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Communiqué of the Interim Committee of the Board of Governors of the
International Monetary Fund
Washington, D.C.
October 4, 1998
1. The Interim Committee held its fifty-first meeting in Washington, D.C. on October 4, 1998 under the Chairmanship of Mr. Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, Minister of the Treasury of Italy. The Committee expressed its appreciation to the outgoing Chairman, Mr. Philippe Maystadt, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Foreign Trade of Belgium, for his invaluable contribution to the Committee's work.
2. Developments in the World Economy
a. Problems and Challenges in the World Economy and International Capital Markets
The outlook for the world economy has worsened considerably since the Committee's April meeting, with a scaling down of prospects for growth of output and trade. Recessions in Japan and several Asian emerging market economies have deepened; Russia's financial crisis has contributed to a general retreat by investors from emerging markets; stock markets worldwide have declined significantly from their recent peaks; and commodity prices have weakened further. The downside risks to the current outlook have increased significantly. Many emerging market economies face a particularly difficult environment associated with reduced access to external financing and widening risk premia. These developments also pose difficulties for financial systems and an orderly process of economic adjustment and push back prospects for economic growth. Recent problems have been aggravated by a general weakening of market confidence, reflecting the greater prevalence and intensity of contagion in an increasingly globalized economy. These contagion effects were most evident in those countries with weak policies and inadequate institutions, but many countries with sound fundamentals have also not been spared.
The Committee also noted that there are some positive features that, if reinforced, can help carry forward the response to the crisis. First, there is continuing, generally solid, growth in the industrial countries of North America and Western Europe, amid low inflation and progress toward needed fiscal consolidation. Second, economic and monetary union in Europe, which is on the verge of being introduced, is already contributing to monetary stability. The Committee looks forward to a successful EMU, which contributes to growth and stability in the international monetary system. Third, there has been maintenance of growth in China and India, while progress in some of the Asian crisis countries toward financial stabilization and strengthened external positions has allowed the recent cautious easing of macroeconomic policies. Fourth, there has also been a considerable strengthening in recent years of economic fundamentals and underlying growth performance in several developing and transition countries, which has served to contain the crisis and limit the resort to market restrictions. Fifth, protectionist pressures have so far been kept in check.
The Committee considered at length the challenges facing the world economy. It is its unanimous view that forceful action is required on the part of member countries over a broad range of policies with the overriding aim of restoring market confidence and growth where needed.
b. Policy Responses to Recent Crises
In view of the seriousness of the present global situation, the Committee deemed it crucial that a strong co-operative effort be pursued by all countries and institutions to support those countries that have been most adversely affected by the recent developments and which are implementing strong economic adjustment programs. To contain the crisis, confidence-restoring policy measures are needed to address domestic and external sources of vulnerability; in particular forceful and timely actions have to be taken in countries with deep-seated weaknesses.
The Committee reviewed and endorsed the overall strategy adopted by the international community in dealing with the Asian crisis. It noted that stability in the affected countries' currencies should, if maintained, allow for a further cautious easing of monetary policies. The Committee nonetheless remained concerned about the depth of the recession in many countries of Asia and its negative impact on the welfare of large sections of their population. It supported the scope provided for fiscal policy to alleviate pressures on the real economy and, in particular, to back countries' social safety nets, and to absorb the costs of bank restructuring. In order to secure the recovery of these economies, the Committee considered it essential that they continue to address forcefully the structural weaknesses in their financial and corporate sectors that lie at the heart of the recent loss of confidence, and to develop effective mechanisms to facilitate debt workouts.
Regarding Russia's financial crisis, the Committee encouraged the new government to take immediate measures to re-establish confidence in the ruble, restore the payments mechanism, and work with its creditors to develop a cooperative solution to Russia's debts. It also emphasized the need for vigorous action to tackle the root causes of the crisis, especially the persistent fiscal imbalances and inadequacies in the taxation system and the banking sector, while strengthening the rule of law, market competition, the private enterprise sector, and also minimizing the social impact of the crisis. Members reaffirmed that the international community, including the international financial institutions, stands ready to support convincing and effective measures to stabilize and reform the Russian economy. The Fund should continue to fully support thosecountries most affected by the Russian crisis that are performing adequately under their adjustment programs.
As for other emerging market and developing economies, with capital markets highly sensitive to any sign of policy deficiencies, it is essential that they persevere with sound policies to reduce vulnerability to changes in investor sentiment. The Committee noted that many countries in Asia and in other regions are dealing effectively with the spillover effects from the crisis. It also welcomed the reaffirmation of China's commitment not to devalue its currency, which has provided an important anchor to the region. In Latin America, while progress during the past decade in macroeconomic policies and structural reforms has enabled many countries to cope with the recent financial market turbulence, there still remains a strong need in some countries for fiscal consolidation and strengthening of financial systems.
The Committee stressed the importance of the role that the industrial countries have to play in sustaining global growth, containing deflationary risks, and creating environments conducive to a smooth resolution of financial crises. While noting the recent steps in this direction, the Committee considered it essential that Japan should take prompt and resolute action to strengthen its banking system and to provide sufficient and sustained stimulus to revive domestic demand and restore confidence until the recovery is well established. In most other industrial countries, growth is sufficiently robust for fiscal policy not to be diverted from medium-term objectives. In view of the favorable inflation and growth prospects in these countries and the seriousness of the global financial market crisis and its spillover effects, the Committee welcomed the recent interest rate cut in the United States as a useful step in this regard and the convergence of interest rates in the countries participating in the euro towards the lowest levels prevailing in the area. Should there be a worsening of the crisis or a further slowdown in economic activity, additional action on both domestic and international grounds would be required by both emerging market countries and industrial countries.
The Committee agreed to explore a strengthened capacity, based in the IMF and together with the general increase of IMF quotas and establishment of the New Arrangements to Borrow, to provide more effectively contingent finance to help countries pursuing sound policies to maintain stability in the face of difficult global financial conditions.
3. Strengthening the Architecture of the International Monetary System
The Committee welcomed the progress that has been made during the past six months in the work on aspects related to the strengthening of the architecture of the international monetary system. Recent crises have, however, exposed broader and deeper difficulties in the system, underscoring the need to widen the scope of recent work to encompass other crucial aspects with respect to the management and resolution of financial crises. These pertain, in particular, to mechanisms for the allocation of capital and for the management of risk, the regulation and supervision of financial sectors, and standards of transparency. The roles of the various institutional components of thesystem also need a thorough review, including the possibility for strengthening and/or transforming the Interim Committee. Members invited the Executive Board to develop its work in these directions and to report to the Committee at its next meeting.
On a number of points of great importance for the stability of the international financial system and the effective functioning of global capital markets, preparatory work is already well under way, and agreement around them is broad. Now is the time to follow up with concrete and rapid action. The following points were emphasized:
Private Sector Contribution
Capital Movements
Fund Support
Computer Date Change
The Committee requested the Executive Board to advance its work in all of these areas, in cooperation with other institutions and fora, and to report to the Committee at its next meeting.
4. Reports on Other Fund Policies and Operations
a. Fund Liquidity, Quotas, NAB, and SDR Amendment
The Committee expressed serious concern over the Fund's tight liquidity position. It stressed the critical importance in current conditions of augmenting the Fund's resources and urged all members to accelerate the process leading to the implementation of the agreed quota increase. The Committee also called for the completion of countries' adherence to the New Arrangements to Borrow and for the early acceptance of the Fourth Amendment of the Articles of Agreement allowing for the special one-time allocation of SDRs. These were viewed as indispensable actions in present circumstances.
b. ESAF & HIPC Initiative—Implementation, Financing, and Lessons from Evaluation and Review; Post-Conflict Assistance
c. Bank-Fund Collaboration
The Committee considered recent initiatives to strengthen collaboration between the Bank and the Fund. While recognizing the specific mandates of the two institutions, it stressed the importance of their working together, including in joint missions, to assist countries in implementing integrated stabilization and structural reform programs. Enhanced collaboration would maximize the effectiveness of the two institutions at a time of high demands on their resources. The Committee attached particular importance to stronger cooperation in helping countries strengthen financial systems.
d. EMU and the Fund—Operational Issues
The Committee welcomed the decision of the European Union (EU) that 11 EU members will move to the third and final stage of economic and monetary union (EMU) on January 1, 1999. EMU will necessitate some changes in the Fund's operational procedures, including those related both to surveillance and to the financing of the Fund. In light of the importance of the euro area, the Fund should develop its surveillance activities in this domain and complete its work to deal with the operational implications of the advent of EMU. In this context, the Committee underlined the importance of establishing an effective exchange of views with relevant EU institutions, especially the ECB.
The next meeting of the Interim Committee will be held in Washington, D.C. and is provisionally scheduled for April 27, 1999.
October 4, 1998
Carlo Azeglio Ciampi
Managing Director
Michel Camdessus
Members or Alternates
Ibrahim A. Al-Assaf, Minister of Finance and National Economy, Saudi Arabia
Yilmaz Akyuz, Chief, Macro-Economics and Development
Policies Branch, UNCTAD


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For more information please contact:
Computer Courtyard
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subset: commoncrawl


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1501 Metairie Rd. (Bonnabel Blvd.) Send to Phone
504-834-9773 | Make Restaurant Reservations | Menu
OpenLunch & Dinner daily
- Parking lot
- Dress code: Casual
- Full bar
- Private room(s)
- Reservations suggested
- Take-out available
- Wheelchair accessible
* Click here for rating key
Byblos Restaurant Review: Byblos offers moderately priced Middle Eastern cuisine in a high-ceilinged, whitewashed dining room. At the cloth-covered tables, regulars converse over aromatic rice; meaty cabbage rolls; a parsley-rich tabbouleh; skewers piercing exotically seasoned beef, shrimp, fish, lamb and chicken; and such honey-laced desserts as ashta (a traditional Lebanese sweet that's a cross between clotted cream and pudding) and baklava. There's a full bar and wine list, too. Attached to a shopping mall, this outpost of Byblos is a standout for its service. Other locations.
Sign up to receive the 2016 edition of GAYOT's Annual Restaurant Issue, which will feature the Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S. and more.


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The warm weather brought a lot of people to the Woodburn Fire Dept.'s annual Ice Cream Supper on Aug. 11.
This is a community event and fundraiser that raises money to support emergency services in the Woodburn district.
"The great thing about this event is that it's become a true community event. A lot of people look forward to it every year," said Bob Skipper, with the Woodburn Fire. Dept.
Barbecue, games, dessert, music and of course ice cream always gives the community a reason to look forward to it.
The Red Cross was also on hand at the event to encourage people to donate blood


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- Sales Home
- Select Date/Time
Select Date/Time
Becoming Van Gogh
Becoming Van Gogh is sold out; thank you for your support.
Includes General Admission.
A maximum of 9 tickets can be ordered at once. If you have 10 or more in your party, please consult our group reservations page here for further information.
Becoming Van Gogh Members' Only Mondays click here. New hours added on 1/7 and 1/14.
Becoming Van Gogh, an in-depth exploration of Vincent van Gogh's unconventional path to becoming one of the world's most recognizable artists, will be presented at the Denver Art Museum from October 21, 2012 through January 20, 2013. The exhibition examines critical steps in the largely self-taught artist's evolution through more than 70 painting and drawing by Van Gogh, along with works by artists to whom he responded. Organized by the DAM and curated by Timothy J. Standring, Gates Foundation Curator of Painting and Sculpture at the DAM, and Louis van Tilborgh, Senior Researcher of Paintings at Amsterdam's Van Gogh Museum, Becoming Van Gogh brings together loans from more than 60 public and private collections throughout Europe and North America to tell the story of a number of key formative periods throughout the artist's career.
Please note that school tours will visit the Becoming Van Gogh exhibition Tuesdays - Fridays between the hours of 9:30am - 12:30pm. Please choose your timeslot with this in mind.
Special pricing and services available for groups of 10+. Call 720-865-5139.
If you are having difficulty accessing member prices, sign out, and, on the Log In screen, click "create a member account" in the upper right. Visit our instructions page here
The exhibition employs a no refund/ no exchange policy; however, exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis. Exchanges are subject to a $1 convenience fee and may be made based on availability only.


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Two new Hendra virus cases confirmed - full report from Biosecurity -
Biosecurity Queensland is managing two new Hendra virus cases – one near Rockhampton and the other near Ingham - after positive test results were received late last night.
Queensland Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Rick Symons said a horse died on Saturday on a property near Rockhampton with test results confirming the horse had Hendra virus. There are other horses on the property – these animals will be assessed today.
Dr Symons said a horse had also died on a property in Ingham on Monday with results confirming it had Hendra virus infection. Five horses remain on this property and will be assessed today.
"Biosecurity Queensland is in the process of quarantining the properties and will test and monitor the other horses at these locations over the next month," Dr Symons said.
"Tracing will be a priority to determine what contact the deceased horses may have had with other animals."
"Movement restrictions will apply to moving horses and horse materials on and off the infected properties."
Queensland Health's Public Health experts will travel to both properties today to assess the situation and determine whether any humans had contact with the infected horses and require testing.
Queensland's Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young reassured the community that transmission of the virus required close contact with body fluids of the sick horse.
"Queensland Health staff will continue to undertake contact tracing work to ensure all people potentially exposed to the sick horse have been identified," Dr Young said.
"Queensland Health stands ready to provide any assistance, counselling, information, testing or treatment that may be required."
"Anyone who is concerned should contact 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84). Since the start of 2011 until now there has been 11 Hendra virus incidents in Queensland resulting in the death or euthanasia of 14 horses and one dog. These two new cases brings the total for 2011 and 2012 to 13 cases and 16 horse deaths.
For more information, including the latest guidelines for veterinarians on Hendra virus, contact Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or visit www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au
Facts for horse owners - Reducing the risk of Hendra virus infection on your property:
- Horse feed and water containers should be removed from under trees. If possible, place feed and water containers under a shelter.
- Owners should inspect and identify flowering/fruiting trees on their property. Horses should be removed from paddocks where flowering/fruiting trees are attracting flying foxes. Horses should be returned only after the trees have stopped flowering/fruiting and the flying foxes have gone. If horses cannot be removed from the paddock, consider fencing (temporary or permanent) to restrict access to flowering/ fruiting trees. Alternatively, try to temporarily remove horses during times of peak flying fox activity (usually at dusk and during the night). Clean up any fruit debris underneath the trees before returning horses.
- Ensure that sick horses are isolated from other horses, people and animals until a veterinarian's opinion is obtained.
- Try to avoid close contact with a sick horse and personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, masks and gloves should be worn if handling a suspected sick horse.


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Written by AZoM
Advantages of Nanosized Additions
Disadvantages of Nanosized Additions
Particle Loadings
Examples of Mechanical Property gains due to Nanoparticle Additions
Areas of Application
Gas Barriers
Oxygen Barriers
Food Packaging
Fuel Tanks
Environmental Protection
Flammability Reduction
The Nanocomposites 2000 conference has revealed clearly the property advantages that nanomaterial additives can provide in comparison to both their conventional filler counterparts and base polymer. Properties which have been shown to undergo substantial improvements include:
• Mechanical properties e.g. strength, modulus and dimensional stability
• Decreased permeability to gases, water and hydrocarbons
• Thermal stability and heat distortion temperature
• Flame retardancy and reduced smoke emissions
• Chemical resistance
• Surface appearance
• Electrical conductivity
• Optical clarity in comparison to conventionally filled polymers
To date one of the few disadvantages associated with nanoparticle incorporation has concerned toughness and impact performance. Some of the data presented has suggested that nanoclay modification of polymers such as polyamides, could reduce impact performance. Clearly this is an issue which would require consideration for applications where impact loading events are likely. In addition, further research will be necessary to, for example, develop a better understanding of formulation/structure/property relationships, better routes to platelet exfoliation and dispersion etc.
In addition it is important to recognise that nanoparticulate/fibrous loading confers significant property improvements with very low loading levels, traditional microparticle additives requiring much higher loading levels to achieve similar performance. This in turn can result in significant weight reductions (of obvious importance for various military and aerospace applications) for similar performance, greater strength for similar structural dimensions and, for barrier applications, increased barrier performance for similar material thickness.
Data provided by Hartmut Fischer of TNO in the Netherlands relating to polyamide – montmorillonite nanocomposites indicates tensile strength improvements of approximately 40 and 20% at temperatures of 23ºC and 120ºC respectively and modulus improvements of 70% and a very impressive 220% at the same temperatures. In addition Heat Distortion Temperature was shown to increase from 65ºC for the unmodified polyamide to 152ºC for the nanoclay-modified material, all the above being achieved with just a 5% loading of montmorillonite clay. Similar mechanical property improvements were presented for polymethyl methacrylate – clay hybrids.
Further data provided by Akkepeddi of Honeywell relating to polyamide-6 polymers confirms these property trends. In addition, the further benefits of short/long glass fibre incorporation, together with nanoclay incorporation, are clearly revealed.
Such mechanical property improvements have resulted in major interest in nanocomposite materials in numerous automotive and general/industrial applications. These include potential for utilisation as mirror housings on various vehicle types, door handles, engine covers and intake manifolds and timing belt covers. More general applications currently being considered include usage as impellers and blades for vacuum cleaners, power tool housings, mower hoods and covers for portable electronic equipment such as mobile phones, pagers etc.
The gaseous barrier property improvement that can result from incorporation of relatively small quantities of nanoclay materials is shown to be substantial. Data provided from various sources indicates oxygen transmission rates for polyamide-organoclay composites which are usually less than half that of the unmodified polymer. Further data reveals the extent to which both the amount of clay incorporated in the polymer, and the aspect ratio of the filler contributes to overall barrier performance. In particular, aspect ratio is shown to have a major effect, with high ratios (and hence tendencies towards filler incorporation at the nano-level) quite dramatically enhancing gaseous barrier properties. Such excellent barrier characteristics have resulted in considerable interest in nanoclay composites in food packaging applications, both flexible and rigid. Specific examples include packaging for processed meats, cheese, confectionery, cereals and boil-in-the-bag foods, also extrusion-coating applications in association with paperboard for fruit juice and dairy products, together with co-extrusion processes for the manufacture of beer and carbonated drinks bottles. The use of nanocomposite formulations would be expected to enhance considerably the shelf life of many types of food.
Honeywell have also been active in developing a combined active/passive oxygen barrier system for polyamide-6 materials. Passive barrier characteristics are provided by nanoclay particles incorporated via melt processing techniques whilst the active contribution comes from an oxygen scavenging ingredient (undisclosed). Oxygen transmission results reveal substantial benefits provided by nanoclay incorporation in comparison to the base polymer (rates approximately 15-20% of the bulk polymer value, with further benefits provided by the combined active/passive system). Akkapeddi suggests that the increased tortuosity provided by the nanoclay particles essentially slows transmission of oxygen through the composite and drives molecules to the active scavenging species resulting in near zero oxygen transmission for a considerable period of time.
Triton Systems and the US Army are conducting further work on barrier performance in a joint investigation. The requirement here is for a non-refrigerated packaging system capable of maintaining food freshness for three years. Nanoclay polymer composites are currently showing considerable promise for this application.
It is likely that excellent gaseous barrier properties exhibited by nanocomposite polymer systems will result in their substantial use as packaging materials in future years.
A somewhat more esoteric possibility arising from enhanced barrier performance recently suggested has been blown–films for artificial intestines!
The ability of nanoclay incorporation to reduce solvent transmission through polymers such as polyamides has been demonstrated. Data provided by De Bievre and Nakamura of UBE Industries reveals significant reductions in fuel transmission through polyamide–6/66 polymers by incorporation of a nanoclay filler. As a result, considerable interest is now being shown in these materials as both fuel tank and fuel line components for cars. Of further interest for this type of application, the reduced fuel transmission characteristics are accompanied by significant material cost reductions.
The presence of filler incorporation at nano-levels has also been shown to have significant effects on the transparency and haze characteristics of films. In comparison to conventionally filled polymers, nanoclay incorporation has been shown to significantly enhance transparency and reduce haze. With polyamide based composites, this effect has been shown to be due to modifications in the crystallisation behaviour brought about by the nanoclay particles; spherilitic domain dimensions being considerably smaller. Similarly, nano-modified polymers have been shown, when employed to coat polymeric transparency materials, to enhance both toughness and hardness of these materials without interfering with light transmission characteristics. An ability to resist high velocity impact combined with substantially improved abrasion resistance was demonstrated by Haghighat of Triton Systems.
Water laden atmospheres have long been regarded as one of the most damaging environments which polymeric materials can encounter. Thus an ability to minimise the extent to which water is absorbed can be a major advantage. Data provided by Beall from Missouri Baptist College indicates the significant extent to which nanoclay incorporation can reduce the extent of water absorption in a polymer. Similar effects have been observed by van Es of DSM with polyamide based nanocomposites. In addition, van Es noted a significant effect of nanoclay aspect ratio on water diffusion characteristics in a polyimide nanocomposite. Specifically, increasing aspect ratio was found to diminish substantially the amount of water absorbed, thus indicating the beneficial effects likely from nanoparticle incorporation in comparison to conventional microparticle loading. Hydrophobic enhancement would clearly promote both improved nanocomposite properties and diminish the extent to which water would be transmitted through to an underlying substrate. Thus applications in which contact with water or moist environments is likely could clearly benefit from materials incorporating nanoclay particles.
The ability of nanoclay incorporation to reduce the flammability of polymeric materials was a major theme of the paper presented by Gilman of the National Institute of Standards and Technology in the US. In his work Gilman demonstrated the extent to which flammability behaviour could be restricted in polymers such as polypropylene with as little as 2% nanoclay loading. In particular heat release rates, as obtained from cone calorimetry experiments, were found to diminish substantially by nanoclay incorporation. Although conventional microparticle filler incorporation, together with the use of flame retardant and intumescent agents would also minimise flammability behaviour, this is usually accompanied by reductions in various other important properties. With the nanoclay approach, this is usually achieved whilst maintaining or enhancing other properties and characteristics.
Primary author: Professor J.N. Hay and S.J. Shaw
Source: Abstracted from "A Review of Nanocomposites 2000"
For more information please visit The Institute of Nanotechnology.
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Selena Gomez fans couldn't stop screaming on Saturday afternoon at Nickelodeon's 27th Annual Kids' Choice Awards. Why all the screaming? Not only were there fountains of green slime everywhere, the popular star won a big award compliments of the fans. Selena Gomez grabbed an orange blimp for Favorite Female Singer.
Standing on stage, Selena's voice quivered as she gave thanks to the fans who helped her career and everyone who voted for her and the award. Calling the year "amazing" it seemed that Selena was really surprised that the fans remembered her this year for another special award. She can't be too surprised though as the star is always in the news and youngsters love to see her movies.
This isn't Selena's first time to get an award from the Kids' Choice Awards. She has won several times over the past few years for her work on Wizards of Waverly Place and the fans love the star so much they wanted to honor her again in 2014. Obviously the star had so many fans who wanted to see her win again.
Take a look at the video clip of Selena Gomez picking up her award at the Kids' Choice Awards. She looks so happy and she was completely slime free!


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just had a baby 7 days ago..help!
i just gave birth dec 24th, all natural. my vagina dosnt hurt as bad as it did, now it just feels tender almost numb sometimes, when i sit or walk for to long,,normal?? this is my first baby
Posted: 12/31/2012 by xjackiex326
Mom Answers
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That's pretty close to my own experience with it. You've been really beat up down there! It will start feeling it like it used to after a while, but it was a couple weeks for me before the tenderness really started to go away. I rested as much as I could and lay down instead of sitting when I cold, and that seemed to help. Ice packs helped, too! Take things slow, it will go back to normal, it might just take a few weeks before you really feel like you want to even look!posted 01/12/2013 by wirefly13
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Google admits it failed to delete all Street View data
Confesses to the ICO
INTERNET SERVICES GIANT Google has admitted that it failed to delete all data collected using its Street View vehicles, which could include users personal details, in a letter issued to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).
The letter sent by Peter Fleischer, who works as Google's global privacy counsel, says that the company is still in possession of a "small portion of payload data" collected by its Street View WiFi vehicles.
Google told the ICO that it would "like to delete the remaining UK data", asking the UK privacy regulator for help in doing so.
The ICO send The INQUIRER its response to Google's letter, which reads, "Earlier today Google contacted the ICO to confirm that it still had in its possession some of the payload data collected by its Street View vehicles prior to May 2010.
"This data was supposed to have been deleted in December 2010. The fact that some of this information still exists appears to breach the undertaking to the ICO signed by Google in November 2010.
"Google indicated that it wanted to delete the remaining data and asked for the ICO's instructions on how to proceed. Our response, which has already been issued, makes clear that Google must supply the data to the ICO immediately, so that we can subject it to forensic analysis before deciding on the necessary course of action.
"The ICO has always been clear that this should never have happened in the first place and the company's failure to secure its deletion as promised is cause for concern."
The ICO added that it is in touch with other data protection authorities in the EU and elsewhere to coordinate the response. µ
INQ Latest
Sending text messages creates a whole new brainwave
Something else for carriers to blame poor reception on
Apple iPhone camera patent could unplug gig recording
Will it work on Songs for the Deaf?
Government websites to use HTTPS encryption from October
What took so long?


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Summertime for many means piling into the family truckster for the Family Vacation, a chance to share lots of quality time, ooh and ahh (however briefly) over the sights on America's highways and byways and add to the scrapbook.
As Clark W. Griswold –the beleaguered family man played by Chevy Chase in the 1983 road trip classic, "National Lampoon's Vacation" – can tell you, it can be a long way down the holiday road, and more multigenerational families are hitting that holiday road together than ever before.
"I think a road trip to just about anywhere can lead to special memories that families will always remember," said singer-songwriter Dolly Parton, co-owner of family-favorite theme park Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. "And if you find some good food along the way, all the better!"
So get your Griswold on and gas up, but remember this rule for the road: Buy your theme park tickets in advance. It could save you some money and ensure that the park will actually be open during your visit.
Theme park: Walley World (California's Six Flags Magic Mountain, www.SixFlags.com/MagicMountain, backdrop for the infamous theme park in the movie)
Park mascot: Marty Moose
Blonde bombshell: Christy Brinkley
Rollercoaster worth forcing your way onto: Revolution, the world's first giant looping rollercoaster and/or Colossus – one of the world's most enormous wooden roller coasters, with six drops, 14 hills and more than 4,325 feet of track. Thrill seekers take note: Your last chance to ride Colossus is Aug. 16, after which the "granddaddy of all roller coasters" is coming down.
Park mascot: Marty Moose
Blonde bombshell: Christy Brinkley
Ride worth forcing your way onto: Revolution, the world's first giant looping rollercoaster and/or Colossus – one of the world's most enormous wooden roller coasters, with six drops, 14 hills and more than 4,325 feet of track. Thrill seekers take note: Your last chance to ride Colossus is Aug. 16, after which the "granddaddy of all roller coasters" is coming down.
Picnic: Hamburger Helper (just the Helper served with real tomato ketchup) at Cousin Eddie's.
Don't miss moment: Riding coasters with the SWAT team.
If you have only seconds to see a major attraction along the way: Grand Canyon, www.NPS.gov/grca/index.htm.
Overnighting on the "holiday road" – Guesthouse International Hotel, www.GuesthouseCalifornia.com, Norwalk, Calif. Known as the Saddleback Inn when the Griswold family checked in several decades ago, it is located near Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm and Universal Studios. Contrary to what Clark and The Girl in the Ferrari would have you believe, bathing suits are required.
Theme park: Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, www.Disneyworld.disney.go.com
Park mascot: Mickey Mouse
Blonde bombshell: Cinderella
Ride worth forcing your way onto: The 180-foot tall Space Mountain, which plunges you into the inky black of the galaxy. This ride, with its drops, dips and dark, remains a classic.
Picnic: Dine at the Beast's Castle in the Be Our Guest restaurant for an alternative to burgers and fries: Croque-Monsieur, veggie quiche, slow-braised pork. There's "grey stuff" for dessert and a chance to get a picture taken with Beast, all in gorgeous surroundings.
Don't miss moment: Seeing Cinderella's Castle illuminated with millions of colored lights once the sun sets over the park; it truly is magical.
If you have only seconds to see a major attraction along the way: Bok Tower Gardens, www.BokTowerGardens.org, Lake Wales, timed to hear its 60-bell Singing Tower carillon concerts at 1 and 3 p.m. daily.
Overnighting on the "holiday road": Omni Hotel Resort ChampionsGate, www.OmniHotels.com, puts you within a 30-minute drive of Magic Kingdom, LEGOLAND, Universal Studios and the shops, restaurants and attractions of downtown Orlando – but out of the fray of the parks. It is a lushly landscaped oasis with a lazy river undulating beneath shading palm trees, waterslide, formal pool and cabanas with WiFi and flat screen TVs, Mokara Spa, championship golf, Camp Omni kids' program and teen space and activities.
Theme park: Dollywood & Splash Country, www.Dollywood.com
Park mascot: No mascot per se; but there's no mistaking who the face of this eponymously named park is.
Blonde bombshell: The Divine Miss P., of course.
Ride worth forcing your way onto: FireChaser Express, the nation's first dual-launch forward and backward coaster. It rises 12 stories above the park and encounters a surprise explosion that sends the coaster back into the station traveling in the opposite direction.
Picnic: The 12-pound, 30-inch round cheese or pepperoni pie at LumberJack's Pizza is big enough for 8 to 10 hungry diners. Bonus: If two people polish off one in a single sitting, each receives a Gold Season Pass to return to Dollywood as many times as they like.
Don't miss moment: Seeing any of Dollywood's excellent original productions, like "My People!" and "Heartsong."
If you have only seconds to see a major attraction along the way: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, www.NPS.gov/grsm/index.htm, the most visited in the country – and admission is free.
Overnighting on the "holiday road": Dollywood Cabins, www.Dollywood.com, offer a variety of amenity-laden accommodations, for two to 32. Rates start at $99/night. Along the way: The upscale Holiday Inn World's Fair Park Hotel, www.HolidayInnWFP.com. Home to the world's largest Rubik's Cube, it's comfy with gorgeous lobby and Windows on the Park restaurant and puts guests in (free) shuttle distance of downtown Knoxville attractions. Valid through Aug. 28: Urban Wilderness Adventure package (from $164/night) with deluxe overnight accommodations, bicycle rentals, canoeing or paddleboarding excursion and welcome amenity.
Theme park: Holiday World & Splashin' Safari, www.HolidayWorld.com
Park mascot: Holidog
Blonde bombshell: Kitty Claws, a black cat in bright orange tutu, who lives in the Halloween area.
Ride worth forcing your way onto: The Voyage. Named by TIME Magazine as the #1 wooden coaster in the nation, it provides more "air time" than any other wooden roller coaster in the world. Hang on!
Picnic: Dine pilgrim-style at Plymouth Rock Café in the Thanksgiving area: turkey, dressing, green beans, sweet potato casserole and, for dessert, pecan or pumpkin chess pie.
Don't miss moment: Joining Santa at his Storytime Theater to hear a Christmas story and sing a carol or two. Photos ops, too.
If you have only seconds to see a major attraction along the way: Abraham Lincoln's boyhood home at the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, www.NPS.gov/libo/index.htm, in Lincoln City, Ind.
A place to stay on the "holiday road": A Christmas Cabin at Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort, www.LakeRudolph.com, with free shuttle service to and from Holiday World and lots of other family-friendly amenities. Along the way: Leavenworth Inn, www.LeavenworthInn.com, an upscale country inn overlooking the Ohio River. Valid through Aug. 31, 2014: Sizzling Summer Special: $165 for 2 nights, Thurs.-Sun., subject to availability, and including a delicious breakfast.
Suggested Links
- Bucket List Adventure: 'Walking Dead' with Atlanta Movie Tours
- Bucket List Adventure: Bourbon immersion on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail
- Bucket List Adventure: See Chattanooga's Rock City
- Bucket List Adventure: Check in to Paula Deen's Tybee Island beach house
- Bucket List Adventure: 'Dancing With the Stars' aboard a Holland America cruise


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Is the economy starting to hurt luxury travelers as well as mainstream cruisers? New policies by Crystal Cruises, offering reduced deposits and extended cancellation periods, indicate that high-end vacationers are getting a little nervous about plunking down large amounts of cash for future trips.
Crystal's new booking incentives include:
For all 2009 itineraries (except the full world cruise), the required deposit will be 5 percent of the cruise fare, rather than the previous 10 percent.
Booked passengers can now cancel trips without penalty up to 45 days before sailing (formerly 75 days).
Potential Crystal travelers now have seven days after booking (rather than three) to pay their deposit.
Deposits for the 2010 world cruise have been reduced from 20 percent of the cruise fare (which would have amounted to around ten grand per person) to $1,000 or $1,500 (depending on stateroom booked).
Crystal will continue to offer a price guarantee, and booked passengers will pay the lowest applicable fare, should their cruise price change after booking. Alternately, they may be offered the choice of an upgrade in lieu of a reduced fare.
We spoke with Mimi Weisband, Crystal's vice president of public relations, who told us these new policies are intended to make customers more confident about booking their vacation during these troubling economic times. "We found that our affluent guests are more resilient and resistant to the economic situation, but they're not immune," she says. "We see that people are somewhat paralyzed about their purchasing decisions and we wanted to
make it easier for them."
The changes make it easier for wary customers to book a cruise because they don't have to pay as much up front, and if they need to, they can back out at almost the last minute. Although Crystal has not seen a dramatic increase in canceled bookings, sales are down from last year, which proved to be the line's best year ever. In addition, Crystal discovered that many customers did not know about the line's price guarantee and were waiting for a better deal before booking, not realizing they could lock in their preferred cabin and sail date up front and still take advantage of future discounts.
According to Weisband, travel agent response to Crystal's announcement has been "overwhelmingly positive." We'll keep you posted should other luxury lines follow suit with their own amended deposit and cancellation policies.
--by Erica Silverstein, Associate Editor
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Crystal Updates Refund and Deposit Policies
Crystal Updates Refund and Deposit Policies
October 15, 2008


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State balanced budget requirement proposed with exceptions
I hate to be the bearer of bad news but there is no balanced budget requirement in Washington State. The Governor is required to propose a balanced budget (RCW 43.88.030) and if at any time a cash deficit is projected the Governor is required to immediately implement across the board cuts (RCW 43.88.110), but the Legislature is not required to adopt a balanced budget.
This would change under bills currently under consideration. The first proposal was adopted by the Senate 36-12 back on February 13. That proposed constitutional amendment (SJR 8222) would require the Legislature to adopt budgets that projected to be balanced over 4 years. This means the Legislature could not knowingly adopt a budget that would result in a deficit in the next biennium. The one exception to this requirement would be in years that money is appropriated from the state's constitutional budget reserve. Despite receiving approval by the Senate, the House did not even hold a hearing on SJR 8222.
Among the sticking points in the current budget negotiations has been SJR 8222. Yesterday a bill was introduced in the House to require a balanced budget over 2 years with exceptions. HB 2827 would put into statute (not the constitution) the following requirement:
"When the legislature enacts any bill that makes appropriations from the state general fund or related funds, the legislature must prepare and publish a balance sheet which demonstrates that total proposed appropriations from the state general fund and related funds for that biennium will leave, in total, a positive ending fund balance."
This requirement for a balanced budget would not apply, however, in the following circumstance:
". . . does not apply to an appropriations bill that (a) either makes net reductions in total general fund or related funds appropriations or increases the ending fund balance in the general fund or related funds, or both, and (b) is enacted between July 1st and February 15th of any fiscal year."
An example of this would have been the "budget" adopted last December during the 2nd Special Session of 2011 which did not fully address the budget deficit the Governor called on the Legislature to resolve.
Another curious provision of HB 2827 is Section 10 which establishes an expiration date for the bill on July 1, 2023. This means the policy of Washington state in statute would be to have a balanced budget requirement only until 2023.
According to a press release issued by the House Democrats:
"The House is moving forward Wednesday with a short list of bills that will be necessary to implement (NTIB) the supplemental operating budget. Although an agreement on the final budget has not yet been reached, the House Democratic negotiating team wants to get the ball rolling.
'We have been negotiating in good faith practically every day of this special session,' said House Ways and Means Chair Ross Hunter (D-Medina). 'We've taken significant steps toward the Republican position, and are still willing to discuss the final sticking points, but the time has come to act as well as talk.'
'We will also be placing a striking amendment to the budget on the bar Wednesday morning," said House Majority Leader Pat Sullivan (D- Covington), "and we plan to take action on it later this week. The length of time it takes to pass a budget through both chambers means we have to begin moving things now.'
. . . Hunter's committee will hold a public hearing on the bills Wednesday at 1:00 pm and they could be voted on by the House as early as Thursday.
'Not every one of these bills may pass,' he said. 'But if we're going to get a budget out by Easter, it's time to find out.'"
It remains to be seen if HB 2827 will satisfy the demands of the bipartisan Senate coalition for sustainable budget reforms. The bill's lack of requirement for budgets to be sustainable in future years, however, probably won't pass the test.
As of this morning no budget agreement has been reached. Today is day 23 of the 1st Special Session of 2012. It has been 194 days since the Governor called on lawmakers to balance the budget.
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I have a dedicated (virtual) server, to which I have only SSH access to. I would like to backup/clone the server to my local virtual machine.
I tried to backup with tar all the essential files, but then I struggled with restoring it on a new Virtual Machine. I didn't manage to make my new VM bootable.
So any help is welcome.
Server OS version ubuntu 10.04.3
Virtualization platform - OpenVZ


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There is still so much to learn about Celiac Disease and so many misconceptions about Celiac. In order to live well and remain as healthy as possible it is vital that people learn where to start once they have been diagnosed with Celiac.
Some myths that we find out there are:
- Just go gluten-free. If you are feeling better then we'll run the celiac tests. Fact is once you stop eating gluten your intestines start to heal and the less accurate your test results will be. You need to test before going gluten-free to get accurate results.
- It's ok to eat gluten occasionally. If you have celiac a crumb is all it takes to continue damaging your intestines. It is hard to believe that doctors are still telling patient's to do this, but some are.
- Your too old to get Celiac. Truth is, there is no age limit to when you can develop or be diagnosed with Celiac. Almost one-third of all patient's are diagnosed after the age of 60.
- Only Caucasians get Celiac. Although it is true that Caucasians have the highest incidence of Celiac Disease it still affects other ethnicities. No one is immune from getting diagnosed.
- You only have to avoid wheat, barley and rye. Not true. You must be careful with all grains including rice, corn and quinoa. There is a possibility of cross-contamination through the growing and processing systems. Be sure that you are buying Certified Gluten Free products made in a designated gluten-free facility. If you feel poorly eating any food, you should avoid it.
Be sure to take a list of symptoms with you when you visit the doctor so the right tests can be administered. Symptoms vary from person to person so be careful to take good notes, see how you react to foods.
People react differently. What one person experiences may different from what you experience. Some people lose weight, have gastrointestinal problems, anemia, memory issues, headaches, joint pain, and the list goes on and on. So be mindful of what is happening within your body so you can find the right program for you.
There is some trial and error involved with finding the right foods that work for you, but it can be done. Do your research. Go to support meetings to learn what you can from others with the same condition. They can help you navigate the new lifestyle a little easier. It always helps when you can share what you are going through with others. Just makes the whole process easier. This is a very small start and there will be more to come. Once you become gluten-free you will see what a difference it makes in your life. Life will be more enjoyable again.


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Rainer Gross names his design DeutzTwins. The work has, so to speak, a Janus-headed appearance. In the direction of the Ottoplatz, the work is a slim stele approximately ten metres high made of finely sanded concrete. The side facing the CologneTriangle shows a classical motif of the artist, i.e. the picture of the twins. In contrast to his paintings, Gross, however, has not placed the DeutzTwins images mirrored next to each other, but set at an angle of 90 degrees. The horizontal half of the picture of the twins serves as the base of the water basin. The vertical twin appears in contrast as a "fixed image" over which a water spray runs. Consequently, both twins – the artist speaks of a folded-out sculpture – are to a certain extent covered with a film of water. Dr. Carl Haenlein, 2005
To the top | ©2007 Rheinische Versorgungskassen


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Gil Scott-Heron: Winter in America
Winter in America
Gil Scott-Heron (keyboards, vocals)
Midnight Band: The First Minute of a New Day (Rumal Gia-TVT 4350-2)
Gil Scott-Heron (keyboards, vocals).
Composed by Gil Scott-Heron.
Recorded: Maryland, June-July 1974
Rating: 98/100 (learn more)
Today, proto-rapper Gil Scott-Heron is acknowledged as a major influence on several developments in Black Music and soul jazz, and it is easy to imagine that such artists as Cassandra Wilson considered the poet-vocalist's music before finding her own path. One of Scott-Heron's finest statements is "Winter in America," an image-driven portrait of the icy stasis gripping the nation in the early seventies-after the assassinations, riots, Watergate, and Vietnam.
First, there was an album of that name but no song, as Scott-Heron considered the three words simply an evocative image and not a subject for music. Then, he composed an actual "Winter in America" for his Arista debut, The First Minute of a New Day. Live performances and recordings subsequently crystallized the recording's powerful message.
Featured as a bonus track on the New Day CD reissue, this version of the song is distinctive because Scott-Heron performs alone on it. His keyboard work is more staccato and basic and the melody is slightly flattened out. Despite the changes, the cold, hard facts remain: "...Democracy is rag-time on the corner, hopin' for some rain...all of our healers have been killed or betrayed...ain't nobody fighting because nobody knows what to save."
The scenario is bleak but Scott-Heron's compelling music and verbal tropes continue to resound thirty years farther (or maybe no farther) on.
Reviewer: Ed Leimbacher
Tags: americana · poetry · soul jazz · spoken word · vocal jazz


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|Key Account Management
|Who Should Attend
|Those who are new to managing key accounts or those who wish to develop and revise their key account management skills. Suitable for those working in a range of Key Account Management environments such as product, service or business to business environments.
|This workshop achieves a balance between theory and actual Key Account Management skills practise with expert coaching and guidance. Simulated client interaction exercises, profiling and practical coaching will help to increase skills and develop confidence. A range of subject areas are covered to ensure Key Account Managers are equipped to operate effectively in a broad range of situations. Each attendee will receive a comprehensive resource manual of course notes, tips and techniques. Delegate numbers are limited to ensure everyone has maximum opportunities to receive coaching and feedback from the trainer.
|At the end of this training programme participants will be able to:
Have a better understanding of how to construct a business plan using a standard approach.
Understand individual strengths and development areas in connection with selling skills from a personal assessment questionnaire.
Be able to demonstrate a range of sales skills.
Understand how to deal with conflict or difficult situations with clients or internal departments.
Demonstrate levels of relationship and how to move these relationships forward.
Understand strategy and planning methods for Key Account Managers.
Negotiate better deals internally and externally.
|Understanding Business Planning with interactive exercise
Sales Process Inventory
Account Management Sales Skills
Client Relationship Audit
Johari Window and Relationship Modelling
Handling difficult situations and conflict
Negotiating and developing KAM strategy
|Pre-Course Work
|There is no pre-course work for the course but delegates should be prepared to demonstrate, practice and get involved in the learning situations to make full use of the learning opportunity during the event. Equipment available: Flip chart, data projector and screen.
DURATION: 2 Days
Other courses available
All the latest from Stand & Deliever...
Contact UsPlease contact us if you have plans for training or development for yourself or your team. We will be pleased to discuss your requirements and help you in finding the right solution.
Course Directory:
Click the link below to request our course directory.


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I was at this game last night in Hamilton, and it was a good one. Griffs were outplayed badly, but were only down 3-2 with 2 minutes left when they go shorthanded. Abdelkader puts away the tying goal, short handed, with 40 seconds left.
Anyone know why Tatar was not playing? I was really excited to see him play, and disappointed when he was not out there.
March 13 vs Hamilton Bulldogs
Started by under_par_00, Mar 14 2010 08:32 PM
2 replies to this topic
Posted 14 March 2010 - 08:32 PM
Posted 16 March 2010 - 07:37 PM
Healthy scratch. He's been in a bit of a slump since the WJC. Coach thinks he's exhausted. Also, with the Wings getting healthy and sending down Abdelkader, May and Tollefsen, Griffins have a few spare men. They are up several from just before Christmas when they were playing short-rostered.
Posted 16 March 2010 - 08:04 PM
Regarding Tatar, I thought I read he had a bit of an injury. I'll see if I can dig up the article.
Though it's a bit vague.
RWC - Tomas Tatar
Though it's a bit vague.
RWC - Tomas Tatar
Tatar also attended the world junior championship at mid-season and finished second on Slovakia with three goals among five points in six games. Although he had a brief lull after coming back, scoring just two goals and an assist in 16 games, he was getting on track before getting injured last week.
Sig by TeeMan.
"You've been struck by the Smooth Criminal."
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Why should operators Experience The Difference?
The Volvo Factory Renovated engine (FR engine) is a new member of the Volvo service exchange program. Providing a unique solution suitable for vehicles over 5 years old and meeting demand from those who are looking for an alternative to the Volvo exchange engine program.
Significant savings off the exchange engine price are provided through the use of remanufactured components and Genuine Volvo Parts for a low overall cost. The FR engine is renovated to a lower level than the exchange and cost savings are achieved by offering a directly sourced supply, smaller product range and limited warranty which allow for a more competitively priced engine for older vehicles.
FR engines are upgraded to meet our Volvo safety and quality standards, and are assembled and repainted by expertly trained factory technicians at our state of the art ISO 9001:2000 and
ISO 14 000:2004 certified Volvo Parts Remanufacturing Centre in Flen, Sweden.
The FR Engine is tested to the same performance and emissions standards as all Genuine Volvo Parts and is certified to, engineered and supported by the Volvo design department.
FR engines can only be ordered when there is a core provided which can be used for overhauling. All the couplings are disconnected between the engine and the bus or coach chassis/body, then the engine and transmission are lifted out in one single unit.
A FR engine is functionally overhauled, all existing parts are disassembled, cleaned and inspected for reuse. Vital parts are gauged and if parts are outside their tolerances they are replaced or machined back to specification.
All renovated parts are upgraded in line with our latest advances in quality and safety. All damaged parts and liners, pistons and bearings are scrapped.
80% of the disassembled materials are reused and the rest are recycled. The reused parts save energy and materials and reduce carbon dioxide emissions and thus are an important part of Volvo's commitment to reduce global warming.


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Legislators at Work
Work of legislature is work of committees
Neal Kedzie - State Senator
Kedzie (
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October 05, 2011 | 08:03 AM
There is an old saying, perhaps just among legislators, that it would take a year for the Legislature to make instant coffee.
It is adage that offers a glimpse of how the legislative process works, and how a slow, deliberative process is often necessary in our form of government. Within this legislative process is the laborious task of reviewing, discussing, revising, and potentially voting on literally hundreds of bills submitted to various Assembly and Senate committees. While seemingly tedious at times, it is an essential component in order to produce the most sound public policy.
Generally speaking, most of the work of the Legislature is done in committee. It is at the committee level where the public, organizations, state agency officials, and experts are all able to provide their thoughts and opinions expressing support or opposition to a bill.
Concurrently, legislators of both parties are able to gather information, ask questions, and weigh the merits of a bill, as they formulate their position. Committees are often a sounding board where legislation may be praised or criticized, and potentially changed or amended, if needed. Committees are vital to the spirit of open and honest government, and each play a role in the preservation of an individual's right to petition their government.
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Recently, new Senate committee assignments were announced, including some new additions to my legislative duties. I will continue to serve as chair of the Natural Resources and Environment Committee, vice-chair of the Judiciary, Utilities, Commerce, and Government Operations Committee, and as a member of the Agriculture, Forestry, and Higher Education Committee. With the new assignments, I will also serve as the co-chair of the Joint Survey Committee on Retirement Systems and vice-chair of the Energy, Biotechnology, and Consumer Protection Committee.
I was also just recently named chair of the new Senate Select Committee on Mining Jobs. The Select Committee has been charged with the task of reviewing Wisconsin law, specifically as it applies to a potential iron ore mine in northern Wisconsin.
The committee will examine Wisconsin's current mining regulations, and determine if revisions are in order to address any special circumstances relating to this project. The committee must consider how a potential future mine proposal could go forward, while also protecting our state's environment and natural resources.
At hand is the potential to create thousands of good-paying jobs in the short and long-term in an area of the state in dire need of both. It will be our mission to give Wisconsin citizens the opportunity to discuss issues relating to job creation, employment, and economic development, along with the protection of Wisconsin's natural resources.
As chair of the Senate Natural Resources and Environment Committee — both past and present — I have had the opportunity and privilege to work on many significant pieces of legislation which seek to balance the needs of the economy and the environment.
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Some of those include the 1999 Wetlands Mitigation Act, the 2001 Isolated Wetlands Act, the 2003 Green Tier Act, the 2003 Groundwater Protection Act, and most notably, the work of the Special Committee on the Great Lakes Water Resources Compact, which led to the enactment of the 2007 Great Lakes Compact Act. None of those legislative successes would have been possible without the careful scrutiny and labor-intensive work by committee members of both political parties. The Senate Select Mining Jobs Committee will be no different.
As the Legislature continues its work this session on economic development and jobs creation initiatives, it will be important to watch the work of the individual standing committees, perhaps as equally or even more so than the work of the Senate and Assembly as a whole.
While some may bemoan the number of times either House may meet on the floor, the legislative committees are continually meeting and lawmakers are constantly busy, shuffling from one committee meeting to the next. The goal being sound public policy which a majority of both Houses can support and advance to the desk of the Governor for his review. As noted, it is a lengthy, but necessary, process.
With the Fall session right around the corner, I look forward to these new responsibilities and am hopeful our ideas for a more efficient and effective government are the catalyst for stability and growth in our economy. A great deal has been accomplished to date by this Legislature, but we know there is much more to do. Legislative committees will be foundation for that work, as they truly are the work of the Legislature.
Kedzie can be reached in Madison at P.O. Box 7882, Madison, WI 53707-7882 or by calling toll-free (800) 578-1457. He may be reached in the district at (262) 742-2025 or on-line at
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Next time, install iStat Server with 1-click
Learn how MacUpdate Desktop can install apps on MacUpdate with the simple click of the icon. Plus, keep all your apps updated.
iStat Server for Mac transmits your computer or server's vital statistics to iStat for iOS. It is the fastest and easiest way to remotely monitor a Mac from anywhere in the world, using your iPhone or iPad.
iStat Server requires iStat for iOS, available on the App Store, in order to function.
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- Fixed a Keychain issue.
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Head over and snag a FREE sample of Gucci Guilty fragrance! You'll receive a postcard including a small sample of the male and female fragrances. Available while supplies last. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.
For more great deals, sign up for the Inspiring You 2 Save daily newsletter. **This post may contain affiliate links which helps support the site at no cost to you.


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We just experienced an incredible team meeting at an off-site at our retreat center, The Country Place. Participants are all achievers of excellence, so when I suggested that they would get a grade of "C" they became very argumentative. "Wait, wait" I cautioned, and "I will explain…"
These leaders have all been willing to look at how a high level administrative team can harness workplace relationships, master workplace conflict, tackle leadership dilemmas, be pioneers and visionaries in the field of education, build trustworthy relationships, and have enjoyable friendships all at the same time.
They all came to "SEE with new eyes" and embrace life-long learning. The task now is to take the skills they have learned to their direct reports, and to the rest of the organization.
They are about to SEE the 7 "Cs" of Leadership which are:
Challenge: responding to the call that "there is a better way" of leading
Connect: learning that we are all in it together and no one wins unless we all do
Curiosity: shaking things up to see what "new" looks like, sounds like, and feels like
Culture: exploring how a culture blossoms when risks are taken
Commitment: understanding the power of an entire system and willingness to forge a new path
Communication: choosing the right words to tell the truth
Cause: weaving education, including administrators, teachers, parents, children, community, and boards, into a well-constructed tapestry of connectedness
My barometer of hope is high. This team (of leadership pioneers) is making a difference. As they explore their own self-awareness and the power of pattern-awareness they are sailing into the 7 C's of leadership development and workplace relationships, to a rarefied realm of innovation and creative collaboration.
To quote Viktor Frankl, M.D., "When we are no longer able to change a situation – we are challenged to change ourselves."
Sometimes getting a "C" can be a good thing!


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Menifee Transmission's Quality Services Come at Low Prices
Advertorial Supplement: Menifee Transmission always has its customers' best interest in m...
Advertorial Supplement:
Menifee Transmission always has its customers' best interest in mind while offering some of the lowest prices and best quality around.
Not only does Menifee Transmission want you to be safe this summer by preventing it from overheating, the auto repair shop also provides the best deals to ensure your vehicle is safe for you and your passengers.
Menifee Transmission offers a three step cooling service for $119.99 (plus tax). The cooling service is the first step you can take to ensure you and your vehicle make it through Menifee's summer heat.
Menifee Transmission suggests to always pull over to the side of the road when safe if you suspect your vehicle is overheating.
Gauges going over the mid point may be an indicator of your vehicle overheating.
Making sure your vehicle survives the summer heat is just one of Menifee Transmission's priorities. The overall safety of your vehicle is also important.
A full vehicle inspection with Menifee Transmission will cost you only $40.
Menifee Transmission's trusted technicians will suggest repairs or services your vehicle could benefit from if needed. If you follow through with those suggestions at Menifee Transmission, the $40 will be waived.
In addition to the fee waive, Menifee Transmission will also give you a 10 percent discount off of the cost of repairs.
Menifee Transmission also offers 10 percent off of any 30, 60 or 90K mile services.
Get a tire rotation and oil change for the low price of $24.95, not including the tax or waste fee.
Menifee Transmission is also offering a brake special starting at $49.95. The price does not include machining rotors, but still comes with its quality service for a low price.
Menifee Transmission can also be trusted to stay up to date with the latest techniques and technologies, making its services much more effective and reliable.
The auto shop offers catalytic converter services. A catalytic converter is a device that controls vehicle emissions, converting toxic pollutants in exhaust to less harmful pollutants.
With catalytic converter specialists on staff, Menifee Transmission can diagnose any issues with your catalytic converter and attend to them accordingly.
Visit Menifee Transmission today for all of your automobile services. Menifee Transmission and Auto Repair is located at:
29770 Bradley Road, Unit B
Menifee, CA 92586-6543
Get your auto repairs done at Menifee Transmission Monday through Friday from 8


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San Diego Zoo's panda, Xiao Liwu, turns 2
The San Diego Zoo celebrated the second birthday of its giant panda cub today by creating an elaborate cake made of ice, bamboo and some of his favorite fruits.
The festive cake also served as special enrichment for Xiao Liwu, whose name means "little gift," according to the zoo. Enrichment in various forms is important, as it keeps the young panda stimulated and active and allows him to show his natural behaviors, zookeepers said.
The cub born July 29, 2012, and nicknamed "Mr. Wu," also received boxes wrapped as gifts to play with.
"He's not as playful as (other) cubs -- he's super-intelligent," Jennifer Becerra of the zoo said, adding that the cub is brave and independent.
"We already call him an old man because all he wants is his bamboo," she said. "He was one of our first cubs to venture out to his exhibit without his mom. He likes to explore everything, every inch of his exhibit."
Giant pandas in the U.S. are on a research loan from China. The zoo is one of four in the United States that participate in the program. For a hefty fee to China, the zoos get to study the critically endangered species up close and help with breeding. At the same time, the pandas make for highly popular attractions.
Only around 1,600 pandas are believed to be left in the wild in China, in part because of deforestation and the expansion of farming. The bamboo- eating panda has lost much of its forest habitat in the mountainous areas of southwest China to roads and railroads, according to the nonprofit World Wildlife Fund.
Xiao Liwu, whose mother is Bai Yun and father is Gao Gao, is the sixth panda born at the zoo. Bai Yun was nearly 21 years old when the cub was born, making her the oldest giant panda known to give birth.


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Harrington Police have arrested a local man, identified as Curtis R. Sullivan, 42, for a third charge of driving under the influence. The case began at 1:40 a.m. Nov. 2, at the McDonald's restaurant on South DuPont Highway, said department spokesman Lt. Earl Brode. Officers responding to a report of an unconscious man in a vehicle in the parking lot arrived to find the car's engine running with the door open. Officers contacted Sullivan, who was in the driver's seat and administered the standard field sobriety tests, then tried to place him in handcuffs, Brode said. Sullivan resisted, but was handcuffed after a short struggle, he added. Sullivan was charged with third offense DUI, resisting arrest, driving while suspended or revoked, and failure to have insurance and registration cards in his possession. He later was jailed at the Sussex Correctional Institution in default of an unspecified secured bond.
Location, ST | website.com


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- MRC Press Release - June 02, 2014
MRC GOLF, INC. Debuts the FUBUKI J-Series
Carlsbad, CA - (June 2, 2014) - MRC GOLF, INC. has officially introduced the FUBUKI™ J-Series counterbalanced shaft that's the most technologically advanced FUBUKI™ shaft yet. Featuring extreme counterbalance weighting, Modulus Differential Technology (M.D.T.) and our proprietary metal mesh technology, the versatile FUBUKI™ J-Series allows players to take advantage of longer or shorter builds. The combination of technologies makes this shaft ideal for players looking to maximize distance.
Mitsubishi Rayon Prepreg with Tungsten Powder
Utilizing MRC's decades of materials expertise, our engineers have developed a proprietary resin system infused with extreme high-density tungsten powder. This makes it possible to raise the balance point without making the shaft more rigid - as with traditional methods. Wrapping tungsten-infused resin sheets in the butt section moves the center of gravity towards the butt end - thus raising the shaft's balance point to an extreme level and making it much easier to handle. Because of its high balance point, the shaft is versatile enough to be built longer or shorter while keeping the same effective feel at any length. So even if you increase the total club weight, the swing weight stays the same. Better players will feel the smoothness of the downswing, as well as excellent feedback in the hands.
M.D.T. delivers optimal performance -- regardless of the shaft's weight and flex. By combining the Amorphous CF (carbon fiber) and High Modulus CF in the tip section, we obtain an optimized launch angle with low spin. The "Amorphous CF Zone" acts as a hinge, accelerating the clubhead and creating the optimum launch angle. Meanwhile, the "High Modulus CF Zone" stabilizes the clubhead during impact and allows for a controlled low spin launch.
Metal Mesh Technology
There's also a metal mesh sheet inserted into the butt section of this shaft - a technology originally used in the FUBUKI™ K-Series. Imagine the mesh as a truss. It helps to decrease deformation in all directions with minimal weight impact. This does not affect the bending, but is able to increase energy transfer efficiency through the shaft. The insert's added weight also helps to further move the balance point up.
Bend Profile
The FUBUKI™ J-Series is known for its extreme stiffness extending from the butt section into the mid section, before transitioning to a more moderate tip stiffness. This dramatic transition helps generate smooth acceleration through impact, with maximum stability and control.
Pricing & Availability
The FUBUKI™ J-Series is now available through MRC GOLF authorized retailers and dealers nationwide, and has a suggested retail price of $400. It's offered in the following weights and flexes, so that even average golfers can excel:
MRC GOLF, INC. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Rayon Co., LTD., dedicated to designing and developing high performance composite golf shafts for discerning golfers everywhere. MRC GOLF leverages their own resources and raw materials (vertical integration), which gives them a competitive advantage. Over the years, MRC GOLF has been a leading supplier of premium composite golf shafts worldwide. With many of the world's best players using Mitsubishi Rayon golf shafts, MRC GOLF has established itself as a dominant force in the golf industry.
Mitsubishi Rayon Co., LTD. (MRC) was established in 1933 as a manufacturer of rayon fibers. Since then, the company's interests have diversified to include specialized chemicals, plastics, and other synthetic fibers. Through continuous design and innovation, MRC has expanded its business focus into other areas that include resin systems, carbon fibers and composite materials, and a variety of other specialty products, including composite golf shafts. MRC's vertical integration advantage, the ability to design, develop and manufacture any combination of resins and fibers, sets them apart from their competition and gives them a competitive advantage. Today, MRC is recognized as the world leader in manufacturing and supplying carbon fiber and composite materials for performance based sporting goods applications.


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Mirage has been a member of MMGN since Nov 28 2008.
Hey all, might as well do an update to my profile since the last time I touched this section was in September 2012 (lol).
I go by the name of Mirage/MasterMirage across many games and forums I frequent and on MMGN I administrate the Anime and TV channels.
I love collecting anime figurines and have quite a few for series I haven't even watched yet and I'm infamous for having a backlog dating back to 2010.
Mirage has 99 Medals
Schnapman said: whats your avy
Atar said:


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Christine Bartlett Movies and Career Information
Christine Bartlett is a screenwriter and an actor.
- Movies Written by Christine Bartlett
- Wedding Party (Die Bluthochzeit) 2005
- Wedding Party
Although updated daily, all theaters, movie show times, and movie listings should be independently verified with the movie theatre.
Contact mrmovietimes.com for information or comments. Please read the mrmovietimes.com Privacy Policy and terms of use. Enjoy the movie!
Copyright © 2016 Movie Times, Inc. Site Map | Google+


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Pink/Red raised bumps on skin...
My son is 11 1/2 months old and has had these weird raised bumps on his skin for about 5-6 months now. No one seems to be able to say what they are and there has got to be an answer. Of course I have spoken with his Pediatrcian several times about this and she had no idea and suggested that maybe we had bed bugs, which we do not. Anyway, I suggested to her that it might be a condition called Pityriasis Rosea which I have had before and she said no way. But, it sure looks like it to me. It began with one small patch on his upper hip and now there are several on his trunk, back and a few scattered about on his arms and legs. They are small oval shaped raised bumps that don't seem to bother him, but I know they shouldn't be there.The only difference is that my whole torso was covered and it did go away after about 3-4 months on its own. We have suspected everything from eczema, allergies, and his shots. Any ideas please!
Posted: 04/08/2013 by als4523
Mom Answers
Sort by: best answers | most recent answers
1 - 2 of 2 answers
Vaccinations would do it. Children often have reactions to shots. It's not at all unusual.posted 04/08/2013 by a BabyCenter Member
Pollen counts are extremely high right now. If u don't like the pediatritions answer, go with your instincts and get another opinion.posted 04/09/2013 by a BabyCenter Member
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Goodsie – Easy Way To Build Your Own Online Store
E-commerce is becoming a big online industry, making many people wanting to start their own online store to sell their goods. Even physical stores are taking it to the Web for brand exposure, extending a digital arm into the world of online commerce. Not a fan of codes?... Continue reading


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Major Buddhist Empowerments Arizona December 2011 - January 2012
Keywords: Tantric empowerment, Drikung Lineage, Arizona, Winter 2011-2012, HE Garchen Rinpoche, Drikung Kagyu practice centers worldwide, Garchen Institute Bookstore, Vajra Publications.
A major series of tantric Buddhist transmissions will be given near Prescott Arizona this late December 2011 through early January. These include Amitabha, Phowa ( Transference of Consciousness at Time of Death ), Hundred Deities Empowerment and Teachings.
The transmissions will be given by His Eminence Garchen Rinpoche, a major guru of the Drikung Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism at Garchen Buddhist Institute.
Garchen Institute is one of the major practice centers for Buddhist tantra in North America, and in particular for the American Southwest, providing
- important teachings and transmissions on a continuing basis
- very important practice resources through the GBI Shop for practitioners of different tantric lineages, in particular the Kagyu and Nyingma.
"Official Website of the Drikung Kagyu Order of Tibetan Buddhism"
"A Brief History of the Drikung Kagyu Lineage of Tibetan Buddhism"
Drikung Centers Worldwide
"Welcome to Vajra Publications"
Note that I do not represent this lineage or teacher in any way.
As a direct student of primary lineage holder HH Chetsang Tulku Rinpoche and as grateful recipient of major practice materials from Garchen GBI-Shop, I strongly recommend this lineage, these teachers, and these transmissions and practice materials to all serious tantric Buddhist practitioners and aspirants.
Sarva mangalam!
Siddhi rastu!
December 31 (9am – Noon): Amitabha Empowerment, with H.E. Garchen Rinpoche
Buddha Amitabha, the Buddha of Infinite Light, is practiced when we wish to be reborn in Amitabha's pure land, Dewachen. Because of Amitabha's compassionate aspiration, it is the easiest of all pure lands to attain. Even without much realization, if we have a true wish to be reborn in Dewachen, and we receive the empowerment in the Mantrayana tradition and do the practice, our wish will be fulfilled.
Amitabha is central to the practice of Phowa and is considered to be the protector of beings who call upon him as they experience death and the after-death transitions.
December 31 (2pm – 5pm) & January 1-2 (9am – 5pm): Phowa Teachings and Practice, with H.E. Garchen Rinpoche
Death is inevitable for us all, but how we die—either terrified and confused, or with confidence and spiritual mastery—is within our control. Phowa, the transference of consciousness at the time of death, is the Tibetan Buddhist method for gaining this mastery. It may even enable us to attain enlightenment at the time of death, and it also allows us to help others during their transition.
Don't miss this very precious opportunity to receive these instructions from our beloved Phowa Master Garchen Rinpoche and do the practice with him.
January 3 (9am – Noon): Shitro Empowerment, with H.E. Garchen Rinpoche
The Shitro refers to the 100 peaceful and wrathful deities, and the introduction to these deities includes the entire meaning of the Secret Mantra. In brief, we are introduced to the true nature of our aggregrates, sense sources, and elements. At the moment of our death, the aggregates dissolve into their pure and impure qualities and may be experienced as dream-like imagery or visions in the bardo.
If we receive the Shitro empowerment and do the practice, we will establish a good connection with the deities during our lifetime. When we die, they will appear to us in the bardo like deities and bodhisattvas, resulting in a higher realm incarnation and rebirth in the pure lands. If we do not establish a connection with them before death, it is very possible they will appear like skillful demons in the bardo, making it difficult for us and resulting in a lower realm incarnation. They are not apart from our own mind, and the way we see them will depend on whether or not we have established this connection.
January 3 (2pm – 5pm) & January 4-5 (9am - 5pm): Bardo Teachings, with H.E. Garchen Rinpoche
These rare teachings on the six bardos reveal how to turn every phase of life into an opportunity to experience an uncontrived and natural liberation. In life and in death, in meditation and in sleep, every transitional phase of consciousness, or bardo, provides a chance to overcome limitations, frustrations, and fears and live in a profound state of freedom.
The six bardos include the three bardos of this life: the bardo of living, the bardo of dreaming, and the bardo of meditation, and the three bardos beyond this life: the bardo of dying, the bardo of dharmata, and the bardo of becoming.
Rinpoche's commentary will be based on Guru Rinpoche's (Padmasambhava's) teachings published in Natural Liberation: Padmasambhava's Teachings on the Six Bardos. The latter is based on Guru Rinpoche's primary text "The Profound Dharma of the Natural Liberation through Contemplating the Peaceful and the Wrathful."
For anyone wishing to study Natural Liberation prior to the teachings, it will be available through the Garchen Institute webstore (www.garchen.net/GBI-Shop/), and it will also be available in the bookstore during the teachings.
Please join us for these sublime teachings and empowerments, participating in all or part as your schedule permits.
Registering for Events
Preregistration is required for all events at Garchen Institute. To preregister, please fill out the Winter Teachings registration form at www.garchen.net/library/Wi...ngsForm.doc and email it to us at firstname.lastname@example.com or send by postal mail to Garchen Institute, P.O. Box 4318, Chino Valley, AZ86323.
Please include payment information for your nonrefundable deposit of one day's tuition ($30) and 50% of the cost of meals you wish to purchase ($4 for breakfast, $7 for lunch, and $7 for dinner), which must be received by December 20. Please note that to reserve meals we must receive your meal deposit by the deadline.
For more information or to inquire about work-study opportunities during the Winter Teachings, please email the Institute at firstname.lastname@example.com, call us at 928-925-1237, or visit our website at www.garchen.net.
May all be auspicious!
His Eminence Garchen Rinpoche
His Eminence Garchen Rinpoche is a Drikung Kagyu lama who was known in the thirteenth century as the Siddha Gar Chodingpa, a heart disciple of Kyobpa Jigten Sumgon, founder of the Drikung Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. In ancient India, he had incarnated as Mahasiddha Aryadeva, the lotus-born disciple of the great Nagarjuna. In the seventh century, he was known as Lonpo Gar, the minister of the Tibetan Dharma King Songsten Gampo.
Garchen Rinpoche was recognized and enthroned in eastern Tibet by the former Drikung Kyabgon Zhiwe Lodro. When he was seven, he was brought to Lho Miyal Monastery, which he administered from the age of eleven. Studying and practicing under the direction of the Siddha Chime Dorje, Garchen Rinpoche received vast and profound instructions on the preliminary practices (ngondro), the fivefold practice of Mahamudra and the six yogas of Naropa.
Then, at the age of 22, after completing a two and a half year retreat, he was imprisoned for 20 years during the political turmoil of China's Cultural Revolution. While in the labor camp, he received meditation instruction from his root lama, the Nyingma master Khenpo Munsel. Enduring hardship and practicing secretly, Garchen Rinpoche attained realization of the lama's wisdom mind. Since his release from prison in 1979, Garchen Rinpoche has made great effort to rebuild the Drikung Kagyu monasteries, reestablish the Buddhist teachings, and build two boarding schools for local children in eastern Tibet. Rinpoche is the founder and spiritual director of the Garchen Buddhist Institute in Chino Valley, Arizona.
Garchen Rinpoche is known for his vast realization, as well as for his great kindness.
Garchen Buddhist Institute
PO Box 4318 Chino Valley, AZ 86323
About Us
The Garchen Buddhist Institute in Chino Valley has been constructed through the extraordinary generosity of several principal donors.
Now built and available for the benefit of all sentient beings, these wonderful facilities require that the institute pay mortgage, insurance, utility, transportation, and ongoing maintenance costs.
In addition, our communications including telephone, this website, newsletters and notices help sangha members and dharma centers worldwide in organizing and publicizing Garchen Rinpoche's teachings, as well as insuring sangha members can communicate with Garchen Rinpoche wherever he may be.
Garchen Institute Facilities for Conference and Retreat
Nestled in the forested foothills near the mountains surrounding Prescott with spectacular panoramic views of the red cliffs of Sedona, the San Francisco peaks, and Chino Valley, Arizona the Garchen Institute Retreat Center offers a setting of extraordinary natural beauty. Garchen Institute facilities are available for individual or group retreats, workshops, classes, weddings, memorial and award ceremonies.
The Garchen Institute retreat center is surrounded by 75 private acres of natural wilderness bordering on the Prescott National Forest.
All our buildings are wheel-chair accessible. All buildings are heated and evaporatively cooled. The Garchen Institute produces its own electricity from solar-panels with generator back-up, and provides water from its own well.
Long Life Prayer for Garchen Rinpoche
The one known in the Holy Land as Aryadeva,.
Emanated into the Gar clan of Eastern Tibet as Chodingpa
The heart son of Jikten GÖnpo
May the life of glorious Garchen remain steadfast for a hundred aeons!
In this age of strife when the Victor's teaching faces hardship
through his powerful, vajra-like conduct,
He takes on himself the heavy responsibility of the unbiased teaching.
May Garchen, the Sun of the Teachings, live long!
book of tantric Buddhist deity practices - compendium of numerous ritual yogas :
"Pearl Rosary The Path of Purification"
"The content of this text is primarily meant for people who are far away and don't have the opportunity to engage in Dharma practice in the presence of the teacher. The book itself is a representation of the teacher, and therefore is meant to help one's Dharma practice. The text describes the methods of visualization and how to incorporate practice into our day to day life experience. .... The visualization of these deities is mainly concerned with the practices of tantrayana and mantrayana, which are the highest forms of practice. The path of visualization is very powerful and if properly engaged in, it is capable of transforming our life within a single moment."
"By engaging in this kind of practice, infinite clarity of mind is achieved, and through such power, we are able to purify our ordinary body and manifest the body of the deity. Likewise, we are able to purify ordinary speech, and manifest wisdom speech. Furthermore, we are able to purify the deluded ordinary mind, and realize the wisdom mind. "
From the foreword by His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche
Vajra Publications Inc.
Ancient Teachings For A Modern Age20 West University Ave
Suite 301V
Gainesville, FL 32601
(352) 381-0088
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Kathryn Lehan is the author of "Save Yourself! The Plain Truth" and three children's book - "Becoming a Warrior," "The River of Life" and "Our Differences Define Us." She has published numerous articles on marketing, customer service and branding, and on Christian topics where she uses plain language to explain the complicated things of God. She lives in Houston, Texas.


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David W. Kane
On November 24, 2014, Governor Mike Pence appointed David W. Kane as the Executive Director of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.
As the leader for the state's homeland security, Director Kane is responsible for the state's emergency management and homeland security efforts, including planning, training, emergency response and recovery, certifications, grants administration and fire and building safety, which includes building construction plan review and all manner of inspections for the public's safety: mainly public buildings and structures and safety at public events. He also serves as the director of the Counter Terrorism and Security Council, which is chaired by Indiana's Lieutenant Governor.
Mr. Kane has nearly 30 years of experience in emergency response and management positions.
Since 2005, Mr. Kane has served as Federal Security Director for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Transportation Security Administration where he set the direction and oversaw policy implementation of the national transportation security program. Prior to this role, he served as an Assistant Federal Security Director for the department. From 1985 to 2002, he served as an air marshal within the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration.
Kane has experience working at the county, state and federal level in public safety. His ability to coordinate among numerous emergency response agencies was recognized when the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary appointed him as the Federal Coordinating Official for the 2012 Super Bowl in Indianapolis.
As Director for IDHS, Kane serves on the Executive Policy Board for the Indiana Intelligence Fusion Center, the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force Executive Board, the U.S. Attorney's Anti-terrorism Advisory Council, and the Indiana Counter-Terrorism and Security Advisory Committee. He is a graduate of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy and has certification from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.


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Politics in general
By csj on márc. 03, 2006
My week long absence from Hungary resulted in me completely forgetting about the political climate the coming April elections brought upon us. Now that I'm back it's getting more and more awkward each day. The only good news: our political powers have finally started using the Internet for their goals: for example prime minister Ferenc Gyurcsány started his own blog updated daily and also allowing people to leave comments.
The black side of using the internet for political goals: a few weeks ago the right wing party (Fidesz) was accused of breaking into an internet facing system of the left wing party, MSZP illegally downloading campaign materials from the server. Evidence from the server logs showed they actually did brake in. Three young supporters of Fidesz were held accountable for the act.
Also news report that the Szeklers of Transylvania decided they've had enough of their leaders' talk and they are to come together on the 15th of March (national holiday in Hungary remembering the revolution of 1848-1849) at Székelyudvarhely to declare an Autonomy of Szeklers inside Romania. Considering the fact that no territorial autonomy was ever given peacefully to minorities in Europe (not even for the Germans living in South Tirol in Italy) I fear the worst to come.
And last but not least H5N1 is here in the neighborhood. I drive every day to Budapest through an area where authorities have already found a dead bird carrying the virus.
2006 is an interesting year...