>
A City Pages Roundtable
Federal mediation goes forward, critics say city stacked deck
Why is the police chief eating the mayor's lunch over and over?
Faith versus meat-and-potatoes politics in the city council race to replace Joe Biernat
A violent night in north Minneapolis and the community activists who helped the cops stop it
When police critically wounded 15-year-old Lawrence Miles Jr., TV reporters went out of their way to point out that being a cop in "Murderapolis" is dicey stuff. But after a witness said he saw Miles drop his gun and run before being gunned down, the stor
The likely demolition of over 700 public housing units in north Minneapolis will scatter people who live there and open up 73 acres of prime real estate at downtown's edge. Is it a matter of civic renewal or a land grab?


text:
MUNSTER | In March, when it was cold and rainy, Munster's softball team gathered with a lot of high hopes. Coach Beth Thornburg knew her Mustangs had a shot to make a good run this spring.
She had 10 returning players back with a lot of talent. The one question mark was senior pitcher Carly Murphy. It wasn't that she didn't have the goods to get a lot of people out.
The question was, would she be healthy? A shoulder injury during her junior year took a lot of wind out of her sails.
"The shoulder really slowed things down for her," Thornburg said on Monday morning. "I still don't know if she's 100 percent. She's still working on her stamina. But Carly's pitched some unbelievable games. She shut out Lake Central and Chesterton.
"I believe she is one of the best pitchers we've ever had here."
The numbers don't lie. Her 20 wins this year is a single-season school record. Her 160.3 innings is second and her 200 strikeouts is tied for second in school history.
If she gets one in tonight's Class 4A Portage Regional, Murphy will move to No. 2 in single-season strikeouts by herself.
Her career numbers tell more of the story of her place in Munster softball history. Her 40 wins is No. 2 along with her 448 strikeouts. Her 365 innings pitched is No. 3 on the list.
Her 9-4 win over Lowell on Saturday gave the Mustangs the Highland Sectional championship. It was Munster's first sectional crown since 2008.
"I definitely didn't have my best game today, but the offense came, and they were there to back me up. That's what's most important," Murphy told The Times after the game.
Thornburg knows her team was beaten 11-1 by Portage last week. Murphy gave up nine earned runs in that game.
But five years ago, Thornburg said, her team was beaten 15-2 by Lake Central in the regular season. However, the Mustangs came back in the postseason to get the win.
"Carly did not have her best game against them the first time," Thornburg said. "But I know she'll be ready (tonight). I know she'll be on her game."
When the season started Munster held a 10-week leadership program. Every player was asked what their goal was for this season. Once that question was answered they were asked, 'What are you going to do to get there?'
Lifting weights. Working hard at every team gathering. They were all asked to do a little more than they ever have before.
Winning the Northwest Crossroads Conference championship was first. Winning the Highland Sectional was second. Winning the school's first regional championship will be determined tonight at Portage.
"We know we're as good as anyone out there when we play well," Thornburg said. "So that's what we have to do."


text:
Show him just how special he really is and let him experience this wonderful all inclusive massage package. We can tailor his treatment to ensure that all of that tension and stress is eliminated or we can provide a relaxing nurturing massage depending on what he needs. Then he will receive a wonderful spine tingling head and scalp treatment, plus an invigorating foot scrub using peppermint oils, then we will rehydrate his hands and feet using organically certified Jasmin Skincare products. After the whole experience and whilst he is still on cloud 9 we will let him soak up the ambiance by relaxing in our Sun Room on our new leather Chesterfield sofa and provide organic treats and a drink whilst enjoying the ambiance of our international award winning retreat
Valued at $159, available for $119, saving you $40
- Offer available to purchase during the month of September & October
- If this is given as a gift, we can email you an attractive personalised gift voucher
- Cancellation fees apply for cancellations/changes. Please see Important Notes in the Day Spa Menu


text:
Roast Pork Tenderloin Sliders with Cranberry Sauce
Top these pork sandwiches with pickled onions and prepared cranberry sauce.
Pulled Pork Sliders with Hass Avocado and Caramelized Onion
Avocado and Gouda cheese top these pull-pork sandwiches.
Pork Tenderloin Satay with Brandy Pear Relish
Canned pears and apricot preserves make a sweet sauce for thin medallions of pork in this low-calorie appetizer.
Pork Tacos with Watermelon Summer Salsa
A cooling watermelon and cucumber salsa dresses up slices of grilled pork tenderloin tucked inside lettuce wraps.
Pork Kabobs with Tequila and Pineapples
Pork loin chunks are marinated in a gingery, garlicky sauce, then skewered and grilled.
tourtière aux noix (walnut tourtière)
Shoot to score with nutty tourtière. As synonymous with Québec as the Montréal Canadiens and maple syrup, tourtière is traditionally served during le réveillon, the meal after Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. Present on Québec supper tables year-round, this hearty meat pie was first made with tourte, a type of passenger pigeon long extinct, however nowadays it is prepared from a variety of meats and spices. Every region, indeed, every family in Québec boasts its own recipe, but this tempting version borders on the delightfully unorthodox for its inclusion of walnuts.
Pork and Pistachio Pate
Ground pork is layered with whole pistachios and baked for a savory party spread.
Pork and Caramelized Onion Sandwiches
A perfect small bite of savory pork and sweet onions served on a small roll.


text:
Also, what ever happened to liguipel or HZO?
- Joined: Sep 2012
- Posts: 16
- offline
- Select All Posts By This User
Also, what ever happened to liguipel or HZO?
You can run your keys across the first iPhone's screen, pushing hard, and nothing will happen.
I imagine in the five year interim it has gotten even better.
Originally Posted by Marvin
Originally Posted by Marvin
I've been super curious about this too, especially since it will effect my decision-making on the type of case I buy. This would have me thinking that either they figure high quality scratch resistance is so standard that it's not a bullet point to note anymore or that the new glass has gone backwards and is no longer at the level of scratch resistance previously seen. Of course that's still a non-answer. Blah.


text:
Use the search below to search the site or find your local unit office.
|Arthropod Pest Management Research on Vegetables in Virginia – 2010
This booklet contains arthropod pest management research conducted on vegetable crops in eastern Virginia in 2010. If not noted otherwise in the individual reports, all research was conducted at the Virginia Tech Eastern Shore Agricultural Research and Extension Center near Painter, VA and at the Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Virginia Beach, VA. All plots were maintained according to standard commercial practices. Soil type at the ESAREC is a Bojac Sandy Loam. Soil type at the HRAREC is tetotum loam (average pH: 5.7). Most of the research involves field evaluations of federally‐labeled and experimental insecticides. Much of the information presented herein will be published in a similar format in Arthropod Management Tests: 2011, vol. 36 (Entomological Society of America). We hope that this information will be of value to those interested in insect pest management on vegetable crops, and we wish to make the information accessible. All information, however, is for informational purposes only. Because most of the data from the studies are based on a single season's environmental conditions, it is requested that the data not be published, reproduced, or otherwise taken out of context without the permission of the authors. The authors neither endorse any of the products in these reports nor discriminate against others. Additionally, some of the products evaluated are not commercially available and/or not labeled for use on the crop(s) in which they were used.
|Feb 22, 2011
|Arthropod Pest Management Research on Vegetables in Virginia – 2011
|Feb 1, 2012
|Arthropod Pest Management Research on Vegetables in Virginia – 2013
|Feb 25, 2014
|Bean Pod Mottle Virus in Virginia Soybeans
|Sep 9, 2010
|Euonymus Scale
Female scales have a pear-shaped, dark brown scale covering. Males are more slender than the females and are white with a yellow cap on one end. The male scale covering has three ridges running its length. Both sexes are easily observable on plants and are normally 1/16 inch long. All stages are yellow when observed beneath the scale covering.
|May 1, 2009
|Japanese Beetle
Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae, Popillia japonica
Distribution: The Japanese beetle is found throughout Virginia and in most of the Eastern United Stages. In regions west of the Mississippi it is found in isolated pockets. Japanese beetles were first found in New Jersey in 1916 and have spread from that point since. The Japanese beetle has been well established in Virginia since the early 1970's.
|May 1, 2009
|Pest Management Guide: Horticultural and Forest Crops, 2014
|Jan 28, 2014
|Spring and Summer Lawn Management Considerations for Cool-Season Turfgrasses
There is no time of year that generates as much excitement in the management of lawns and landscapes as spring. Sales of all lawn and garden products soar as many homeowners strive for the best looking lawn possible. However, your enthusiasm for returning the lawn to tip-top shape should be tempered enough so that you make sound agronomic and environmental management decisions. Smart choices now will result in a healthy, dense turf canopy that will better withstand the environmental extremes of the summer months.
|May 1, 2009
|Spring and Summer Lawn Management Considerations for Warm-Season Turfgrasses
Soil testing. Sampling the soil to determine pH and nutrient levels is always a prudent choice in developing a management program for a lawn, especially if a soil test has not been done within the past three years (Figure 1). Any time of year is appropriate for sampling. A majority of Virginia soils are acidic and need to be amended with periodic applications of lime. For information on how to properly sample your soil, consult Soil Sampling for the Home Gardener, Virginia Cooperative Extension publication 452-129, at http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/452-129/. For additional soil testing information, see the presentation "Soil Testing for the Lawn and Landscape," at http://breeze.ag.vt.edu/p36588349/.
|May 1, 2009
|The pest caterpillars of cole crops in Virginia
Caterpillars, or the larval stage of Lepidoptera, are probably the most damaging of insect groups that feed on cole crops, such as collard, kale, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kohlrabi, Brussels sprouts, and Chinese cabbage. Caterpillars typically feed on foliage reducing marketability or outright killing plants. The most common and damaging caterpillars in Virginia cole crops are diamondback moth (DBM), cabbage looper (CL), and imported cabbageworm (ICW). In addition to these key species, there are several other species of caterpillars that will be observed feeding on cole crops that may or may not be a threat to yield of the crop. These species are summarized in Table 1. Normally pest management is meant to target all caterpillars, treating them as one pest "complex;" however, there are some noteworthy differences between the caterpillar species in their life histories and feeding behaviors where proper identification is sometimes necessary.
|Mar 2, 2012
|Virginia Cut Holly Production: Pest Management
Insects, diseases, animals and environmental conditions can all injure holly plants. Monitor your plants frequently, and when signs or symptoms appear, use a systematic approach to diagnosing plant disorders.
Chewing InsectsHolly leaf miners are chewing insects that feed on hollies, preferably American hollies. The larvae are small, yellow maggots that tunnel between upper and lower leaf surfaces. Their feeding creates light-colored, scribble-like patterns on affected leaves. Unsightly mines result in aesthetic damage
|May 1, 2009


text:
Pokémon Omega Ruby
|Pokémon Omega Ruby
|Game Freak
|Nintendo 3DS & 2DS
|Release Date
|November 2014
|Generation VI
|Professor Birch
|Torchic, Mudkip, Treecko
|Paired with
|Pokémon Alpha Sapphire
Pokémon Omega Ruby is a remake of the original Pokémon Ruby released for the Gameboy Advance, coming to Nintendo 3DS & 2DS in November 2014. It will be released worldwide in conjunction with Pokémon Alpha Sapphire.
[edit] New Mega Evolutions
On June 7, it was unveiled that Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire will introduce new Mega Evolutions. Mega Evolution will be provided in this game by the Mega Bangle worn by Brendan and May. Currently the known new Mega Evolutions are:
As well as new mega evolutions being unveiled, new formes for Kyogre and Groudon were also showcased.
Related ThreadsPokemon FireRed Randomizer Groudon Challenge!!(tribute for new omega ruby and alpha sapphire) AND NEW DELTA EMERALD? - last post by @ May 30, 2014
It's official! The next Pokémon game is called Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire! - last post by @ May 7, 2014
Pokemon Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire are Mega Evolving this Steel/Psychic, meet Mega Metagross - last post by @ Jul 10, 2014
Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire's goes Animal crossing, adds 'Secret Base' feature - last post by @ Jul 10, 2014
Pokemon omega ruby or Pokemon alpha sapphire? - last post by @ Jul 6, 2014
Last edited by Lesley Pro_04 today at 17:25
This page has been accessed 62 times.
This page has been accessed 62 times.


text:
These Butterfly Bird poems are examples of Bird poems about Butterfly. These are the best examples of Butterfly Bird poems written by international PoetrySoup poets
Ornate is the ironwork that I peer through
as my fingers grasp the garden gate,
and I open my eyes to my Wonderland.
My bare feet step down the moonlit path,
where fireflies twinkle amongst the stars
that reflect upon the flowing crystal brook.
I capture them in a lantern, then set them free.
My lavender dress twirls weightlessly as I dance,
here I am free to feel joy and to dream.
Here beyond the gate of my enchanted garden,
when the golden sun sets low in the evening sky,
the daisies, gladiolas, and pansies never close their petals
and the sunflowers shine in the moonbeams.
While butterflies stay to perch on the blooming trellis,
the song of the hummingbird fills the warm night air
and I fall asleep in my flower bed of thorn-less roses.
Written by: Kelly Deschler
February 17th, 2014
For Nette Onclaud's contest - "My Secret Garden"
Cherry blossoms declare it is Spring
Infatuation's breeze is in the air
Dormant days have burst into green
Wonder and awe are everywhere
Love is birthed in those who dare
The young boys compete for attention
And young girls give charmed sighs
Spring butterflies too many to mention
As innocence is kissed goodbye
The birds and bees you can't deny!
Sponsor: Francine Roberts
Contest Name: A Spring Day in English Quintain
By: Dave Wood
As winter's icy talons release their grip,
Leaving behind a landscape barren brown,
Spring waltzes in and proceeds to strip,
Winter of her tattered, lifeless gown,
Replacing it with green and floral crown.
Golden sunlight thaws the frigid earth,
Flora of a thousand kind burst into bloom.
Nature comes alive in glorious rebirth,
Extinguishing winter's boorish gloom,
And infusing the air with sweet perfume.
Butterflies take flight from their cocoons,
Spreading wings of red, blue and gold.
Warbling birds let loose a merry tune,
While building nests, their eggs to hold.
How marvelous to watch new life unfold!
What joy it is to be alive,
To feel spring's sunshine on your face,
To live, to love, to dream, to thrive,
As spring assumes her proper place,
Wrapping us in her warm embrace.
For Francine Roberts
Spring English Quintain contest.
Peace of nature shows
how relaxing life can be
and can show you truth
Standing out in a field alone, a little white flower named Daisy longed for someone to share her world.
One day a blue flower named Bachelor Button entered her world they became friends.
She knew by his name that he was not the propagating kind, but that didn't stop their relationship she called him BB short for best bud.
The seasons of Spring & Summer they enjoyed the sun, laughed in the rain and held on fast in the Fall.
Winter came it was long and hard they were both covered in a blanket of snow, not knowing whether they would ever see each other again or even survive .The snow fell then came the ice, this went on for months.
The Sun shone brightly the first day of spring. A few days later warmth of the sun melted the snow, Daisy popped up .
I've been waiting days for you to come out, said BB, they both chanted hooray!
The snow was completely gone in a few days, the birds started building their nests , bugs were crawling around ,butterflies began to visit the two flowers. I wish there were more of us Daisy said, to BB.
They laughed as the sun and wind blew through their leaves. Then it started the sun and rain took turns until one morning the air & field was filled with the smell of flowers.
Daisy and BB looked at each other and asked what kind of flowers are these ? they're not white like daisies they're not blue like bachelor buttons. They did not know the birds and bugs carried the seeds from the two of them and the caterpillars buried them under the soil.
The seeds from the new flowers were then carried by the winds many miles away, they landed in fertilized gardens and flourished, although they faced danger everyday.
as they were called WEEDS ..
The Gardener pulls weeds out of the garden so they don't choke the flowers, which cost a lot of money and require lots of maintenance.
However there was a Gardener who saw her friends spending hours weeding their garden , that they didn't have enough time to admire and enjoy the labors of their love
So she set out to give a home to all the weeds ,she provided a place where they could fit in and multiply, they required no maintenance, rain provides their water .
The best part of all is their beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Ask my granddaughter-- What are those flowers in the garden ?
She will answer "WILDFLOWERS " their parents were Daisy and BB
Reflections of imperfections
have shown me a way
that I can move mountains
through my power of faith
even though I can't see him
I know he is real
through the power of prayer
and a Love that I feel
It's growing inside me
like a flower in bloom
shall I reveal my powers
or is it too soon
I am reading the signs
through my darkness I find
a reason for belief in
the light of mankind
that I know shall overcome
the greatest of odds
the Love I seek amazes me
especially through the flaws
because now I am inspired
through the hero's that bring
my throne through the darkness
on which I return on as your King.
Long miles of tedious journey,
Missing my darling honey.
Travelling impatiently, spend thousands of
Hope god will bless me with ma lucky soul
at this season.
Equatorial island exploring its amazed
beauty, glittering with immersed grasses.
Wrapped by queens necklaced small lake
aside, at the outskirts of dalhousie.
My heart dwelled into its god gifted
When the night lime lighted,
Millions of stars scattered around
charming moon.
As if its was a wondering boon.
Lucky enough for landing with my next
Eagerly waiting for my heart chaser,
Girl passed near by, few seconds later.
Flaming beauty mould my soul.
Topped with innocence, ready for my
auspicious goal.
Her chic appearance,
Her innocent appeal.
Strucking heart raised with high beats..
Awaited for our romantic date in ma
upcoming meet.
Frequency of our nature matched.
Stolen Eyes of each other were catched.
Strings of our heart whistled
Everything had happened miraclelously.
I rebelled the three precious words of
romantic dictionary.
Accepting my red rose, She blushed.
At event of recreation, campfire were
Nobody around us, private moments
between we two spotlighted.
Playing guitar, she sinked with every beat,
That's the coincidence our eyes again
Hand in hand danced with the soothing
romantic theme,
Sparkling smile on her face beamed.
Getting closer to her, because of her
fragranced cream.
Expecting the light around us to be dim.
The romantic moment again came,
Flaps of my soul opened for the grand
She looked too pretty in her gold lame
My heart awarded her an order of chivalry.
Don't know who are you, but baby you are
the one, I am in love.
You live in me, You are my love
I feel you in my heart,
You are my world, I just cant stay apart!
Please don't hesitate, please don't lie,
Whatever you feel, my heart can buy!
Angel of life, Its just you.
Completeness in life can't be without you.
Wanna Carry journey happily together.
Tickling nose, Queenly beauty of my white
Hold my senses, its caught by you.
Don't let be just memories, wanna feel
ecstasy of love towards you forever.
Promising to hold your hand throughout
life in this lovely weather.
Will be your shadow, because your pain
will be mine.
Its destiny that our heart clicked a
snapshot of each other's soul.
Stopping by my question, Will you marry
me, my Kindred Soul?
mournful cries fill the air
mother bird calling for its baby
eaten by the cat
mantis catches butterfly
I am sad: yet, that is
the way of nature
loud feathered thud
- flight into eternity
deceptive glass pane
I talked to trees about you.
I told them "don't they importunate."
"I texted you already"
I miss you every day.
Will tell you I need to do something
Once upon a time in a faraway mountain
Speaking in a language
Only the wind and lost people understood
A group of trees stood
I told them "I usually talk to someone every day".
It's a big change to be in this mountain
And they the trees said
"So why don't you talk to him everyday"
I told him "he is far".
And the trees said "but you are still far"
I told tree "yes it's both the same being far"
But here in this mountain I am not free
So this is a big change for me
So the trees said
"You can still talk to him"
"We will bring your thoughts"
"And let it cross to oceans"
"Until your memory matches"
But I said if I keep thinking I might suffer
And I might run to cross the ocean myself
And the trees said "when we too feel this we pray to our maker"
"Because trees practice patience too"
I told them that I know that, but I thank them for reminding me.
I also told them "that because we talked everyday for a long time."
I can be patient not to talk to him for a long time because God gave me that as a gift in advance.
So patience is just a small payment for this silence.
So I am calm already.
I told them "he loves trees too"
And he used to climb mountains when he was younger.
So they like you too
I also told them that you got your back pain from trotting the hills
So they told me "when you come back home talk to him about us"
They said "tell him we kept you company"
"And we tried not to let our twigs and branches fall on your hut when the wind is strong"
I also told them that you have lectures about trees.
And they drooled over it.
One tree said "oh he seems to be a good guy"
I told them you are pretty too.
There are many trees there.
Some of them have holes in the middle.
Wounds made from fighting between the military and the freedom fighters
But they stand still oblivious to their surrounding and their predicament
They are as tall as three to four storey buildings.
And they are thick while some have hollow centers
Ah trees have seen so many things
I hope they didn't get tired of my staring
With my niqab they can see my eyes so tired
I have to sleep.
We will talk again tomorrow
The durian there is creamy
Gift of Allah to those who can't go home.
In the month of Ramadan
I sleep and tomorrow we talked.
23 April 2014
Notice thou not the filling of the branches,
Green leaves and colored petals teeming with life,
As winter departs and springtime advances
Announced carefree aloft by birds with no strife
In high pitched melodies, like Soldier and fife.
From the hammocks of springtime all is quite well,
With showers and sunlight new life doth now spring
As bees pollinate and sleep doth befell,
And gentle breezes give sway to lovers who swing
Like the cadence of a bride, to bouquet she doth cling.
Notice thou not the filling of the branches
Winter's harsh beating winds now replaced,
By watercolors splashed across sky's canvas
Overlooking butterflies and love scenes chaste
Old Man Winter has departed, his chill now displaced.
Writen 4/16/2014 for the, "A Spring Day in English Quintain"Poetry contest.


text:
Organic products are all the rage now, as they act as health-friendly alternatives to beauty and skincare products that contain harsh chemicals which could potentially harm our health in the long term. The Sukin line of products from Australia is one such organic skincare line that has captured my attention. Sold at Watsons, Guardian and a few other local drugstores/pharmacies, Sukin products are readily available for those who do not fancy sulphates, parabens, artificial colours and synthetic fragrances in their skin care products.
Prior to using Sukin Protein Shampoo and Conditioner, I was not paying much attention to which brand of shampoo or conditioner I was using. I hardly scrutinised the ingredients list too, until I found out that Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLS) was a potentially harmful and harsh chemical found in most soap and shampoos. SLS is used to create the foamy texture in these products, which gives the "squeaky-clean" feeling that is actually an illusion - the amount of foam produced is not a measure of cleanliness, and in fact, SLS is quite drying to the skin and hair. Given that Sukin products do not contain SLS, I was curious to find out how they fared against other products with the foam-creating SLS.
How will Sukin Protein Shampoo and Conditioner (for fine/limp hair) match up? Read after the jump to find out!
Disclaimer: I chose to purchase the Sukin Protein Shampoo instead of the Sukin Shampoo (for normal/all types of hair) because my hair is fine and limp. I have long hair with fine individual strands and my hair lacks volume. If you do not have fine/limp hair, there are other Sukin hair care products that would suit you, such as the normal Sukin shampoo and conditioner.
Why and how are Sukin products organic?
As you can see from the picture below, Sukin products do not contain sulphates, animal derivatives, harsh detergents, petro-chemicals, artificial colours, synthetic fragrances, trethanolamine, mineral oils and parabens. This is why they are classified as organic products. For animal lovers, no animal testing was conducted in the making of these products either.
So what goes into an organic hair product then?
According to the labels, Sukin Protein shampoo contains rice and wheat proteins to fortify and reconstruct fine hair, kiwi extract to nourish and nettle and horsetail extracts to promote volume. The main ingredient is water, and it also contains extracts of aloe, soy protein, wheat protein, kiwi fruit, nettle, burdock, horsetail, cocoa, tangerine, mandarin orange, lavender, with a number of natural components of essential oils. No harmful chemicals spotted there.
Sukin Protein conditioner contains mostly the same ingredients, with a few additions such as sesame oil, wheat germ oil, avocado oil, jojoba seed oil, vitamin E and grapefruit seed. These ingredients are generally known to be very nourishing and moisturising.
How do you use Sukin hair products?
When I first started using Sukin Protein Shampoo, I was not used to the non-foamy texture of the shampoo. The shampoo is viscous and transparent, and had a pleasant, slightly fruity smell. As it does not contain SLS, it did not foam at all. You have to massage it into your head, but avoid slathering the entire length of your hair with shampoo. Just the top 1/3 of the hair will do, especially near the scalp where product buildup, dirt and dead skin usually gather. If you shampoo your entire head of hair, the ends tend to get a little dry.
Sukin Protein Conditioner is white and viscous too, often needing a few good shakes of the bottle (while it is closed) to get the conditioner out. It smells slightly fruity, and all you need is a tablespoon sized dollop (for medium to long hair) or a teaspoon sized dollop (for short hair). Massage the conditioner into the bottom 1/3 of your hair - don't apply it all over your hair, especially the scalp, as it has a tendency to get oily more quickly. To allow the conditioner to penetrate the hair shafts properly, I usually apply conditioner then leave it on for a few minutes. While my hair is being conditioned, I will shower as per normal (I tilt my head forwards to get my hair off my body so the running water does not wash off the conditioner). After a few minutes, I will wash off the conditioner. Nearing the end of my shower, I will turn the heater off and rinse my hair with cold water. Warm water allows the conditioner to penetrate into the hair shafts, and cold water seals it in, leaving you with glossy, conditioned hair.
How effective are Sukin Protein Shampoo and Conditioner?
The first time I used these products, I was amazed at how light and bouncy my hair felt when it was dry. No oily, heavy hair after conditioning, and definitely no more oily scalp problems. The shampoo is extremely effective in voluminising the hair and clarifying it at the same time so that the scalp feels clean. My hair was also very glossy when dry, and for the first time in ages, I could go out for 6-8 hours and come back with hair that looked and felt glossy, healthy and light. Prior to that, I was used to my hair progressively getting oilier throughout the day, and when I reached home to shower, my hair would be oily and stringy. Since using Sukin Protein Shampoo and Conditioner, I never have to worry about that again!
If you only had to buy one of the two (these aren't cheap), I would recommend you to buy Sukin Protein Shampoo. I sometimes switch up the conditioner, using L'Oreal Elsève royal jelly hair masks instead, and my hair still feels as conditioned, so I believe that the shampoo makes more of a difference to the state of my hair. That said, both products are very effective, and I have been repurchasing them since early last year, when I started using Sukin hair products.
So... Should I buy Sukin Protein Shampoo and Conditioner?
If you are like me and have fine/limp hair, I would definitely recommend these to you. They have been the most impressive and effective hair products I've used thus far, and the quality is worth the slightly expensive price tag. The only gripe I have is that the Sukin Protein line comes in bottles of 250ml (8.46 fl. oz.), unlike the normal/all hair types Sukin line, that come in a much bigger volume. This means I have to constantly replenish my stock of shampoo and conditioner, especially because I have long hair and use more hair product than others with shorter hair. If Sukin came up with packaging of a larger volume for the Protein line, I would be really grateful for the convenience.
I'm convinced. How much does it cost? Where can I buy it?
You can get it for 11.20 SGD (it's usually on sale) at Watsons. The usual price should be about 15 SGD. The only problem I've had is that the stock is not replenished very quickly, and sometimes go out of stock for a few weeks. If you use Sukin Protein hair products regularly, I would advise you to stock up on a few at one go. Either that or just head to another Watsons outlet to check for stock. I'm not sure if other pharmacies/drugstores stock Sukin products.
Local site Naturaworks.com sells Sukin products as well. Frees shipping on all orders above 80 SGD! They ship worldwide.
For more information...
Check out Sukin's website.
Let's Break It Down
Product Name: Sukin Protein Shampoo and Conditioner
Product type: Hair care products (organic)
Amount of product: 250ml (8.46 fl. oz.)
Price per product: 11.20 SGD (with discount, and discounts are frequent)
Comments: Great for fine/limp hair as it moisturises, clarifies, volumnises and maintains healthy, glossy hair that remains glossy and not oily for up to 8 hours after drying. Sukin Protein Shampoo is an essential I will continue purchasing until they stop producing it. The conditioner can be replaced by another one, if preferred.
Where to buy: Watsons (let me know if you spot it elsewhere!)
To buy or not to buy: Do try it out if you have fine/limp hair. Those with normal hair and try the normal/all hair types range. I would definitely recommend Sukin hair products as a healthier alternative to hair products containing SLS and other chemicals. The higher price may deter some, but if you prioritise health over cost, I'm sure you'd find it worth the while to invest in better hair care products.
Product approved 4.5/5.
Disclaimer: I was not paid, sponsored nor influenced by external sources when reviewing this product. My opinions as expressed in the review are solely my own.
Disclaimer: I was not paid, sponsored nor influenced by external sources when reviewing this product. My opinions as expressed in the review are solely my own.


text:
The Week on Instagram | 143
- The Telegraph: The best fashion people to follow on Instagram
- Catster: An Instagram Guide to Bringing Your Cat to the Beach
- The Guardian: Colourful chaos of Lagos brought to life on Instagram
Get Involved
- Weekend Hashtag Project: #WHPLineMeetsCorner. View photos from the last project, #WHPicecream.
Around the Community


text:
Sure, I'd love to get a new giant Smart TV to hang on the wall for the holidays, who wouldn't? But what are the holidays really about? Toys! As they say the bigger the boy, the bigger the toys. And I am no exception to that rule for sure.
This year there doesn't seem to be one "must have" standout gizmo or gadget, unless you're still in the market for an iPad or tablet (I've already got that). But there are a lot of really cool things to get and give this year that will really have your recipient (or yourself!) buzzing about well into the New Year. Or until the next cool toy arrives!Follow Electronic House on Facebook and Twitter.
A Seattle area integrator helps create a scary haunted house for charity.
Even Pepper's Ghost can use Control4's system to make your hair stand up.
A Seattle area integrator helps create a scary haunted house for charity.


text:
SUSE Updates SUSE Linux Server for SAP Applications
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 SP2 offers major improvements in performance, security, and hardware support.
SUSE has released SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 Service Pack 2 (SP2) for SAP Applications. According to the announcement, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for SAP Applications increases the performance of compute and memory-intensive workloads, including those involving the SAP HANA platform.
"With Service Pack 2, we're helping our joint customers that run SAP solutions on SUSE Linux Enterprise take advantage of technology innovations such as SAP HANA and seamless migration to cloud environments such as Amazon EC2," said Michael Miller, vice president of global alliances and marketing, SUSE.
According to the announcement, major enhancements include updated Linux kernel 3.0 to improve reliability, scalability, and performance of compute and memory-intensive workloads; support for the latest hypervisor technologies, such as Xen and KVM; and an improved installation wizard that eases configuration and setup of latest versions of the SAP NetWeaver technology platform and Sybase solutions from SAP. Additionally, new antivirus tool-kit integration improves cross-platform threat detection.
For more information about SUSE Linux Server for SAP Applications, click here.
Issue 169/2014
Buy this issue as a PDF
Linus Addresses Criticism for Harsh Language
Kernel king admits his tone has alienated volunteers, but says the demands of the process require directness.
New SSL Attack Lets a Malicious Listener Steal Session Cookies
New flaw in an old encryption scheme leaves the experts scrambling to disable SSL 3
Leading Open Source Coder Rants about Rants
Lennart Poettering wants to change the way Linux developers talk to each other.
HP Splits into Two Companies
Enterprise giant frees itself from ink and home PCs (and visa versa).
Mozilla Labs Shuts Down
Mozilla's product think tank sinks silently into history.
Internet Giants Launch Collaboration to Improve Open Source
TODO group will focus on open source tools in large-scale environments.
Fedora Announces New Partition Manager App
New tool will look like GParted but support a wider range of storage technologies.
Mozilla Releases a New Firefox
New public key pinning feature will help prevent man-in-the-middle attacks.
Tool Predicts Which Websites Will be Compromised
Carnegie Mellon researchers say 3 million pages could fall down the phishing hole in the next year.
SSH Key Management Guidelines
The US government rolls new best-practice rules for protecting SSH.


text:
Trainer Maker Kit 1.15.rar
by ariputra_nugraha 600 KB | 2011-02-09 | File |
for making trainer fot the game ..
| Uploaded via: 4shared site
Share Add to my account
Is owner
View only
Upload & Edit
Members may only view items in this folder.
Members may view, add, edit and delete items in this folder.
Checked by McAfee. No virus detected.
10 comments Add new comment View all
Sikandar B. 10 months ago Reply Spam SpamCancel
taqiuddin I. 1 year ago Reply Spam SpamCancel
thanks :)
hikari_dandyz... 1 year ago Reply Spam SpamCancel
Crack ya Bro?
Download all files from this folder
Download folder as:
This file will be created in your 4shared folder
File name:
Zip as:
What is B1?
Remove Ads x
Show QR Code