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Infrastructure snapshots
The place where you will find posts for Microsoft infrastructure articles, info, latest news and offcourse articles that i create!
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Related Posts
Blog Post:
Exchange 2010 Address List Segregation and Current Support Stances
Mohamed Baher [MSFT]
Critical update from Dave regarding Exchange 2010 Address List segregation and our current support statement. Read the details at http://blogs.msdn.com/dgoldman/archive/2010/05/10/critical-update-exchange-2010-address-list-segregation-and-current-support-stances.aspx
10 May 2010
Blog Post:
Robert's Rules of Exchange: Namespace Planning
Mohamed Baher [MSFT]
Copied from http://msexchangeteam.com/archive/2010/11/22/456992.aspx . Many thanks for Robert Gillies Overview Robert's Rules of Exchange is a series of blog posts in which we take a fictitious company, describe their existing Exchange implementation, and then walk you through the design, installation...
27 Nov 2010
Blog Post:
Exchange 2010: Proxy or Redirect?
Mohamed Baher [MSFT]
In Exchange 2007 we introduced the concept of proxying and redirection to manage the multi sites deployments (Internet facing & Non-Internet facing). In transitioning to Exchange 2010 CAS it's a must now to use a new legacy Exchange environment with a new URL for OWA & EAS "mostly we use legacy...
17 Dec 2009
Blog Post:
Demystifying Exchange 2010 database availability group (DAG)
Mohamed Baher [MSFT]
What is a DAG? A database availability group (DAG) is the base component of the high availability and site resilience framework that is built into Exchange 2010. A DAG is a group of up to 16 Mailbox servers that host a set of databases and provide automatic database-level recovery from failures that...
27 Jul 2009
Blog Post:
Outlook 2007 support for Exchange 2010 personal Archives
Mohamed Baher [MSFT]
Finally Outlook 2007 now supports Exchange 2010 personal archives, you need to install an update that is now available in December 2010 Cumulative Update for Office 2007 You can read more details at http://msexchangeteam.com/archive/2010/12/20/457238.aspx Enjoy!
24 Dec 2010
Blog Post:
Installing Update Rollups on Database Availability Group Members
Mohamed Baher [MSFT]
Although it's documented on our TechNet however I always receive a question for how to install a RU on DAG members, so to make it easier here is the simple steps to do so: Use the StartDagServerMaintenance.ps1 script to put the DAG member in maintenance mode Install the update rollup Use the StopDagServerMaintenance...
13 Sep 2010
Blog Post:
Large Message Processing in Exchange, Part 1: Prevention and Planning
Mohamed Baher [MSFT]
An Excellent article that you should read at http://msexchangeteam.com/archive/2009/07/07/451737.aspx Thanks Scott Landry , Mohammad Nadeem and Bill Long for this great blog,
26 Jul 2009
Blog Post:
Exchange 2007 mailbox server role storage requirements calculator
Mohamed Baher [MSFT]
We have released our Exchange 2007 storage calculator, get the calculator and the full article at the Exchange team blog http://msexchangeteam.com/archive/2007/01/15/432207.aspx
16 Jan 2007
Blog Post:
Exchange 2010 SP1 Software Development Kits
Mohamed Baher [MSFT]
Hello Exchange Developers! We've just released updated Software Development Kits for Exchange 2010 SP1. If you develop applications for Exchange Server, grab these SDKs from the Download Center. 1. Microsoft Exchange Server 2010 SP1 Web Services SDK October 2010 This release of the Exchange 2010 Service...
1 Nov 2010
Blog Post:
Exchange 2007 SP1 content is online
Mohamed Baher [MSFT]
Check Exchange 2007 SP1 technical information at http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb124558.aspx . Lot of new and cool features are there.
9 Sep 2007
Blog Post:
The Official Stance on Address List Segregation
Mohamed Baher [MSFT]
Copied from http://blogs.msdn.com/b/dgoldman/archive/2011/01/28/the-official-stance-on-address-list-segregation.aspx?wa=wsignin1.0 Since the early days of Exchange Server our customers have used various methods to provide different views of the Global Address List (GAL) to subsets of users within...
5 Feb 2011
Blog Post:
IMAP Migration FAQ
Mohamed Baher [MSFT]
A major update for the MS transporter suite is released which supports migration from IMAP/POP servers http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=35FC4205-792B-4306-8E4B-0DE9CCE72172&displaylang=en . It is much more easier to use the suite than using the below hints. Q: Can i migrate...
18 Apr 2007
Blog Post:
Exchange Server 2007 Service Pack 2 available in Q3 2009
Mohamed Baher [MSFT]
Key new features of Exchange Server 2007 SP2 unveiled today include: Enhanced Auditing - New Exchange auditing events and audit log repository enable Exchange administrators to more easily audit the activities occurring on their Exchange servers. It allows the right balance of granularity, performance...
18 May 2009
Blog Post:
Outlook stuck on connecting while downloading OAB
Mohamed Baher [MSFT]
Do you have Exchange 2010 and you face an issue where your Outlook clients stuck on connecting status when they try to download the OAB through web distribution? It seems that this is a common issue and I found that this will happen if you configured IIS redirection to simplify you OWA URL… After configuring...
23 Sep 2010
Blog Post:
Update Rollup 9 for Exchange Server 2007 Service Pack 1 has been released
Mohamed Baher [MSFT]
We have released Update Rollup 9 for Exchange Server 2007 Service Pack 1 (KB 970162) to the download center. The release of the rollup via Microsoft Update will happen on July 28. Read the details at http://msexchangeteam.com/archive/2009/07/17/451835.aspx also KB 970162 has more details about this release...
26 Jul 2009
Blog Post:
Who said that transaction goes from Logs to DB!!!!!
Mohamed Baher [MSFT]
I've heard lot of discussions going about how Exchange ESE works and that the transactions goes from the Logs to the DB based on the checkpoint depth. I've collected some small info from different sources trying to explain how ESE writes transactions to the DB. The following five subcomponents of ESE...
22 Jan 2008
Blog Post:
Outlook Anywhere changes in Exchange Server 2007 SP1
Mohamed Baher [MSFT]
Interesting blog about changes in Outlook Anywhere (RPC/HTTP) in SP1, i recommend reading it at http://msexchangeteam.com/archive/2007/11/08/447484.aspx
10 Nov 2007
Blog Post:
Recommended Exchange 2007 hotfix
Mohamed Baher [MSFT]
There is a .NET CLR hotfix that has just been released and which is recommended to be applied on every Exchange 2007 server. It is more urgent to apply this on CAS servers with multiple protocols to reduce the memory load noticed on CAS servers with other roles, but in general it is recommended to be...
4 Oct 2007
Blog Post:
Auto complete, Reply-ability, I need my X500!!!!
Mohamed Baher [MSFT]
Sometimes i join discussions regarding Exchange cross-org migrations and the most hot topics is always about migration planning, mailboxes content migration, user's notification, outlook profiles, etc… but what about the below two important points: · Outlook auto complete feature (Automatic...
17 Feb 2008
Blog Post:
Exchange Server Deployment Assistant
Mohamed Baher [MSFT]
New deployment assistant is released here http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/exdeploy2010/default.aspx#Index Enjoy!
13 Dec 2010
Blog Post:
Exchange 2007 SP1 ESE Changes - Part 2
Mohamed Baher [MSFT]
This is part 2 of the very interesting article about the changes in ESE in Exchange 2007 SP1. Highly recommended for reading, http://msexchangeteam.com/archive/2007/12/06/447695.aspx
14 Dec 2007
Blog Post:
Exchange 2010 setup wizard
Mohamed Baher [MSFT]
In this article I'll give you a tour for the Exchange 2010 setup wizard, if you deployed Exchange 2007 before you will be familiar of the Exchange 2010 setup wizard, if not then here is how it looks: Finally here is the Exchange 2010 EMC. Exchange 2010 setup prerequisites http://technet.microsoft.com...
1 May 2009
Blog Post:
Exchange 2010 DAG Single Copy Alert Script Released
Mohamed Baher [MSFT]
Exchange team released an important monitoring script called CheckDatabaseRedundancy.ps1 to the Exchange Team blog. The script monitors the redundancy of replicated mailbox databases in a DAG by validating that there is at least two configured and healthy and current copies, and it generates alert...
27 May 2010
Blog Post:
Update Rollup 1 for Exchange Server 2010 SP1
Mohamed Baher [MSFT]
Exchange 2010 SP1 RU1 is released, you can download it from here http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=a371fa96-e85b-4a4f-8242-15d56595d0ec&displaylang=en Note for Forefront users For those of you running Forefront, be sure you perform these important steps from the command...
7 Oct 2010
Blog Post:
Who said 'combine VMWare HA with Exchange HA'???
Mohamed Baher [MSFT]
Great reference post at http://msexchangeteam.com/archive/2010/11/09/456851.aspx about misleading VMWare guidance for increasing Exchange HA using their technologies…
10 Nov 2010
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Bit random but my friend as driving round a supermarket car park and basically clipped the back end of a mondeo (06 Plate) as she didnt quite take her steering off in time, we got out and exchanged details with the other party however... We just wondered if anyone knew how much the quote is likely to cost? Obviously its quite difficult for anyone to advise, but it was 2 very light scratches, no dents, one just above the wheel arch, the other on the side of the car (back door) i have taken some photos for her, but can't upload them at the moment!
She was only doing about 10MPH so the damage was very minimal, being a girl - shes very very upset and hoped someone could help me by advising her what shes to expect!
twinklesMember Since 30 Jun 2009
Offline Last Active Jul 21 2009 06:56 PM
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Paul D
06 Aug 2009 - 11:58

subset: commoncrawl


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You are streaming Fun in solarium porn video from Pornhub sex channel. Free Fun in solarium sex movie was added from FreeSpanking together with more porno videos. Find more homemade, teens, young, point, view, amateur, teen, pov porn on our biggest collection of free sex videos. Well organized porno movies are updated daily.
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Narrow down the 17 results:Map View
We have a range of budget places to stay in Puerto Montt from as low as £11 per night
Based on previous Puerto Montt accommodation searches, the average starting price is £33
Want to splurge? At the top end in Puerto Montt, we have 4 places to stay with prices starting at £61
x The average starting price for a place to stay in Puerto Montt is £33 per night.
San Pablo 670 Puerto Montt Sta.Teresa 643 Puerto MonttAwesome 89%
Avenida Seminario, 252 Los LagosExcellent 90%
berthirsch The location of hostal is excellent it is near all transportation and walkling distance to many places. The hostal is very clean. The breakfast was really good. , The owner makes eggs or crepes with custard inside she gives coffee and fresh fruit., If you look like you are hungry she gives extra. The owner,Sra. Veronica is very generous with her time and likes to share history with people. For me it was a great experience.
Avda Costanera S NGreat 80%
Francisco Vivar 1135 Los Guindos 3290 66%
Colonia Sargazo, edge Parque Nacional Alerce Andino0 0%
junige Extremely friendly people who have been in the hospedaje business for 25 years. You can also take Spanish classes there, and if your Spanish is not so good when you first get there, they speak excellent English.
david_wong2 Had a great experience in this place, very clean and nice and abundant breakfasts included, the host is very helpful with any advice and even organised our laundry and tours. great place to stay, contemporary and warm. We recommend you try the Pisco Sour drink. A bit of a hill to walk if you don't have wheels. Cheers.
Create your own travel plan including Puerto Montt as one of your stops. You can use it to store all your research (even hotels found on other websites!)
Do you have questions about Puerto Montt? You might try asking in our active travel forums and see if anyone else has been there.
Keep your family and friends up to date with your trip by starting your own travel blog!


text:
onesixtyone 0.3.2 – An Efficient SNMP Scanner
The SNMP protocol is a stateless, datagram oriented protocol. An SNMP scanner is a program that sends SNMP requests to multiple IP addresses, trying different community strings and waiting for a reply. Unfortunately SNMP servers don't respond to requests with invalid community strings and the underlying UDP protocol does not reliably report closed UDP ports. This means that 'no response' from the probed IP address can mean either of the following:
- machine unreachable
- SNMP server not running
- invalid community string
- the response datagram has not yet arrived
The approach taken by most SNMP scanners is to send the request, wait for n seconds and assume that the community string is invalid. If only 1 of every hundred scanned IP addresses responds to the SNMP request, the scanner will spend 99*n seconds waiting for replies that will never come.
This makes traditional SNMP scanners very inefficient.
onesixtyone takes a different approach to SNMP scanning. It takes advantage of the fact that SNMP is a connectionless protocol and sends all SNMP requests as fast as it can. Then the scanner waits for responses to come back and logs them, in a fashion similar to Nmap ping sweeps. By default onesixtyone waits for 10 milliseconds between sending packets, which is adequate for 100Mbs switched networks. The user can adjust this value via the -w command line option. If set to 0, the scanner will send packets as fast as the kernel would accept them, which may lead to packet drop.
Running onesixtyone on a class B network (switched 100Mbs with 1Gbs backbone) with -w 10 gives us a performance of 3 seconds per class C, with no dropped packets. All 65536 IP addresses were scanned in less than 13 minutes.
You can download onesixtyone here:
Or read more here.
- american fuzzy lop – Security Oriented Fuzzing Tool
- KeeFarce – Extract KeePass Passwords (2.x) From Database
- 0d1n – Web HTTP Fuzzing Tool
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text:
"I'm sure that without Zita's advice and supplements I would never have survived filming at eighteen weeks. Zita is often called a fertility and pregnancy guru, and I'm definitely one of her followers. The guidance and support she has given me through both my pregnancies has helped me to stay healthy and positive and to relax and enjoy the whole experience – at least most of the time! If you would like some advice on anything to do with having a baby, Zita would be the first person I would recommend you turn to." Kate Winslet
Combining Western medicine and a holistic approach
For most women, pregnancy is a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs with many unfamiliar physical and emotional changes that can be both confusing and alarming. I have had the pleasure of working for over twenty years as a midwife, acupuncturist and author both within the UK's National Health Service and now in my own private practice in London.
I am a firm believer in western medicine being combined with a holistic approach. Over the years I have treated thousands of women and I have observed first hand, the use and benefits of natural remedies and holistic therapies in pregnancy. Today's women really do want to take control of their pregnancies naturally, and I think quite rightly are unwilling to
be passive and take a back seat in their antenatal care. Pregnancy is not an illness. It is a condition that requires information, advice and support.
First trimester troubles
The early weeks can be very stressful. I sometimes feel women need more time to adjust to their pregnancies at the beginning, rather than at the end. Every ache and pain can lead to worrying about whether the pregnancy will continue or not. The anticipation of breaking the news at work can be difficult to deal with, and additional stress can be caused by the feeling that one is eating or drinking something that is 'not allowed'. Many women worry that their diet isn't perfect enough but most underestimate the amount of carbohydrates needed in the early weeks – remember, faddy diets are an absolute no no at this time! I believe that help is needed most during the first trimester, but unfortunately the NHS usually are not able to see women until the 16th week. I also feel that women who have conceived through IVF are particularly vulnerable to anxiety and concern during these early stages.
With this in mind I have developed the 'Zita West Pregnancy Programme'. Designed to fill the gaps left by GPs and the NHS, the programme provides a specialist 'back up' service that is uniquely tailored to the individual. From the sixth week of pregnancy onwards, our team of experts provide step by step advice and regular checks right the way through until birth. Once you have had your baby we help with breast feeding workshops and give you information on how to get back into shape. We also tackle sleep deprivation issues and how to overcome them, and if you can't get to the clinic, we provide post-natal support in your home.
What you eat in the early weeks is vital
One of the main focuses for me when I first see my clients is nutrition. This is crucial at the early stages of pregnancy, and yet excessive morning sickness can lead to certain micro-nutrients not being absorbed properly. Not only that, but if you constantly feeling like being sick, you probably don't have much of an appetite!
Most doctors are not keen on the use of vitamins and minerals during pregnancy (although these days they do advocate the use of Folic Acid). They tend to feel that if you have a balanced diet, you don't need supplementation. However how many of us can really say we have a balanced diet these days? If we do, there is evidence that the effects of pesticides and chemicals can negate the positive nutritional qualities of our food.
If morning sickness means that you don't feel like eating much, I recommend that you take a multivitamin and mineral supplement designed for use during pregnancy to ensure you give your baby the best chances of healthy development. DHA is also one of my 'pregnancy essentials'. DHA is made from fish oil that contains Omega-3 fatty acids. Scientists have recognized that it has valuable roles in boosting the foetal growth rate and also for the developing brain of the unborn baby. I believe that DHA will become as important as Folic Acid in the future.
Here are my tips for early pregnancy:
- Don't smoke – it is associated with miscarriage, low birth weight and premature labour.
- No coffee – this can cause miscarriage in 1st trimester and also affects absorption of certain minerals.
- Try to avoid flying in the early early weeks – there is no research to support this but this is my advice due to effects from radiation.
- No alcohol – the government recommend 2 units per week but bear in mind that if you have a drink you are giving your baby a drink.
- Positive thinking and accepting reassurance from others, especially women who have experienced the trauma of miscarriage.
- Consider a number of complementary therapies and treatments to help ease the symptoms of pregnancy. At my clinic we provide massage, acupuncture for common ailments, hypnotherapy for emotional problems.
- Supplementation with DHA on a daily basis throughout the pregnancy and into lactation.
- As much rest and relaxation as possible.
No woman needs to suffer pain or discomfort during pregnancy. There are a wealth of natural remedies and treatments out there that have proved their worth over centuries to give you a helping hand. Above all, be positive, try to relax and really enjoy your pregnancy!


text:
Tommy Armstrong Jr. has kept the Nebraska offense moving with Taylor Martinez out.
- Filed Under
Here are 10 items of interest for Saturday's game against Nebraska:Refreshed
After a week off to improve fundamentals and focus, are the Boilermakers ready to take a step forward?Future is here
Quarterback Danny Etling makes his first career start against one of the nation's winningest programs. Can the freshman jumpstart an offense that ranks 117th nationally?Road trip ...


text:
The Myth of Race-Based Germanic Antisemitism
- Uploaded by Hoaxbuster on Aug 9, 2011
- Views: 21
In the video above, Benjamin Freedman, a former Zionist Jew, gives a first-hand account of the German Zionist Jews' betrayal of Germany in World War I and the consequences that the betrayal had for German-Jewish relations in post-World War I Germany.
As Mr. Freedman clearly explains, Jews had always been well-treated in Germany until after World War I when German representatives to the Paris Peace Conference of 1919 discovered that, in October of 1916, Zionist Jews in Germany had surreptitiously sold-out their own country at the point in time during World War I when Germany had practically won the war and all hope was lost for the Allies. In return for turning the tables on Germany and using the Zionist network in the United States to bring that country into the war to fight on the side of the Allies, the Zionists Jews obtained the promise that Jews would have the right to settle and buy land in Palestine after the end of the war if the Allies were victorious. At the time of this clandestine Allied-Zionist agreement the British were still fighting to gain complete control of Palestine, which they eventually did secure in December of 1917 after winning the Battle of Jerusalem.
After the October 1916 Zionist subterfuge, but before the war had ended, the Allies' promise to the Zionists of a Palestinian homeland for Jews was publicly memorialized in what later came to be known as the Balfour Declaration. The following letter, issued in 1917 to Lord Walter Rothschild (2nd Baron Rothschild of the Rothschild Family) by the British Foreign Secretary Arthur James Balfour (a former Prime Minister), represented the first political recognition of Zionist aims by a major power:
"Foreign Office November 2nd, 1917
Dear Lord Rothschild,
I have much pleasure in conveying to you, on behalf of His Majesty's Government, the following declaration of sympathy with Jewish Zionist aspirations which has been submitted to, and approved by, the Cabinet.
His Majesty's Government view with favour the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people, and will use their best endeavours to facilitate the achievement of this object, it being clearly understood that nothing shall be done which may prejudice the civil and religious rights of existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine, or the rights and political status enjoyed by Jews in any other country.
I should be grateful if you would bring this declaration to the knowledge of the Zionist Federation.
Yours sincerely,
Arthur James Balfour"
After World War I, in order to disguise the true reason for the suspicion and contempt toward Jews that grew among Germans due to the discovery of this Zionist betrayal of them during the war, the myth began to be perpetuated in Zionist-controlled newspapers outside of Germany that Germans were racist and that they had a hatred of Jews based upon racial animosity toward them - an animosity frequently painted as something that was inherent in the nature of the Germanic people. Mr. Freedman also states that, though there was much conflict between Jews and Germans in Germany after World War I due to the Zionist betrayal, nevertheless, there was no violence toward Jews by Germans at that time, as was also commonly reported in the United States and other countries having a Zionist-controlled media.


text:
world of sissons
company profile
Comporate Information
It was in 1959 that SISSONS PAINTS (EAST) SDN BHD first started in Malaysia, although SISSONS' technology in paint making goes back 185 years when Sissons Brothers founded a company in HULL, England in 1803. The Sissons family controlled the concern until 1964 when Reckitt and Colman bought over the Company. Subsequently, in 1968, the Donald Macpherson Group in the UK took over. SISSONS' well-known trademark of 'THE MEN AND PLANK' has been in use since 1910.
When the Tikkurila Oy Group of Companies in Finland acquired the Macpherson Group in 1984, SISSONS became associated with Finland's largest paint manufacturer, having its affiliations internationally both in Finland and the UK, as well as the Netherlands, Sweden and Trinidad.
The ultimate holding Company of Tikkurila Oy and Sissons Paints (East) Sdn Bhd is KEMIRA OY, incorporated back in 1920 and is one of the largest companies and largest chemical company in Finland with operations at 15 locations in the domestic market and 30 locations in 19 countries worldwide. Besides paints, the Kemira Group also major in fertilizers and agrochemical, pigments, man-made and fibres yarns, industrial chemicals, filters, explosive, ammunitions and safety equipment.
In 1992, Boustead Holdings Berhad, one of the largest conglomerates in Malaysia acquired then know as Kemira Sissons Paints Sdn Bhd. Boustead Holdings Berhad is a well-diversified public listed company with interests in plantation, heavy industries, property, finance, investment, trading, manufacturing and services.
As result of this acquisition and to reflect a common identity, as well as to project an international corporate image among the subsidiaries within the Boustead Group nationwide, we have since JULY 1993 incorporated the name Boustead into our company's name and is now know as Boustead Sissons Paints Sdn Bhd.
Shortly after the granting of Independence of the then Federation of Malaya in 1957, foreign, and mainly British manufactures were encouraged to invest in Malaya with attractive tax incentive and cheap land offered to what were then called 'pioneer' companies and it become somewhat incumbent upon those Commonwealth firms, which had previously enjoyed considerable privileges and experts to the Straits Settlements, the Federated and Unfederated Malay States, Sarawak and British North Borneo, to either establish production facilities in the area or loose their sales to local producers who would, inevitably, be protected by import tariffs.
It was at that time that SISSONS PAINTS (EAST) SDN BHD commenced operations by acquiring a manufacturing site in Petaling Jaya and also a factory in Kuching to cater for the need of a developing nation. Due to further expansion and the need for a larger premises, we have moved to Nilai, Negeri Sembilan in May 2005 to better serve the needs of our clients.
In line with the aspirations of the country's New Economic Policy, local participation in the Company was increased to 30% shareholding in 1985. The holder of these shares is the Malaysian Armed Forces Pension Fund Board (LTAT), a stable organization backed by vast financial resources.
Date of Incorporation
21 September 1959
Share Capital
Authorised Capital
Paid-up Capital / Issued Capital
RM 12,663,000.00 ordinary share of RM 1.00 each fully paid.
RM 8,864,100.00 ordinary shares held by Boustead Holdings Berhad
RM 3,798,900.00 ordinary shares held by Lembaga Tabung Angkatan Tentera (LTAT)
corporate information
» Directors
Gen Tan Sri Dato' Mohd Ghazali Haji Che Mat (R)
Dato' Ghazali Mohd Ali
Brig Gen Dato' Hussein Supian (R)
» Bankers
HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad
17-23, Jalan Sultan
46200 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor Darul Ehsan
RHB Bank Berhad
Jalan BBN 1/1A
Putra Point Bandar Baru Nilai
71800 Nilai Negeri Sembilan Darul Khusus
CIMB Bank Berhad
Jalan TS 2/1D
Taman Semarak
71800 NIlai
Negeri Sembilan Darul Khusus
Affin Bank Berhad
5733 & 5734
Jalan TS 2/1
Taman Semarak Phase II
71800 Nilai
Negeri Sembilan Darul Khusus
Hong Leong Bank Berhad
Jalan TS 2/1D
Taman Semarak
71800 NIlai
Negeri Sembilan Darul Khusus
» Auditor
Ernst & Young
Level 23A, Menara Milenium
Jalan Damanlela
Pusat Bandar Damansara
54090 Kuala Lumpur
» Solicitors
Sharifah & Associates
A7-2 (2nd Floor), Block A
Jalan Selaman 1/1
Dataran Palma (Ampang Point)
68000 Ampang
Selangor Darul Ehsan
Pathmanathan & Co.
2A-23A, Block 2A,
Plaza Sentral
Jalan Stesen Sentral 5
Kuala Lumpur Sentral
50470 Kuala Lumpur
Yusuf Khan & Fong
No. 97B, Jalan Gasing
46000 Petaling Jaya
Selangor Darul Ehsan
Abdul Malik & Lawrence Tan
Suite E-09-15
Plaza Mont' Kiara
No. 2, Jalan Kiara
Mont' Kiara
50480 Kuala Lumpur
Azzat & Izzat
No. 32 Jalan PJU 7/16
Mutiara Damansara
47800 Petaling Jaya
Selangor Darul Ehsan
» Lawyer
Rajes Hisham Rahim & Gopal
6th Floor, Yee Seng Building
15 Jalan Raja Chulan
50200 Kuala Lumpur
new product
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Sissons berger
latest news
Boustead Sissons Paints acquires paints from Berger International
Find Out More »
contact us
603-7727 6697
603-7726 9299
Terms of Use
Copyright © 2011, Boustead Sissons Paints Sdn. Bhd. (3558-P). All Rights Reserved.
We have made every effort to reproduce the paint colours as accurately as possible. However, all colours shown on this web site can be affected by variations in
individual monitor settings and graphic cards.


text:
→ Music
Susan Boyle, Curing Cynicism Since 2009
| Sun Apr. 12, 2009 11:46 AM EDT
Good for what ails you: This 7-minute clip (video embed disabled, sorry) of 47-year-old Susan Boyle singing on Britain's Got Talent.
Wait for minute 4 when unbridled joy breaks out on the judges' faces.
MoJo Troll Patrol encourages readers to sign in with Facebook, Twitter, Google, Yahoo, Disqus, or OpenID to comment. Please read our comment policy before posting.


text: I'm having problems getting XM input to come through ANY of these front ends. I have an in car pc with only line out, headphone, and microphone jacks. Using line out to goto amps and microphone to input the XM signal from the XM direct box. I have gone into sounds in control panel and made sure that the only sound card available is indeed selected as the playback and recording device and also that under recording in volume controls microphone is selected as the input device. I goto any of these front ends and .... nothing. I have complete control of the XM Direct box thru the USB cable and can change channels and see signal strength and everything. But no sound. Now the only exception to this is when i use Frodo's XM player... not his whole frontend but just his player. When I use it a large amount of distortion comes through the speakers and a very very very poor quality sounding xm can be heard... sounds like it's being played on a phonograph. Just aweful. Mind you mp3's movies and everything else play beauifully. And if i take the rca's coming out of the xm direct box and plug them directly into the amps it sounds wonderful...I have no volume control... but sounds great. So at this point i figure maybe it's the microphone jack so I've gone out and gotten 2 other usb devices. 1. is a philips usb external sound card with line in and mic in and 2. is just a usb to RCA input box I found. Both of these devices I installed and selected as the recording devices in volume control and in the sound properties under control panel and now not even frodo's player will play anything. I've used every front end I can find on this site and configured them (through there gui's mind you) to use my com 3 for xm connection and when given the option in the gui Line in or mic depending on what i was trying and nothing will pick up the signal. Can anyone give me a suggestion of what i'm doing wrong here? Maybe a front end i've tried that we know works with xm well and maybe i'm just not doing something like modifying an .ini file or something... Any opinions most appreciated


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Certified enrollment assisters are hosting meetings to explain the Affordable Care Act and how the Silver State Health Insurance Exchange can be used to compare health insurance plans.
The Nevada Health Link was established by the Silver State Health Insurance Exchange as a marketplace where Nevada consumers and businesses can shop for, compare and purchase quality health insurance plans.
The open enrollment period for the Nevada Health Link insurance marketplace began Oct. 1 and continues through March 31. ...


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Our dog Nemo was having just as much fun in the snow as the kids were. These were taken just a few days before the ice storm hit, out here in Verboort. She was trying to catch snowballs in her mouth, and sometimes - Even trying to throw some herself.
Our dog loves the snow
By: Bubbles6890Subscribe Channel: Pets & Wildlife Location: Verboort Oregon
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Most people think of Audrey Hepburn when they hear the words "Roman Holiday," but "musical" does not come to mind. The Guthrie Theater aims to change that, with a theatrical version of the movie filled with Cole Porter songs and the young actress Stephanie Rothenberg, who can deliver those tunes with power and charm.
The play follows the plotline of the movie fairly closely, except for the welcome addition of Francesca (Christina Baldwin), a sexy Italian singer who tips off a naive young princess to the truth about guys in "Most Gentlemen Don't Like Love."
Princess Anne of a fictional European country is fulfilling her wearisome duty in a diplomatic tour of Europe when the exhausting, boring regimen becomes too much to bear. Her physician gives her a mild sedative to help her sleep, but when left alone she makes her escape, seeking a little adventure in the Eternal City.
Instead, she conks out in a nearby cafe, where kind-hearted American news reporter and would-be songwriter Joe Bradley (Edward Watts) spots the vulnerable stranger and takes her home to sober her up.
The next morning, when he sees a newspaper that claims the princess has taken ill and can't fulfill her duties that day, he realizes the identity of the strange woman in his bed, but conceals it. The two embark on a delightful tour of the sights of Rome, with Bradley's photographer pal (Jim Stanek) secretly capturing everything on film -- because the two hope to make a lot of money on their exclusive story of the famous princess on the run.
Is there any doubt that Bradley will fall in love with the princess and not betray her trust, despite losing the windfall he desperately needs? No. But although the storyline lacks genuine suspense, the music is lovely -- even if some of the song lyrics don't quite fit the action of the plot.
Porter's music includes famous tunes such as "Night and Day" and "Just One of Those Things" embedded in a plethora of lesser-known songs, including "I'm Throwing a Ball Tonight" and "Use Your Imagination." It helps that the lead singers are all a pleasure to listen to, including Michelle Barber in a delightful turn as the countess aunt of the princess, who urges her to "Experiment" before she goes on the lam.
Kudos to director John Miller-Stephany, choreographer Alex Sanchez and musical director Andrew Cooke for turning the show into fine summertime fun. Todd Rosenthal's set design combines nice bits of sculpture and architecture with giant projections of scenery -- especially effective when the princess and Bradley motor through the Roman streets on their Vespa.
Although this version of "Roman Holiday" doesn't merit the Academy Awards that the classic movie garnered, it still is a charming way to spend a Twin Cities holiday.
What: "Roman Holiday"
Where: Guthrie Theater, 818 Second St. S., Minneapolis
When: Through Aug. 19
Tickets: $80-$35
More information: 612-377-2224; guthrietheater.org
Capsule: Don't expect Audrey Hepburn. Do expect a frothy musical.


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Earlier we reported the administration's proposed changes to the estate tax laws. This article delves deeper to look at how proposals offered by the administration and in several Congressional bills, might affect common estate planning tools and techniques.
Of course, until Congress passes legislation and the President signs it, we won't know just what changes we need to adjust for. It may be still be useful, however, to consider the various proposals.
- Obama's budget proposal (2/26/09)
- H. Con. Res. 85 (4/2/09)
- S. Con. Res. 13 (4/2/09)
Make the Estate Tax Permanent
We say the estate tax is not 'permanent' because the 2001 changes (that gradually increased the exemption amount to its current $3.5 million and reduced rates) will 'sunset' or go away in 2011. The law will then revert to its 2001 form – a $1 million exemption and maximum 55% rate. All the proposals would get rid of the sunset provision.
- Some wills and trusts set up the last few years include protective language. This language essentially says something like, "If the estate tax reverts to the 2001 rules, such and such happens. Otherwise, something else happens." If Congress makes the estate tax permanent, this language won't be needed. Although some suggest changing those wills and trusts now, that seems unwise. After all, maybe Congress will be paralyzed and unable to do anything more than delay the changes a year or two.
- Given Congress' recent spending spree, it's hard to understand why it wouldn't just let the 2001 changes expire. The amount people could leave to their families would go down from $3.5 million to $1 million and the rates would go up on larger estates. The government would collect more money to pay for all its current spending. And they don't have to do anything for that to happen. Their inaction would allow it to happen automatically. This would seem to be the financially prudent thing to do. Of course, no one has ever accused Congress of acting prudently.
How Much You Can Leave Estate-Tax Free
In 2009 you can leave $3.5 million estate-tax free. That amount may change (from a low of $2 million to a high of $5 million). Some proposals index the amount for inflation; others do not.
- Before 2001 anyone with an estate over $600,000 at least considered basic marital deduction planning. If any of the current proposals are adopted, fewer people will need the same level of estate tax planning they would need if the exemption amount was $1 million. That does not mean they won't need estate planning advice – just that they won't need complex tax planning.
- In the past, people turned to different tools and techniques to either reduce future growth or cut the current value of their estates. For example, many set up family limited partnerships. If the exemption amount stays at $3.5 million or is increased, some may decide they no longer need those sophisticated tools. They'll discover, however, that unwinding them is a tad bit harder than creating them.
- Life insurance trusts won't be as necessary for smaller estates.
- Those who have already set up an insurance trust may want to make changes. If they decide they still need the insurance but no longer care if the insurance is in their estate, they may want to unwind the trust. Because life insurance trusts are almost always irrevocable, unwinding them may be tricky and will require specialized advice.
- If they decide they no longer need the insurance because they no longer have an estate tax 'problem', they will need help evaluating their options. Although the insurance is no longer needed for tax purposes, are there other reasons it may be important? Should they cancel policies? Split them into smaller policies and drop some coverage? Sell them in the secondary market? Reduce the face amount? (With older policies that could force a policy to become a modified endowment contract. If the policy is in a trust that may not create the same issues it would if the policy was individually owned.)
- Outright bequests to the surviving spouse with the right to disclaim to a QTIP trust or bypass trust will probably become more common. After the first spouse dies, this lets the family evaluate what is best to do based on both the family's financial situation and what the law is at that time. For example, if the first estate is close to $3.5 million when Dad dies and there is a good chance it will grow significantly before Mom dies, it may still be wise to use a bypass trust (also called a credit shelter or 'B' trust). Or they may decide to go ahead with Mom taking everything. However, consider the concerns of an outright bequest mentioned in the next section on portability.
People use bypass trusts because the unified credit is a 'use it or lose it' proposition. If the exemption is $3.5 million and Mom and Dad have a $7 million estate, the family can get the entire $7 million without paying a federal estate tax. But if Dad dies first and leaves everything to Mom, he doesn't use his $3.5 million exemption. When Mom dies later, the family only gets Mom's $3.5 million tax free; they pay tax on the rest of the estate. You 'use' the exemption by paying tax on the $3.5 million when Dad dies – either by him leaving the money to the kids (bypassing Mom) or by him leaving it to a bypass trust.
Four of the proposals would allow Mom to use the unused part of Dad's exemption. If Dad leaves everything to Mom he doesn't use his exemption. When Mom dies, she would be able to use Dad's $3.5 million exemption as well as her own. The family could receive $7 million tax-free.
- This would eliminate the need for marital trusts and bypass trusts for most people with estates under $7 million – which is just about every American.
- It would be especially useful when the first spouse doesn't own enough in his or her own name to completely use the estate tax exemption. Mom dies with only $1 million in her name. Dad owns a business, pension and other investments that are worth $5 million. Under current law, Mom could only put $1 million into an A-B trust. Dad's estate, when he dies later, would pay tax on everything over $3.5 million. With portability, Dad's entire estate could pass tax-free to the family.
- Use of the first spouse's exemption would also keep that spouse's estate open for IRS audit. It would stay open as long as the IRS could audit the survivor's estate. Mom dies and Dad lives another 20 years. The IRS could go back and decide that Mom's estate, instead of being worth $1 million, was really worth $2 million. That means Dad can leave only $5 million estate-tax free instead of $7 million. Of course, the family wouldn't be able to plan for that because they wouldn't know until the IRS audited Dad's estate.
- The portable amount is not increased because of inflation or earnings. If Dad lives 20 years after Mom dies, Dad still only gets $3.5 million (or whatever the exemption amount was when John died) even if the exemption amount has increased because of indexing. If there's an expectation that the survivor may live many years and the decedent's estate is close to the exemption amount, it may still be wise to use a credit shelter trust.
- Under most of the proposals, portability would not apply to generation-skipping transfer taxes or to gift taxes. This is a tax trap for the unwary.
- Many people will think trusts for surviving spouse are not needed. It's true that bypass trusts may not be needed, but trusts have other benefits besides estate tax savings. These include asset protection, protection from a future spouse that could reduce what children receive, and the loss to children when a future spouse leaves property to his or her own beneficiaries.
- All the proposals require the surviving spouse to make an election on a timely filed estate tax return. This is a tax trap for the unwary. Under current law, most estates don't file a return unless the decedent has an estate worth more than the exemption amount. Mom dies with a $1 million estate – small enough no estate tax return is needed. But if it does not file that return, Dad won't be able to use her exemption amount when he dies. He'll have to decide if a potential future benefit is worth the cost and hassle of filing a return now. If his guess is wrong, it could be costly in the future.
Eliminate Carryover Basis
Under current law, when you die those who get appreciated property from you get to 'step up' their basis to the property's value when you die. Beginning in 2010, step-up basis is set to disappear and they would carry over your basis. Dad owns some land with a $50,000 basis. He dies and leaves the land, now worth $90,000, to Daughter. Currently Daughter can sell the land for $90,000 and pay no tax. Beginning next year, however, she would have to 'carry over' Dad's basis (instead of getting the step-up). If she sells the land for $90,000, she would have $40,000 of capital gain income. All the proposals do away with carryover basis.
- Carryover basis language in wills and trusts could be eliminated – of course, only after Congress has made the change and the President has signed it into law.
- Even if Congress leaves carryover basis in the law, documents anticipating carryover basis will still probably need to be changed. The rules will probably be much different than the assumptions most attorneys have used in drafting documents.
- Those in community property states benefit from continuing stepped-up basis. They can step up basis on the entire property when the first spouse dies. That would change under the carryover basis rules. In separate property states, only the part owned by the spouse who died is stepped up.
- Step-up basis does not apply to lifetime gifts. If Mom and Dad give Junior land with a $50,000 basis, when Junior sells it for $90,000 he has $40,000 taxable capital gain income.
Reunification of Gift and Estate Tax
The law now allows you to give only $1 million (and the annual $13,000 gifts) without paying gift tax. You can 'give' $3.5 million at death without paying tax. Two of the major proposals would let you make tax-free gifts up to the same amount you can leave tax-free at death. The primary advantage of a lifetime gift is that growth in the value of the gifted property is not included in your estate when you die.
- This benefits those who make lifetime gifts to family of more than $1 million. It won't mean anything to most Americans.
- Family split dollar will not be needed as much to support life insurance policies with VERY large premiums.
- This may encourage gifts to those in lower income tax brackets as part of income-shifting strategies. That will be especially true if Congress increases the brackets on higher incomes. If Dad is in a 45% income tax bracket and Son is in a 20% bracket, the family can keep more income in the family if Dad gives some of his bonds, let's say, to Son.
- Gifts among the very wealthy will probably increase.
Change in Estate Tax Rates
The proposals offer various options in setting the top estate tax rate. One sets the rate to the capital gain rate. Most keep it at the current 45% (generally for estates over $1.5 million). Some create surcharges of 5% or 10% for larger estates.
- The surcharges probably would have little impact on how people plan their estates. Once you get to a 45% rate, most people won't do things differently just because the rate is five or ten percent higher.
- However, a 'decrease' so the top estate tax rate is tied to the capital gains rate probably would have a significant impact. If the most you'll save by estate tax planning is a 20% tax, many will be hesitant to use sophisticated discount tools and lifetime gifts. They will consider two factors. Most complex estate tax planning means family members take over Mom and Dad's basis in the property they receive and will pay capital gains when they sell the property. Second, most of that planning means Mom and Dad must give up varying amounts of control. Mom and Dad may question whether they want to give up control just so the kids can pay a 20% capital gains tax. (Yes, I know the capital gains tax is only on the gain while the estate tax is on everything. But the margin of benefit goes down and that's what people are going to see.)
- Tying the rate to the capital gains rate makes planning a little more difficult because that rate is more likely to change (and change more often) than a set estate tax rate.
- A 'decrease' may encourage more people to use life insurance to pay the tax rather than trying to avoid it through sophisticated (and often complex) planning techniques.
Loss Of Marketability And Minority Discounts
When you die and own a business, your estate can often take marketability and minority discounts in determining the value of your interest. After all, who will pay full value for a piece of a family business – unless you are part of the family? Or for a business interest that can't be freely sold?
One of the proposals (HR 436) would eliminate marketability discounts – even for interests owned by unrelated persons.
It would also eliminate minority discounts for family-owned interests in passive assets. Passive assets include cash or cash equivalents, stock of a corporation, options, derivatives, foreign currency, REIT interests, annuities, real estate used in a real estate business, collectibles, etc.
The change applies only to estate and gift taxes. It does not apply to generation-skipping transfer taxes.
- This would mean no discounts for family limited partnerships or family limited liability companies that hold marketable securities, cash, or life insurance policies, etc.
- The change would not eliminate marketability discounts for active businesses. It also would not affect valuation discounts for tenancy in common interests in tangible assets, such as real estate.
- Family attribution rules could expand the impact of the bill.
Concluding Thoughts
If there's anything certain about taxes, it is that they will change. Perhaps that's part of why many people consider some of the more complex estate tax tools but only a small percentage of them actually adopt those concepts. Do you really want to do something that will be hard (or impossible) to unwind if you think the rules of the game may change – and what you've done will be rendered meaningless?
As these proposals wend their way through Congress, we'll keep you updated.
Sphere: Related Content


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Did California Supreme Court Unwittingly Clear the Way for Pervy Men to Shower with Babies?
It came from Google Alerts.
Wait, the California Supreme Court has cleared the way legally for pervy men to shower with babies in Orange County? WTF?
California Supreme Court Essentially Strikes Down Orange County's Pervs-in-Parks Ban
Actually, a recent "Orange County" Google Alert pushed together the headline of a USA Today story on baby showers for expectant fathers ...
... and the lead paragraph of an NBC Los Angeles story on the recent legal setback for Orange County's ban on sex offenders in parks ...
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com. Twitter: @MatthewTCoker. Follow OC Weekly on Twitter @ocweekly or on Facebook!
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Hyers was asked to attend after he announced his ideas to create tighter emergency plans between schools and police departments in case of an active shooter incident.
Increasing drills is one step in Hyers' plan to create a countywide training event sparked by December's shooting in Newtown, Conn.
The White House announced Thursday Biden would meet with law enforcement officials, Deputy Attorney General James Cole and Democratic members of Pennsylvania's congressional delegation.
Hyers said that he received a phone call from officials on Wednesday and he was asked a series of questions about coming to the event, including some regarding statements he made in a Jan. 27 York Daily Record/Sunday News article. Read that story here: Springettsbury chief: Police, schools should plan together against potential violence
"It's really something that I think we can use as a collaboration of ideas," Hyers said of the discussion.
Hyers was told the roundtable discussion will include police chiefs from Washington, D.C., Baltimore, New York City and Camden, N.J.
"At first, it seemed bizarre to me that Springettsbury Township would be in that mix," Hyers said. "But I think we can do some great things here."
During a drill in January, Hyers said he was working with school administration to find loopholes when it comes to disaster preparation.
In addition to attending Monday's roundtable discussion, Hyers will share his ideas on Feb. 13 in Washington, D.C., at a Police Executive Research Forum meeting on preventing and responding to active shooter incidents.
If others in the area are open to the idea, Hyers said, he hopes to have a countywide training event at Central York High School later this spring.
During the training, he hopes school officials and chiefs from across the county would bring their ideas on how to improve their own plans. In addition, should a major catastrophe take place at any school, Hyers said, it's not just one police department that arrives, but any surrounding departments and state police.
"We need to make this seem as real as possible," Hyers said at the time. "I want teachers involved. If it works out, I want students who can act as victims with makeup on. These are the kind of things that really help you prepare for the real thing."
@ralefever; 771-2088


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CPAC 2014 kicked off last week with big-name conservatives and possible Republican presidential hopefuls headlining the affair. This is a good thing to happen, igniting a robust debate on the future of our country.
That said, there have been missteps along the way from conservatives instilling their principles as being inherently Republican while using the CPAC platform to deliver this perception. After Gov. Christie gave a very good speech on Republicans "standing for something," these principles were labeled by conservative groups, such as the National Republican Congressional Committee, as being "conservative principles."
Conservative principles? How about Republican principles? Upon last checking, there wasn't a major national party called the "Conservative Party" in the U.S. While many conservatives are in the Republican Party because of our tradition in personal liberty, conservatism and Republicanism are not synonymous.
We do ourselves a disservice narrowly identifying with a singular ideology only.
In fact, the Republican Party and the U.S. were founded on the ideals later termed "Classical Liberalism" (i.e. John Locke). "Conservatives," in the terms of early Republicans, were tasked with conserving our founding liberal principles. Declaring individual liberty from a ruling king is a fairly liberal act. Further, the word "liberal" is derived from liberty. This means Republicans represent conservative and liberal principles.
Party Republicans must be careful not to alienate liberal Republicans and Independents in their hurry to fire up a segment of its base. A larger segment looms.
We must go back to our Republican principles or remain forever lost as the conservative version of the Democratic Party.
Austin Given


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Saturday, February 12, 2011
Obama, The Plan, And The Politics: A Coda
13 comments:
Marwan Barghouti was convicted of FIVE counts of First Degree Murder. One of his victims was a girl who had attended my synagogue.
I'll tell you what, if you want to release Barghouti, why don't you suggest releasing Yigal Amir for balance? After all, don't they keep telling us "murder is murder"?
- February 12, 2011 at 1:37 PM
- Acuumyst said...
Problem is the difference in the vision of two state solution between Israeli and Palestinians. Israelis see the solution as a total separation of the two countries, while Palestinians see it as a "ethnic" separation with total economic incorporation. They as I had been saying for years, know that as a totally separated country they would not have chance to survive. With their independence probably the majority of financial support would disappear, huge intellectual emigration would happen and the so called "independent" country would move back to the 7th century with all the "tribal religious benefits". We have many examples from Africa and South America and those countries were not so much geographically disadvantaged as Palestine. On Israeli side they have both economic, religious and social problem. First, their is a misconception that Israel is a rich country, again once you take away the "welfare benefits" from outside - government and private, Israel would be standing on the bottom of economic scale. The high tech industry feeds from billions supplied by USA, once that disappear, there is not benefit for them to stay. The intellectual base would leave with them. Even writer of this blog has one foot in USA all the time. The country would revert to 2000 years old theocracy with very narrow tribal vision. I see it in attitudes of average Israelis, they are slowly drifting away from attitudes of Spinoza, Hillel, Maimonides, Fraud, Marx and new other past and present Jewish thinkers and even away from world Jewish population. They are becoming more and more narrow tribal in their attitudes. They turned to the Torah as a literal explanation of their insecurities and problems. In my humble opinion, if the Israeli concept of two state solution wins, it will mean end for both countries. What we can expect a "just" tribal wars with "their god" on each side. The world will just look until they kill each other. After that we will need a new Herzl. To save the Israel we need a one country maybe with federated sections to accommodate different ethnic aspirations.
- February 12, 2011 at 2:06 PM
"If we have learned anything from Egypt, it is that when people say "things cannot go on like this," things eventually don't."
The lessons of Egypt are also that the people have to bring about change and that it can be done wisely and relatively non-violently. It had to come from within.
Egypt shows us a mature citizenry, ripe, ready to create a better future. This is not something that can be imposed. Even without an Obama plan, there would be enough for citizens to act on, to work with if there were the will and maturity.
I don't believe that things will go on like this regardless of what Obama does or does not do.
- February 12, 2011 at 8:11 PM
- Acuumyst said...
almost 400 deaths and over 16 years of undercover operations. They tried in 2005, it did not work. Now it did. The process had been highly organized, RT were saying USA organized it, maybe there is some truth in it. All the Egyptian Army brass had been in Pentagon just before it started. I personally think the Russians had something to do with it. They had still connections from Nasser era. I would really like to know, maybe in 50 years someone will write the book disclosing the truth.
- February 13, 2011 at 4:54 AM
in 2005 we did not have the social media and world attention so riveted ( nor Al Jazeera English, nor Wikileaks). In 2005 we did not have the Tunisian revolution. In 2005 the US and world attention was on the violence, the mess, in Iraq and the US had yet to process the inability "to win". In 2005 there was a Bush administration a lot more willing to buy into fear of chaos, fear of an Islamist revolution. In 2011 we have Obama, and as Tom Friedman says, a president indecisive enough to have stayed out of this. So though we may find out that the US Military read some riot act to the Egyptian Army, that could only be a part of the whole story. I would not take ANY credit away from the Egyptian people... as if they were incapable and we were behind this???
- February 13, 2011 at 7:21 PM
It seems Bernie and I read totally different things in his article. This is not a plan for peace, it is a recipe for endless war. The genius of using "creative" solutions which fudge the issues are a guaranteed plan for endless violent conflict.
Let's look at Jerusalem, for example. Either 5 or 7 nations will administer it. Three or four Arab countries, Israel, the US and maybe the Vatican. For example, what will be the situation of Jewish holy sites like the Western Wall? The Muslims will insist that the situation that existed before 1948 be restored. That means recognition of the Western Wall as a MUSLIM HOLY SITE that Jews are allowed, UNDER RESTRICTED CONDITIONS to pray at. This was the situation the British set up after the 1929 riots which were started after the Jews set up a partition between men and women.
SO, in the era of "peace" the Muslims will demand this. They will also demand that the Western Wall Plaza, which had Arab homes in it prior to 1967 be rebuilt, as part of the "right of return". How will the international committee deal with this? Well, we have 3 or 4 automatic votes for the Arab side (Jordan, the Palestinians, Saudi Arabia), one vote for the Jewish side (Israel) and the US vote will be neutral. SO the Arabs get their way and there goes the Jews main holy site.
Who will guarantee what little access the Jews have at the site? A "neutral" international force . What countries will man this force? When the inevitable Arab assualts on Jew's at the Wall or on their way to and from the Wall or Jewish Quarter begin, how will it be decided to deploy the force in their defense? Will the Saudis, Jordanians and Palestinians demand that security be provided for the Jews? If the security situation collapses completely, would Israel be willing to go to war in order to guarantee access? After most of the people who go to the wall are what Bernie calls "Judeans", not what he considers to be "real Israelis" so people of his views aren't going to think a war is worth it...to defend something they don't care about anyway.
Obviously this is a plan, a CREATIVE plan designed to drive the Jews completely out of their holy places.
This is merely one example of the myriad catastrophes that would come out of Olmert's plan. Did he really think he could impose this fraud on the people of Israel? Does Bernie think Obama can do it?
- February 14, 2011 at 4:39 AM
Again, Ben-David, you demonstrate that in your world view nothing ever moves forward only backward or in spirals downward. That is the prescription for endless war: the principles and their children and their children's children never ever conceding, never ever saying "enough!". All keep doing thinking saying the same things over and over and teaching this to their progeny. What hell.
- February 14, 2011 at 3:40 PM
I would just like to know what's new in Avishai's piece. We've been aware of the negotiations bewteen Olmert and Abbas for quite awhile now.
- February 14, 2011 at 5:12 PM
- Acuumyst said...
You guys just reinforce my idea of single state with both side tribal fundamentalists be thrown out. That way Jewish national cultural ethnicity would be preserved and both Israelis both Jewish, Cristian and Muslim, would go about their life in peace. I agree with BA about concept of Hebrew republic, although I am populist and he is elitist.
- February 14, 2011 at 6:17 PM
What's new is that it makes those who say that Abbas gave nothing wrong. What is new is that it is specific about just where the gaps are IF the process begins where Olmert and Abbas left off.
That is a big IF- since Netanyahu is the blockage unwilling to start at that point.
It appears that Obama might also be a blockage in his pre-2012 election mode. Apparently,according to an AFP report, Obama plans to have his representative vote against a UN Res condemning the settlements.
The map that accompanies the NYTimes/BA article is very instructive. You can see all the land that Israel claims still in the West Bank ( yellow). You can also see the areas from the Palestinian POV (red) that would destroy their ability to have a coherent state- areas that can't be that vital to Israel's security either but are so settled it would be difficult for Israel to remove. Looking at these yellow areas that predominate and the two red areas( one is Ariel) on the map makes plain just how much harm the settlements have done to the peace process, how they have tied Israel's hands and made Palestinians so insistant on an absolute freeze lest they give up on the peace process. That latter may very well happen- and soon because Abbas is about to give up.
Perhaps then Israel will be desperate enough to let Barghouti out. But then the Israeli government would have to be very serious about peace because I don't think Barghouti will be a pacifist if there is no serious partner.
- February 14, 2011 at 7:14 PM
Like I said Potter, everything you refer to has been in the public domain since in or about June of 2009, when Olmert, out of office and disgraced, began to tell people about the post-Annapolis negotiations. I guess Bernie wants people to accept Abbas' claim that Olmert's domestic problems stalled the negotiating process. Olmert, however, originally stated that the talks broke off in September of 2008, three months before Gaza, with a pledge by Abbas that he would get back to Olmert that was not kept. Check out Sol Stern, who has earned a reply from Bernie with this powerful piece:
- February 14, 2011 at 8:41 PM
- humanist said...
Acuumyst referred to Freud as a Jewish thinker. He was a Jew in the Nazi sense in that he had Jewish ancestry. He was converted to Lutheranism as a 6 year old when his yuppie father converted. Marx received a Lutheran education with apparently a dose of Jew hatred which he expressed in his essay 'One the Jewish Question.' He was a bigot with Jewish ancestry. Marx was still writing voluminously when the Kishinev pogram happened. He had nothing to say about that or other pogroms. Having Jewish ancestry along with an ignorance of Jewish tradition, philosophy and history does not make a person a Jewish thinker. He was just another Jew hater. Feh!
- March 9, 2011 at 4:49 AM
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1 year, 6 months ago from JWCC
Registration deadline is June 2
John Wood Community College is offering the ACT WorkKeys test which helps paraprofessionals (teacher aides) meet the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act. Registration and payment for the test must be received by June 2.
The test will be administered Monday, June 23, from1 to 4 p.m. in Room W117 of the JWCC Workforce Development Center in Quincy at 4220 Kochs Lane. It consists of applied mathematics, reading for information and writing.
Participants must register and pay a $75 fee for the Workkeys exam by registration deadline, June 2. No refunds will be issued for any reason after that date. A minimum of eight registrants is required to schedule the test.
Registration or more information is available by calling 217-641-4971. Payment may be mailed to the JWCC Workforce Development Center, 4220 Kochs Lane, Quincy, Illinois 62305.


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Why the chubby guy gets the girlComment on this story
London - When toned Daniel Craig stepped out of the sea in his blue trunks in Quantum Of Solace, women around the world swooned.
But while they may admire the actor's physique as James Bond, it seems they wouldn't want to date such a muscular man in real life.
According to a new study, three quarters of British women find buff bodies a turn-off and say they prefer their partner to have a bit of flab. Similarly, 58 percent say they would choose a man with love handles over one with a six pack.
Celebrities women would choose ahead of hunky 007 actor Craig include Mr Darcy actor Colin Firth, pop star Robbie Williams and Wolf of Wall Street star Leonardo DiCaprio.
An overwhelming 96 percent of women think a dinner date with an abs-obsessed man would be dull.
Almost three quarters - 72 percent - would rather the date was with a chubbier fella so that they would feel more able to indulge in dessert.
Of those in a relationship, 94 percent say they love their man just as he is even if he has piled on a few extra pounds.
Again, the vast majority - 91 percent - of women would rather their man spent "couple" time with them than pumped iron.
Almost as many - 82 percent - would never nag their other half to work out or diet to improve their physique.
And 74 percent admit they would feel self-conscious taking their clothes off in front of a perfectly toned man.
Over three quarters - 77 percent - of women say their ideal man would not have a chiselled torso like James Bond actor Daniel Craig or Game of Thrones star Kit Harrington.
Instead, their dream date - cited by 33 percent - is more likely to be Colin Firth, who memorably emerged from a lake in a wet shirt as Pride and Prejudice's dashing Mr Darcy.
Next come Williams (20 percent), DiCaprio (18 percent), followed by funnyman James Corden and Twilight movie star Robert Pattinson (each nine percent).
Other popular celebrities not renowned for rippling muscles include comic Ricky Gervais, TOWIE's James 'Arg' Argent and The Inbetweeners' James Buckley.
Only women aged under 25 tend to be attracted to muscly hunks with 49 percent of them fancying a man with a six pack compared to just 18 percent of over 55s.
The survey of 1 000 women was carried out to mark the release on DVD and Blu-ray of film Bad Neighbours, which pits buff college boy Zac Efron against beer-bellied family man Seth Rogen.
Relationship expert Tracey Cox, commented:"'Eye candy is never a bad thing but when it comes to choosing a partner, in reality, buff-bodied men are just not what most women want for real-life partners.
"Most women worry about their bodies, so we know the hard work and dedication that goes into getting a buff, toned body.
"A man with a perfect body has probably restricted his diet and alcohol intake and spends hours in the gym. All this suggests he's not going to be much fun as a partner.
"We feel more comfortable with a bit of flab over super toned abs. Women are already under extreme pressure to look a certain way and we figure that a man who appears less critical of his own appearance and obsessed with looks will be less critical of ours." - Daily Mail
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Racial Disparity in Head and Neck Cancer Outcomes
FRIDAY, April 19 (HealthDay News) -- Among Medicaid beneficiaries diagnosed with head and neck cancer, considerable racial disparities exist in treatment patterns and survival, according to a study published online April 18 in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.
Sujha Subramanian, Ph.D., from RTI International in Waltham, Mass., and Amy Chen, M.D., from the Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, conducted a retrospective cohort study using Medicaid claims linked with cancer registry data for California and Georgia for 2002 through 2006. The authors sought to examine predictors of treatment receipt and mortality among patients with head and neck cancer. Participants included 1,308 Medicaid beneficiaries, aged 18 to 64 years, diagnosed with head and neck cancer.
The researchers found that diagnosis at an early stage occurred for fewer than one-third of Medicaid patients with cancer. Even after controlling for demographics, stage at diagnosis, and tumor site, black patients were less likely to get surgical treatment and more likely to die than white patients. Twelve-month mortality was increased with older age and disability status. For patients who were alive for at least 12 months, the odds of dying within 24 months were about half for those in California versus those in Georgia.
"Concrete steps should be taken to address the significant racial disparities observed in head and neck cancer outcomes among Medicaid beneficiaries," the authors write. "Further research is needed to explore the state-level policies and attributes to examine the startling differences in mortality among the state Medicaid programs analyzed in this study."
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Any medical or health information included on Pollen.com is provided by IMS Health Incorporated, a non-medical professional organization. Information from external sources included on Pollen.com, including HealthDay News, are the responsibility of the third-party provider and not of IMS Health Incorporated. HealthDay.com is Pollen.com's source for the latest allergy news.


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Best selling Hotels in Tunisia:
|Movenpick Resort and Marine Spa
|All Suites Residence Diar Lemdina Hotel
|Iberostar Royal El Mansour
Home > Destinations > Tunisia
All Inclusive Holidays in Tunisia
Captivating Tunisia sits at the heart of the Mediterranean on the North African coast between Algeria and Libya. It's exotic and traditional with a mixture of old and new to cheer even the most demanding holidaymaker. It offers over 1,000 miles of coastline with popular seaside resorts such as Hammamet and Port El Kantaoui offering beach lovers everything you would expect from a modern resort.
For those that are looking for some history and culture then there is a treasure trove of Arab, Berber, Roman and Phoenician sites to explore. Tunisia offers a great escape any time of the year so If a cheap all inclusive holiday in Tunisia is what you're looking for, then start saving money now and book all inclusive.
Top selling All Inclusive Hotels in Tunisia
Please run a search to see all of our Tunisia all inclusive hotels and holidays
Flying Time: 2-3 Hours
Currency: Dinar
Average Temperature: Summer 25c
Language Spoken: Arabic
Sunny Days: Over 300 a year
Water: water is not safe to drink from the tap
999 number: 190
Popular Things To Do In Tunisia:
The most popular beach is found in Tunisia's most popular resort of Hammamet. With safe and stunning sea waters and golden sand, you can sunbathe and relax until your hearts content.
You will find a good choice of Cafes and bars around the beach to help keep you hydrated. There is also a good selection of water sports for those seeking some adrenaline fun.
Night life:
Tunisia is not known for its night clubs. There is a great choice of bars and restaurants that are suited for families and couples. Both Hammamet and Port el kantaoui offer a good night out.
Typical to many countries Tunisia is known for its handmade gifts. Take a trip to local markets and bazaars to find a gift that is unique and special.
Recently searched for all inclusive holidays in Tunisia
Tunisia (Enfidha)
Eden Club Hotel Departing London Gatwick,
15/05/2016, 7 nights, All Inclusive, 3 star
from £411.14
The above Tunisia all inclusive offers are per person and based on two people sharing. Click on the price to find out more.


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Celeb Gloss
Amber Heard Will Make Sure You Hear From Her
By Dana Flax
At the ripe old age of 23, Amber Heard has more credits under her belt than one can count on one, or two, or five hands. And maybe it's because she's pretty darn agro. (Being totally vampy hot couldn't hurt, either.) In this month's issue of Details, the actress comes clean on her assertive role-snatching tactics, sexual proclivities (or lack thereof), and how she owns a pistol -- and she probably knows how to use it. Check out some highlights from the article below, and then see the rest exclusive coverage on Details.
Amber Heard: American Dream Girl
On possibly the only successful example of that old 'writing a letter' threat:
"I said, 'Hold on, you're not gonna cast this without me.' I wrote a letter to the director [of her upcoming film "The Joneses"] and I made sure I met with him."
"The Rum Diary" writer/director Bruce Robinson, on Amber's all-American, kinda French, appeal:
"I was looking for the American dream girl, a kind of young Catherine Deneuve with a lascivious edge, and Amber is exactly that."
For Amber, it's all about free love, man:
"I'm open to whoever. I think it is absurd to assume that I have to look in a certain category. ... It's silly to look in one category or another. I would never imagine a mate based on a certain sex or race."
On being the atheist black sheep throughout her religious Texas upbringing:
"I did what I needed to do to be independent. I never felt like I was telling the truth when I prayed. When you're growing up and one thing is cool and admired and another is distasteful, where does that put you if you side with the latter? It put me ... out."
More on Wonderwall:
See pics of Amber and other stars at the "Public Enemies" premiere
Become a fan of Wonderwall on Facebook
More on Details:
Mila Kunis: Funny, Fearless and a Total Babe
Most Watched on Wonderwall
Fashion Offenders
Fergie, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Heidi Klum all get an F on this week's Fashion Offenders.Watch Video »
Diva Double Date
Beyonce and Alicia Keys double date with their famous hubbies on today's Celebs Gone Social.Watch Video »
Where Are They?
See what the cast of "American Beauty" is up to today.Watch Video »
J.Lo's Mini Me
Jennifer Lopez shares an adorable photo of her look-alike daughter, plus more celebritots on social media on today's Celebs Gone Social.Watch Video »
First Pitch
Prince Harry, Jessica Alba and more stars who threw out the first pitch at baseball games.Watch Video »
Aussie Babe
Sofia Vergara poses in a revealing neon bikini while her "Modern Family" castmates hit the beach in Australia on Celebs Gone Social.Watch Video »


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By Eric de Place
I have an untidy habit of eating while I'm on the computer. Unfortunately, my habit means that crumbs of sandwich or potato chips make their way into the crevices of my computer keyboard. It's gross. And one way to clean a keyboard is with a compressed chemical canister (pictured above) that blasts the bad stuff away. But the other day, while I was merrily blasting away at my keyboard, I read the contents. Big mistake.
My little 10-ounce canister contains 100 percent HFC-134a a greenhouse gas that is roughly 3,300 times more effective at trapping heat than carbon dioxide. Yikes.
A back of the envelope calculation tells me that using up my 10-ounce can of cleaner will have the same climate-changing effect over the next 20 years as burning at least 100 gallons of gasoline. With that much gas I could drive my trusty Honda Civic from my office in Seattle to New York City. And then back to Chicago. And I would still have plenty of fuel to spare for side-trips. All that climate wallop is packed into a canister retailing for $10.99 at the Office Depot around the corner.
This is not a good idea. I'm a little ashamed of my canister, but for the sake of the planet I've stopped using it. And it did get me to thinking about some ways we can make our offices friendlier for the planet. Here are a few, starting with the obvious.
1. Clean the old-fashioned way.
If there's any good news about my climate-destroying keyboard duster, it's that there is a pretty simple remedy: don't use chemical keyboard dusters with HFC-132a. Not only is my canister a demonstrable hazard to planet, but there's a substitute chemical, HFC-152, that's every bit as effective with only about one-tenth the heat-trapping potential. Of course, even one-tenth the impact is far too large for a keyboard-cleaning device -- we should avoid those too.
In fact, I believe we should even go a step further and work toward a ban on chemical keyboard dusters altogether. Even using up a canister of the more-benign HFC-152 is the greenhouse gas equivalent of driving my car from Seattle to Portland, Oregon and back. Plus, let's be honest, there's very little practical use for the canisters. A feather duster, though not as zippy, works just as well. So does turning your keyboard upside down. So does a vacuum. So I think that we don't need too-clever "market-based" solutions here -- and we don't need to worry about pricing externalities -- we just need to ban the darn things.
2. Slay the vampires.
More important than keyboard-cleaning, however, is the problem of vampires. You may not realize that your office is haunted, but it turns out that one of the curiosities of the modern office, with its army of undead computing appliances, is that even after workers head home for the night, the office is still awake. And it's still sucking power from the grid. These power-sucking appliances are sometimes called "vampires," for their parasitic ways. (It has nothing to do with their Transylvanian accents.)
It's a little know fact that even in "standby" mode these appliances are drawing power. Take the innocent microwave oven in your office kitchen: it may expend just as power keeping its digital clock running as it does heating up leftovers. And that's not the worst of it. Appliances with transformers, such as cell phone chargers or computer power suppliers, are always drawing power – even when the device is off. It may not be very much, but it adds up over time, especially when the drain is multiplied across every device in an office.
It's estimated that in the average residence, somewhere between 5 and 13 percent of all electricity is actually consumed by appliances when no one is using them. And there's reason to believe that the share in offices, which are frequently chock-a-block with computers on "standby" mode -- still sucking energy -- is much higher.
According to Sightline Institute's research director (and my boss), Clark Williams-Derry:
…different brands and models of the same kinds of appliance use wildly different amounts of power in standby mode. One compact disc player may draw 1 watt while idling; another might draw 30. Manufacturers have little incentive to improve the situation on their own, since they don't pay the power bills. And while energy efficiency geeks are aware of the problem, few retail consumers pay much attention.
The long-term solution is probably smart regulatory intervention. In 2004, California passed a law that imposed limits on standby power consumption. It took effect in January, so that (according to the Economist) "it is now illegal in California to sell a television or DVD player that consumes more than three watts in standby mode." Similar standards for other devices, especially PCs and printers, are in order.
Until there's better regulation of manufacturers, however, there is plenty an office can do to put the vampires to rest: you can read all about them in Jeremy Faludi's excellent article of May 2006 in Worldchanging. New chips reduce standby power use; better power strips do the same; and occupancy sensors can shut off power when a room is not in use. And that's only the beginning. Plus you can always, you know, unplug the devices (or turn off the power strip), but the elegantly simple solution is also the easiest to forget.
Remember, slaying the electricity vampires isn't just good for the environment, its good business sense too. Slicing 10 percent or more off the office power bill might save the company of nice chunk of change, perhaps even enough to buy free bus passes for the employees.
3. Think: location, location, location.
Speaking of bus passes, an office's biggest environmental impact may actually not be inside the workplace. It may be the way that employees commute. Is the office situated in a place where nearly everyone must drive a car? Or can many employees choose pedal-power or neighborhood transit?
Now obviously, choosing where to locate an office is not an everyday decision. But in terms of the office's environmental impact, there's arguably no choice more important. Commuting accounts for roughly one-quarter of all vehicle trips taken in the United States – and transportation is the single biggest cause of global warming emissions in the country. What's more, commute trips are generally the easiest trips for people to get out of their cars and into a more planet-friendly mode: there's seldom need to carry cumbersome loads to and from the office; work schedules are highly predictable; and transit offerings are at their most generous during regular commute hours.
Generally speaking, offices that are located in-city tend to allow for more commuting choices and lower environmental impact. Transit services tend to be better in town. And traditional urban street grids can foster biking and walking more effectively than the high-speed roadways that are typical of sprawling locations.
Locating an office depends on a number of factors, of course. But because location can have a powerful effect on how much energy employees use just getting to work, it may turn out that the swanky "built-green" campus on the urban fringe is a worse environmental choice, on balance, than the drafty old building downtown. So when looking for ways to green your office, just bear in mind the old real estate adage -- location, location, location.
4. Buy carbon offsets.
As a further step, offices can consider purchasing carbon offsets to reduce or eliminate their contribution to climate change. Admittedly, there's a fair bit of debate about the utility of offsets – mostly about whether the offset accounting is accurate -- but no one thinks that they're meaningless. At worst, they're a worthwhile gimmick. At best, they're a market-friendly way to reduce emissions in the here-and-now.
My office, which is home to about dozen people during the workday, recently joined an offset program from a local company called NetGreen. With a price tag of just $241, including the carbon that we emit during our commutes, our offset purchase did a little good for the planet and it wasn't exactly hard on our bottom line either. (I should mention, I suppose, that my co-workers are almost all cyclists, pedestrians, or bus-riders; and our office is powered by a carbon-neutral utility. So our offset bill is probably lower than average.)
While purchasing offsets doesn't excuse us from taking other steps to soften our environmental impact, it offers an assist to the next generation of cleaner and greener technologies. Carbon offsets can help bring online those climate-friendly energy sources and power-sipping appliances that I hope will be the norm before it's time for my retirement.
Eric de Place is a senior researcher at Sightline Institute, and contributes research and writing for the Cascadia Scorecard, especially on sprawl, economic security, wildlife, and other topics. He also writes for the Daily Score blog and contributes to a number of other Sightline projects. Sightline Institute recently put together a guide to the green guides to help sort out what's what.
Creative Commons Photo Credit
Dear Eric,
Thankyou for your informative article. I welcome any articles such as these in order to get people thinking (and hopefully making better choices in future).
Your comments on air dusters and HFC-134a and 152a are incomplete, however. I have considerable experience in this area and would offer the following additional information for the edification of your readers:
1. As you correctly note, HFC-134a is a potent greenhouse gas. It has a GWP (Global Warming Potential) of 1300. In general terms, this means that 1 kilogram of HFC134a released to the atmosphere is equivalent in it's global warming impact to releasing 1300 kilograms of CO2. HFC134a is thus extremely environmentally potent.
2. HFC-152a is considerably better in global warming terms (GWP ~140), but an order of magnitude worse than alternative natural gases (such as CO2 or hydrocarbons).
3. HFC-152a is flammable (as are hydrocarbons, one of the natural alternatives). HFC-152a, however, produces toxic byproducts if it ignites. The makers of HFC-152a go to great pains to show how 152a is *slightly* less flammable than hydrocarbons, but when you take a look at all the risk factors to humans and the environment, 152a is by far a worse choice.
Modern advances in the use of natural refrigerants (which are also used as dusters and solvents) means that the technology is already available (and cost- and environmentally- effective) to the extent that HFC134a AND HFC152a (and basically all fluorinated gases) are ENTIRELY REDUNDANT and their use is unneccessary. All it needs is proper education of the relevant industries of this poorly known fact and a will to change.
You correctly point out that for cleaning a computer keyboard, other methods can be employed to avoid 'air-dusters' altogether. Other applications require these kinds of equipment, however, so for those applications I would advocate a duster powered by a natural gas (CO2 or hydrocarbons), used appropriately.
One big problem with effecting change in this area is that DuPont and other chemical giants have held significant effective control over supply of these kinds of products and due to entrenched industry links and a virtual monopoly for 50+ years maintain significant effective control over how the industry is guided in future.
Pushing R152a on the marketplace by DuPont is a classic case in point that highlights the true motives of these big chemical companies. Knowing that HFC134a is going to be banned sooner or later, they are trying to keep the industry hooked on product that is a higher risk than a hydrocarbon and much higher GWP (hydrocarbon GWP is 3), but is patent- (and therefore production- and price-) controlled.
This ludicrous situation is exacerbated by the US EPA, which has once again succumbed to these powerful interest groups by endorsing the flammable and toxic R152a as a "Significant New Alternative" whilst undertaking an aggressive campaign against eminently superior natural hydrocarbons on the grounds that they are flammable! Not only is the EPA acting outside it's mandate (it is NOT a safety authority), but it is endorsing a more toxic fluorochemical with an order of magnitude higher environmental footprint.
Unlike fluorochemicals, natural gases are not patentable (and are very cheap) and therefore the supply and pricing can't be controlled by the likes of DuPont. To endorse naturals would effectively mean DuPont would have to sign away a multi-billion dollar cash cow.
This is the reality of why HFC134a and HFC152a dusters dominate your shopping shelves and not CO2 or hydrocarbon dusters.
John Clark
erm... why not eat somewhere other than your desk?
All other suggestions for doing your bit to 'green' the office are great, though. Thank you.
There's always the trusty vacuum cleaner. I bought my cheap ($60) but powerful vac at Sears. It cleans my house _and_ gets the sesame seeds out of my keyboard using a permanent cleanable filter (no bags.)
Keyboards get filthy even without the benefit of food crumbs.
I discovered that the Sun workstation keyboards we use at work have keys that pop off. Last year, I popped off all of the keys (a row at a time), rubbed them clean, swept off the board underneath, and reassembled.
* * *
My computer workstation's "vampires" are now all on a seperate power strip. I leave it off unless I need the wireless network up.
Another option to using expensive, and heat trapping gas to clean the computer keyboard is to use simple compressed air.
The purchase of an "air hog" will allow one to take a charge of compressed air anywhere, and use it to blow dust from the keyboard, and indeed, from inside the computer itself.
If you've ever taken the case off your desktop, you'll know why you need to clean them out too.
I recall reading somewhere that electrical appliances drain power, EVEN when they are turned off at the source. You would need to physically unplug them to prevent this.
Can anyone verify this?
Regarding vampires: We discovered how to cut our energy usage by turning off vampires. We noticed that our two Time Warner cable tv boxes were always hot to the touch. We plugged each of them into power strips and turn off the power strips when we are not using them. Amazing results! Our energy usage was cut almost in half in our next month's bill. We've been doing this for over a year now.