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Archive for Chris Pickering
4.5 out of 5
Far Cry 2 - Xbox 36027 October 2008
The mercenary lifestyle has been regularly explored during the last few years. Most notably in the likes of the Mercenaries series, and stunning PC shooter S.T.A.L.K.E.R. The sequel to the ever impressive PC based Far Cry has been ushered down this now...
3 out of 5
NBA Live 09 - PS322 October 2008
As far as big American sports go, basketball is the one that's suffered most when it comes to the gaming world. Outside a few classic titles back in the early-90s, it's tricky to think of a basketball leaning "must-have" from the last decade....
2 out of 5
Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 - Xbox 36020 October 2008
As a former Pro Evolution Soccer obsessive, this is a little tough to say: Pro Evo 2009 can't even scrape being called staunchly average. Though the official Champions League license has been nabbed, we've lost the majority of the Spanish sides. For...
3 out of 5
G1 Jockey Wii 2008 - Wii8 October 2008
As far as sporting gaming titles go, it's little surprise that horse racing has been down at the bottom of the "to do" list. Yet thanks to some fantastic customer support in the Far East, the G1 Jockey series has managed to go from strength to strength,...
4.5 out of 5
Crysis: Warhead - PC3 October 2008
All that talk of Crysis literally destroying sub-standard machines trying to run the fantastic shooter proved to be ever-so-slightly over the top. Yes, there still remains to be a base unit built that can run it with all visual options ramped right up...
4.5 out of 5
FIFA 09 - PS32 October 2008
If you were worried about seeing little more than the latest kits and a few new haircuts, then wipe that damp brow. This year's FIFA is vastly bigger and better than ever and leaves the previous iterations in the dust. The big draw for many - the real...
4 out of 5
Brothers In Arms: Hell's Highway - Xbox 3601 October 2008
The Brothers In Arms series was the perfect accompaniment to the WWII based Call of Duty titles. While the latter was straight action, BIA handed you total control of the chaps on the battlefield. So as well as worrying about your own behind, you had...
3 out of 5
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed - Xbox 36020 September 2008
You simply can't avoid the Star Wars phenomenon in modern culture. Even if you've managed to shun all the films, you're well aware of the basic story thanks to a mass of references in various TV shows. And of course the oh-so-hilarious quips from...
3 out of 5
TNA Impact! - PS318 September 2008
For the uninitiated, the world of professional wrestling has changed quite dramatically over the last decade. Of the big three pro wrestling promotions, the "extreme" ECW came to an unfortunate end, as did WCW, leaving only the WWE (originally named the...
4.5 out of 5
NHL 09 – Xbox 36017 September 2008
As far as EA's American sporting titles go, the NHL series has always sat firmly in the middle. While the Madden titles have always been mysteriously popular on the consoles, the NBA series is usually the one left firmly on the shelves. Leaving NHL...
1.5 out of 5
FaceBreaker - PS316 September 2008
Cartoon style boxing titles aren't anything new. Punch Out, released way back in the 80s was a major hit for Nintendo's NES console, and I'm sure most of you will fondly remember the Ready 2 Rumble titles of the late-90s/early-00s. After the success...
2 out of 5
Mercenaries 2: World in Flames - Xbox 36012 September 2008
As gaming concepts go, none seem quite as fun as the idea behind Mercenaries. Namely offering you a huge world to wander around, allowing you to blow whatever you like to smithereens, and get paid a tonne for the privilege. Sweet. As you might have noticed...
4.5 out of 5
Spore – PC8 September 2008
So you're the creator of The Sims. Your games are selling by the truck load, but still you can't help shaking that feeling that you wanted to do more. You didn't want to just allow gamers to shape a human avatar. You wanted to give them true god...
3.5 out of 5
S.T.A.L.K.E.R Clear Sky – PC5 September 2008
Last year's S.T.A.L.K.E.R was one of the biggest surprises in PC gaming's recent history. A heavily delayed title, it suddenly sprung onto shelves and proved that the aftermath of Chernobyl could be a fantastic setting for a gaming title. Playing...
4 out of 5
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09 – Xbox 3604 September 2008
Let's be blunt right from the start: EA haven't screwed up Tiger Woods 09. Right from the off it's plainly clear that this is vastly improved over last year's version. Not just in the addition of a handful of brand new features, but by tweaking...
2 out of 5
Space Siege - PC26 August 2008
All PC gamers should be aware of a title by the name of Dungeon Siege. A traditional dungeon crawling RPG at heart, it managed to build on its simplistic point and click style of hack and slash gameplay and be one of the most thoroughly addictive titles...
4 out of 5
Madden NFL 09 – Xbox 36021 August 2008
As gaming series go, none are quite as successful as the Madden NFL titles. Now in their twentieth year, the series has been not only a big seller in the US, but incredibly popular in Europe, despite the somewhat lukewarm reception the sport gets over...
4 out of 5
Bangai-O Spirits – DS20 August 2008
If you're from the true hardcore gaming fraternity, the name "Bangai-O" is enough to make this one a true must-buy all on its own. For those of you who failed to either import the N64 original, or the Western release on Sega's sublime Dreamcast, Bangai-O...
4.5 out of 5
Soul Calibur IV – Xbox 36030 July 2008
Let's clear one thing up right from the off. If you want to play as Yoda and Darth Vadar, you DON'T need to buy both the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of Soul Calibur IV. Nope, it transpires that each character is available for download as a piece of...
2 out of 5
Beijing 2008 - Xbox 36021 July 2008
Everyone has a few fond memories from some of these button bashing sporting titles over the years. From that sub-8 second time in the 100 metre sprint, through to a horrifically long 120 metre thrown in the javelin, these incredible feats of button prodding...
3.5 out of 5
Guitar Hero: On Tour - DS16 July 2008
As concepts go, it's little wonder quite how Guitar Hero: On Tour managed to get past the concept stage. Considering it's part of the series where the real fun comes from feeling just like your favourite axe wielding star, it's a bit surprising...
3.5 out of 5
Guitar Hero Aerosmith - Xbox 36011 July 2008
It is little shock to discover a Guitar Hero title based entirely on one particular band. Ever since the first game strode proudly into view, gaming forums have been jam packed with claims of everyone's favourite bands being the perfect recipient of...
4 out of 5
Top Spin 3 - Xbox 3608 July 2008
While Sega's Virtua Tennis series brought lawn tennis back to the gaming masses with its somewhat arcadey representation of the sport, the Top Spin titles have consistently offered much more meat to tuck in to. The only problem is that unlike other...
4 out of 5
Battlefield: Bad Company - Xbox 3607 July 2008
Like Call of Duty 4, Bad Company is bang up to date. With the trend of WWII-based shooters seemingly on the back burner, Bad Company packs all the firepower you'd expect of a modern soldier. The weaponry here is a hefty chunk more powerful than in most...
4 out of 5
Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution - PS325 June 2008
Nope, the name isn't some kind of late April fools joke. The long running strategic epic that is the Civilization series is indeed attempting to make its home on the latest batch of consoles. For the uninitiated, the Civilization series can claim the...


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Truant's parents are fined
Last updated at 11:18, Thursday, 13 March 2014
PARENTS of a 14-year-old Whitehaven pupil have been fined for failing to send the teenager to school.
The mother, who cannot be named for legal reasons, admitted the offence at West Cumbria Courthouse last week.
She was given a 12-month parenting order after "failing to secure regular attendance'' at school for her child. The mother was also fined £70 with £20 victim surcharge and £80 costs by magistrates.
The father of the teenager, who was also charged with the same offence, had the case proved in his absence. He was fined £400 with £40 victim surcharge and £80 costs.
Six other cases, involving secondary school pupils from across West Cumbria, were also dealt with by magistrates.
A spokesman for Cumbria County Council said prosecution of parents was always "a last resort''.
School attendance of 85 per cent or less is classed as persistent absence and will "spark action" to look at addressing and improving attendance.
He said: "Schools and the local authority work closely with families when there are attendance issues and we do all we can to improve attendance and stress the negative impact truancy can have on a child's education.
"While we always look to resolve attendance issues through having discussions and offering support, these cases send out a message that we will prosecute as a last resort when other methods for improving attendance fail."
First published at 11:02, Thursday, 13 March 2014
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk
Have your say
Well done we need more prosecutions to show parents we mean business. OFSTED fail good schools because of poor attendance look at Southfield. Parents are to blame so let's make them pay for their failure. Hope this article makes the Times and Star
It is important to get the best education you can, hopefully leading to a better-paid job, to help reimburse your parents for all the fines and costs they have incurred on your behalf, because you were too lazy to go to school. You're 14, time you took some responsibility for yourself!

subset: commoncrawl


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What do you think about the Bears' big free-agent signings?Continue reading.
How to get more Bears footage — for free
An app that delivers behind-the-scenes Bears footage plus hypertargeted audiences for advertisers could equal a serious revenue score.
That's the basis of a partnership between the team and DeskSite, a Los Angeles company that bills itself as a digital video entertainment network.
Starting Wednesday, fans will be able to access exclusive HD video through ChicagoBears.com by downloading the free DeskSite app to their computer.
DeskSite CEO Richard Gillam says the app won't replace the experience of watching a Bears game but will supplement it.
"This is more for the fan who is going to use this product as a second screen during the game," he says. "It's not just the game content. There's so much more for the fanatical fan. They're going to want Chicago Bears all week long and we're going to be here to provide it for them, delivering hours upon hours of content every week."
DeskSite doesn't pay the Bears a licensing fee but rather operates under a revenue sharing agreement, though the company wouldn't say what the split is. DeskSite is responsible for sourcing and closing deals with advertisers; the team promotes the app through its various channels and generates exclusive content for it.
Right now, 10 NFL teams offer the app, which Gillam says is aimed more at Bears fans who have moved out of the radio and TV coverage area.
"The kind of content that we'll be using is everything except for the actual game itself," he says. "We'll have game highlights, breakdowns, pregame, postgame, all that stuff that goes with it."
What's in it for advertisers, though?
Gillam says the platform enables them to reach a specific audience subset rather than taking a spray and pray approach with their ad buy.
"You're now going to see Maybelline and all these other traditional female advertisers that would never in a million years be spending millions of dollars on Monday Night Football because of the dilution of the audience demographic," he says. "By taking an app approach, we can now through our platform target video ads by exact age and gender. With our product, we've got the ability to guarantee female viewers only or male viewers only."
Gillam says he's planning on rolling out the app to other major sports leagues in 2014.


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Garden of the Gods rock climbing
July 01, 2015
The USA Bobsled & Skeleton national team spent part of camp rock climbing at Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. Check out some images from their adventure! Photo Credit: Patrick Betts, Front Range Climbing
USA Bobsled and Skeleton recognizes athlete excellence on and off track
June 30, 2015
USA Bobsled & Skeleton handed out athlete awards Saturday evening at the eighth annual gala awards dinner in Colorado Springs, Colo. The ceremony capped a weeklong national team camp at the Olympic Training Center.
Colorado Springs combine test
June 29, 2015
USA Bobsled & Skeleton hosted a combine test yesterday at Colorado College. Check out some of the photos from the event!
Piechoski named as new USABS Board of Directors chairman
June 27, 2015
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 27, 2015)- USA Bobsled & Skeleton (USABS) announced Pete Piechoski as the organization's newest Board of Directors chairman on Friday. Piechoski will take over for former chairman John Rosen, who steps aside after serving six years as chairman.
USABS national team camp photo gallery
June 25, 2015
The USABS national team participated in camp at the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center June 23-27. Check out all the action by clicking on the photo gallery.
Bobsled duo takes time to speak with future minority leaders
June 16, 2015
USA Bobsled athletes Elana Meyers Taylor and her husband, Nic Taylor were married last April. Both world-class athletes, Meyers Taylor and Taylor don't live the ordinary married life, but they definitely make it work. After their wedding, the couple launched right into preparing for the 2014-2015 season, where they made history together. Meyers Taylor became the first female to pilot a four-person bobsled in an international competition. Taylor joined her in the historic sled.
Photo Gallery Ajoku, Garrett and Koplin lend a helping hand in Mexico
June 15, 2015
Check out images from Maureen Ajoku, Cherrelle Garrett and Kristi Koplin's trip to Mexico.
Ajoku, Garrett and Koplin lend a helping hand in Mexico
June 15, 2015
The bobsled and skeleton sliding season ended with the National Championships in March earlier this year. As you may imagine, as a world-class athlete, it isn't enough to just train during the season. Instead, USA Bobsled & Skeleton athletes spend endless hours training around the calendar, whether it is the middle of the offseason in June or the middle of the season in January. But three USA Bobsled athletes, Cherelle Garrett, Kristi Koplin and Maureen Ajoku, took time out of their training regiments to do something that they felt was of the upmost importance.
The developer of bobsled nations
June 12, 2015
Patrick Brown was in his high school science class as a 17 year old, when he learned something that altered the course of his life. Contrary to what you are probably thinking, it wasn't anything related to the class curriculum.
#TeamUSATuesday in 10 photos
May 26, 2015
Sometimes pictures can express our thoughts and feelings better than words. As we celebrate #TeamUSATuesday, we take a look at 10 images that best express what it means to be a part of USA Bobsled & Skeleton and represent our great nation!


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Narrow your search
Buried in a survey about work software is the revelation that the boss who makes workers life a misery is more like Mr. Burns from 'The Simpsons.'
James De La Vega claims "You are more powerful than you think" is his line that's been appropriated for the iPhone 5S.
Insisting that if he knew of aliens he would tell Jimmy Kimmel, the president of the '90s suggests that though he hasn't yet seen any evidence of them on Earth, there's always tomorrow.
After striking out with Plan A, there's a stronger-than-ever case for why Microsoft ought to go with Plan B.
The Guardian, conscious that some Brits just aren't monarchists, offers a non-royal version of its Web site, so people can avoid royal baby mania.
Ex-NSA analyst Edward Snowden explains his decisions to readers of the U.K.-based Guardian. He also says that Hong Kong was a better safe haven than Iceland.
In an interview with Charlie Rose, the president maintains that the top-secret NSA spying programs were within the bounds of the law and were intended to protect U.S. citizens.
Having been cajoled to within an inch of his sanity by Stephen Colbert to join Twitter, President Bill Clinton does it for himself.
Epic Rap Battles of History has taken on the grandfathers of electrical power: Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla.
For reasons that can only be his own, a man takes to the Twitter account @ComfortablySmug and posts scary misinformation about the hurricane. Stunningly, he is outed as a hedge fund analyst.


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On October 4th the next book about Percy Jackson, "The Son of Neptune," will arrive in stores! Disney Publishing Worldwide has announced that they will be printing an unprecedented 3 million copies of the novel, by Rick Riordan, for the release. Disney has also announced the launch of the first-ever Olympian Week – a seven-day, coast-to-coast celebration of Rick Riordan and his Heroes of Olympus series!
Here is what Suzanne Murphy, the VP and Publisher of Disney Publishing Worldwide, had to say:
Rick Riordan has created one of the most iconic characters in children's book history with Percy Jackson. Children, booksellers, librarians, and fans everywhere are eagerly awaiting Percy's return, and we believe that will propel The Son of Neptune to be the biggest book of the fall for young readers.
On October 1st you can celebrate the release of the book at Greeley Square in New York City and you can do the same on October 2nd at The Grove in Los Angeles. When you attend the celebratory events be sure to dress up as your favorite character and get ready for festivities that include performances and readings by characters from the series! You can learn more at HeroesofOlympus.com.
Also, a bunch of bookstores and libraries throughout the US and Canada entered for a chance to win an event with Rick Riordan – here are the winners who will be hosting an event during Olympian Week:
– A Whale of a Tale/Mission Viejo Library (Mission Viejo, CA)
– Barnes & Noble (Burlington, MA)
– BookPeople (Austin, TX)
– Books-A-Million (Columbia, SC)
– Indigo (Toronto, Canada)
– Penguin Bookshop (Pittsburgh, PA)
– Tumwater Timberland Library/Orca Books (Olympia, WA)
Let us know if you celebrate the arrival of "The Son Of Neptune" and if you pick up a copy of the book when it hits shelves!


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Front Yard Articles
Selfless and beyond call of duty
IAN VACCANEO stands in the front yard of a house in Tully Heads, a family's possessions strewn around him on the sodden grass: a washing machine, an armchair, children's toys.
Defendant must give victim $130,000
A SYDNEY man has been ordered to pay more than $130,000 in compensation to an Asian man he brutally bashed during a cowardly, unprovoked and racially motivated attack, a court has heard.
Homeless to be evicted from Bondi
SEVEN homeless men who sleep rough at Bondi have lost their legal battle to stay in the famous beachfront pavilion.
Stylish echoes of deco
Classy influences inform a "neo" look, writes Lou Sweeney. CAMBERWELL 17 Crellin Grove $1.8 million-plus Auction 12.30pm, November 21 Agent Marshall White, 9822 9999 Melway 60 E4


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Media Center
Freedom to Marry is the leading campaign working to win marriage nationwide. We work with a diverse range of partner organizations and supporters from across the country to end the exclusion of same-sex couples from the responsibilities, protections, and commitment of marriage. To learn more about Freedom to Marry, visit About Us.
Reporters looking for a factual breakdown of marriage and relationship recognition laws for same-sex couples in the U.S. can visit our "Where State Laws Stand" webpage.
For press inquires and further information, contact:
Angela Dallara, Media Relations Manager - angela [at] freedomtomarry.org - 315.207.3983Freedom to Marry
155 W. 19th St., 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10011
fax: 646.375.2069
Press Releases
Former DNC Chairs Dean, Fowler, Grossman and Wilhelm Call for Marriage Plank in 2012 Dem Platform
Today former DNC Chairs Howard Dean, Donald Fowler, Steve Grossman and David Wilhelm joined Freedom to Marry's Democrats: Say I Do campaign to secure a freedom to marry plank in the 2012 Democratic Party platform.
Mayors for the Freedom to Marry Leaders Outraged by NOM's Divide and Conquer Campaign
Today, key African-American and Latino members of Mayors for the Freedom to Marry expressed outrage with the National Organization for Marriage's (NOM) campaign to drive a wedge between people of color and gay communities. In an internal memo, NOM detailed the strategic goal of its "Not a Civil Right Project"--"to drive a wedge between gays and blacks." It also highlights a strategy to establish opposition to the freedom to marry as "a key badge of Latino identity—a symbol of resistance to inappropriate assimilation."
Freedom to Marry Calls on GOP Candidates to Renounce NOM Pledge
Following the release of internal strategy memos of the so-called National Organization for Marriage (NOM), which call for the use of race as a means of impeding the freedom to marry for same-sex couples, Freedom to Marry joined AMERICAblog's call on GOP candidates, all of whom took a NOM pledge to push for a Federal Marriage Amendment, nominate anti-marriage judges to the Supreme Court and appoint an anti-marriage Attorney General, among other anti-freedom to marry actions to renounce their pledge.
Maine Launches "Mainers United for Marriage"
Campaign Seeks to Secure Freedom to Marry at November Ballot
Divisive National Organization for Marriage Strategy Exposed in Secret Memos Using Race As Wedge
"Strategic Goal of this Project is to Drive a Wedge Between Gays and Blacks"
Freedom to Marry Announces Win More States Fund
Today Freedom to Marry announced the Win More States Fund to raise at least $3 million dollars, every penny of which will be spent directly on the work of winning in five 2012 marriage battleground states: Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Washington.
New Hampshire Marriage Repeal Efforts Defeated
Today, the New Hampshire House of Representatives voted down legislation that would have repealed the state's two-year-old freedom to marry law along with a key vote to defeat the Bates Amendment, which would have forced a non-binding referendum on marriage onto the November ballot and replaced marriage with civil unions.
Former President Jimmy Carter Supports the Freedom to Marry
In his newest book, NIV Lessons from Life Bible: Personal Reflections with Jimmy Carter, former President Jimmy Carter discusses his evolution in favor of gay people's freedom to marry and affirmed in an interview with the Huffington Post that he supports the freedom to marry, stating "I personally think it is very fine for gay people to be married in civil ceremonies." Carter served as the 39th president of the United States, founded the Carter Center, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, and is also a Sunday School teacher.
Freedom to Marry Applauds President Obama's Opposition to NC Anti-Gay Amendment
Today the White House issued a statement opposing an antigay amendment to North Carolina's constitution that would ban recognition of the marriages of gay and lesbian couples. Below is a statement in response from Evan Wolfson, founder and President of Freedom to Marry, the campaign to win marriage nationwide.
Freedom to Marry Announces Three New Operatives
With multiple marriage battles ahead in states across the nation, Freedom to Marry today announced three new power-house additions to its campaign team: Shawn Werner, Director of Political Operations; Thomas Wheatley, Director of Organizing; and Che Ruddell-Tabisola, Federal Associate.


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Saint Francis of Assisi
Celano, Second Life - 196
Portiuncula Hermitage in Jerusalem, Ohio
Dear Christian Brothers and Sisters,
The initial reaction to a weekend of silence, fasting and prayer was mixed as I revel in the world's flash of media and the madness of twenty-four hour news. I feared boredom and the lack of external stimulus. But God is good, and He provided plenty for me. Walks in the woods and fields, silent prayer and meditation, communal prayer with my Brothers in Christ, prayers of intercession, and theological discussion on the travel to and from Jerusalem, stimulated my spirit far more than my flesh has ever been stimulated.
It is my hope that the Portiuncula will become a haven for those who need a fresh touch of God. I will return soon to restore my soul with peace.
Please prayerfully consider joining me "FOR THE LOVE OF GOD" in supporting the Portiuncula Retreat Center by simply contributing $5.00 $10.00 $15.00 or more a month.
Or you can make your checks payable to:
% 508 south 16th Street
Richmond, IN 47374.
Thank you and God bless!
Yours In Christ,
Dr. Tom Ringenberg
Centerville, IN
Labels: BirthRight, Fr. Gregory Bramlage, Healing, Healing Mass, il Poverello d'Assisi, Mystic Monk Coffee, Portiuncula: the Little Portion, ProLifeBlogs, Sister Briege McKenna OSC, WorldNetDaily


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- Description: Index to articles, essays, books, dissertations, and book reviews on language and literature topics. Also includes the full text of articles from over 100 journals.
- Host URL: http://literature.proquest.com/initCritRefSearch.do?listType=abell
- Vendor: Chadwyck-Healey
- Coverage: Covers all aspects and periods of English literature, from Anglo-Saxon times to the present day. British, American and Commonwealth writing are all represented. Coverage is international, including material in languages other than English.
- Time Span: Indexing back to 1920. Full-text of recent journal articles.
- Restrictions: Terms and Conditions


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Assessing evapotranspiration rate changes for proposed restoration of the forested uplands of the Desert LCC
Science Need(s)
Improved monitoring and inventory of watersheds and their associated infrastructure and ecosystems;
Improved hydrologic forecasting and modeling methodologies, including better understanding and communication of uncertainty
Grantee: Northern Arizona University
Principle Investigator: Dr. Abe Springer
Cooperative Agreement: $136,734 in non-Federal funds and $135,332 in Federal funds provided by BOR
Project Duration: 2012-2014
Project Goal(s)
The goal of this work is to improve the understanding of the hydrological responses of forest thinning through detailed measurements and modeling of evapotranspiration.
Brief Project Description
Accurate estimation of evapotranspiration (ET) is essential for assessments of water balance and hydrologic responses to forest restoration treatments in uplands adjacent to the Desert LCC. As part of the Four Forests Restoration Initiative, a new paired watershed study is being planned to assess the hydrologic effects of mechanically thinning and restoring a more frequent fire regime to the ponderosa pine forests of Arizona. Water and energy balances will be measured and modeled in these paired watersheds to help inform and better plan for the hydrologic responses of future forest restoration actions. Researchers at Northern Arizona University have collected six years of eddy covariance measurements of ET in the ponderosa pine forest of Northern
Arizona. One site consists of a thinned pine stand and the other one is an undisturbed-control pine stand. These studies show a short-lived and transient decrease in ET at the thinned site similar to the hydrological results of separate paired watershed studies in Arizona's ponderosa pine forests from the 1950s to 1980s using only precipitation, stream discharge and basal area change data. We propose to 1) continue to directly measure ET via eddy covariance measurement at the thinned site, and 2) examine the capability of existing models and algorithms to predict ET of upland forests of the Desert LCC based on comparisons with ET measured by eddy covariance. Models evaluated will include BIOME-BGC, SoilWat, and Preistley-Taylor.
The results of this study will provide a validated technique for measuring landscape-scale ET in upland semi-arid forests that supply water to the Desert LCC. Because ET is the largest component of the hydrological cycle that returns water to the atmosphere, it has the largest influence on the hydrologic response of recharge and runoff processes which provide surface water and groundwater to rare aquatic resources in the Desert LCC. The proposed 2-year project will begin October l, 2012 and be completed by September 30, 2014.
Project Location
Ponderosa Pine forests in Arizona
Project Tasks
- Examine the capability of existing ET models and algorithms to predict ET based on comparisons with ET measured by eddy covariance.
- Final report and paper(s).
Project Deliverables
- Data archived in digital format and when appropriate, will be in geospatial format compatible with ArcGIS with attached metadata.
- Journal article for publication in a relevant peer-reviewed journal
- Model simulations that will provide quantification of anticipated water resources' effects of forest restoration, which can inform adaptive management to benefit the resource.


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Twitterblogging 'Dirty Jobs'!: Virgin Olives & Dirty Diapers
Today's cuppa: English afternoon tea
I previously Twitterblogged a single segment of the Discovery Channel series "Dirty Jobs," so last night, I took it to the next level and did a full episode, which turned out to be very dirty indeed.
For those not familiar with Twitter, it's a microblogging service that allows users to send out short messages -- 140 characters or less -- called "tweets," either to a closed group of friends or out into the general Twitter stream (which is Google-able).
Users can subscribe to the Twitter feeds of other users, who can in turn subscribe to theirs (not required, but generally considered polite).
For more details, click here.
And if you like, you may read the tweets while watching the episode on DVR or VHS. Guarantee they'll make at least 75 percent more sense.
Most importantly, you must read the following Twitter stream (in the interests of full disclosure, I admit that it's been cleaned up a bit from the original for the sake of clarity and readability) from the BOTTOM UP! The date stamp represents the time this morning that I grabbed the tweets from my Twitter home page. Here we go:
· Mike makes the plea for more dirty jobs. Now there's bloopers. Sad. Thought Mike was a professional. Bye now!
· Mike says that Doug relies upon diapers, but the rest of the crew just depends upon them.
· Mike has assurance of a job in the dirty-diaper industry if ever that whole TV thing fails to work out.
· Mike sees a diaper that's past its prime. Now it becomes a rag. Mike decides to strike a deal. Good capitalist!
· Mike reveals that DirtyJobs uses diapers to clean up the show's frequently grimy cameras. And lint balls are bad.
· Oops, that's a stain. Back to the washer for you, and if you're still stained, you're a rag. So much for you.
· Now there's more sorting and counting of diapers, now lighter and cleaner and actually white. No stains going out!
· Mike goes to pick up the dry diapers at the "Big Dog" dryers, where DiaperManager wants to "scoop this puppy on up."
· Mike reveals the dirty diaper secret of Dirty Jobs.
· I wonder if Mike gets to keep all these baseball caps he gets. And he just had a little stroke.
· Mike just lets out a long groan after a long time male-bonding with WasherGuy. Pipe down, potty minds out there.
· Mike finds male bonding atop a washing machine. Hey, Mike, whatever rotates your agitator.
· Oooh, Mike finds "residue." I gotta tell ya, that's one word that one never wants to hear.
· Mike offers to help WasherGuy change his belt. What could be simpler? Oh, nuclear physics, rocket science, calculus.
· Dirty diapers go through 13 full cycles and then are PH tested to match baby skin. Do you do that at home?
· WasherGuy used to be DiaperDriver. Not sure it's a step up.
· Mike says disposable diapers account for 2 million tons of paper, plastic, pee and poo in landfills. Thanks for that.
· Washing machine sensors monitor cleaning fluid in, waste products out. Something's up to date at least.
· Mike sounds like Kim & Aggie from How Clean Is Your House when encountering bad smells-oooh!yeow!whoo!
· WasherGuy turns on a fan, and blows the stinkypoo diaper smell out -- toward the State Capitol? One can hope.
· It is the 21st century and stinkypoo diapers must be loaded into the washer by hand. My grandmother did that.
· Mike returns to the land of gigantic washing machines. They make ones three times that size. Jeepers.
· John is a diaper-counting machine! Now it's time to fix the washer, but the washer doesn't want to be fixed.
· Would you answer an ad for a job counting dirty diapers? Would you? Come on, it's honest work! Dirty, but honest.
· Cameraman Doug gets the "brown derby" diaper. Poor Doug. Mike's always shaky math skills fail him once again.
· Oh, now that's an ugly diaper. A baby produced that? What did they feed it, pureed spinach?
· John sez be careful how you open bags, because diaper contents can become airborne projectiles.
· Poor John makes a comment about the smell. My heart goes out to him, but my nose will stay right where it is.
· Apparently there's a science to classifying diapers, adult, changing pad, new newborn, toddler.
· Smart John uses double gloves to count dirty diapers. Mike goes for an apron this time.
· Clean diapers out equal dirty diapers in, so poor soul John must count dirty diapers. There are also adult diapers.
· Oooh, the diapers in that preview don't look good. That particular shade of green has unpleasant connotations.
· TideeDidee been picking up three generations of baby poo in Sacramento, CA
· Mike's going in on his own, safety first! Sometimes there's money. Lady doesn't appear to realize Mike's a celebrity.
· DiaperDriver says babies train faster in cloth diapers than disposable, and no extra poo in the landfill.
· Stinky dirty diapers are heavier than clean. DiaperDriver quips, "I wonder why." His van gets very full and low.
· Stinky blue dirty diaper bag waits on customer's porch. Luckily there are no stray cats or raccoons around.
· Mike Rowe climbs aboard the straight poop express to get the dirty on dirty diapers. Drop off clean; pick up dirty.
· "How is cleaning diapers like a trip to the doctor's office? You just turn your head and cough." I hear that.
· Now I want some crusty bread and some olive oil to dip it in. Mike just insulted marketing guys & leaves.
· Mike has a new experience with a pressure washer. He cleans the "ca-ca hole." He said that, not me.
· Now he's saying "moofah." It's something different from "ca-ca." Mike refuses apron, sez they're "for girls."
· Oil goes into primary decanter. No, not
· Uh-oh, the ca-ca's backed up, and we haven't even reached the Diaper Cleaning segment. Now it's composted.
· Olive oil is lighter than water. After pressing, waste product is called "ca-ca." Yes, that's what I believe he said.
· No more pressing olives with your feet. First they get a cold shower, than pulverized. Rough for Mission on
· Purple olives are fruity and buttery. Don't know if I've seen a purple olive. NewOliveGuy used to be in motor oil.
· Olive heap -- Manzanilla on top,
· Olives have a "pressing" engagement with Perry, who's "oily." I just said that, Mike. The Manzanillas have arrived.
· OliveGuy sez you must learn olive-growing biz from the bottom up. Yep, he said that. He's kinda oily that way.
· Olive trees are pretty. Pal bought one at
· Mike Rowe is told to approach the irrigation leak from the flank and not make a frontal assault. Gophers did it.
· Only extra-virgin olives. No fallen olives. No heat for extra-virgin olive oil. Ordinary virgin not good enough.
· Mike Rowe teaches me a new word "rancitify." Then he extols the virtue of olive oil, which I like on my pasta.
· You comb olives out of the tree at low-automation boutique farm. Then you make a TV show about it.
· The oil of Mission Olives is grassy. Perhaps they're on a green-olive mission. Can't spell other variety names.
· Hot, dry Arizona
· Starting out with a martini in need of an olive. Mike Rowe discovers raw olives don't taste good. How to fix that?
· "I'm Mike Rowe, and this is my job." Welcome to the Dirty Jobs Twitterblog. Is it spoilery? What? Have you ever seen the show?


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There's less than a 5 percent chance the Oak Tree Racing Association will hold its annual fall meet at Santa Anita in 2010, according to an industry official close to the situation who requested anonymity because he's not authorized to speak about the subject.
According to the official, Santa Anita's parent company, Magna International Developments, is playing hardball and will not budge on its demands, either to Oak Tree officials or members of the California Horse Racing Board, who called out Magna officials at their monthly meeting last week.
MID, which took over ownership of Santa Anita in a reorganization of Frank Stronach's companies during Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, voided its lease with Oak Tree, which was scheduled to run out in 2016, two weeks ago and said it would re-enter into negotiations with the non-profit group on a new lease.
If Oak Tree officials can't come to an agreement with Magna on that new lease, the industry source said Hollywood Park will likely be the site for the 2010 meet that is scheduled to begin Sept. 29 and run through Oct. 31. Del Mar also has offered its facility to Oak Tree.
"They're not going to back down, even after the CHRB meeting last week," the industry official said of Magna. "They're going to try to get what they want and if they don't, they'll close down Santa Anita."
It's hard to imagine even Stronach making such a bad decision, especially when, according to the official, Santa Anita made a $15 million profit last year. Stronach is on his soap box about the racing model in California being broken, which nobody disputes, but some of his ideas are off-the-charts bad.
Dennis Mills, MID's chief executive officer, said last week a decision on the new racing surface at Santa Anita will be announced no later than mid-July. This, after former Santa Anita president Ron Charles said in January that the decision on a new track would come shortly. Shortly has turned into possibly six months later.
Yes, the model is broken, but Stronach is a big reason why it is broken and his continued bad decisions are making matters worse. If Oak Tree is forced to move its act to Hollywood Park this fall, the on-track crowds will be nowhere near what they've been in the past and the ill will that is prevalent throughout the sport in California will grow only stronger.
Plus, Breeders' Cup officials said recently they will announce within 30 days where the 2011 Cup will be held. There was talk in the past few months that Oak Tree/Santa Anita, which has hosted the event five times and became the first track to host it in back-to-back years in 2008-09, could possibily become the permanent host of the Breeders' Cup. But that hardly seems likely now with Oak Tree's future so cloudy. Breeders' Cup president Greg Avioli told the Louisville Courier-Journal this week that the Oak Tree situation is a "concern."
Stronach is scheduled to fly to Southern California in June to hold a pow wow with SoCal racing executives. According to our source, they probably won't like what they hear from a man who is doing his best to alienate himself from an industry that has been so good to him.
If Stronach is so dissatisfied that he would let Santa Anita fall by the wayside if he doesn't get his demands, he should sell the track immediately to someone who holds the Great Race Place in a higher regard and will do what's right for the sport and not what's best only for Magna. He's not alone in a me-first environment that is so prevalent in the sport today, but it's something that needs to stop if the California racing industry wants to right what is now a sinking ship.


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Overlooking the sea and the nearby sandy beach as well as enjoying close proximity to the maritime avenue, the Playaluna Hotel is an excellent destination for both leisure tourists and travelers on business. With its modern architecture, the hotel is a perfect addition to the surrounding palm-trees, white-sand beaches and blue sea waters.
Playaluna Hotel features colorful décor and stylish design enhanced by wooden adornment and wicker furnishing. There is a wide spectrum of entertainments at the hotel, so everyone will find his enjoyment. Both children and adults will be fascinated by outdoor swimming pool with slide and jetted tub as well as by professional indoor swimming pool with separate tracks.
All 496 guestrooms feature bright Mediterranean interior with patterned drapery and fabrics and come with fully equipped kitchens including cookware and refrigerator. Business travelers will find specially arranged working zone with a table and a chair, while leisure tourists are certain to like balcony overlooking the sea.
The on-site restaurant, Cuarto Creciente, offers delicious Mediterranean and international cuisine inspired by the latest culinary trends.
Playaluna Hotel boasts good connection with main highways.
Number of rooms 496.
Distance to:
- City Center Roquetas de Mar - 2.8 mi
- Airport Almeria (LEI) - 16.5 mi
- Restaurants: San Rocco (Food: Italian) - 500 ft, Playa Serena (Food: Mediterranean) - 200 ft
Playaluna Hotel's guestrooms include its standard double and twin room as well as spacious apartments fitted with a separate living room. Each room features the following as standard: satellite TV, direct dial phone, internet access, desk, mini-bar, hair dryer and kitchenettes. Non-smoking rooms as well as rooms for disabled people are available upon request. One child under 14 years old enjoys free stay at the hotel when using existing bedding. There are no additional beds in the room. Animals allowed on request.
Dining options
Cuarto Creciente serves buffet breakfast inspired by both national and international cuisine. This property offers as well a baby corner with a microwave and refrigerator for baby food. Breakfast is offered from 7am to 10am. La Almadraba is a seasonal beach club restaurant located on the boardwalk offering paella, seafood, and Mediterranean cuisine al fresco. All meals and the majority of drinks are complimentary for guests on the all inclusive rate plan. Guests on the half board rate plan will be charged for drinks and lunch.
All visitors are offered a buffet breakfast for a fee.
Among business facilities you will find spacious lobby with Internet access (surcharged).
The Playaluna Hotel has a game zone with bowls, giant chess, and miniature golf. More active tourists can make use of the on-site bicycle rental as well as take a scooter ride (rental is nearby). Pilates and aerobics are offered on site. Water sports available nearby include surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. In addition, the hotel has on-site hair salon and kids' club.
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|Rate this hotel
General information
from 12 pm
until 11 pm
|Children and extra beds
Pets are allowed on request
Wireless internet is available in public areas and is free of charge
|Guest Parking
Paid Public parking is possible on site.
|Dining facilities
|Business facilities
|Children's facilities
|Facilities for people with disabilities
|Leisure and relaxation facilities
|Room view
|Room facilities
Playaluna Hotel's guestrooms include its standard double and twin room as well as spacious apartments fitted with a separate living room. Each room features the following as standard: satellite TV, direct dial phone, internet access, desk, mini-bar, hair dryer and kitchenettes. Non-smoking rooms as well as rooms for disabled people are available upon request. One child under 14 years old enjoys free stay at the hotel when using existing bedding. There are no additional beds in the room. Animals allowed on request.
Playaluna Hotel LocationWhat's nearby
- Current hotel
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- Airports
- Underground stations
- Train stations
- Parks
- Tourist attractions
- Museums
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Hover above the icons to see hotel photo and details.
Click the hotel to go to the main hotel page.
What's nearby
What's nearby.
Playaluna Hotel is an ideal place for plunging into the marvelous Hispanic atmosphere as the Mario Water Park and Roquetas de Mar harbor are just 15 minutes walk from the property. More active guests can enjoy a nice walk or ride to the 11th century Moorish fortress, offering unforgettable views over the bay and the city.
|Popular areas
|Places of interest
Local Attractions
Pepe bikes1.4 miFalcon, Roquetas de Mar
Castillo de Santa Ana2.8 miRoquetas de MarSpain
Plaza De Toros, Roquetas De Mar.3.0 miAvda Curro Romero, s / n, Roquetas de Mar
Street Market of Roquetas de Mar3.4 miAvenida de la Union Europea, Roquetas de Mar
Fort Bravo Texas Hollywood3.6 miCtra Nat.340, Tabernas
Near the hotel
Castor Park1500 ftAv Las Gaviotas, Roquetas de Mar
Pepe Tours Day Trips1500 ftAvda. Las Gaviotas 66, Roquetas de Mar
Parque Natural Punta Entinas3900 ftAv. de los Cerrillo, Roquetas de Mar
Restaurants Nearby
San Rocco
86% likes this, based on 155 reviews
Food: Italian500 ftAv. Playa Serena 178
Phone: 666949200
Playa Serena
60% likes this, based on 51 reviews
Food: Mediterranean200 ftAvenida de las Gaviotas, 9
Phone: +34 950334616
Hong Kong
61% likes this, based on 47 reviews500 ftAvenida Playa Serena,
Phone: +34 950334891
Estampa Bar
96% likes this, based on 35 reviews500 ftAvda Playa Serena, 208
Phone: 678202160
Restaurante La Alpujarra
67% likes this, based on 45 reviews
Food: Spanish900 ftPlaya Serena
Getting there.
From Almeria airport, take the N-332. Turn right at Paraje de la Rambla Lechuga. Turn left at AL-12>/N-344 heading to the airport. At the roundabout, take the second exit and keep going on the E-15/A-7. Take exit 429/Roquetas de Mar. Keep going on Crtra de Alicún il Tramo. Once you are at Parador de las Hortichuelas, keep going straight. Take the A-358. Enter Roquetas de Mar.
Getting around.
The hotel features a private garage.
Why book with us?
- Low prices
- Enjoy our best price guarantee and special offers.
- Free cancellations
- Usually cancellations can be made without charge close to your arrival date (check policies).
- Guaranteed room
- You get instant confirmation directly from the hotel's reservation database.
Hotel Awards 2014SpanishHOTEL AWARDSRecommendedRoquetas de Mar
According to guest reviews, the hotel has been rated asBest Family Hotels in Spain


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The Horses of Anahita Wall Sculpture: Original
Bottomline: Yes, would recommend to a friend.
My ex-wife loves this piece, and when we moved into our condo we had one huge bare wall that she thought this would be perfect for-in the stairway that led from the front door to the living area. When it arrived we fiddled about with exactly how high to hang it so that would be visible, safe from someone accidentally bumping into it and easy to get to for dusting. When we finally got it situated, guests coming into the house were amazed and awed over both the presentation and the execution of the piece. The only complaint we ever had about it was keeping it clean and making sure that the areas that were deliberately shadowed did not appear dusty and vice versa. It is a sturdy piece of artwork and has held up well in the time it has been in the collection. I know she still enjoys it.


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Ordinary Joe
Neil Reynolds says Joe Flacco must step up if he wants to keep his big-money deal with Baltimore.
Last Updated: 17/12/12 2:37pm
Week 15 in the NFL threw up some massive clashes which gave us some indication as to who the serious contenders are going to be when the playoffs begin in January.
There were big wins for the San Francisco 49ers, Atlanta Falcons, Houston Texans and Denver Broncos, but the New England Patriots, New York Giants, Indianapolis Colts and Baltimore Ravens were ultimately found wanting on a big weekend of action.
For the record, I still think that last night's showdown between the 49ers and Patriots - which San Francisco won 41-34 - was a dress rehearsal for the Super Bowl to be played in New Orleans on Sunday February 3.
But there is a lot of American football to be played between now and then - and this is what caught my eye this past weekend...
Manning shows Flacco the way
The Baltimore Ravens hardly ever lose at home. But, to be fair, they hardly ever play Peyton Manning at home. He has owned the Ravens during his career and took his record against Baltimore to nine wins and two losses (including the playoffs) with a comfortable 34-17 victory for the Denver Broncos on Sunday night.
Manning was not spectacular but he made very few mistakes for the in-form Broncos, who have now won nine games in a row. He has been very good throughout this 2012 campaign and has proven that he is still one of the best in this modern era and in NFL history. By contrast, Joe Flacco fell flat on his face in a big game.
His numbers were not disastrous as he completed 20 of 40 passes for 254 yards and two touchdowns. But he did not step up and win the big game as the elite quarterbacks tend to do in the NFL. And he really hurt his team with a silly interception right on the stroke of half-time that Chris Harris returned 98 yards for a Denver touchdown.
With his current deal with the Ravens up after this season, Flacco has still not consistently shown he is worth a new big-money contract heading into the 2013 campaign.
Running to the record
I'm not a defensive coordinator in the NFL but I would know what to do if I faced the Minnesota Vikings. I would load up to stop the run and put eight or nine of my 11 defenders within five yards of the line of scrimmage.
I would dare the Vikings to beat me deep with the long throw that quarterback Christian Ponder has yet to show he can make in the NFL. But it probably still wouldn't be enough - Adrian Peterson (pictured) would still run through, over and around my defence.
That was certainly the case on Sunday as Peterson carried 24 times for 212 yards and one touchdown as the Vikings romped to a 36-22 win over the St. Louis Rams that keeps them in the thick of the NFC playoff race.
Peterson is enjoying a season for the ages and leads the NFL with 1,812 rushing yards through 14 games. He needs 294 rushing yards to break the 28-year-old single season record of 2,105 set by Eric Dickerson, of the Los Angeles Rams, in 1984.
Peterson needs to average 147 rushing yards per game against the Houston Texans and then the Green Bay Packers. I think he can do it. Over the past five weeks of this season, the greatest running back of his generation has averaged 171 rushing yards per contest.
49ers win a wild one
In beating the Patriots on Sunday night, the San Francisco 49ers not only emphasised their class as a genuine Super Bowl contender, they also highlighted why we should never criticise NFL teams for running up the score on an opponent.
The Niners had opened up a 28-point lead over the Patriots but it was not enough. Tom Brady brought New England storming back and tied the scores at 31-31. The 49ers then responded very well to that shock to their system and emerged victorious in one of the games of the year that I cannot wait to watch.
These are two true NFL powerhouses and I would quite happily watch them play for all the marbles on the first weekend in February.
Falcons record statement win
This is the kind of game we have been waiting for the Atlanta Falcons to produce - a dominant win against a quality opponent with playoff ambitions of their own. In romping to a 34-0 defeat of the New York Giants, the Falcons recorded their 11th straight win on home soil.
And that number is significant because if they maintain their NFC-leading pace, the Falcons are going to book home-field advantage and will not have to venture outside the Georgia Dome once the playoffs begin. That will make Mike Smith's men very difficult to beat in the Super Bowl knockout tournament.
Matt Ryan (pictured) teamed up well with Julio Jones and Tony Gonzalez but I was also impressed with the Atlanta defense, which has played pretty well in recent weeks. I still think the 49ers are the class of the NFC but I certainly have more belief in the Falcons now following this impressive victory.
Rodgers tames the Bears
Aaron Rodgers was in sublime form as the Green Bay Packers recorded a 21-13 victory over the Chicago Bears on Sunday. The win was enough to clinch the NFC North title for the Packers, who now have 10 wins and just four losses.
Rodgers was accurate throughout the contest and proved tough to bring down due to his mobility. He threw for 291 yards and three touchdowns and while the Packers are far from perfect, he gives them a puncher's chance to win every time they step on the field.
The Packers are not as dominant as they were this time last year, but they will prove to be a dangerous opponent for whoever they meet in the playoffs.
Redskins keep rolling
Pundits around the United States mocked the Washington Redskins when they selected rookie quarterback Kirk Cousins (pictured) out of Michigan State in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL Draft having already grabbed a high-profile passer at the top of round one.
They're not laughing now.
Cousins led Washington to an all-important 38-21 victory over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday and that has moved Mike Shanahan's men to the top of the NFC East with their fifth win in a row.
With star passer Robert Griffin III sidelined with a knee injury, Cousins kept the Redskins rolling with 26 completions from 37 attempts for 329 yards and two touchdowns.
That performance alone is worth a fourth round draft choice given the importance of the game in Cleveland. And now the Redskins have two young passers to build around for the next decade.


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Never Never
Okay, so it's different, it's not old Korn or whatever. Bands change, it doesn't mean they are any less of a band. The video for Never Never is actually really cool, and I give props for that. I hate to go on youtube, and just see supposed fans bashing them because they don't like the song. They fucking changed as people and as a band, get over it. Their sound changed. If they did it for money then whoopidy do it's their fucking choice. Maybe you should all be grateful for the wonderful music they have been making for years, and if you don't like the new stuff than just don't listen to it.
Lets's remember they as the band who created the music have heard the songs hundreds of times, and might be tired of them. Maybe they wanted to try something new. They can do what ever they want, I still love them, old and new the same because they are still the band that gets me through life every day. If they want to change it up let them, I just want them to be happy with themselves, and if changing their sound did that for them then I'm fucking thrilled for them.
Yeah, Youtube and their Facebook are full of bitchers. Some fans are just too quick to judge! "Never Never" is nowhere near their best or heaviest but if you give the song a chance and let it grow on you it's not that bad. Once again Jon delivers with the vocals and lyrics and I really love the whole atmosphere of the song; it's like a lighter Untouchables sound. Also, I don't really know why some fans are complaining about dubstep because as far as I'm concerned the only part that has any 'dub' is the breakdown and it's just a few wobbles or whatever. And yes the video is amazing! I just hate reading comments like "OMG Korn suck now, the new album is going to be shit" all because of one song, instead of waiting to judge the album as a whole. Even after "Love & Meth" leaked, one of Korn's most solid heaviest tracks released since the TALITM days, fans still bitched about it not being the 'old school' sound! Seriously, how about you pull your head out of the nostalgias ass! "Love & Meth" has all the Korn elements; it's very FTL/Issues/Untouchables esque! If they seriously don't get this album because of one song that has already been described by the band as the 'softy' then they are going to miss out!


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Cambridge, MA (PRWEB) May 14, 2014
The ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI) announced today the launch of its second annual Ales for ALS™ campaign. Ales for ALS™ is a unique craft brewery-based fundraising initiative created to accelerate drug development for people living with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Last year, 44 brewers in 17 states participated, raising $150,000; this year, 69 brewers from 21 states will participate in the program, continuing to support ALS TDI and its mission to discover and develop effective treatments to end ALS.
As part of the campaign, participant brewers receive a special blend of experimental hops donated by B.T. Loftus Ranches and Hopunion. Each brewer then creates a unique beer from these hops and donates a portion of its sale to ALS TDI. Most of the limited edition beers will be available between May and August 2014.
The 2014 Ales for ALS™ craft brewers include (by location):
"My family and I are invested wholeheartedly in helping to stop ALS, having lost several family members to this disease," says Michael M. Smith, president of B.T. Loftus Ranches, Inc. and an ALS TDI board member. "We'll continue to lead Ales for ALS as a program to benefit the important work of ALS TDI until a cure is found."
In addition to craft brewer participation in Ales for ALS™, the campaign will incorporate festivals, parties, and homebrew competitions this year. Locations and dates are listed online at the Ales for ALS™ website.
"Those living with ALS today and their families are in desperate need of treatments or cure for ALS, and we are grateful to all those involved in Ales for ALS. The craft brewing industry continues to be a leader in helping to advance the discovery and development of potential treatments for ALS patients today forward," says Steve Perrin, Ph.D., CEO and CSO of ALS TDI.
For more information about Ales for ALS™, please visit http://www.alesforals.com.
About ALS
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, Lou Gehrig's disease) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that leads to paralysis, due to the death of motor neurons in the spinal cord and brain. There is no known cure for the disease. About 5,000 people in the US are diagnosed with ALS each year; the incidence is similar to multiple sclerosis. However, with no effective treatment, the average patient survives only two to five years following diagnosis. There are about 30,000 people in the US diagnosed with ALS today. The worldwide population of ALS patients is estimated at 450,000.
About ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI)
The mission of the ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI) is to discover and develop effective treatments for ALS patients today as soon as possible. ALS TDI is the world's largest independent ALS/MND drug development-focused nonprofit organization. In addition to more than 30 internal therapeutic aimed programs, the world's first nonprofit biotech partners with dozens of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies worldwide in order to advance potential treatments into the clinic. Its lead ALS therapeutic candidate, Novartis' (Switzerland) Gilenya (TDI-132), is in Phase 2A clinical trial for ALS. For more information on its drug development programs, visit http://www.als.net.
Media Contact: Mari Sullivan, ALS TDI, msullivan(at)als(dot)net, 617-441-7220


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January 24th, 2012, Governor Mark Dayton told the press that the only place a new vikings stadium could be built this year is at the current Metrodome site. The recent favorite site on Linden Avenue is no longer viable for a short-term build. Vikings spokesmen, Lester Bagley said that ownership of the Vikings is very frustrated with the situation and hopes they can pass a bill to to acquire funding for the new stadium this legislation session. As far as the designs for the new stadium, none have been drawn up yet.
Jake Adams
Taken from StarTribune 1/24/12 "Dayton To Vikings: Build At Dome Site"


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4 bed, 4 full bath, 1 half bath. Exquisite masterpiece, lakefront, award-winning John Cannon Camira model home in Lakewood Ranch's pMore info
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text: For that distinguishing vintage look you desire, the 250-watt PLT 80-2274 antique pendant light socket hangs from the ceiling, providing ambient or task lighting for vintage fixtures. Suspended by a wire, this polished nickel pendant is a unique way to light any space. From your kitchen island to your dining room table, this pendant is the perfect choice to revamp your decor.


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Police reveal a dramatic drop in a host of crimes
Posted: February 07, 2013|
POLICE have revealed that there has been a dramatic drop in crime in certain areas of South Derbyshire.
Sergeant Jim Thompson, of Derbyshire Police, revealed that latest crime figures had showed 'big' drops in a wide range of crimes across areas including Castle Gresley, Linton and Netherseal.
Residents of these villages, who in attendance at Linton Area Forum, were buoyed to hear that 'proactive policing' had seen reductions in the amount of thefts and burglaries between April 2012 and January this year.
Sergeant Jim Thompson told the meeting: "We have had some good results in these area in particularly in the other thefts section which includes things like metal thefts.
"In this area, we have seen a 57 per cent drop compared to the previous year.
"Metal thefts and vehicles crime was a particular issue as at the start of last year as we had a mass of catalytic convertor thefts across South Derbyshire – we have now, hopefully, put an end to this issue."
Sgt Thompson also revealed that operations across Hallowe'en, Bonfire Night, Christmas and New Year saw falls in levels of antisocial behaviour.
He added: "We were checking on vulnerable people but also targeting known troublemakers
"We also visited pubs before, during and after events to reduce the threat of any alcohol fuelled incidents.
"This meant that expected levels of calls about antisocial behaviour, which normally hover at around 70 calls a week during these periods, were no higher than 35, which is a great achievement."
PCSO Dave McMillan told the meeting that he and several other police officers had also been undertaking speeding operations across the area.
These took place on the A444 Acresford, Coton Road, in Walton, Hillside Road, in Linton, A444 Burton Road and outside Netherseal School, in Main Street.
Several drivers were sent warning letters about their behaviour after being caught by the police flouting motoring laws.
It was also revealed that police were 'keeping an eye' on a problematic bridleway in Castle Gresley.
Officers said that they knew of several offenders who were using the route as a cut through to Linton and would continue to monitor the area.


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Star Style Showdown
14 of 37
From: Star Style Showdown
Tags: Jenna Elfman, Katy Perry
Oh Canada, indeed!
Pretty Little Liars star Lucy Hale and her boyfriend Anthony Kalabretta packed on the PDA while frolicking on the beach in Maui, Hawaii yesterday (June 30, 2015).
It seems like every single one of Taylor Swift's best friends seriously can't get enough of her.


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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson insists that lucky breaks even themselves out over the course of a season.
Ferguson accepts that United were fortunate not concede a last-minute penalty against Fulham at Old Trafford on Monday for Michael Carrick's clumsy challenge on Danny Murphy.
However, he can cite plenty of other instances where his team were unlucky. "From the referee's position, I can see why he didn't give a penalty when Danny Murphy was brought down," he said.
"The ball moved to the angle as Michael Carrick challenged him. From that position, it wasn't clear. Every club gets breaks here and there, you get good ones and bad ones. It evens itself out over the season, that will never change.
"You could go through millions of things like that. Maybe smaller clubs feel that [decisions go against them when they play big clubs] but someone said some years ago that we get lots of penalties. It is only averaging out at three a year.
"You can't say that is a lot when you are attacking teams all the time. Most managers believe the breaks even themselves out."
Meanwhile, Ferguson confirmed winger Nani would again be missing when United head to Blackburn Rovers on Monday.
The Portugal international has missed four games with an ankle injury and was expected to return to training early this week. "He won't be back until tomorrow and Monday will come too soon," said the United manager.


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June 16, 2005 4:00 AM PDT
Your ISP as Net watchdog
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Europe to push ahead with ISP snooping lawJune 9, 2005
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My (brief) career as an ISPOctober 10, 2003
FBI targets Net phoningJuly 29, 2003
Perspective: Privacy lessons from EuropeOctober 23, 2002
Data retention rules could permit police to obtain records of e-mail chatter, Web browsing or chat-room activity months after Internet providers ordinarily would have deleted the logs--that is, if logs were ever kept in the first place. No U.S. law currently mandates that such logs be kept.
In theory, at least, data retention could permit successful criminal and terrorism prosecutions that otherwise would have failed because of insufficient evidence. But privacy worries and questions about the practicality of assembling massive databases of customer behavior have caused a similar proposal to stall in Europe and could engender stiff opposition domestically.
What's new:
The U.S. Department of Justice is mulling data retention rules that could permit police to obtain records of e-mail, browsing or chat-room activity months after ISPs ordinarily would have deleted the logs--if they were ever kept in the first place.
Bottom line:
Data retention could aid criminal and terrorism prosecutions, but privacy worries and questions about the practicality of assembling massive databases of customer behavior could engender stiff opposition to the proposal.
Justice Department officials endorsed the concept at a private meeting with Internet service providers and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, according to interviews with multiple people who were present. The meeting took place on April 27 at the Holiday Inn Select in Alexandria, Va.
"It was raised not once but several times in the meeting, very emphatically," said Dave McClure, president of the U.S. Internet Industry Association, which represents small to midsize companies. "We were told, 'You're going to have to start thinking about data retention if you don't want people to think you're soft on child porn.'"
McClure said that while the Justice Department representatives argued that Internet service providers should cooperate voluntarily, they also raised the "possibility that we should create by law a standard period of data retention." McClure added that "my sense was that this is something that they've been working on for a long time."
This represents an abrupt shift in the Justice Department's long-held position that data retention is unnecessary and imposes an unacceptable burden on Internet providers. In 2001, the Bush administration expressed "serious reservations about broad mandatory data retention regimes."
The current proposal appears to originate with the Justice Department's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, which enforces federal child pornography laws. But once mandated by law, the logs likely would be mined during terrorism, copyright infringement and even routine criminal investigations. (The Justice Department did not respond to a request for comment on Wednesday.)
"Preservation" vs. "Retention"
At the moment, Internet service providers typically discard any log file that's no longer required for business reasons such as network monitoring, fraud prevention or billing disputes. Companies do, however, alter that general rule when contacted by police performing an investigation--a practice called data preservation.
A 1996 federal law called the Electronic Communication Transactional Records Act regulates data preservation. It requires Internet providers to retain any "record" in their possession for 90 days "upon the request of a governmental entity."
Child protection advocates say that this process can lead police to dead ends if they don't move quickly enough and log files are discarded automatically. Also, many Internet service providers don't record information about instant-messaging conversations or Web sites visited--data that would prove vital to an investigation.
"Law enforcement agencies are often having 20 reports referred to them a week by the National Center," said Michelle Collins, director of the exploited child unit for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. "By the time legal process is drafted, it could be 10, 15, 20 days. They're completely dependent on information from the ISPs to trace back an individual offender."
Collins, who participated in the April meeting, said that she had not reached a conclusion about how long log files should be retained. "There are so many various business models...I don't know that there's going to be a clear-cut answer to what would be the optimum amount of time for a company to maintain information," she said.
McClure, from the U.S. Internet Industry Association, said he counter-proposed the idea of police agencies establishing their own
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35 commentsJoin the conversation! Add your comment
- Privacy Concern
- See-through X-Ray machines, VoIP monitoring, RFID, GPS mobile phone, high-speed internet monitoring...Is everyone ready to give up all their privacy for a safer country?
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- Safer?
- Where do you figure we're safer?
Monitoring and Surveillance activities are all about the oligarch's "safty", not about YOUR safty. Others want to control you (and me) because one day we *might* be a threat. Frankly, that's a self-fulfilling prophesey.
- Like Link Flag
- Life under a Microscope.
- It's not that I don't understand the need to try and create a safer world for everyone, but I think the government is trying to take this to far.
I think these so called "necessary" invasions of privacy aren't going to stop terrorist or child preditors from doing business as usuall. I think all they are really doing is turning normal people into government hating, paranoid, recluses. I think of this as kind of like taking medicine to stop a cold before you catch it. It may help, but sooner or later your still going to catch a cold.
I think we should instead try better educating our citizens and making sure they stay healthy. Build a good, strong armed forces. And try not to start wars everytime we get a new president.
At the rate we are going I give America another 100 years before we have another revolution.
- Like Reply Link Flag
- when will it end?
- obviously our government needs a refresher on democracy, freedom, and rights.
Doing all of this 'watching' doesn't stop crime, or even thwart it. People will go on doing what they've always been doing through other methods. While the average joe citizen has to suffer and lose all privacy.
I'll take my chances with the terrorists.
- Like Reply Link Flag
- A Prediction
- Soon. Quite soon there will be a "terrorist event that will dwarf
911 in scope and loss of life. My guess would be that a major
American city would have some kind of nuclear "event". No one
will ever be able to positively trace the origins of the "device". Al
Quida will be the de-facto villain. Yet some US military storage
facility somewhere will be missing a warhead or uranium or
plutonium. In reality, no terrorists will be involved. Only
members of a clandestine arm of our own government. The
extraordinary powers that will be willingly and enthusiastically
granted government and law enforcement subsequent to this
event will make the patriot act look like a pooper scooper law by
comparison. And then ladies and gentlemen, we will all wake up
in a country that no longer belongs to us.
- Like Reply Link Flag
- Here's another prediction
- The irrational fear of terrorism and the more irrational fear that it can be eliminated by technical means and by the creation of a police state will create a bigger and bigger dragnet that causes more and more innocent Americans to go broke, ending up with nothing to lose, defending themselves against bogus charges.
When that number gets high enough there will be a civil war.
Let's not forget that all law is there to provide recourse. Once enough people lack recourse, they will find a way to get it outside the law.
The law would do very well to step back from criminalizing victimless actions and refine the prosecution of those crimes that have actual victims.
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- Effectiveness
- Privacy was non-existent in the 18th century when this country was founded. The average person had little privacy and the wealthy had none. The reason that the founders of this country were so adamant about freedom for both political thought and economic activity is due in part to their lack of privacy. Their answer was to legislate a situation where this lack made no difference - you couldn't be accused or prosecuted for your opinions. Just because the government has collected a mound of data does NOT mean that the 4th admendment has been abolished or due process ignored. All of the stuff collected will have to go through due process just as any evidence collected has. The due process clause had been the defense and the protection of us since the beginning and it will continue to do so.
That being said, the idea simply won't work - your ISP might store everything you put on their computers - email etc. But that doesn't mean that your email uses their computers. Or your IM's, your WebCams, your web pages. Anyone with a bit of technical expertise can set up their own server to do all of this and be beyond the reach of the ISP logs. Even attempts to trap all traffic from specific ports wouldn't work as the volume would be enormous and services can be run on non-standard ports. Copying all traffic and storing it not really technologically feasable, given the volume of internet traffic on even a small ISP. This idea simply won't work.
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- Watergate, Filegate And More
- The Justice Department, FBI, CIA, and NSA all report to the Executive Branch. We have seen over the years, starting with Nixon and Watergate to Clinton and Filegate (remember that one -- FBI files that mysteriously appeared in the White House), that there are few real protections and NO OVERSIGHT as to what goes on behind White House closed doors. Having access to individuals' web and email activity will provide a boon to corrupt administrations that want to compile dirt on their opposition and wage character assasination. This is the real danger -- that the opposition will effectively be neutralized. The govenerance of the country then basically becomes a dictatorship.
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- The Gestapo....American Style
- For those too young to remember, the tactics of this Justice Department are getting more and more frighteningly remiscent of Nazi Germany's Gestapo,
i.e. secret police fifty years ago.
How long will the American public put up with these fascist policies????
- Like Reply Link Flag
- How long will the American public put up with these ?
- You asked this question How long will the American public put up with these fascist policies????. As long as the U.S. Government uses the tactics that they sell to the American public on their families safety. They will get what they want. It not to protect us from terrorist attacks. They have and had the means and ways to prevent that along time ago. It not to protect our children from evil preys. If that is a concern then it up to the parents or guardians to monitor and control the way the internet is used in the homes. For child porn ISPs can monitor websites that has that and block the IP number from accessing it. IMs services like Yahoo, AIM, and others can shut down room that has child porn or evil prey. They can band the IPs from using their services. We have the tools that can be used toward these issues. What it is, and it been preached for many years. That the Government wants to take our freedom away. The goals for the U.S. Government is full control. That goes for most all the Governments in the world. It called NEW WORLD ODER!!!! ONE Government controlling all of the world and the people. Some may not agree with what I say and there the ones that are allowing this to happen without putting up a fight. So as long as the Government keeps Blowing Sunshine Up The Backsides of the American Fools. There is no hope for the future for Freedom and or Privacy.
- Like Link Flag
- "Clipper-chip"opponents were decried as "nuts"...
- You know, there were many individuals that pointed out that the "Clipper-Chip" concept had broader ramifications, as well as, intended-expansions.
But, those people were just called "paranoid...", by those that did not want to accept what was going on.
Now, we have absolute PROOF (in the form of declassified government-documents) that the "Government" HAD intended to "mandate" the technology from the beginning.
Later, many discussed "Echelon", ...and were "pooh-poohed" for their troubles. Furthermore, at first, the U.S. Government actively DENIED ITS VERY EXISTENCE. Now, you can read numerous official publications on the program, its people and the installations involved.
The simple fact of the matter is that, "our government" (both Democrats AND Republicans) HAVE been working for decades to turn America into a TOTALITARIAN SURVEILLANCE-STATE (to serve itself AND a powerful-few).
If you do not believe it...
Try to walk down a city street without being recorded by a government video-camera.
Or, travel by bus, train, or airplane, without being registered in a government-accessible data-base.
Your phone is tapped by "CALEA" requirements. And, your car (if made after 1996) is required (by Federal-law) to have a "travel-data recorder-port".
Your banking-transactions are available to the Government, without a warrant.
Your Library activities are subject to government-seizure, and scrutiny, without "probable-cause".
You can be stopped, without cause, and be ordered to show ID just to walk down a public-street. And, you can be ARRESTED and SEARCHED for simply asking "why..?".
And, this is just the TIP of the iceberg.
But, at least the FBI (by Federal-Law and at TAXPAYER-EXPENSE) must now treat allegations of "copyright infringement" as a serious FEDERAL-CRIME.
Boy, I feel safer. Dont you..?
- Like Reply Link Flag
- Doesn't China Do This?
- It's getting harder and harder to tell the difference between the way the Chinese government operates and "our" government. China has Internet access locked down tight as a drum. They claim it is for the good of their people. Any difference from what DOJ is claiming?
In another 10 years the only difference between China and the United States will be that China has all the jobs and economic growth. I think we all better start learning Mandarin.
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- Big Brother tightening his grip
- This is yet another attempt by the government to keep tabs on the activities of ordinary citizens - a blatant invasion of privacy in the name of reducing crime and national security. This blatant attempt should be strongly deplored, and everybody should give their ISPs an earful of what they think of this shameful attempt.
- Like Reply Link Flag
- This seems to be an alarming trend. Our privacy and rights are being trampled on and our society lies down and allows it to happen. Am I missing something? At some point in time was the Constitution declared null and void? Very silently, America the beautiful has become America the police state. The idea that this country was founded on, freedom(s), is no more. Sure, we can walk around freely, we can write what we want, we can say what we want, but, every single thing we do is being watched and archived. These ridiculous laws that have gone into effect, such as the patriot act, have completely eroded our expectation of privacy and chewed up and spit out our constitution. Let's face it, society is sleeping. Society is allowing every facet of our daily life to be invaded and archived. Sure, its in the name of fighting terrorism, which is a noble thing, but bottom line is THEY VIOLATE OUR CONSTITUTION. I ask this: Since when can we pick and choose which parts of our constitution we wish to follow? The direction this country is heading saddens me.
- Like Reply Link Flag
- Is this worth losing our freedom over?
- Let me be clear: child porn and exploitation are wrong, vile, evil
things that people should be locked up forever and kept far
away from. Enforcement of child porn laws should be vigorous.
BUT: In our great free country, preserving our democracy and
liberty are far more important. Maybe we can trust today's FBI,
but who knows if we can trust tomorrow's? This is why we have
the 4th and 5th amendments: to make sure we are free of abuse
from government.
These log retention laws are a violation of our civil rights. No
matter how bad child porn and exploitation are (and they are
awful!), it would be a shame to sacrifice our freedom for what
would amount to be an incremental improvement (if any!) in
child porn law enforcement.
It irritates me to hear people attack those who are in favor of
draconian laws like these claim that people who attempt to fight
them are 'soft on child porn.' It's only fair for me to retaliate
with an equally absurd claim of my own. To them (and only
them) I say, child porn and exploitation would be less of a
problem if those people kept a closer watch on their kids and
taught their kids how to handle inappropriate situations.
I wouldn't make the same charge against people who don't try to
get these laws passed.
- Like Reply Link Flag
- Oh, Brother - BIG Brother!
- While I understand the concerns rearding public safety, the line needs to be drawn somewhere and drawn quickly. This retention or whatever of everyone's email chat & browsing habits is unconstitutional. This is the sort of thing a judge needs to issue a warrant for. You can't issue a blanket warrant to cover everyone in the world. This is a gross invasion of privacy. With this sort of privacy invasion condoned and put into practice, soon eveyone everywhere will have access to medical & banking records, etc. If identity theft is bad now, it'll get very much worse if data retention becomes the law of the land. Seems to me our government is way more paranoid than it is intelligent. Or fair.
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- Hitler Tipe Law
- I said it before & I'll say it again. If what they,THE GOV. does this it will be the same as Hitler had Germeny.
Privicy is what freedom is built on.
As for as the 9/11,They had the tools,but didn't use them.
I myself don't care that much about them listening on me,but if they can listen to me I want the same to listen on them, The Gov.has more to hide than I do.
I told a friend more than 10yr. ago what #3 said.
They have tried to back the constitution for quite some time.
Besides who would able to determent what one is saying to another. I learned that one word could change the meaning of a sentence,& a sentence could change the meaning of a paragraph, so how would they know what you are talking about,who would determent this?
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- Problem, Reaction Solution
- Child pornography is a problem granted. But the solution proposed by the government is just another loss of our individual freedoms. Initially, the ruse was internet secords needed to be kept by ISP's to track terrorists. Fortunately, the Internet honcho's had the intelligence to see through that one. So now, the ISP owners will be the bad guys, by letting the child pornographers ply their trade and customers surf to the wretched sites.
The Internet is the last bastion of free speech in America. Sure, Echelon watches over it all, so they can catch the baddies if they really want to. This is just another case of eroding our disappearing rights even further.
Give it a rest, guys. The Internet is free territory.
- Like Reply Link Flag
- Solution
- If Law Enforcement wants someone's logs bad enough, THEY should provide the mechanisms to "perserve" this data. Bandwidth, Storage Space and Human Resources are expensive. You can't have the entire business Internet community keep all this data for 2 months! On the other hand, businesses who have good Disaster Recover processes in place will keep a few days to a few weeks but this is ONLY for Disasters not Law Enforcement because it costs lots of $$$$ money!!! to recover it.
A simple method is if LE wants it, the request a customer's logs and then the business entity forwards/re-directs, etc the information to the LE location.
- Like Link Flag
- we (USA) fought wars against governments that pulled this sort of crap on their people! The land of the free eh? today yeah, not so sure about our tomorrows though.
- Like Reply Link Flag
- Just apply this to postal mail.
- What if, 30 years ago before e-mail, the government declared it would open and photocopy all personal postal mail just in case they wanted to investigate any person in the future? If the government even suggesed it, do you think there would not be a torrential public outcry?
- Like Reply Link Flag
- Differance in law
- Federal law prohibits the unauthorized viewing of snail mail. There is no such law regrading email, there never has been. Email is NOT private, it is public.
- Like Link Flag
- Not quite the same
- Your analogy isn't quite accurate.
The US DJO isn't pushing for the govt to have instant and unquestioned access to this information - only that ISPs would be required to keep it. Law enforcement agencies, or individuals in civil matters, would still need to go through the process of getting warrants/subpoenas.
I've outlined how not keeping these records threatens our safety elsewhere. Something you might not be aware of is the growing amount of electronic harassment that occurs, and one of the biggest problems in protecting people from it is this lack of records.
I've read many accounts of the victims of electronic harassment and a common theme is both ISPs and the "law" ignoring such harassment, which can go on for years. Without logs (which some ISPs do keep) they can't substantiate or disprove a claim - so they just don't deal with it.
As far as privacy concerns go, if you're not doing anything wrong (and most of us don't), then you have nothing to fear from ISPs keeping account logs.
- Like Link Flag
- Privacy
- Whenever politicians get teary-eyed over children, puppies and such, the public is about to get screwed again. This record keeping is simply another government empowerment scheme to undermine the constitutional rights of individuals.
- Like Reply Link Flag
- How activity logs protect you
- I've been in communication with Yahoo for almost a year, in relation to some email fraud. I had requested originally an account log. They're a standard where I live (outside the US) and it never occurred to me that Yahoo doesn't keep them. They also never suggested, in their many communications with me, that they didn't keep them. It's taken an enormous amount of effort and the involvement of a government agency for them to just admit that they don't.
An individual faked some death and rape threat emails which she claimed originated from my Tahoo account. I wasn't worried - I thought there'd be logs. I contacted Yahoo - they said sure, but we can't just give it to you, you need to subpoena it. I had a subpoena issued. Yahoo ignored it. etc. etc.
Luckily for me, the woman who faked these emails took them to the police, who quickly figured out she was lying. Her story when the police asked to actually see these emails (not just the printed copies) was that she printed them and immediately deleted them. Add to this her established history of harassing me and psychiatric history and it all smells a bit funny. Even better for me, her email provider does keep logs - the police issued warrants and voila - proof positive they had been fabricated. The police warned to leave me alone - a happy ending?
Not quite. That all took some time though, especially since the police (to save their time) were waiting for Yahoo to honour the subpoena and provide the activity log. This lunatic took me to a civil proceeding in the meantime, and an older magistrate, obviously with no knowledge of how easily these can be faked, believed her.
That's the danger you face, without these logs being kept. As things currently stand, if someone doesn't like you, this is all they have to do to cause you some very serious grief:
Step one - create an account using your name (eg. email@example.com) or something close.
Step two - using the account with your name on it, they send themselves (preferably to an address with a provider who also doesn't keep account logs) that is somehow illegal in nature (eg. threats)
Result - you're in a lot of trouble.
I was horrified when the govt agency helping me to sort this out with Yahoo told me that Yahoo had (after some months of communicating with them) finally admitted to not keeping the logs. Then I did a web search, found this article and WOW. I'm amazed that they aren't kept, but I'm glad there seems to be some pressure for change, and possibly even legislation.
For those who cite "privacy" concerns - the only reason you have to fear such logs is if you're doing something you shouldn't be doing. If you're like the majority of people in our civilisation, you have nothing to fear from these logs, and in fact they protect you.
I sincerely hope such logs become a standard in the near future.
- Like Reply Link Flag
- Big Brother and the ISP watchdogs....
- Tell me...why should I trust my ISP? Because they had more money to get started in the ISP biz than I did or do?
Who can you trust nowdays....I liked Terorism Schmerrorism.......BUSH is who should be under the microscope here!
Check me out...I'm clean except for dirty UA's which I believe to be unconstitutional and against the law....I get cut off meds I need because I like drugs? Something wrong with this country BAD!
- Like Reply Link Flag
- Somebody Who Sees It
- Finally, somebody who seems to see the situation for what it is.
Title 18 secton 2252 contains provisions for outlawing the production and sale of child porn. The process of doing these two things takes an awful toll on some children, and the parts of 2252 that punish such behavior are appropriate.
However, there is a section of 2252 that is unbelievably restrictive regarding the simple possession of child porn. The punishment for simply viewing such a picture is absurdly draconian, and is mandatory.
I find it creepy that someone would want to view this stuff. But combine the miniscule behavior that results in a horrific sentence with the ease of having that "contraband" hacked onto your computer, and this is obviously nothing more than a way to induce terror into the computer-using public's mind.
Let's not forget that it was written, in part, by Mark Foley, of sexual-pervert fame.
All of this is a recipe to, at very minimum, force unknowing and innocent victims to spend all their life's savings to prove they had no idea such a thing was on their computers.
This is the wrong way to attack this problem. Prosecute manufacturers and sellers, yes. Prosecute hapless net users who know little of the security issues and dangers, and you have definitely stepped over the line.
Here is my solution, and I am implementing it immediately.
Every week in the mail, for years, I have received a little card with two photos of missing children on it. Usually, it is actually one missing child and one person with whom that child was last seen. I RELIGIOUSLY (and I don't do much else religiously) made DAMN SURE I looked at those photos carefully, just to see whether I had run across anyone in them in recent memory.
Starting today, ALL such cards will be the first into the shredder, and I'll make the trip from the mailbox to the shredder with my driving glasses on so I cannot see the pictures.
Same with billboards. I will NEVER call any toll-free number, even if I recognize a missing child. And I will not report any crime I see being committed against a person I perceive to be under the age of 18.
These new rules will remain in effect as long as the ridiculous, jack-booted thug section of 2252 is on the books.
The cause of protecting children has lost a very valuable asset. I hope that it loses yet more, and realizes that it better get back to the job of protecting actual children rather than terrorizing innocent computer users.
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