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**Four-Time NCAA Diving Champion**
ASU: Four-time NCAA champion on the 1 and 3-meter springboard...three-time Pac-10 Diver of the Year and six-time Pac-10 Diving Champion...has won the 1 and 3-meter at the Zone E Championships each of his three seasons...owns four of ASU's six official diving records...has competed in the 2000 (Sydney) and 2004 (Athens) Olympics for his native Finland...was the gold medalist on the 1-meter springboard at the 2004 European Championships in Madrid, Spain...placed third on the 1-meter springboard at the 2003 World Championships to earn the bronze medal.
Awards and Honors: ... ASU school record holder in one-meter and three-meter six-dive formats. ... Four NCAA titles (1-meter, 2003, 2005; 3-meter, 2004, 2005). ... 2004 NCAA Diver of the Year. ... Six NCAA Zone E Diving Regional titles (1-meter, 2003, 2004, 2005; 3-meter, 2003, 2004, 2005) ... Six Pac-10 Championships (1-meter, 2003, 2004, 2005; 3-meter, 2003, 2004, 2005) ... Three-time Pac-10 Diver of the Year (2003-05). ... Two-time Olympian in 2000 (Sydney) and 2004 (Athens) competing for his home country of Finland. ... Gold medalist on the 1-meter springboard at the 2004 European Championships in Madrid, Spain. ... Silver medalist on the 3-meter springboard at the 2004 European Championships. ... Bronze medalist at the 2003 FINA World Championships in 2003. ... 2005 Dr. Jim Brock Award
2004-05: Named NCAA Diver of the Year as he swept the 1 and 3-meter springboard events at the NCAA Championship...repeated as the Pac-10 and Zone E Champion on both the 1 and 3-meter...broke ASU's dual meet record with a 403.58 against Stanford...also set a school record for the 1-meter championship with a 421.05 at the NCAA Championships...set the 3-meter dual meet record with a 449.48 against California...placed 19th on the platform at the NCAA Championships.
2003-04: Earned first-team All-American honors on the 1-meter and 3-meter...won the NCAA title on the 3-meter springboard to become the first male student-athlete in the history of the program to win two national championships in a career (he won the NCAA 1-meter title as a freshman in 2003)...placed third at the NCAA's on the 1-meter...he swept both the 1-meter and 3-meter events at the Pac-10 Championships and the NCAA Zone E Regional meet for the second year in a row...was the top qualifier out of the Zone E Region...won the 3-meter Pac-10 title with an astounding total of 674.75 points to beat his own school record by nearly 25 points and outdistance his nearest opponent in the event by nearly 100 points...that score was a new Pac-10 record...also set a school record in the first meet of the season at Hawaii when he totaled a 390.70 in the 3-meter, 6-dive event...was named the Pac-10 Diver of the Year for the second year running.
2002-03: Had one of the most prolific freshman seasons in school history...earned three All-American honors, including first team for the 1m and 3m springboards...went undefeated all year on the 1-meter...NCAA Champion on the 1-meter springboard in a school record-setting performance of 395.80, defeating his nearest opponent by nearly 37 points...first national diving champion for the men's program in 35 years...placed third at the NCAA's on the 3-meter springboard (642.65)...placed 16th at the NCAA's on platform...was the 12th-highest individual point scorer at the NCAA's...won Pac-10 titles on both the 1m and 3m...set the school record on the 3m, 11-dive at the Pac-10s (650.70)...placed third on the platform at the Pac-10s in a personal best 456.40...named Pac-10 Diver of the Year and Newcomer of the Year...won both the 1m and 3m at the Zone E Championships...set the school record in the 3m, 6-dive in his first meet as a Sun Devil versus UNLV (387.90)...set a meet record at the Dallas Morning News Classic on the 1m (391.50), which is also the ASU record for 1m dual competition.
High School/International: A 2002 graduate of Mäkelänrinteen Lukio (Helsinki, Finland)...was sports captain for his school for 2000-2001...placed fourth on the 1-meter and ninth on the 3-meter springboard at the 2005 FINA World Championships...was 14th in the 3-meter springboard at the Athens Olympics in 2004...placed 30th in the Sydney Olympics (2000)...placed second on the 3-meter springboard at the 2004 European Championships to earn the silver...finished fifth on the 3-meter springboard at the 2004 FINA Diving World Cup in Athens, Greece...finished third in 1m springboard at the European Championships in 2000...finished third in the 1m at the Junior World Championships in 2000...finished second in both the 3m and 3m synchro at 2000 Junior European Championships.
Personal: Majoring in Marketing...born June 23, 1982, in Helsinki, Finland...parents are Elkka and Marjo Puhakka...has one older brother, Jani Puhakka (26), and an older sister, Milla Löfman (29) ...full name is Joona Tapio Puhakka.
1-meter (6 op.) :403.58 -- ASU Record
1-meter (championship): 421.05 -- School Record
3-meter (6): 449.48 -- School Record
3-meter (11): 674.75 -- School Record
Platform (10): 456.40


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An alarming article released today by Consumer Reports magazine criticizes soda companies for continuing to use a coloring additive that contains 4-methylimidazole, saying that the chemical can cause cancer and that common soda brands contain more of it than they disclose.
However, most studies have failed to show a link between the ingredient, commonly referred to as 4-MEI or 4-Mel, and cancer. The study Consumer Reports references, conducted by the U.S. government's National Toxicology Program in 2007, showed that rodents given large doses of 4-MEI were more likely to develop cancer.
The lowest dose that seemed to increase cancer risk was 1250 ppm daily in male mice, the equivalent of 160 mg per kg of body weight. For a 150-pound person (approximately 68 kg), that equates to 10,880 mg per kg of body weight. The soda which Consumer Reports found to have the highest concentration of 4-MEI contained 200 mcg or .2 mg per container.
This means that a person weighing 150 pounds would need to drink 54,400 of these sodas per day (10,880 divided by .2 mg per soda) to equal the amount of 4-MEI that seemed to increase cancer risk in male mice. The American Beverage Association released a statement in response to the Consumer Reports article, noting that there are no studies showing that 4-MEI causes cancer in humans.
Though the FDA does not consider the chemical harmful, it says it is "currently reviewing all available data on the safety of 4-MEI and is reassessing potential consumer exposure to 4-MEI." However, the FDA "is not recommending that consumers change their diets because of concerns about 4-MEI."
The agency describes 4-MEI as "a chemical compound that is not directly added to food; rather it is formed as a byproduct in some foods and beverages during the normal cooking process. For example, 4-MEI may form when coffee beans are roasted and when meats are roasted or grilled. 4-MEI also forms as a trace impurity during the manufacturing of certain types of caramel coloring ... that are used to color cola-type beverages and other foods."
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subset: commoncrawl


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I'm trying to read from a rescued macbook harddrive - here's the info from
fdisk -l:
Disk /dev/sdc: 250.1 GB, 250059350016 bytes
255 heads, 63 sectors/track, 30401 cylinders, total 488397168 sectors
Units = sectors of 1 * 512 = 512 bytes
Sector size (logical/physical): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
I/O size (minimum/optimal): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
Disk identifier: 0x00000000
Device Boot Start End Blocks Id System
/dev/sdc1 1 488397167 244198583+ ee GPT
I can read the data from it fine, but trying to write (copying files, etc) throws a permission denied error. Changing the permissions also gives an error:
Error setting permissions: Read-only file system.
I tried the solution to this question:
$ sudo mount -o remount,rw '/dev/sdc1'
mount: can't find /dev/sdc1 in /etc/fstab or /etc/mtab


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2010 Research Summary
Path Planning and Control of Aircraft with Uncertain Weather Constraints
View Current Project Information
Maryam Kamgarpour, Vera Dadok and Claire Tomlin
National Science and Engineering Research Canada (NSERC) and AFOSR PRET Grant 18796-S2
Currently, weather forecast data is not used in path planning for aircraft. Hence, extreme weather patterns cause large delays in the national airspace. Moreover, in the presence of convective weather, aircraft paths are constrained through narrow regions of the airspace and consequently the potential loss of separation of aircraft is increased. We are developing algorithms that use convective weather data in order to design collision free optimal paths for aircraft.


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Hypertension - medicines
Treating high blood pressure will help prevent problems such as heart disease, stroke, loss of eyesight, chronic kidney disease, and other blood vessel diseases.
You may need to take medicines to lower your blood pressure if lifestyle changes are not enough to bring your blood pressure to the target level.
Ask your doctor what your blood pressure target should be, based on your risk factors and other medical problems.
Several types of medicine are used to treat high blood pressure. Your health care provider will decide which type of medicine is right for you. You may need to take more than one type.
Each type of blood pressure medicine listed below comes in different brand and generic names.
One or more of these blood pressure medicines are often used to treat high blood pressure:
Blood pressure medicines that are not used as often include:
Most blood pressure medicines are easy to take, but all medicines have side effects. Most of these are mild and may go away over time.
Some common side effects of high blood pressure medicines include:
Tell your health care provider as soon as possible if you have side effects or the side effects are causing you problems. Most of the time, making changes to the dose of medicine or when you take it can help reduce side effects.
Never change the dose or stop taking a medicine on your own. Always talk to your health care provider first.
Taking more than one medicine may change how your body absorbs or uses a drug. Vitamins or supplements, different foods, or alcohol may also change how a drug acts in your body.
Always ask your health care provider whether you need to avoid any foods, drinks, vitamins or supplements, or any other medicines while you are taking blood pressure medicine.
Kaplan NM. Systemic hypertension: Treatment. In: Bonow RO, Mann DL, Zipes DP, Libby P, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 46.
Victor RG. Arterial hypertension. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 67.


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- Business News
- Trading And Investing
- sectors
- special features
- MV Education center
- Video
- t3 live subscriptions
"If I drink, it doesn't necessarily help me get promoted. But if I don't, it's less likely that I will be. So I must drink, even if it's not pleasant at all."


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Are you a teenager looking for a challenging summer job? If so, you may be interested in working for the National Park Service as a member of the Youth Conservation Corps at Fort Sumter National Monument. The Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) was established by Public Law 93-408 as a summer employment program for young men and women between the ages of 15-18 who work, learn and earn together on projects that further the development and conservation of the natural and cultural resources of the United States.
This job entails physical work outdoors in temperatures sometimes above 90°. The work this summer will be helping to maintain several historic sites within the park. In addition to these tasks, the park will provide environmental education and field trips to other parks.
Applications are available from March 13-April 21 at the Fort Moultrie Visitor Center, located at 1214 Middle Street, Sullivan's Island from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily or you may download one from: here Cut off for accepting applications will be 4:00 p.m. April 21, 2014. Applications may be returned to the park in person; mailed to Fort Sumter National Monument, 1214 Middle Street, Sullivan's Island, SC 29482; or faxed to (843) 883-3910 to the attention of Megan Valentine.
The park will randomly draw the names of five young people to work this summer, 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, paid at minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. Applicants must be available for work from 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, 40 hours per week beginning on June 9th and ending on August 1st with no unexcused absences and no vacations.
Applicants must be permanent residents of the United States, have a Social Security card, have a desire and willingness to work outdoors and have no history of serious crime or anti-social behavior that might create safety problems. In addition your parent or legal guardian must consent to your working and be able to provide the proper type of work clothing such as long sleeved shirts, jeans and work boots. A mandatory orientation for applicants and parents will be held Monday, May 5th at 6:30pm to provide further details.
For more information please call Megan Valentine at (843) 883-3123, ext. 10 or Sandy Pusey at ext. 12.
Source: NPS press release
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Fort Sumter flags
The flags at Fort Sumter feature all the flags that have flown over the Fort at various times in its history. They are clearly visible from points on the mainland.
Fort Sumter cannon
This cannon is one of the original still at the fort. After the surrender of Fort Sumter in 1861, the guns remained silent until 1863.The Civil War began at Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861
Fort Sumter officers quarters
These ruins show the location of the officers quarters at Fort Sumter. Officers and enlisted men lived in separate quarters, then as now. Accomodations were spartan to say the least.
Fort Sumter monument
This monument commemorates the Union garrison that surrendered Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861. The first battle of the Civil War. It gives a good sense of how many soldiers were there.


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The Martian Chronicles
by Ray Bradbury
Character Clues
Character Analysis
Direct Characterization
Bradbury sometimes just comes out and tells us what characters are like. He particularly likes to do this in the interchapters, when he's describing a group of people. For instance, in "The Old Ones," the narrator describes one group who came to Mars as "the dry and crackling people, the people who spent their time listening to their hearts and feeling their pulses and spooning syrups into their wry mouths" (2). That's a pretty direct characterization of old people.
(It's also not a very nice one. Yikes, Bradbury. Don't you have grandparents?)
Thoughts and Opinions
When we're in a story told from a particular character's point of view, Bradbury does a lot of characterization through thoughts and opinions.
Like, Ylla watches her husband reading and "quietly wished he might one day again spend as much time holding and touching her like a little harp as he did his incredible books" ("Ylla," 10). That little word "quietly" tells us a lot about her: she's humble, maybe a little insecure, not going to make a fuss, and has probably been feeling like this for a long time.
Or Stendahl, who gloats over his plan to kill a bunch of government censors: "How he would savor this in his old age. This paying back of the antiseptic government for its literary terrors and conflagrations. Oh, how the anger and hatred had grown in him through the years. Oh, how the plan had taken a slow shape in his numbed mind" ("Usher II," 95).
So, we get a pretty clear sense that this is one angry dude—but also, check out the slow way these sentences take shape through the repetition of "how" and the use of fragments. The very way he speaks (or thinks) is a clue to his slow, elaborate revenge.
Want a cheat sheet to characters in The Martian Chronicles? Just make yourself a little chart to separate characters who shoot people (Parkhill, Spender, Yll) from ones who don't (Tomás Gomez, Wilder, Benjamin Driscoll).
The "bad guys" can't deal with difference. Parkhill is afraid of Martians, but Gomez likes strangers. Spender prefers Martians to humans, but Wilder seems to want compromise. Yll is afraid of losing something (his wife, Ylla), while Benjamin Driscoll wants to add something positive to the world (his trees).
Character vs. Character
Bradbury loves to use contrast to show us something about characters. For example, in "The Off Season" Sam Parkhill is panicky and deluded, while his wife Elma remains a calm observer of reality. Biggs and Spender, in "—And The Moon Be Still As Bright," are opposed in their relationship to Mars: Biggs messes it up while Spender wants to save it. And in "The Fire Balloons," flexible Peregrine is paired up with the inflexible Father Stone.
Bradbury will also put characters in different stories into the same situation. For instance, Walter Gripp and Dr. Hathaway both think they're the last man on Mars, but they have radically different attitudes about that. Or take the scenario of "human meeting a Martian": when Parkhill meets a Martian, he shoots first and—well, actually, never asks questions.
When Tomás Gomez meets one, though, he smiles. And what might be even more surprising is that he "listens" ("Night Meeting").


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Dubai Things to Do Tips by Willettsworld
Dubai Things to Do: 860 reviews and 2,237 photos
Most RecentBest Rated
Another group taking a rest
"Dune-bashing" is basically driving 4x4's (SUV's in the US) at fast speeds all over desert sand dunes. There's loads of companies in Dubai offering trips out to the nearby dunes where you are picked up at your hotel in a Toyota Landcruiser and driven an hour or so into the desert outside of Dubai. Here you meet up with other people who are doing the very same with other companies. Firstly the driver lets some of the air out of the tyres so that they have more surface area contact with the sand for extra grip. Then you're off! These guys are very experienced at doind this. You'll be in a small convoy following the driver in front who sets the pace and the course over the dunes. Some of the angles up over the dunes are incredible. You feel like the car is about to flip over onto it's roof but instead the weight of it just let's the sand give way so you end up slipping down the dune. It's really an experience to be savoured. After about an hour or so's bashing around, you might have a trp on some quad bikes on a nearby sandy circuit (which costs extra) or go and see the sun setting over the desert landscape. Lastly on the itinerary will be a trip to a bedouin camp where you'll be treated to a BBQ and belly dancing before being dropped back at your hotel.
As I said, there are several companies that offer this type of trip so shop around Dubai for the best price and package. It's cheaper to book in Dubai then beforehand via the internet.
Great day out I had here. The waterpark features long tube rides known as Master Blasters where you ride along the water on a ring up and down and around through tunnels and into small pools. Excellent fun! There's also hairier slides that can reach speeds of 50mph (80kph). One of them, known as Jumeirah Sceirah, is the tallest and fastest free-fall speed slide outside North America. Also in the waterpark are flowriders which are surfing rides whereby fast moving water comes at you so as to mimic breaking waves on a beach.
Address: Jumeirah Rd
Directions: Open daily from 11am-7pm (9pm in summer). Admission is AED150.
Website: http://www.wildwadi.com
Dubai has many fine mosques. One of the largest and most beautiful, the Jumeirah Mosque, is a spectacular example of modern Islamic architecture. Built of stone in medieval Fatimid tradition, the mosque with its twin minarets and majestic dome is another of Dubai's landmarks.
Address: Jumeirah mosque
There's only a few hotels in the world that are famous enough to become tourist attractions in their own right. Burj Al Arab is one of them. Opened in 1999 it has become an iconic landmark for the city. It costs a fair bit to stay in the world's first 'seven-star' hotel that is actually classed as five-star deluxe and there's a whole host of reasons why. Built on an artificial island, 280m offshore, the 320m sail shaped hotel houses 202 suites - each with their own private butler. Everything that looks like it's gold actually is - 24 carat gold leafed furnishings and fittings.
Address: Jumeirah Beach Road
Website: http://www.burj-al-arab.com/
This house of Dubai's former ruler has been restored as a museum to showcase life in Dubai before oil was discovered. The 30 room house was built in 1896 during the reign of Sheikh Maktoum bin Hasher al-Maktoum and for many years it served as a communal residence for the Al-Maktoum family. Sheikh Saeed lived here from 1888 until his death in 1958. The house was opened as a museum in 1986 and houses an exhibition of photographs from the 1940's-60's showing the history and development of Dubai. There is also displays of coins and stamps.
Address: Al-Shindagha Rd
I think this is what it's called but if someone knows otherwise then let me know. Beautiful decorative tiled exterior on this mosque.
Directions: Bur Dubai near main souk
Built in 1996, the mostly covered Bur Dubai Souk is the largest souk area in Dubai. It features mainly small textile and cloth shops as well as a few money changers and souvenir stalls.
Located just behind the Dubai Museum, this mosque boasts the city's tallest minaret at 70 metres. It was actually built in the 1990's in the style of the original Grand Mosque, which dated from 1900 and was knocked down to make way for another mosque in 1960 before the current mosque was built. The mosque can accomodate 1,200 worshippers and is also home to the city's Kuttab (Quran school).
Housed in Al-Fahidi Fort which was built in 1799, the Dubai Museum is a must thing to see whilst visiting Dubai. The entrance features several aerial photographs showing the growth of Dubai over the years. You then enter through into the courtyard which features a large tank which was used to carry fresh water on pearling boats. Also in the courtyard are several small boats including a shasha, a small fishing boat made of palm fronds. A hall on the righthand side of the fort displays the forts history. There is also a barasti house which features a wind tower.
Housed inside the fort are exhibits of the city's fast development, recreations of a typical souk, a home and a school as they would have looked in the 1950's and a display on pearling.
Address: Al-Fahidi St
Directions: Open daily from 8.30am - 8.30pm, except Fridays: 3pm-8.30pm
Al-Fahidi Fort, built in 1799, is home to the Dubai Museum and is thought to be Dubai's oldest building. In the past the fort was used to defend the town from warlike neighboring tribes. For many years it was both the residence of Dubai's rulers and the seat of government, before it became a museum in 1971. The walls of the fort are built from coral and shell rubble from the sea, and are cemented together with lime. Wooden poles called handel support the upper floor, and the ceiling is made of palm fronds, mud and plaster.
Inside, a large section is devoted to musical instruments, with displays of drums, flutes, lyres, bagpipes made of goatskin and other locally-made instruments used in performances on festive occasions. There is also a re-creation of a typical home and school of the 1950's. Additionally, there is an interactive display of the flora and fauna of the UAE, and findings from the archeological sites (950-550 BC).
Address: Al-Fahidi St
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Senior (2015): Did not see any time.
Junior (2014): Played in nine games... Totaled 47 carries for 149 yards and 16 receptions for 131 yards... Had a season-best outing at Tulsa, carrying the ball nine times for 54 yards and a touchdown while also tallying five catches for 50 yards... Had four catches for 61 yards (including a 30-yard reception) at East Carolina... Also forced a fumble on special teams at East Carolina.
Sophomore (2013): Played in eight games, missing the final two due to injury...Third on the team in rushing with 238 yards on 51 carries, finding the end zone once...Added 16 receptions for 99 yards with a long of 16.
Freshman (2012): Saw time in three games.
2011: Redshirted.
Prep: A three-star Rivals.com, ESPN.com and FoxSports.com recruit... Rated by Rivals as the No. 36 running back in the nation and the 78th-best player overall in Texas... Named an All-American by PrepStar Magazine... Named one of Dave Campbell's Texas Football's five 5A "Money Players" and the preseason Offensive MVP... Ranked as the No. 102 player in the state by Scout... Named to MaxPreps.com's Texas Top 300... Rushed for over 1,200 yards and 18 touchdowns and added two receiving touchdowns as a senior... Carried 284 times for 2,388 yards and 28 touchdowns as a junior... A 2009 APSE and TexasFootball.com Class 5A first-team All-State selection... Named the 2009 Houston Offensive Player of the Year by the Houston Chronicle... Chose SMU over offers from Arkansas, Tulsa, Tulane and Utah.


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Best in Blogs: NBA Dispute Headed for Court
Is the NBA lockout headed for court? What does Adele's doctor have to say about vocal cord surgery? And can rising income really buy happiness? A look at the most interesting stories from the Wall Street Journal blogs.
NBA Dispute Headed for Court: After a breakdown in labor talks, the dispute between the NBA and the players union will be decided by the courts, it appears — a bad outcome for NBA fans, but a rather interesting development for courts watchers. [Law]
Adele's Doctor on How to Save a Voice: The physician who treated bestselling British singer Adele talks about treating vocal cord problems. [Speakeasy]
Paul Simon Plays 'Dazzling Blue' Live: An exclusive advance listen to a new live performance by singer-songwriter Paul Simon. [Speakeasy]
BMW To Show Future Electric Cars in Los Angeles: BMW's electric and plug-in hybrid prototype cars from its BMW i brand will make their North American debuts at this week's Los Angeles International Auto Show. [Driver's Seat]
In a World of Auto-Tune, Can a Computer Create a Star?: Tao Jones columnist Jeff Yang weighs in on the brave new musical world of vocaloids. [Speakeasy]
Safety Agency: More Tests to Follow Chevy Volt Fire: Electric cars face new scrutiny after a fire in a Chevrolet Volt prompted a federal investigation into lithium ion batteries, even after U.S. regulators said their own crash test likely led to the blaze. [Driver's Seat]
Coming Soon: The Paper Wine Bottle: Wine snobs still coming to terms with screw caps, plastic corks and boxed wine now have another invention to bemoan: the paper wine bottle. [Wine]
A State-by-State Look at Long Road to Jobs Recovery: When it comes to jobs, it's going to take a long time to get over the Great Recession. How long depends on where you live. [Real Time Economics]
Why Incomes (Not Wealth) Can Buy Happiness: Now comes evidence rising income, rather than rising wealth, can improve a person's financial satisfaction. [Wealth]
Ex-Boyfriend Supports Cain Accuser: A Louisiana pediatrician who used to date Sharon Bialek, one of the women who has accused Herman Cain of sexual harassment, supported her statement that Ms. Bialek and Mr. Cain knew each other. [WashWire]
Christopher John Farley is the editorial director of the Wall Street Journal blogs. You can follow him on Twitter @cjfarley.


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Bright future for Britain's youngest head chef Luke Thomas
Luke Thomas always knew he was destined to pursue a career as a chef.
From cooking with his family as a three-year-old to becoming chef patron of Luke's Dining Room at the Sanctum on the Green hotel in Cookham Dean at the tender age of 18, the rise of Britain's youngest head chef has been meteoric.
The teenager has made regular TV appearances since his high-profile appointment at the restaurant in March last year but this week he took on his biggest challenge yet by representing his native Wales in the heats of hit BBC Two show Great British Menu.
In May, the 19-year-old will also be subject of his own BBC Three documentary, Britain's Youngest Head Chef, which focuses on his progress running his own restaurant.
More television appearances are also in the pipeline for the coming months.
"People think you should be 28-30 before you are a head chef but if you are good enough and confident you can do it," said Luke.
Luke, originally from Flintshire, first started working in the industry at the age of 12 and in his short career has worked with chefs including Heston Blumenthal, the Roux brothers and Marcus Wareing.
He spent time at the Burj Al Arab in Dubai and Alinea in Chicago before Sanctum owner Mark Fuller saw his potential.
"It was the perfect opportunity for me," said Luke.
"I grew a love for the area. There's far too much pressure in central London but this was a platform for me to have a restaurant in an affluent area and there's lots of really good restaurants here."
The role opened up a wealth of new opportunities for Luke and helped him fulfil a lifetime ambition before he had even hit his twenties.
He said: "I grew up in a time when cooking became quite trendy and people like Jamie Oliver made food a bit different and accessible.
"As soon as I started high school I essentially didn't like it. The only area I really excelled in was cooking.
"The only career choice for me was to go out and be a chef."
Click here for more on Luke's Great British Menu debut.


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The discovery of a skull in the backyard of a Chattanooga, Tenn. resident led to an indictment for murder in the Friday, March 7 episode of Cold Justice on TNT. A lady was demolishing weeds in her backyard when she encountered a human skull staring up at her.
"We usually start with a body and a murder weapon, but we don't have that in this case so we'll have to build a circumstantial evidence case," former Las Vegas Police Department investigator Yolanda McClary said at the beginning of the show. McClary is the real-life model for the character of Marg Helgenberger on CSI.
The discovery of the skull led investigators to the skeleton which was found atop nearby Billy Goat Mountain concealed beneath a bag and four tires. It was believed an animal must have carried the skull from the mountaintop to the backyard.
The murder victim disappeared on August 18, 1997. The discovery of her skull on May 29, 1999 and her skeleton a few days later transformed the case from a missing persons situation to murder.
The murder of 28-year old Vicki Hollingsworth has remained unsolved for more than 16 years when former Houston prosecutor Kelly Siegler and McClary roll into town to help Chattanooga law enforcement solve the case. Siegler, who won more than 60 murder jury trials without a loss, lends her expertise to the analysis of the legal problems.
"It could be a crime of passion. With a 15-year statute of limitations we could be already barred from prosecuting that type of case unless we can find a way around that," Siegler said.
Siegler further said, "The spouse is often the first suspect. In this case we also had an abusive husband. She'd seen others since they split. No body was found for two years."
Chattanooga prosecutor Neil Pinkson advised the TNT Cold Justice team he would need a motive, a timeline and a mode of operation before he would feel comfortable prosecuting the case. If Siegler, McClary and the TNT can come up with evidence to cover those elements he will present the case to a grand jury for prosecution.
The team established a timeline beginning at 5 a.m. when Vicki was supposed to pick up her ex-husband at his place and drive him to work. McClary said it would have taken him 15 minutes to drive the body to Billy Goat Mountain after he murdered her. She then deduced another 10 minutes would be required for him to return her car to her parents' house where she was living. Could he walk home from there without being seen? Yolanda believes it was so early he could accomplish that without being seen.
Siegler, who first became interested in cold cases while being a top prosecutor in Harris County, said the next step after the timeline was to connect with Vicki's friends. Adolphus Mitchell told them Vicki and her husband were arguing the weekend she disappeared. He heard the suspect say, "If I can't have her nobody will."
Siegler mused that those are famous last words she has heard in countless murder cases she handled while seeking justice in the district attorney's office in Houston.
While talking with acquaintances of Vicki, the Cold Justice team learns one of two five foot four twins who like to work on cars may have been an eyewitness to the murder. Steve Spingola, another investigator brought on board the team for this episode, said, "Shouldn't be too hard. Two five foot-four twins."
An e-mail sent to the Chattanooga Police Department reveals Connell and Donnell Moreland are the twins. Connell is brought into the TNT van where he is questioned. Connell said, "I worked on their car. He killed that girl. Him and her left together while I worked on that car."
Everyone is encouraged by what Connell has said. Will he be the key eyewitness that breaks the case wide open?
"I was not an eyewitness," he finished.
While Connell does not provide the hoped for breakthrough evidence, a trail of ex-wives and girlfriends of Vicki's boyfriend provide dramatic evidence. One ex even said when she dated him seven years before Vicki he took her to a bridge and dangled her over the side by her legs. I said, "Please pull me back." She was afraid he would drop into the river.
Instead, he drove her up to Billy Goat Hill where Vicki's body was found which not only proves mode of operation and knowledge of the crime scene, but also showed concealment. The concealment element helped them circumvent the statute of limitations and prosecute the suspect for first degree murder.
In an ending thrilling enough to be in a John Grisham novel, prosecutor Pinkson confides to the TNT team he has enough evidence to seek an indictment and will compose an arrest warrant for the suspect. Seigler, McClary, Orlando Martinez and the rest of the Cold Justice team then find the suspect in Amarillo, Tex. and handcuff him.
The relatives of Vicki thanked the Cold Justice team for solving the case.
"I don't have to think no more when they're going to solve this case," one of the female relatives said in relief.
"I think the Lord has made it possible for something to happen. We want to thank ya'll," another family member said to Siegler and McClary as they meet in her home.
Siegler said, "This is a case of saving a life in the future."
The suspect will be extradited from Texas to Tennessee to face the music. And it won't be the Grand Ole Opry.
Fans may follow Cold Justice each Friday at 8/7 CST on TNT until the summer.
Anyone interested in receiving free updates of future National Places and Faces articles may click on the subscribe link near this article.


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Verizon updates firmware on BlackBerry Storm
The hotly anticipated BlackBerry Storm seems to have been rolled out for sale on the streets half-baked and still needing a little work on it. Good thing RIM and Verizon are still working out the kinks, as a new firmware update has been officially released.
The latest firmware update for the BlackBerry Storm is available for download in three different ways. The first two methods require a PC, and the use of either the Desktop Software Manager or the Web-based software to update the Storm's firmware.
The third and easiest way to update the BlackBerry Storm's firmware is by doing it on the device itself, with the entire firmware update pushed over-the-air.
Notable changes in the BlackBerry Storm after firmware update are said to be improvements in the use of the built-in accelerometer, keyboard, web browser and camera.
Instructions for each update method are available via Verizon's support web site, so sift through them as necessary.


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Find the correct Shock Absorbers for your vehicle
Shock Absorbers
As the name suggests, shock absorbers are designed to absorb the energy which is generated by the car bumping along the road at speed, stopping the uneven road surfaces from turning your car into one big vibrating boneshaker.
Shock absorbers, like all parts of cars, can fail, and signs of worn or failing shock absorbers can be poor handling, banging, stiffness or an uncharacteristic bouncing.
Your car is designed to give you a smooth and comfortable ride, and shock absorber issues can cause big problems.
Pop down to your local Halfords store and we'll help to point you in the right direction by helping you find the right shock absorbers for your particular make and model of car, making the whole process that little bit easier.


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Yeah, quickly (ish) splashed some colour onto it on the bus today, using the ipad. Fun… (Forgot to do some shade strokes on the little girl's shirt. Eh…)
Realized that the pen I was using for the inks was less than ideal. Bought some new nibs on the way home today – Bliss!
On this day on Asymptotia...
- Incomplete... - 2012
- Southern California Strings Seminar - 2011
- Start the Week - 2010
- Because... - 2009
- A. S. Byatt - 2009
- They're Here! - 2007
Some Related Asymptotia Posts (not exhaustive):


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Ernest Leon Pough
Position: WR
Height: 6-1 Weight: 174 lbs.
Born: May 17, 1952 in Jacksonville, FL
High School: New Stanton
College: Texas Southern (school history)
Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 3rd round (88th overall) of the 1976 NFL Draft.
Weighted Career AV (100-95-...): 3 (10660th overall since 1950)
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HP Takes $8.8 Billion Charge for Getting Fooled by the British
The computer company can't catch a break.
One time I bought some guy's bike on Craigslist for $20.
I was young and naïve, and when I saw the bike listed and it looked pretty good in the photos I thought, Wow! What a deal! And then I bought it and rode it for about a day, after which point, the bike completely fell apart. (Of course.) In the next month, I spent several hundred dollars fixing and replacing various components, and then the $20 bike no longer seemed like such a good deal.
That's kind of what happened today to Hewlett-Packard today.
In a conference call this morning, HP announced it had taken an $8.8 billion accounting charge on the acquisition of Autonomy, a British software-maker it acquired for more than $10 billion last year. The charge, HP CEO Meg Whitman said, was related to accounting tricks and "outright misrepresentations" at Autonomy, which made the company appear much more valuable than it actually was. HP began investigating the shady accounting after a senior Autonomy executive came forward to confess it had been cooking the books, according to Bloomberg.
HP, which has been a perpetual struggle machine for several years now, didn't need this latest setback. Sales have been falling, CEOs have been rotating through the corner office, and the company's stock has fallen more than 50 percent in the past year. It's now down an additional 10-plus percent in premarket trading.
The Autonomy charge may also spell trouble for the auditing firm involved, Deloitte, which went through Autonomy's financials before the HP acquisition and didn't find anything suspicious. HP said today that it has referred the matter to the U.K.'s Serious Fraud Office, which sounds like something out of Monty Python but is in fact a regulatory agency charged with investigating complex corporate shenanigans.


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The real fear here is the loss of anchor Mark Streit could send this ship adrift, but the veteran depth added during the off-season (James Wisniewski, Mike Mottau, Mark Eaton, Milan Jurcina) should keep this group on course. Maturing Jack Hillen and Andrew MacDonald can't afford to take backward steps and a healthy Radek Martinek would provide a big boost.
Good to see the team has taken the cautious route with 2009 first-round pick (12th overall) Calvin de Haan. There was talk early in camp that de Haan (19) might be asked to man the point for first team powerplay time after Streit went down. The aforementioned veteran depth that has been added affords Gordon/Snow the chance to do what's right for de Haan as another year in the OHL will keep the kid's development on the proper track.
Those other options for first team PP time on the point include Weight, Wisniewski, Martinek and Hillen. At 16 percent efficiency last season (27th worst) the only direction the PP can head is north, so there was truly no need to force feed de Haan.
Between the Pipes
The situation in goal is a coin toss: heads, DiPietro returns to form and stays healthy and 41-year-old Dwayne Roloson squeezes one more good year out of his ratty old pads, or tails, DP suffers yet another setback and Roloson starts looking every bit of those 41 years. The former could be a major key to a run at playoff spot and the latter spells complete disaster.
The often referred to injuries to both Streit and Okposo cloud the outlook for this season as few teams in the league can afford to have their two best players removed from the equation for any length of time. That being said, looks like another playoff-less spring on Long Island unless Gordon can squeeze some goals out of a few unexpected sources.
They'll be continued progress but not enough to play beyond early April.
Predicted Finish: 36-34-12 – 84 points/11th place in Eastern Conference.
Isles Compete For Playoff Spot If:
• Kyle Okposo heals quickly and actually plays games prior to the New Year.
• Matt Moulson's 30-goal 2009-10 wasn't a fluke.
• Two other forwards (pick from Blake Comeau/Trent Hunter/Rob Schremp/Frans Nielsen/P.A. Parenteau) have surprise seasons a la Moulson last year.
• The defense collectively steps-up to soften the absence of Mark Streit.
• The goaltending holds up (DiPietro surprises all with a healthy season).
The Isles Compete For Lottery Pick If:
• John Tavares suffers any kind of a sophomore slump
• Their third periods resemble anything close to last season's Chinese fire drills.
• Forwards aren't more consistently physical as a group every night.
• Special teams don't show measurable improvement over last season (PP – 16%/PK 76.3%).


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Life insurance is a unique financial instrument that can be used to support a variety of needs. Since there are many types of life insurance policies, it is important to understand their particular benefits and limitations.
Universal life "UL" is one of the most versatile types of life insurance. Its high degree of flexibility and "unbundled" nature – separating the expense, protection and cash value elements – make it a popular choice among insurance consumers.
Understanding Universal Life – was created to help you understand a universal life insurance policy.
Permanent life insurance provides many features that when combined, create a unique financial instrument. Some of its features include:
Non-Taxable Death Benefits
Death proceeds are generally free from income tax, making it possible to ultimately provide more benefits to your beneficiaries.
Proceeds Direct to Beneficiaries
You can designate that death proceeds be paid directly to your beneficiaries, making it possible to avoid probate taxes. Many states have enacted laws that make life insurance safe from creditors, also.
Tax-Deferred Growth
A portion of each premium payment goes into the "policy value" which is the part of the policy that earns interest. This interest accumulates on a tax-deferred basis.
Tax-Advantaged Liquidity
Cash surrender value can provide a source of funds for the policy owner and is available through a policy loan (which may be available at a low interest rate or with zero net cost) and/or a partial surrender. Both of these types of distributions will reduce the death benefit. Under our interpretation of current tax laws, policy loans and partial surrenders that do not exceed the total premiums paid are not taxable. While policy loans are generally considered tax free, there is some risk that the IRS would characterize policy loans in excess of premium paid as taxable income. Withdrawals (partial surrenders, cash surrenders and/or policy loans) in excess of total premiums paid would be considered income taxable to you upon lapse, surrender or maturity of the policy.
Universal life insurance is designed to offer many of the same benefits as traditional permanent insurance plans, and more…
Flexible Premiums
Instead of being locked into a fixed premium schedule for life, UL gives you a great amount of premium flexibility. You can potentially pay any amount between the required plan "minimum" to an IRS-imposed "maximum", depending upon your cash flow needs and accumulation goals. Premiums may be increased, decreased, or even skipped, depending on such factors as past premiums, policy surrender values, loans and interest rates. Please see "Common Questions about Universal Life" below.
Adjustable Death Benefit
The death benefit amount may be adjusted, within the plan limits, without having to buy a new, separate policy. This can reduce costs and simplify the process of changing your coverage. Please see "Common Questions about Universal Life" below.
Current Interest Credits
Unloaned policy values are credited with a current rate of interest that can be changed periodically by the Company. While this rate will never fail below the contractually guaranteed minimum, it is designed to make universal life a competitive insurance value. Please see "Common Questions about Universal Life" below.
Death Benefit Options
UL features two distinct death benefit options, or patterns. Under the Level Death Benefit option, the death benefit is the face amount only. Since the Company's net amount at risk is the difference between the policy face amount and the policy value, the net amount at risk usually decreases as policy value increases. This decrease in the net amount at risk, over time, may mean lower "cost of insurance" charges in the future. Under the Increasing Death Benefit option, the death benefit is the face amount plus the policy value. Although its long-term cost is higher due to the higher "cost of insurance charge", there is a relatively larger death benefit.
Current Cost of Insurance
This is the charge for the insurance death benefit based on the amount at risk and is deducted each month from the policy value. The cost of insurance rate is based on the insured's age, sex, and rate class. The current rate scale will never exceed the guaranteed rate scale in the policy contract. Please see "Common Questions about Universal Life" below.
Annual Report to Policy Owner
Since UL is "unbundled", all monthly deductions, interest credits, death benefit amounts and premiums received are documented in an annual report we send to the policy owner each year. This report includes important information about the continuation of the policy into the future. The annual report should be reviewed each year to make sure the policy continues to meet the policy owner's needs. Adjustments may be appropriate based on changed conditions, interest credits or monthly deductions.
The following uses make universal life a versatile and flexible tool for solving needs. Consider:
Income Replacement
One of the most common uses of universal life is to replace lost income due to the death of the breadwinner. The death benefits can continue providing income to the family through attractive settlement options, or as a lump sum.
Pay off the Mortgage ***
Another common use is to satisfy certain debts, such as paying off the mortgage. You can even access the tax deferred cash value accumulations (through policy loans or partial surrenders) to help satisfy such debts while living.
Retirement Income ***
The tax-deferred cash surrender value and the non-taxable nature of policy loans (in most circumstances) make UL a supplemental retirement income option. The immediate death benefits and optional disability benefit rider make UL even more flexible and attractive to consumers planning for retirement.
Charitable Contributions
UL can create a "magnified gift" to a charity, and, if structured properly, create current income tax savings.
Equalize Inheritances
UL can be used to create estate value to certain beneficiaries whose inheritance may other wise be left to charity or to other family members.
Other needs that may be solved by UL include funding college education expenses, providing financial assistance to children and more.
*** Partial surrenders and Policy Loans will reduce the policy death benefit. Under our interpretation of the current tax laws policy loans and partial surrenders that do not exceed the total premiums paid are not taxable. While policy loans are generally considered tax free, there is some risk that the IRS would characterize policy loans in excess of premium paid as taxable income. Withdrawals (partial surrenders, cash surrenders and/or policy loans) in excess of total premiums paid would be considered income taxable to you upon lapse, surrender or maturity of the policy.
1) How long has Protective Life been selling universal life insurance?
Protective Life designed its first UL plan in 1981, and was therefore on of the pioneers in UL development.
2) Does Protective Life offer only one universal life insurance plan?
No. Protective Life offers a diverse portfolio of products to meet a variety of insurance needs. Some products emphasize low premium cost, while others emphasize policy value accumulation. We even have products designed for specialty insurance needs like the business buy-sell and estate planning markets.
3) Can premiums for my universal life insurance plan be tax deductible?
Premiums for personally owned life insurance are not tax deductible. However, employers may be able to deduct premiums as part of a Section 162 Bonus Plan for certain employees. For information regarding your personal situation, please contact your professional tax advisor.
4) What if I want to change my death benefit?
This flexibility is one of the features of universal life. The face amount can be increased or decreased within plan limits, but medical evidence of insurability may be required. Consult the policy contract for details.
5) Can I change my premiums at any time?
Not entirely. All of our universal life products provide certain death benefit guarantees, which require a minimum premium. However, premium flexibility is one of the main features of UL. Your premiums can be increased up to certain IRS guidelines or reduced within the limits of the required minimum premium. It is important to note that the reduction of your planned premiums may cause your policy to lapse. Your universal life contract can stay in force only if there is policy value in excess of surrender charges and this may not occur if premiums are reduced.
6) Can the current cost of insurance rates change?
Yes. The company has the right to change the cost of insurance rates, but the rates for a particular plan may never exceed the guaranteed rates illustrated in the policy contract.
7) Have the current cost of insurance rates ever increased?
No. Since this product line was introduced in 1981, Protective Life has never increased the current cost of insurance rate scale for any existing universal life insurance policy. Please note that the current cost of insurance rate scale provides for higher rates as the age of the insured increases and as the underwriting data becomes less current.
8) Should I consider universal life insurance an investment?
No. While UL certainly has an investment element, it is not an investment in the strict sense.
9) Should I expect my current credited interest rate to change?
Yes. The current interest rate credited to your policy value is not guaranteed. Interest rates may change at anytime. While the overall economic environment influences them, interest rates are not indexed to any national standard and are subject to change at the discretion of the management of Protective Life. The policy owner will be advised of any interest rate changes in the previous year in the Annual Report to the Policy owner. The current interest rate for a particular plan may never be less than the guaranteed interest rate shown in the policy contract.
10) Why not buy term insurance instead of universal life?
Universal life is designed to help solve a long-term need. Term insurance is designed for a relatively short-term need (hence the name "term" insurance). You should discuss these options with your agent and purchase the type of insurance that best meets your needs.
11) What is a "zero net cost policy loan"?
This feature allows for surrender values to be borrowed at a zero net cost after the 10th policy year. Specifically, such policy loans will be charged the same rate of interest that is credited on loaned amounts to the policy value. This feature is contractually guaranteed in most universal life plans offered by Protective Life (please refer to your policy contract to verify if it contains this feature).
This supplement is meant to be the starting point for discussion and is valid only when used with an actual policy proposal. Neither Protective Life nor its representatives offer legal or tax advice. While this supplement represents Protective Life's interpretation of current law as it relates to life insurance, you may wish to consult your legal or tax advisor before making any financial decision. Not all policy benefits and riders are available in all states and evidence of medical insurability is required. Ask your Protective Life representative for details.


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TALLAHASSEE -- A bill that would make standards for reading, math and other public school subjects tougher, more detailed and more relevant at every grade level passed in the House but a procedural dispute over the measure then brought other business in the chamber to a virtual standstill Friday.
The measure also would delay the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, now given in February and March, by about a month. An "FCAT frenzy" provision would ban, with some exceptions, FCAT preparation activities such as rallies and practice tests during regular school hours.
Rep. Marti Coley, R-Marianna, said teachers have told her lawmakers should make delaying the FCAT a priority.
"It gives them extra time to teach the students what they need to know," Coley said. "So often we expect teachers to perform miracles. We give them these standards that cover so much ground that there is absolutely no way to accomplish that in a reasonable time."
The bill is a top priority for House Speaker Marco Rubio, R-West Miami, who has said more rigorous standards would help prepare Florida students to compete on the global stage when they grow up.
Democrats, however, became upset during the discussions of the bill. The minority party wanted to offer an amendment that would have changed the way the state grades high schools to include other factors besides the FCAT such as graduation rates, college entrance exams and participation in advanced academic programs. The Senate already has passed a bill (SB 1908) that would do the same thing.
Republicans, however, prevented the amendment from being considered or debated but did not explain why they were against it. Democrats responded by demanding that every subsequent bill be read in full instead of simply by title, a procedure that can add an hour or more to consideration of each measure. Republicans didn't have a two-thirds vote required to block full reading.
The standards bill passed unanimously. It next goes to the Senate, where a similar measure (SB 1914) is awaiting a final committee hearing.
Another major education bill loosening class size reduction requirements, once a divisive issue, also unanimously passed the House.
A state law currently requires that starting in 2008-09 classes be no more than 18 students in kindergarten through third grade, 22 in fourth through eighth grade, and 25 in high school. The measure that passed on Friday would delay full implementation of those limits by two years until 2010-11, potentially saving millions of dollars.
The bill then would require the limits to be met in October of each year, though several students could be added in each grade later in the year as long as limits are still met on a school average.
The existing law implements a constitutional amendment voters approved in 2002. Efforts to repeal or weaken the amendment failed in the past. Lawmakers on both sides, though, agree it wouldn't make sense to start a new class if limits are exceeded by just one or two students who enroll after the school year begins.
The bill (HB 7043) does not have a Senate companion, but supporters say its provisions could be amended to another education bill there.
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Groundhog, woodchuck, land beaver, whistle pig…these are all terms for the critter that is scientifically known as Marmota monax or in some cases the Eastern Marmot. Each year we anticipate the age old ritual of Groundhog Day when it is believed that if a Groundhog leaves his den and sees his shadow we can expect six more weeks of winter. Personally I have noted that on years he did not see his shadow we only had a month and a half of winter.
The tradition of Groundhog Day goes back to the old Europe custom except they used hedgehogs which also hibernated in winter and were more plentiful. When the Germans came to Pennsylvania they brought the tradition with them but not finding any hedgehogs they opted first for the badger (not a great choice due to its aggressive behavior when bothered) finally settling on the more docile groundhog. Thus we have Punxsutawney Phil and Lake Erie Eddie getting the press instead of Badger Bob or whatnot. I am also sure that the top hat wearing fellows at Gobbler's Knob are thankful not to have to wrestle with an angry badger they just woke up.
Thus on Groundhog Day Eve (so as not to steal any of Punxsutawney Phil's thunder) the Cleveland Museum of Natural History went "everything groundhog" with Groundhog Fun Day. There were numerous displays scattered through the museum where youngsters could pet a groundhog (a stuffed one at least) along with other fur pelts, crawl through a tunnel (den) to see their shadow, learn about other critters that hibernate, dig like a groundhog, have their photo taken with a giant groundhog, buy a raffle ticket for a groundhog commissioned painting, have your face painted in groundhog motif as well as some non-groundhog activities such as looking at fossils, petrified wood and shark jaws among other things. There was also a groundhog themed passport book that the children could have stamped at each station in order to win a prize.
For two shows, audience members got to meet Mimi the Skunk, Sir Lancelot the Porcupine and the star of the show Lake Erie Eddie the Groundhog while learning fascinating facts about all three animals. For the record, although the unveiling of Lake Erie Eddie was indoors he would have missed seeing his shadow if in the wild due to the heavy overcast yesterday and today thus an early spring for us but not so in Pennsylvania.
Along with investigating the various tables with groundhog facts, guests also had free run of the museum to check out all the fascinating displays. Judging by the happy smiles on adults and children it looked as if Groundhog Fun Day was a great success in fun and learning and I'm not just whistling.


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› Learn How
There is no permanent human base on South Georgia Island, a British territory in the South Atlantic Ocean that lies about 800 miles east of the Falkland Islands. The crew of the International Space Station captured the rugged and isolated landscape of the northern shore of the island in this August 2005 photo. South Georgia Island is notable on several fronts. The first recorded explorer to land on the island was Captain James Cook aboard the HMS Resolution in 1775. He mapped part of the coastline, but was discouraged by the thick ice cover, lack of vegetation, and steep mountains. Mt. Paget, the highest peak, rises to 9,625 feet above sea level, and the island supports 161 glaciers. Cook named the southernmost point of the island "Cape Disappointment" when he realized he had not reached Antarctica. The high mountains protect the north and eastern coast of the island from the prevailing gales coming from Antarctica and the west. The steep topography also makes deep bays along the coast, which provide habitat for wildlife and anchorages for whaling ships. The island supports major rookeries of penguins and albatrosses, and large seal populations. This view centers on Mt. Paget and Cumberland Bay. The former whaling station Grytviken is located within the bay. Today, the encampment supports the scientific base for the British Antarctic Survey and Bird Island Research Station. Image Credit: NASA


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One might think that zombies have no place in spring décor, but crafty horror enthusiasts disagree! Take inspiration from these talented Deviant Art users who shared their Easter abominations with the Internet.
When making a zombie Easter egg (or any detail-oriented design) don't be afraid move beyond dye baths. Non-toxic, fast-drying paints, such as acrylic craft paint and/or finger paints not only come in a wider variety of colors than egg dye, but also are ideal for detail-work when paired with fine-tipped paint brushes. Markers are great for that finishing touch.
For those who are less inclined to free-hand paint, a paper stencil could be created from a simple printed image and cut out with an exacto-knife before sponging on the design in the desired color. Creative options like denting the egg to create an injury become available if you don't plan to eat its delicious brains.
If you want your egg to be a permanent installation, you could consider purchasing ceramic eggs from Egg Nots, the Oriental Trading Company.


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As we're all busy with the new quarter, taxes, speaking engagments, product rollouts and conferences the SBS Show is taking a little spring break. However, it is not an excuse not to learn. I for one have been working on C# and Mono for about two weeks now and there is no greater satisfaction than getting better at what you do. Along those lines, not everyone is at the same level. Microsoft held their first-ever Small Business Summit and broadcast it over the web. This caught far too much flak over the poor organization and execution (LiveMeeting) but the content was beyond excellent. Eric Ligman has posted the replay information so bookmark it and view in your spare time:
Day 1: Keynote Sessions
– Kevin Turner MS COO: Celebrating and Supporting Small Business: View Replay
– Maxine Clark: Putting the Heart Back into Retailing: View Replay
– Keith Ferrazzi: Skills & Techniques for Building & Maintaining Your Network of Contacts: View Replay
– Douglas Leland: Learn How Small Business + Can Help Your Business: View Replay
– Michael Park, MS VP & Cindy Bates GM: What to Expect from Days 2-4: View Replay
Day 2:
– Mike Nash MS VP: Security Alert: How To Protect Your Business: View Replay
Sales & Marketing Track
– Guerilla Marketing – Big Budget Marketing on a Small Business Budget (Breathing Life Into Your Marketing Strategy): View Replay
– Demo – Microsoft Office Live – MS Small Business Services: View Replay
– Customer Case Study – Chez Jane (Gourmet Garlic Spread Co.): View Replay
Financial Management Track
– Microsoft Small Business Accounting Demo: View Replay
– Technology That Evolves With Your Business: View Replay
– Have you Outgrown Quickbooks? (Is it Time to Look for A Better Solution?): View Replay
Productivity & Mobility Track
– Is My Business Ready For A Server?: View Replay
– How Software Can Help You Run Your Business More Smoothly (Transforming Your Business With A Server): View Replay
– The Next Generation of Small Business Server: View Replay
Computer Security Track
– Keep Your Computer Free from Viruses and Worms: View Replay
– Windows OneCare: Automatic PC Maintenance: View Replay
– Why Pirated Software Will Cost You in the Long Run: View Replay
Day 3:
– Gary Hoover : How to Become a Forward-Thinking Business: View Replay
– Hold a Meeting from the Comfort of Your Office: View Replay
– Small Business Webcast:Business Contact Manager for Microsoft Office Outlook Demo: Connecting with Customers: View Replay
– Get the IT Advantage with a Microsoft Specialist: View Replay
– Techniques for Managing & Maximizing Your Cash Flow: View Replay
– What the Small Business Administration Can Do For You: View Replay
– Case Study – CAL Business Solutions: View Replay
– Take Your Office with You Using Windows Mobile: View Replay
– Technology Trends in Small Business: View Replay
– Small Business Offer: Core Technology for the Price of a Daily Cup of Coffee: View Replay
– Top 5 Reasons to Protect Customer Data: View Replay
– Peace of Mind with Microsoft Windows Update: View Replay
– Is Your Business in Regulatory Compliance?: View Replay
Day 4:
– Jeff & Rich Sloan: The Devil is in the Details: View Replay
– Get the Most Out of Microsoft Office: View Replay
– Sales and Marketing 101: How to Boost Recognition, Improve Credibility, and Develop Customer Trust: View Replay
– When Fish Fly: Beyond Customer Service, An Opportunity to Make A Difference: View Replay
– How to Pick the Right Financial Solution for Your Business: An Interactive Quiz: View Replay
– Beyond Bookkeeping: Software Strategies for Growth: View Replay
– Online Resources for Your Business: View Replay
– Business Mobility – Gaining Access To Your Data From Anywhere In The World: View Replay
– Business Agility – Helping You to Make Decisions Faster: View Replay
– Demo: SBS – Small Business Server – Remote Technologies, Learning How To Share Calendars And Contacts: View Replay
– Vista Demo – The new look of Windows and how it will change small business: View Replay
– Seven Steps To Better Security: View Replay
– Adding Network Security in Minutes: View Replay
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Yeah, but you'd think they could of at least cleaned up the mess for the replays. I thought I'd listen to a couple before I recommended them to my clients; good thing I did. About half way through the one I listened to I get to spend 10 minutes listening to them troubleshoot problems on the air. Not a good use of my time and I won't be recommending to any of clients that they waste time either.
Nicely done dude. Thanks for the post!
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text:
Zombies Walk!
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Join Date
: Jun 2008
: The Death of All Things.
: 521
Current Game
: Too many to count
Sam awoke later, with a nasty bump on his head. He was in a Helo, making its way towards,... he didn't know. and he didn't care. Sam was just happy to be rid of the Russians.
At leas so he thought. then he noticed Yuri tied up next to him, as was some unknow russian soldier.
" Dang it!" Sam said in Russian, just so they could hear it. Sam reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet, opening it up and showing his military ID.
" I am Lt. Sam Larson, I was forcively thrown in that busted up Humvee you saw back there, and tried to comandeer if back." He glanced over at Yuri. " after we crashed some She-merc knocked me out, I want all of those scoundrels locked up!"
" Yeah Yeh buddy, guess what? They know soemthing aobu tthis, so there getting dropped off soon enough, oh and lookey here, guess who just pulled guard duty for the RUssians, Its you . So shut up and hunker down, your in for one rough night"
Sam looked at the russians again, proud that he could repay the favor of everything that had happened, but also sad, he wouldn't be able to hit Atrianna, she wasn't one of the Russians.
"Wait where is my Uncle?" Sam inquired in Russian. Yuri laughed.
" I killd him, he was annoying, like you!" Befoer Sam knew what had happened, Sam was holding Yuri by his throat and then dropping him out of the Helo, plumetting down a hundred meters utnil he met his fate at the hands of an anxiously awaiting Demon.
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text:
Paul Edward Davis, age 83, died Thursday, Aug. 11, 2011 at Southwest Medical Center in Liberal, KS. He was born July 20, 1928 in Stoughton , MA., the son of John and Helma (Grier) McCarty.
He was a member of the United States Coast Guard for 6½ years. He was a resident of Turpin for 43 years and a member of Turpin Baptist Church . He worked for the Turpin Public Schools for 20 years. Paul was very active with the youth in the school and the community. He coached Little League baseball, drove activity bus and kept stats at the football games. He loved hunting, fishing and being outdoors. Most of all, he loved his family and his grandkids.
On Feb. 24, 1968, he married Dolores McAlister in Liberal, KS. She survives.
Other survivors include:
6 Sons Michael McCarthy- Brockton , MA
Patrick McCarthy – Fresno , CA
Tim McCarthy – Provincetown , MA
Charles McCarthy – Worcester , MA
Gary Davis – Denver , CO
Bob Davis – Woodward , OK
2 Daughters Maureen Thai – San Diego , CA
Colleen McCarthy – Portland , OR
1 Sister Hilma Davis - Vermont
12 Grandchildren and 8 Great-Grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Kathleen Chester and brother John McCarthy.
Funeral service will be 10:00 am Monday, Aug. 15th, at the Turpin Baptist Church , Turpin , OK , with Rev. Stan Lehnert and Pastor Jason Loggins presiding. Burial will be in Liberal Cemetery . Viewing will be one hour before service time at the church.
In lieu of flowers and plants, memorial contributions may be sent to the Turpin Baptist Church in care of Brenneman Funeral Home, 1212 W. 2nd, Liberal , KS 67901 .
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.brennemanfuneralhome.com
©2016 Seward County Broadcasting Company, Inc.
1410 N. Western Ave. Liberal, KS 67901


text:
Welcome to the official website for Western novelist William F. Martin. Please bookmark this site and check back often over the days ahead, as Mr. Martin debuts the adventures of Clint Mason online. The third book published in the Clint Mason series, School Teacher and Gunman is the actual beginning of the Tales of Mason. It was published on this blog serially beginning in March, 2011, running through July, 2012. Next in the storytelling sequence comes Destination Santa Fe, which was published here serially beginning in September, 2012, running through September, 2013. Chapter One of both books is still available here, and both books' full contents may someday return to this site. Please consider picking up copies of all the Clint Mason books for yourself and a friend, and also look for the contents of Phantom Rider currently appearing on this site.
Please also look around the site for additional information on Mr. Martin and his books. Your interest and feedback are greatly appreciated.


text:
Brutally fucked blonde cheerleader
It is hard to come home alone for young girls at night, because there are always some bastards who follow you home and try to fuck you hard, even if you do not want to. There is an opportunity, try to give them everything you got, jewellery, money, credit cards, cell phones. Maybe then shitheads will leave you alone, but if they are beasts who need only sex from young cheerleader, you have nothing more to do, just suck their dicks or let them pound your pussy. These days screams do nothing while all neighbours sleep and do not care what is happening near their flat door. See these forced sex videos and share your ideas what would you do in such situation.


text:
John James Charles
Position: DB
Height: 6-0 Weight: 205 lbs.
Born: May 9, 1944 in Newark, NJ
High School: Linden
College: Purdue (school history) (Charles college stats)
Drafted by the Boston Patriots in the 1st round (21st overall) of the 1967 NFL Draft.
Weighted Career AV (100-95-...): 29 (3459th overall since 1950)
Other SR Links: College Football at Sports-Reference.com
Sponsor this page for $5 and help Pro-Football-Reference.com provide this service. Your message will replace this ad.


text:
Organizational Chart of the Department of Posts
2. Functional Units of Department of Posts
3. Instructions regarding implementation of the Right To Information Act 2005
Role of the DOP
1. The Right to Information Act, 2005 has come into force on 12th October, 2005.
The Department of Posts is responsible to implement the Act in its own domain
and 833* CPIOs have been nominated in the Postal Circles to process RTI
requests. The Central Government has entrusted the Department of Posts to assist
other interested public authorities under the Central Government including
Ministries, Departments, PSUs, and Autonomous Bodies etc. in implementation of
the RTI Act by designating CAPIOs on their behalf. While the role of the
Department in implementation of the Act stems directly from the provisions of
the RTI Act, the latter role, and perhaps the more demanding one, arises out of
a decision taken by the Prime Minister of India that the Department of Posts
should provide its services to the Central Government as a collection point for
request for information under the Act by designating its CAPIOs as CAPIOs for
the Central Government. Currently, 1153* Public Authorities of Central
Government who have designated their own CPIOs are availing this service. (*As
on 30.06.2011).
2. The Department has already designated 4707* CAPIOs at least one in each
Tehsil level across the country. The officers in charge of the computerized
Customer Care Centers have been identified to act as CAPIOs for the Department
and to receive RTI requests and appeals on behalf of other Central Public
Authorities who have agreed to avail of this facility in Post Offices in
pursuance of Section 5 (2) and 19 of the RTI Act, 2005. The designated CAPIO at
a Post Office receives requests and appeals under the RTI Act 2005 for
forwarding the same to the Central Public Information Officer or senior officer
specified under sub-section (1) of section 19 the RTI Act 2005 or the Central
Information Commission (CIC), as the case may be. The CAPIOs in the Postal
Circles receive the requests/appeals from the public and enter them in the CAPIO
Module within the time frame prescribed in the RTI Act. The CAPIO subsequently
generates three copies of forwarding letter. The first copy is addressed to the
Nodal Officer/Central Point of the concerned Central Public Authority, second is
meant for the requestor/appellant as intimation and the third is kept as an
office copy. The onward transmission of the request/appeal is done through
Registered Post. (*As on 30.06.2011).
What is Information? 3. Information is not an abstract concept under the RTI
Act. It is conceived as being contained in any material including records,
documents, memos, e mails, opinions, advices, press releases, circulars, orders,
logbooks, contracts, reports, papers, samples, models, data material held in any
electronic form. It also includes information relating to any private body which
can be accessed by the public authority under any law for the time being in
force. Only such information is required to be supplied under the Act which
already exists and is held by the public authority or held under the control of
the public authority. It is not required under the Act to create information; or
to interpret information; or to solve the problems raised by the applicants; or
to furnish replies to hypothetical questions
Maintenance and Computerization of Records 4. Proper management of records is of
utmost importance for effective implementation of the provisions of the Act. A
public authority should, therefore, maintain all its records properly. It should
ensure that the records are duly catalogued and indexed in such a manner and
form that it may facilitate the right to information. The Public authorities
should computerize all its records which are appropriate to be computerized.
Records so computerized should be connected through a network on different
systems so that access to such records is facilitated.
Identification of a request under RTI stamping etc. 5. Appropriate arrangement
should be made to ensure that a matter under the Right to Information Act 20, 05
is distinctly recognized as such. Records etc. related to the RTI Act should
also be separately maintained to facilitate submission of periodic reports as
required under the Act. A clear stamp " Right to Information – priority" should
be impressed on each request received, each envelope in which these requests are
forwarded and also on the receipts issued in acknowledgement of receipt of these
Checks to be performed by CAPIO while receiving a request 6. At the time of
receiving a request, the CAPIO should ensure the following:-
In view of the above points CAPIOs can follow these guidelines:
(a) If the application is not legible assist the applicant to write it clearly.
If the applicant has not filled in one or more of the above details bring the
same to his/her notice and request him/her to fill in the details. Make sure
that the date mentioned on the application matches with the date on which the
CAPIO is actually receiving the application. This is very important for
calculating the deadline while forwarding the application to the CPIO. The
applicant may have attached a bank draft or a Banker's Cheque or UR Receipt or
proof of payment of application fee by any other mode prescribed by the
Government. All such payments are valid. The CAPIO may not insist on a
particular mode of payment. If claiming fee waiver, the BPL applicant must
attach a photocopy of a BPL/Antyodaya ration card or any other valid proof of
BPL identity that may be prescribed by the Government.
(b) The applicant may not always know the exact name and complete postal address
of the public authority who has the information he/she wants. So please do not
insist upon the applicant to furnish these details. It is the duty of the CAPIO
to send the application to the concerned CPIO. (The CPIO directory published may
be consulted for this purpose.)
(c) To check if the applicant has not already attached proof of payment of
application fees or if the applicant has not attached proof of BPL identity in
support of his/her claim for fee waiver please request the applicant to furnish
the same.
(d) To issue receipt for receiving complete request along with fees/exemption
there from in the prescribed format with due authentication (signature, stamp
and date of receipt). The receipt cum acknowledgement may be issued to the
requestor. The cash collected for the entire day may be deposited under ACG-67
receipt in the Post Office on the same day/next morning under clear records
maintained separately for department of Posts and other public authorities.
(e) Record the particulars of the request received including date of receipt,
identification number, name of the applicant with contact details, subject
matter of the request, name of Ministry/Department/public authority to whom it
is related, name and address of the CPIO, date of forwarding the application to
the CPIO, particulars of mode of dispatch like RL No. date etc. The entries in
the concerned register are to be made on the same day. Despatch should be made
at the first available opportunity thereafter. The particulars in respect of the
request received for the Department of Posts may be entered separately. A format
has already been prescribed and available on the website.
If the application is
not addressed to a specific CPIO or a public authority the CAPIO may read
through the nature of information being requested. This will help the CAPIO to
identify the public authority that is most likely to possess the information
requested. The CAPIO may then dispatch the complete application to the concerned
CPIO using the CPIO directory. The CAPIO need not maintain a copy of the
application for their records.
(f) In certain cases, the application may be received by the CAPIO by post also.
In such cases, the checks to be applied by the CAPIO would be the same as in
cases where the application is received personally. If the request is complete
in all respects and proof of payment of fees is also enclosed, the request
should be entered in the register as in other cases and forwarded to the CPIO
Things to Do
If the applicant has not attached proof of payment of application fees and has
also not claimed fee waiver – the CAPIO may send a communication by post to the
sender requesting him to furnish proof of payment of the prescribed application
fees. If the application contains a contact telephone number he may call up the
applicant advising him/her to pay the application fees. This action saves time
and effort and prevents wastage of stationery.
Similarly if the applicant has not attached proof of identity despite claiming
fee waiver in the application – the CAPIO may send a communication by
post/courier to the sender requesting him/her to furnish proof of BPL identity.
If the application contains a contact telephone number he may call up the
applicant advising him/her to furnish proof of BPL identity. This action saves
time and effort and prevents wastage of stationery.
If any of the details are missing or illegible the CAPIO may return the
application by post to the sender requesting him/her to fill in the missing or
unclear details. If the application contains a contact telephone number he may
call up the applicant requesting him/her to visit your office to fill in the
missing details.
Receipt of appeals by the CAPIO
7. The CAPIO may also be required to receive appeals made to various
departmental appellate authorities or to the Central Information Commission in
cases where the citizen is not satisfied with the response of the CPIO. No fee
is applicable in appeal cases.
(a) In such cases, subject to the checks mentioned above, the following
particulars should be available in all appeal applications.
(b) No receipt would be required in such cases but an acknowledgement for
receiving the application along with date of application will be necessary.
(c) The entries required in case of original applications to CPIOs will also be
required to be made in case of appeals along with dispatch particulars of the
appeals received. A separate register for recording the details related to
appeals should be maintained. A format has been prescribed in the regard and
available on the website.
The duties of the CPIO
8. The Central Public Information Officer to whom a request is addressed has the
duty to respond with the information required. Citizens can submit applications
personally or by post/courier or through electronic means (such as email etc.)
in English, or Hindi or the official language of the area; Citizens are not
required to give reasons for requesting information. The CPIO shall not demand
an explanation from the requestor as to why he/she needs that information.
Refusal to accept an application from the citizen without reasonable cause is an
offence under the law. The Central Information Commission may impose a fine of
Rs. 250/- per day till the application is received up to a maximum of Rs.
25,000/- and also recommend disciplinary action for delays, providing wrong
information and refusal.
9. As a CPIO there are certain obligations that are to be carried out carefully.
If the CPIO receives a request for information that is not available with his
office but is likely to be available with another office or public authority, it
is his duty to transfer that request to the concerned public authority. If the
CPIO advises the requestor to approach the concerned public authority he/she may
treat this as his refusal to accept the application and send a complaint to the
DAA or the CIC. This could lead to litigation, which can be avoided by
transferring the application to the relevant CPIO). The CPIO should transfer the
application to the CPIO concerned as soon as possible and in no case later than
five days. The CPIO should inform the applicant about the transfer of the
application in writing immediately. There is no grace period stipulated in the
law for communicating this transfer to the requestor.
10. In cases where the CPIO is giving a response the following has to be kept in
mind:If the information requested is not covered by any of the exemptions the
CPIO should ordinarily provide it within thirty days Do not let applications
pile up on your desk. This will only increase your workload in future. Please
dispatch all complete applications immediately.
If the requested information relates to the life and liberty of a person (Art.
21 of the Constitution) then you have a duty to provide such information within
48 hours. Ordinarily, if the requested information is given by a third party
which treats it as confidential then ten extra days are allowed to seek its
submission on whether such information may be disclosed (see below). This does
not apply to cases involving the life and liberty of a person. Such information
must be given within 48 hours because of the sense of urgency involved.
In cases of rejection of requests:The CPIO is required to communicate to the applicant in writing:–
The law specifies 11 categories of information that may not be disclosed to the
requestor. Sec. 8 applies to categories of information and not categories of
records. (Sec. 9 applies to cases where release of information may infringe upon
the copyright of any person other than the State) A record may contain both
exempt and non-exempt information. Non-exempt information contained in such
records may be disclosed upon request.
No other exemption contained in any other law including the Official Secrets Act
and the Indian Evidence Act, or rules, orders or procedures prescribed by any
public authority will take precedence over the operation of the RTI Act.
Furthermore, if the public interest in disclosing exempt information weighs more
than the harm to the protected interests then such information may be released.
If the requestor appeals against the rejection order he/she is not required to
justify why such information is being requested. Under the law the burden of
proving why such information cannot be given is placed on the CPIO. The CPIO
will have to prove before the appellate authority that the rejection order was
based on reasons valid under this law. If the Information Commission finds the
justification unreasonable the CPIO is liable to fine and also disciplinary
action. The CPIO has to be very cautious while rejecting an information request.
11. In cases where the CPIO decides to provide information he should ensure the
If he decides to provide the requested information he should immediately inform
the applicant in writing about the additional fees he/she is required to pay as
cost of providing the information. This additional fee must be calculated at the
rate prescribed by the Government as per the Government of India, Ministry of
Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Notification No. 34012/8
(S)/2005-Estt. (B) dated 16.09.2005 .The time taken between dispatch of this
intimation and the actual payment of fees will not be included while calculating
the period of thirty days;
If the information requested is to be provided in electronic or printed format
the CPIO may charge additional fees at the rate prescribed by the Government as
per the Government of India, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and
Pensions Notification No. 34012/8 (S)/2005-Estt. (B) dated 16.09.2005.The CPIO
will be required to inform the applicant about this additional fee in writing.
The time taken between dispatch of this intimation and the actual payment of
fees will not be included while calculating the period of thirty days;
BPL applicants are exempted from paying additional fees for securing the
requested information;
If for some reason the requested information is not provided within the deadline
the requestor has a right to receive such information free of cost.
The CPIO has a duty to inform the applicant in writing the details of how the
additional fee were calculated and how the amount was arrived at;
The CPIO has a duty to inform the applicant in writing that he/she has a right
to demand from the DAA and/or the CIC a review of the additional fees charged by
the CPIO as cost of providing the requested information. The CPIO is required to
inform the applicant in writing – the particulars of the appellate authority,
the time limit and the process of appeal and any other forms that may be
prescribed in this context.
The applicant may request information that might have to be extracted or
compiled from one or more public records or documents. Furthermore the applicant
may request that the information be provided in a specific format. Ordinarily,
in such cases the CPIO is required to provide information in the format sought
by the applicant unless such extraction or compilation –
Will require spending disproportionately large amount of time, money or human
power resources or Will adversely affect the safety or preservation of the
relevant record/s.
Appeals and the role of the Departmental Appellate Authority
12. Appeals may arise in the following cases:
Where the CPIO fails to provide the requested information within 48 hours where
the requested information relates to the life and liberty of a person;
Where the citizen believes that the additional fee charged by the CPIO for
supplying the requested information is unreasonable (not to be confused with
application fees) ;
Where the citizen believes the rejection order issued by the CPIO in response to
his/her information request is unjustifiable;
13. Aggrieved citizens may file appeals directly by handing them over in
person or send them by post. Additionally they may send the appeal letter to the
CAPIO. The CAPIO is duty bound to forward such appeals to the concerned DAA.
There are no fees for filing appeals. Appeals must be received, processed and
disposed of without imposing any financial burden on the appellant. However
forms for filing appeals may be prescribed [Sec. 7(3)(b) mentions forms for
filing an appeal against the intimation order of PIO requiring payment of
additional fee]. Nevertheless keeping in mind the convenience of the common
person living in remote areas who may not have easy access to such forms it is
best to allow appeals made on plain paper as long as they contain the following
details and enclosures:-
Copy of the letter issued by the CPIO intimating additional fee to be paid
towards cost of providing information which is being contested by the appellant
(if any)
It is good practice to issue a receipt for every appeal received by the DAA and
the same must be entered in a register in the format prescribed.
14. The RTI Act allows the following time limit for filing appeals:–
If the citizen does not receive any decision on his/her application from the
CPIO –within thirty days of the expiry of the time period (usually thirty days
or 40 days if a third party's submissions have been invited).
If the citizen is not satisfied with the information provided by the CPIO or is
aggrieved by the decision of the CPIO where partial access has been provided -
within thirty days from the receipt of such decision. (Please note – the time
limit mentioned immediately above does not begin from the date of the issue of
the CPIO's order. It starts with the date on which the applicant receives the
If the DAA is satisfied that there was sufficient cause that prevented the
appellant from filing the appeal within the time limit he/she may admit the
appeal after the expiry of the deadline.
If a third party is aggrieved by the order of the CPIO – within thirty days from
the date of such order.
15. Ordinarily the DAA is required to give its decision within 30 days of the
receipt of the appeal. This time limit is extendable but in no case should it
exceed 15 days. If additional time is taken over and above the thirty-day limit
the DAA is required to record its reasons for the same in writing while issuing
the order on the appeal. The appellant has the right to file a second appeal
with the CIC within ninety days of the expiry of the time limit prescribed for
the DAA whether or not a decision has been received.
The burden of proving that rejection of the application for information was
justified lies on the CPIO concerned. It is not necessary to summon the
appellant in every case. The DAA can and should apply its mind to the case to
decide whether the decision of the CPIO was reasonable or not. The presence of
the appellant is not always required for such an exercise. However if the
appellant's presence is required in order to seek some clarification in his/her
information request in such cases the appellant may be summoned.
Similarly even the CPIO need not be summoned in many cases. The DAA need only
ascertain whether the denial of the request was in good faith and whether the
requested information may be disclosed in the public interest. As the DAA does
not have the power to penalize, the question of giving the CPIO an opportunity
to defend his/her decision of rejection of request need not arise.
16. It is worth mentioning here that a significant number of appeals will be
filed by citizens against rejection orders of CPIOs where Sec. 8 exemption/s
have been invoked. The DAA will be called upon to interpret these exemptions in
light of the public interest that may be upheld in disclosing such information.
The Government has to draw up detailed guidelines for interpreting every
category of exempt information as well as good practices to determine the
primacy of public interest. If these practical guidelines are made available to
the CPIOs in the form of a practice manual there may be a significant decline in
the number of appeals filed by citizens.