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Report Of The Secretary-General On The Situation In Somalia
Issue 323
14 March 2008 - S/2008/178
Annex III
Contingency plans for a possible United Nations peacekeeping operation
1. In examining possibilities for a United Nations peacekeeping operation in Somalia, the fact-finding team undertook a thorough analysis of the security situation, including threats and risks to the security of United Nations personnel. It is important to note that the situation is not the same throughout the country. Conditions in the north are relatively better than in southern and central Somalia. In those areas, the conflict remains extremely complex, characterized by a web of shifting alliances between clans, subclans, and extremist elements, fighting for control of political and economic space, and a temporary alliance of some groups, aimed at forcing the withdrawal of Ethiopian armed forces from the country. As the Government has little capacity to regulate the economy and ensure law and order, criminal elements are free to seek influence over revenue collection, customs, the port, trade, water and land, and engage in the trafficking of arms and drugs and in human trafficking. Inter- and intra-clan tensions over political power and economic resources cannot always be related directly to the activities of criminal and insurgent elements, but cannot be separated from them.
2. The continuing threat of abduction, kidnapping and extortion limits the capacity of United Nations and humanitarian agencies to operate within the country. At the same time, the United Nations country team estimates that the population in need of humanitarian aid is now approaching 2 million people in what my Special Representative has stated is the worst humanitarian crisis in Africa today.
Northern Somalia: " Somaliland" and "Puntland"
3. Security in the north of Somalia remains fragile, but the situation there is relatively better than in southern and central Somalia. The fact-finding mission attempted to visit Hargeysa in " Somaliland" but was prevented from doing so by security concerns caused by a political rally. "Somaliland" and "Puntland" continue to dispute their border in the Sool and Sanag regions, centered on the city of Laascaanood. This issue is related to the administrative border that allocates the region to Somaliland, although the people who live in the area belong to the Darod-Dolbohanta clan of "Puntland". The state identity of these two lands will require careful consideration in any future Somali federation. Although "Somaliland" has officially indicated its desire to secede from Somalia, no country has recognized it as a separate State. The self-declared autonomous State of "Puntland" has stated its desire to remain a part of Somalia as an autonomous region, but it has significant security problems, including piracy and kidnapping, as well as the border dispute with " Somaliland".
34. The force would require a reserve of one mechanized battalion initially located outside Mogadishu which could be embarked on a landing ship and moved quickly to any location on the Somali coast. Furthermore, provision would need to be made for a rapidly deployable capacity, over the horizon, to be activated in extremis, if the peace process were to unravel, particularly during the generation and deployment of the force. After 17 years of conflict, the force would require a strong mine action presence to deal with landmines and explosive remnants of war. The threat posed by improvised explosive devices could also be significant given the historical frequency of their use and the abundance of suitable component munitions available for their manufacture. A strong military explosive ordnance disposal unit would be needed to mitigate this threat, which would be distinct from the wider humanitarian mine action capability.
35. If not already deployed, a maritime task force would be required to support the arms embargo, conduct anti-piracy operations and protect supply shipping. United Nations military liaison officers would be deployed to "Somaliland" and "Puntland" to maintain close liaison with the United Nations police that would also form part of the mission and other United Nations offices; to the African Union to facilitate a transition from AMISOM; and to Kenya and Ethiopia to maintain liaison with the military authorities in those countries.
36. The total force would initially consist of 15 infantry battalions, excluding the over the horizon capacity. Depending on the stability of two of the sectors and the internally displaced civil population at the time of deployment, the final number could rise to 21 infantry battalions. The total number of United Nations military could number up to 27,000, with a possible police component of up to 1,500 police officers, including formed police units. Prior to the deployment of any United Nations mission, an integrated mission planning process must be completed, including a comprehensive technical assessment mission into Somalia. The Secretariat would also continue to monitor the situation in the north between " Somaliland" and "Puntland", with a view to updating contingency plans accordingly.
Contingency planning for a United Nations integrated peacekeeping mission in Somalia
12. Possible future developments are presented under four scenarios, leading up to the deployment of a possible United Nations peacekeeping operation.
13. Scenario 1. This scenario generally represents the current situation in Somalia. The Transitional Federal Government, with the support of national and international partners, continues to work on the development of an inclusive and viable political process, including initiating dialogue. Meanwhile, the security situation remains volatile. Ethiopian and Government forces continue to battle armed opposition in the central districts of Mogadishu and UIC and extremist opposition elements continue to extend their influence in certain regions in southern Somalia where they maintain training camps. While AMISOM may receive additional troops, it is unlikely to reach a size that could provide security in Mogadishu and allow for the withdrawal of Ethiopian forces. The Transitional Federal Government, for its part, is also unable to maintain security in Mogadishu or to extend its authority and control throughout southern and central Somalia.
14. Scenario 2. This scenario envisages a measured improvement in the political process, with at least 60 to 70 per cent of the opposition supporting political dialogue. While the security situation may still be volatile, dialogue on security arrangements has commenced. These conditions would create the conditions necessary for strengthening the United Nations presence in Mogadishu and other areas of southern and central Somalia.
15. Scenario 3. This scenario envisages a measured improvement in the political and security situation. The major clans and factions, including 60 to 70 per cent of the armed opposition groups, would accept and implement a code of conduct on the use of arms. While this may be short of a full security agreement, it would establish a minimum code of behavior among the armed groups. At the same time, the Government of Ethiopia and the Transitional Federal Government would have indicated readiness to consider the staged withdrawal of Ethiopian troops from Mogadishu.
16. Scenario 4. In this scenario, a viable political process would have taken hold in southern and central Somalia and "Puntland" with the majority (70 per cent) of the parties agreeing to a political power-sharing agreement and to renounce violence, lay down arms and commit themselves to supporting the implementation of a Security Council mandate establishing an integrated United Nations peacekeeping operation. It may be foreseen that spoilers would remain, but they would have been marginalized to the extent possible. Under this scenario, the Ethiopian forces would have withdrawn or would be in the process of doing so. A military technical agreement in support of peace would have been signed by the major clans and factions, which would list security arrangements, such as certain ways to achieve disarmament, in respect of heavy weapons as a minimum, and non-violent settlement of disputes.
Contingency plans
17. On the basis of the findings and scenarios set out above, the Secretariat has further developed contingency plans for support that could be provided by the international community to the peace process in Somalia. Under the first two scenarios, the intent would be to enhance United Nations political and programmatic (humanitarian, recovery and development) support to Somalia. Under the third scenario, the objective would be to enhance security in Mogadishu, following the withdrawal of the Ethiopian forces. Under the fourth scenario, the Security Council might wish to consider the establishment of an integrated United Nations peacekeeping operation for Somalia, based on broad political and security agreements between major stakeholders.
Scenario 1 contingency plans
18. While the United Nations country team is present in a number of areas of Somalia, the current security situation does not allow for further deployment of UNPOS and country team personnel in Mogadishu and the southern and central parts of the country. As a result, these personnel are stationed in Nairobi, visiting Somalia usually for a few hours or days at a time, as security conditions permit. I have requested the Department of Safety and Security, in consultation with the designated official, to develop viable options to relocate UNPOS and country team personnel from Nairobi to Mogadishu and other parts of southern and central Somalia. The relocation would support United Nations political efforts and address critical gaps in humanitarian and recovery assistance.
19. Another measure under the present security scenario which could be considered by the Security Council is the establishment of a maritime task force, formalizing the unilateral initiatives currently being undertaken by individual Member States, either as a United Nations task force or as an international task force under a United Nations mandate. Subject to the scale of the task force, its mission could be limited to the protection of United Nations, humanitarian and AMISOM supply shipping or expanded to deter piracy and support the international arms embargo established under resolution 733 (1992), within capabilities and its assigned area of operations. In the absence of a secure environment in Mogadishu, this contingency could also provide medical, logistic and in extremis support for United Nations personnel in Somalia. An expert assessment of the maritime assets needed to deliver the extended maritime mission would be required but an initial estimate suggests a requirement of up to four corvettes or frigates, with helicopters.
Scenario 2 contingency plans
20. The objective under this contingency would be for the United Nations to further enhance its political support to the peace process, through the relocation of UNPOS headquarters to Mogadishu in order to facilitate political dialogue on the ground. The establishment of a larger United Nations presence on land within Somalia even in a measurably improved political atmosphere would require the development of appropriate security arrangements, both in terms of protection elements and physical infrastructure. The development of these arrangements would require further detailed work to define the number of UNPOS and country team personnel required in Somalia, their activities and consequent protection requirement. Subject to the scale of the required presence, these arrangements could take considerable time to put in place and entail a major investment in resources and physical protection measures. This further assessment should be undertaken as soon as possible by the Department of Safety and Security, in close consultation with the Department of Political Affairs, UNPOS, the country team and the Departments of Field Support and Peacekeeping Operations.
Scenario 3 contingency plans
21. Under scenario 3, it is assumed that the political dialogue between the Government and the opposition would have commenced. Although the Government of Ethiopia has maintained that it wishes to withdraw its troops from Somalia, it has indicated that a withdrawal without a credible force to replace them would create a security vacuum. If the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops is to be achieved under this scenario, that is, before political and security agreements have been finalized, an impartial stabilization force of perhaps 8,000 highly trained and capable troops, together with police officers, would be required. This would require acceptance and cooperation on the part of Somali armed groups.
22. However, it should be noted that, in the absence of a broad-based political agreement, including an agreement to lay down arms, it is highly likely that if the Ethiopian armed forces were to withdraw the common focus of the Somali insurgency would be removed, and that after a short period Somali elements would revert to their traditional struggle for power and resources through the use of violence. The Somalis could also unite against this new foreign force, particularly if the stabilization force becomes embroiled in Somali rivalries. It is also foreseen that insurgent attacks could increase in other areas if deterred by the stabilization force in the capital.
23. Troops forming this stabilization force would have to be well trained in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorist techniques. They would primarily conduct foot patrols in Mogadishu to dominate the area of operations in such a manner as to reassure, rather than alienate, the population. The troops would need to be trained to respond robustly with armed force to attacks against them but by applying force precisely, using the minimum force necessary and avoiding collateral damage.
Civilians are almost invariably killed or injured when excessive force, including the use of artillery or mortars, is used in urban environments. While the stabilization force could begin to win the support of the people through the provision of effective security, it would only win their hearts and minds by making a real difference to their lives, by facilitating aid and development.
24. The stabilization force would require timely and accurate intelligence on extremist and other groups. The force would also need strong physical protection at its bases. Buildings would require additional floors or roofs to protect against mortars, as well as screens on the walls to defeat rocket-propelled grenade attacks; and personnel would need bunkers where they could take cover, if under mortar attack. Troops would need to apply tactical techniques to minimize their vulnerability to roadside bombs and should possess electronic countermeasures to defeat radio-controlled explosive devices such as those used by extremist groups, and explosive ordnance disposal teams for safe disposal.
25. A United Nations force could not be tasked with this role. Previous experience in the United Nations Operation in Somalia in 1993 revealed that United Nations military actions can undermine other United Nations political and humanitarian initiatives. If the United Nations is seeking to facilitate peace negotiations between the Somali parties, its impartiality is undermined by fighting with one or more of those parties. In addition, the vast majority of United Nations peacekeeping troops do not possess the capabilities or training that is detailed above. The employment of ill-trained and ill-equipped troops in such a force would be likely to result in failure, which would be disastrous for Somalia, as well as for peacekeeping efforts worldwide.
26. As a result, the Security Council could consider this option only if offers were forthcoming from capable Member States ready to form a coalition of the willing, under a strong lead country. It is assumed that AMISOM will not receive the troops necessary to expand beyond some 4,000 troops. The combined coalition "stabilization" force and AMISOM could allow the withdrawal of the Ethiopian armed forces from Mogadishu. This option could allow a more rapid deployment, subject to the political will of countries concerned, and a measured escalation of foreign stabilization forces into Mogadishu, so that they would not appear to be a large invasion force. This option would also be less likely to hinder the United Nations peacebuilding and programmatic efforts in the country. Subject to the arrangements agreed between the coalition and AMISOM, the combined stabilization force would be likely to have complex command and control, financial and logistic arrangements that could undermine its overall capability. If the force did not have the required capabilities, it would not be able to deter or meet threats against it, thus possibly aggravating, rather than stabilizing, the situation.
Scenario 4 contingency plans
27. In my previous reports to the Security Council on the deployment of an integrated United Nations peacekeeping operation in Somalia, I noted a number of conditions that would be required to ensure the best chances of success of the mission. They included a viable and inclusive political process and an agreement on the cessation of hostilities. The strategic assessment and fact-finding missions have further reviewed and refined these conditions with their counterparts on the ground, developing proposals for graduated interlinked political, security and programmatic assistance aimed at achieving an inclusive and stable political and peacebuilding process in Somalia.
28. Sustainable long-term peace in Somalia will require at a minimum a political dispensation acceptable to the majority of stakeholders, the development of security, judicial and corrections institutions capable of ensuring the rule of law, and the administrative and institutional capacity necessary to provide basic and social services to the population. The United Nations stands ready to assist, including through the deployment at the appropriate time of an integrated peacekeeping operation. In the meantime, my Special Representative continues to work with all concerned towards the political and power-sharing agreements and security commitments that would be necessary for such an operation to succeed.
29. Given the nature of the conflict, such an agreement should provide general provisions on political power-sharing, legalization of the economy, laying-down of arms and monitoring of heavy weapons, respect for human rights, facilitation of humanitarian assistance, and development of governing institutions at the central and local levels. In regard to the security aspects, the majority of the parties should state their agreement to the deployment of an integrated United Nations peacekeeping operation and commitment to support the implementation of its mandate. Although such an agreement is unlikely to include the radical groups, it could provide the catalyst for commencing security negotiations with the parties on starting disarmament and removing the most dangerous weapons from the hands of moderate groups. While a typical ceasefire agreement may not be appropriate for the circumstances that prevail in Somalia, some form of technical military agreement, signed by all major clans and subclans, would be essential to underpin an integrated peacekeeping operation. It should at a minimum contain a declaration on cessation of hostilities and provisions for the control of heavy weapons, carriage of small arms and combating acts of terrorism.
30. In the light of the above, the fact-finding mission also focused its attention on contingencies to assist in creating security conditions conducive to negotiations towards such agreements. These contingencies take into account the assessment that, in the absence of broadly inclusive political and security agreements, a number of groups will continue to use violence to pursue their political and economic agendas, including against the United Nations and international peacekeepers.
31. At the same time, the international community continues to assist, establish and train Somali security forces to assume responsibility for the security of the country. Ethiopia and Rwanda have trained over 1,000 Somali military. Other friends of Somalia, such as Kenya and Uganda, are providing police training. While this training support and that provided by the European Union are welcome as an interim measure, a coherent and long-term approach is required to support a Somali solution to the provision of national security forces that are representative of all parties. The United Nations stands ready to assist Somalia, in close coordination with other partners, in assessing the full breadth of requirements and in coordinating and providing assistance in policy, planning and capacity-building requirements for the full spectrum of security sector development.
32. The Secretariat is in the process of updating its contingency plan for a possible integrated United Nations peacekeeping operation to succeed AMISOM, under scenario 4. It is assumed that broad-based political and security agreements are in place to allow the deployment of the operation, subject to the Council's decision. The operation would have a strong political mandate to use its good offices in facilitating the implementation of agreements reached by the Somali parties and for reconciliation activities at the national and local levels. It would also have a strong rule of law component to assist in security sector development, including the military, police, judicial and corrections sectors. It would provide assistance for disarmament, demobilization and integration, as well as arms collection and monitoring. It would also have a strong human rights monitoring and capacity-building component, and provide assistance as required in governance and administrative capacity-building.
33. The military contingency plan is being revised in the light of the team's visits to key towns in southern and central Somalia, such as the number and composition of troops required in Marka and Kismaayo. The force required for an integrated peacekeeping mission to Somalia envisages five to six brigade-sized groups deployed in sector locations in south-central Somalia. With its headquarters in the vicinity of Mogadishu, the force would be supported by military aviation, including attack helicopters, and considerable military engineering, logistics and transport assets. The force would need to be robust and mobile with electronic countermeasures to block radio-controlled explosive devices. Within cities, the force would operate on foot in built-up areas to reassure the public of its peaceful intent, supported by good operational information and aerial observation. However, each city sector would be supported by a robust, mechanized quick reaction force with attack aviation to provide assistance to the ground patrols when needed. This concept differs from the initial force in that the total number of armored personnel carriers is markedly reduced, in favor of smaller armored vehicles for use in the urban areas.
34. The force would require a reserve of one mechanized battalion initially located outside Mogadishu which could be embarked on a landing ship and moved quickly to any location on the Somali coast. Furthermore, provision would need to be made for a rapidly deployable capacity, over the horizon, to be activated in extremis, if the peace process were to unravel, particularly during the generation and deployment of the force. After 17 years of conflict, the force would require a strong mine action presence to deal with landmines and explosive remnants of war. The threat posed by improvised explosive devices could also be significant given the historical frequency of their use and the abundance of suitable component munitions available for their manufacture. A strong military explosive ordnance disposal unit would be needed to mitigate this threat, which would be distinct from the wider humanitarian mine action capability.
35. If not already deployed, a maritime task force would be required to support the arms embargo, conduct anti-piracy operations and protect supply shipping. United Nations military liaison officers would be deployed to "Somaliland" and "Puntland" to maintain close liaison with the United Nations police that would also form part of the mission and other United Nations offices; to the African Union to facilitate a transition from AMISOM; and to Kenya and Ethiopia to maintain liaison with the military authorities in those countries.
36. The total force would initially consist of 15 infantry battalions, excluding the over the horizon capacity. Depending on the stability of two of the sectors and the internally displaced civil population at the time of deployment, the final number could rise to 21 infantry battalions. The total number of United Nations military could number up to 27,000, with a possible police component of up to 1,500 police officers, including formed police units. Prior to the deployment of any United Nations mission, an integrated mission planning process must be completed, including a comprehensive technical assessment mission into Somalia. The Secretariat would also continue to monitor the situation in the north between " Somaliland" and "Puntland", with a view to updating contingency plans accordingly.
Threats to a United Nations peacekeeping operation
37. The threat of attack on a United Nations peacekeeping operation or political presence will be proportionately mitigated by the degree to which the Somali stakeholders can build an inclusive political and economic power-sharing agreement. In the absence of such an agreement, even if United Nations personnel are not initially targeted, the situation could change very quickly if the United Nations were to be perceived as upsetting the local balance of power.
38. It is likely that spoilers will include the most extremist elements, as well as some disaffected clan and criminal elements. While a significant number of attacks have been characterized by the use of terrorist tactics, techniques and procedures (suicide attack and the use of various types of improvised explosive devices), the use of known insurgent tactics (ambushes, indirect fire) is a growing trend. These elements use mortars that are easy to carry, quick to set up and fire before vacating the firing point, making any efforts to locate them very difficult. They use small arms, medium machine guns mounted on pick-up trucks, grenade attacks, remotely controlled roadside bombs, mines and targeted assassinations against a wide range of targets. The arms embargo monitoring groups suggest that those groups have access to surface-to-air missiles, although their use is not widespread. Any military force deploying to Somalia will require protection from those weapons, using civilian or military armored vehicles, electronic countermeasures to interrupt the radio signal that initiates the roadside bombs, significant explosive ordnance disposal capabilities, air reconnaissance assets, well-equipped medical facilities and a robust quick reaction force to extricate force elements if required. The weaker the political agreement and commitment of Somali stakeholders to respect its mandate, the greater the capabilities the United Nations peacekeeping operation will have to include. Indeed, any United Nations force must be structured for the worst case situation: because the security situation in Somalia can change very rapidly, the force may find itself in a peaceful situation one day and in serious conflict the next.
39. The threat of criminal activity will be ever present in Somalia until the national law and order apparatus is capable of addressing it. The risk of abduction and kidnapping for ransom is likely to remain high in the north, while illegal checkpoints and extortion will remain prevalent in the south. The United Nations is likely to experience carjacking, theft and possible abduction of unprotected personnel operating independently throughout Somalia. To minimize the risk of these criminal activities, United Nations installations, convoys and personnel will require armed protection, as well as a high readiness quick reaction and investigative capacity.
Logistic considerations
40. With regard to logistics, an integrated United Nations peacekeeping operation in Somalia may have to be entirely supported by "out of area" sourcing of goods and services. Engagement of local contractors will have to be carefully balanced between complex national interest groups. While there is an abundance of unskilled and some skilled manpower in the country, recruitment of national staff by the United Nations may pose a challenge because of the requirement to balance employment between the interest groups.
41. Owing to the relative high level of insecurity compared to other missions it will be extremely difficult to attract international staff and contractors to deploy to Somalia unless they are relatively satisfied with attractive conditions of service including a financial incentive. Until such time as the military component is able to stabilize and improve the security situation, the number of civilians in the mission area should be kept to the minimum, to reduce risk and exposure. Insertion of civilians into the mission area will have to be controlled and will require careful planning.
42. The integrated United Nations peacekeeping operation if deployed may have to depend heavily on the use of military enabling units for a considerable period of time after the initial start-up. Generation of the military enabling units could pose a real challenge, considering that few troop contributors may be willing to commit their troops to Somalia under the current security situation.
43. An elaborate United Nations facility, in the form of a logistics base, will need to be established in a secure environment outside the country at either Mombassa or Dar es Salaam to ensure an uninterrupted supply of materials and services independent of local sources in Somalia. The main supply line will be based on the coastal maritime route from the logistics base to Kismaayo, Mogadishu and Hobyo and, if required, at Boosaaso, which will serve as secondary logistics bases inside Somalia. From these secondary logistics bases, forward air links will be established to all deployment locations in the interior; where feasible, and security permits, land routes will be used.
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SIKESTON - Lorene Helen Kearbey, 78, died Sept. 14, 2002, at her home.
Born July 28, 1924, in Salcedo, daughter of the late Sherman and Verbal Lands Turley, she had been employed by the International Shoe Factory and later worked for the Sikeston Laundry before retiring.
On Nov. 3, 1945, she married Lester Williams who preceded her in death on Dec. 30, 1962. She and Walter Dudley Kearbey were married June 10, 1991, and he died on March 4, 2002.
Survivors include: three daughters, Ruth Kearbey of Sikeston, Fay Dickerson of Scott City and Phyllis Haynes of Mojave, Calif.; five stepsons, Thomas Kearbey of Kansas, Don Kearbey, Billy Kearbey and Teddy Kearbey of Sikeston and Bobby Kearbey of Oregon; one brother, L.T. Turley of Sikeston; one sister, Lela Tate of St. Charles; and seven grandchildren, 11 stepgrandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and 22 stepgreat-grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by one son, George Allan Williams; and one stepson, two brothers, two sisters and one grandson.
Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston where services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday. The Rev. Ira Sandifer, pastor of Smith Avenue Church of God, will officiate.
Burial will follow in Garden of Memories Cemetery in Sikeston.
Pallbearers will be: Virgil Hubbard, Dilbert Pemberton, Doyle Smith, Edward McCormick, Jeff Hale and Michael Hardin.

subset: commoncrawl


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This is an excerpt from EERE Network News, a weekly electronic newsletter.
April 06, 2005
Nuclear Regulators Give Preliminary Approval to Illinois Site
Efforts to prepare to build the next generation of nuclear power plants in the United States made progress in early March, when the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) announced its preliminary conclusion that environmental impacts would not prevent it from issuing an Early Site Permit (ESP) for the Clinton site, about six miles east of Clinton, Illinois. The ESP process allows an applicant to address site-related issues, such as environmental impacts, for possible future construction and operation of a nuclear power plant at the site. Exelon Generation Company, LLC, filed the Clinton application; if approved, the permit would give Exelon up to 20 years to decide whether to build a new nuclear unit on the site and to file an application with the NRC for approval to begin construction. On April 19th, the NRC staff will hold a public meeting to obtain comments on its draft environmental impact statement. See the NRC press release and its Clinton ESP Web page.
The NRC also announced in early March that it was meeting with Duke Power to discuss Duke's possible application for a "combined license" to build a nuclear plant. When the nation's current 104 licensed reactors were built, an applicant had to first obtain a construction permit, and could only obtain an operating license once the plant was built and had passed all applicable tests. In 1989, the NRC amended its licensing regulations to allow a combined license, which authorizes both construction and conditional operation of a nuclear power plant. According to the NRC, the combined license process incorporates inspections, tests, analyses, and acceptance criteria into the construction phase, thereby demonstrating that the reactor could operate safely once construction is complete. See the NRC press release.


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Life's A Beach: Eavesdropping In The Sand
"Sweetie, do you know what that is?" No response. "Look at that bird! You know what they call it?" Still no response. "It's a seagull!"
In addition to grizzly bears, blizzards, hunters, lightning, rattlesnakes, floods, tornadoes, forest fires and avalanches, those of us who dare to poke our heads outdoors now must be on the lookout for meteorites — not that you could do much to protect yourself from a 10,000-ton hunk of rock hurtling from space at 30,000 mph.
Until now, that is.
In response to the giant meteorite that exploded Feb. 15 over Chelyabinsk, Russia, I have come up the perfect protective device: the Fagin Meteorite Early Warning Detector and Deflector.
It is modeled loosely after the Skylab Safety Helmet a buddy and I devised in 1979 when the 169,950-pound space station began veering from orbit.
Back then NASA scientists feared molten Skylab debris would rain down on unlucky earthlings, which caused near-panic among millions of Chicken Littles. Our invention basically consisted of a hardhat and list of instructions ("Place on head. Avoid open spaces. Don't look up.") Later we saw somebody else had the same idea, and I admit that model included a superior feature: An early warning detector consisting of a spike protruding from the helmet that would give the wearer a nano-second alert.
I have refined this concept in the Fagin Meteorite Early Warning Detector and Deflector, offering both a standard version (3-inch spike) and deluxe model (9-inch spike). It also comes with a money-back guarantee; if the Fagin Meteorite Early Warning Detector and Deflector should ever fail, the wearer or his heirs will cheerfully receive a full refund.
I'm reasonably confident about this offer – not so much because of the design of the Fagin Meteorite Early Warning Detector and Deflector, but due to the law of averages.
Back in 1979, some of you may recall, Skylab broke apart and disintegrated when it reentered Earth's atmosphere, with only a small amount of debris striking remote portions of Western Australia.
And every year thousands and thousands of meteorites shoot to earth – nearly all landing harmlessly in the ocean or other uninhabited areas.
In fact, in all of recorded history there has been only one documented case of a fatality attributed to a rock from space – an unlucky Venezuelan cow struck in 1972 by what is now called the Valera Meteorite.
There have been numerous close calls – meteorites striking cars, houses and even, decades ago, grazing a German teenager and Alabama housewife in separate incidents. Scientists say the odds of a human getting turned to guacamole, or perhaps crème brule, by a meteorite are about a trillion to one, or only slightly less than, say, winning the Powerball jackpot.
Now that I think about it, maybe I should be selling meteorite insurance policies rather than hardhats.
Anyway, I'll be taking orders for the Fagin Meteorite Early Warning Detector and Deflector as soon as I come up with a supplier that can guarantee me at least a thousand percent markup. Stay tuned for details.
"Sweetie, do you know what that is?" No response. "Look at that bird! You know what they call it?" Still no response. "It's a seagull!"
All right, technically my buddy Spyros "Spy" Barres and I weren't hanging 10 toes off the end off boards while riding waves at Westerly's Fenway Beach on Thursday, but we were surfing.
All of us who have ventured atop mountains, out to sea, or simply into a nearby park have occasionally faced Mother Nature's wrath – a sudden thunderstorm, pounding blizzard, gale-force winds, locusts …
Some years ago, preparing to hike the Hundred Mile Wilderness – the final stretch of the fabled Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine, I stuffed my backpack with what I initially considered to be the absolute bare minimum for a week in...
When I was a kid, the Fourth of July was one of the year's high holy days, right up there with Halloween and the last day of school, because that was when my parents took my sister and me to the beach for the annual fireworks...
Many people I know share my passion for outdoor recreation but I also have a little secret: Between rounds of kayaking, hiking, gardening, wood-splitting and other activities I also savor the simple act of lounging quietly on a sunny day in a...
A refreshing breeze cooled me despite a blazing late-afternoon sun as I scrambled up the final rocky slope to the 4,121-foot summit of Maine's Saddleback Mountain earlier this week, but I paused for only a moment to gaze at the glorious,...
Anyone who has ever attempted to grow vegetables soon realizes it is a true labor of love, with particular emphasis on the labor.
During decades of traipsing through the wilderness I've slept, or attempted to sleep, in every conceivable indoor and outdoor quarters: in freshly dug snow caves; alongside bug-infested swamps; during thunderstorms with no tent; in the...
The awful story this week about a 2-year-old boy who witnesses said was pulled by an alligator into a lagoon near a Walt Disney World hotel in Orlando, Florida and later found dead serves as a reminder that danger lurks even in "The...
While kayaking the other morning I spotted a small, dark object poking above the lake surface 100 yards or so ahead, and I was pretty sure it was the head of a turtle until I drew closer and realized the sad truth: just another beer...
Shortly before the start of the late-great Rose Arts Road Race several years ago, a 10.47-mile running competition over the hills of Norwich considered one of New England's toughest courses, my friend Bob and I decided to jog a couple miles...
State police: Tractor-trailer struck 6 vehicles in East Lyme I-95 crash
Hospitality center to add New London property to tax-exempt list
Estate of man killed while riding motorized wheelchair files notice to sue Stonington
Deadline approaching for veterans to apply for property tax exemptions
Connecticut beats Stars with four starters in double figures
North Stonington resident state trooper charged with threatening woman
Casey and The Sports DoctorDoctor: Coast Guard football, passing league, Olympics
Waterford soldier's remains come home after more than 60 years


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It depends on whether you like snow or not, I'd hope if you move to Alaska you'd like snow. The snow allows for great cross country ski trails all around campus/town. There's also always the opportunity to go sledding because the snow sticks around all winter. The summers are extremely nice. There is so much daylight and temperatures hover around the 60s and 70s.
The weather hasn't been a big problem in the time that I have been here at APU. The school has done a good job of knowing when the trails are safe to walk on and when they aren't. Knowing when the trails are safe or unsafe is big because that's what we use to get from classes to the dorms. We have had school cancelled three times this year because of the weather. I did wish sometimes for school to be cancelled because of the weather but then after I adjusted to it, it was to bad.
if I get connected I'm able to go to class sometime internet connection is an issue
The weather determines everything about the day, really. What shoes I'm going to wear whether it's rubber or snow boots, a jacket or no jacket, hat or no hat. When the snow falls, the campus gets a sort of winter wonderland effect. One must be aware of potential flying snowballs and ice. Don't slip!
Beautiful Summers and Fun Winters – Summer in Alaska is absolutely beautiful. Right now everything is in bloom, the temperature rarely gets above 73 degrees. The campus is filled with people riding bikes, running, exercising, heading out on hikes, etc. In the winter the trails become cross country skiing trails and many students are active in snow sports like snowboarding or skiing.
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We go the extra smile for our corporate customers. We offer solutions, tailor-made for businesses of every size, so you can get more out of your business travel.


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This is an excerpt from EERE Network News, a weekly electronic newsletter.
December 20, 2006
LEDs Provide Efficient Lighting Options for the Holidays
'Tis the season to festoon your abode with thousands of multicolored lights, but there's no need to set your electricity bill afire in the process. As the Alliance to Save Energy (ASE) points out, there are a number of energy efficient options, of which one of the best is LED (light-emitting diode) lighting. According to ASE, each LED bulb is up to 90 percent more efficient than its incandescent counterpart. The LED bulbs can last up to 20 years, produce very little heat, and yes, they're bright. Not willing to give up those traditional lights? Consider at least putting them on a timer, so they'll turn off when most people are tucking themselves into bed. For these and other energy saving tips for the holidays, see the ASE press release.
Energy efficient lighting may be becoming a new holiday tradition. As the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) notes, the Times Square Ball that will make its descent on New Year's Eve will include LEDs for half of its lights this year. (LIPA is also offering $2 rebates on LEDs for the home.) LEDs have also taken over the exterior of nearby Saks Fifth Avenue, which is employing 40,000 of the tiny lights to create a 10-story-high dynamic display of giant falling snowflakes. Philips Lighting provided the LEDs. On the opposite coast, California's official holiday tree is also bedecked with LED lights, but since it's California, they've gone a step further: the display is powered by a fuel cell. The tree features more than 6,500 LED lights that draw their power from a 1-kilowatt hydrogen fuel cell, which was provided by the California Stationary Fuel Cell Collaborative. See the press releases from LIPA, Philips, the California Air Resources Board, and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.


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Bachmann Responds to Romney Endorsement Rumor
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michele Bachmann has issued the following statement in response to rumors of her endorsing Governor Mitt Romney:
"Let me be absolutely clear — there are absolutely no negotiations between me and the Romney campaign regarding any pending endorsement of Governor Romney. I continue to speak with all the candidates and plan on uniting behind the presumptive nominee. The Boston Globe article today is completely false and I call on the Globe to retract their article."


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Lindsay Lohan Arrested After Manhattan Accident
Actress Lindsay Lohan was arrested and cited for leaving the scene of an accident early Wednesday, police said.
According to a law enforcement official, Lohan allegedly clipped a man with a Porsche sports utility vehicle that she was slowly navigating around a crowd of people in an alleyway in the Meat Packing District at about 12:30 a.m.
She was set to appear at the nightclub at the Dream Hotel and went inside, the official said.
Lohan was arrested at about 2:30 a.m. as she emerged from the hotel, the official said, and was later released after being given a desk appearance ticket for leaving the scene of an accident with an injury.
The official said Lohan may not have realized she brushed the man with the vehicle. The victim, who was not identified, was taken to Bellevue Hospital where he was treated then released, police said.


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View the original article at: http://www.countryweekly.com/news/kenny-rogers-still-gambling
Twenty-four years ago, Kenny Rogers released his #1 hit song, "The Gambler," and it's still going strong.
Kenny is in talks with writers and TV execs to put out a new TV movie based on "The Gambler," the fifth installment of its kind since 1980.
There have been "Gambler" episodes in 1980, 1987, 1991 and 1994 -- this latest installment should feature Kenny in his role of Brady Hawkes, although there is no official word as of yet.
Also unknown is the release date, who will co-star and what network it will be broadcast on so stay tuned for updates.
Kenny's original recording of "The Gambler" won two Grammy Awards, was declared Song of the Year by the Country Music Association, hailed as Single of the Year by the Music City News AND was given the honor of one of the Songs of the Century by the National Endowment for the Arts.
[1] http://www.countryweekly.com/news/rascal-flatts-new-album-stores-today


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I first met chia in the form of a quick-growing plant "pet." More recently, I was re-introduced to chia at Boston's Multi-Sport Expo, where I was speaking and selling my Sports Nutrition Guidebook. The Chia folks were in a nearby booth. They graciously offered me several samples of Chia Chargers (www.chiacharger.com) and I graciously accepted them.
It wasn't until a few days ago that I was hungry enough to investigate my "emergency food stash" and laid my hands on the Chia Chargers. They are small, unbaked "cookies" made with cha seeds, peanuts, walnuts, sunflower seeds, cranberries, oats and agave. What a pleasant surprise—the Chia Chargers actually tasted really good and had a fun "crunch" from the chia seeds. The 120-calorie "cookie" was very satiating.
Chia seeds are being touted as the latest super food. They offer some protein, fiber, and health-protective phytochemicals and ALA omega-3 fats. Chia is an omega-3 alternative to flax, and in my opinion, tastes better than flax. In fact, it has very little taste at all … just a nice crunch (sort of like poppy seeds).
Chia seeds can absorb a lot of water. When you eat chia, the seeds absorb the water in your stomach and form a gel. This slows the rate of digestion and has a stabilizing effect on blood sugar. That makes them satiating (that is, they keep you feeling fed).
Some chia-fans claim chia seeds help athletes remain hydrated during endurance exercise. I looked for research with athletes and chia, but found nothing. So I'm waiting for science rather than anecdotes to validate that claim.
For those of you with dietary restrictions who are looking for a tasty, healthful and portable snack, Chia Chargers are soy-free, dairy-free and vegan. They are sturdy "hiker's food" – a substantial alternative to traditional sweets. Chia Chargers can yummily tame the 3:00 p.m. cookie monster and leave you feeling content and energized. Try them, you might like 'em!
Disclaimer: I have no connection with Chia Chargers other than having meet the hard-working staff at the Chia Booth who gave me some samples. (I only wish I had taken more!)
If good health is your wish, get caught on fish! Yes, you know you should eat more fish to reduce your risk of heart disease—but what if you just don't like the taste of salmon or strong-tasting fish? What can you do?
Try Barramundi! Barramundi, which means "fish with big scales" in an Australian aboriginal dialect, are a sweet, mild-tasting white fish (similar to cod). Yet, they have the omega-3 content of wild Coho salmon without the "fishy" taste. Unlike other omega-3-rich fish that eat smaller fish, Barramundi have the rare ability to make omega-3's from plants. This means Barramundi are not mercury-laden. Eat as much as you want!
Another selling point is barramundi farms are eco-friendly. They are raised using sustainable aquaculture and have a smaller environmental footprint compared with other fish farms. They were crowned the 2009 "Seafood Champion" for ocean-friendly production practices.
Barramundi are definitely worth seeking out (either fresh or frozen) at Whole Foods, Costco, Legal Seafoods, and likely your local supermarket. A good catch!
(Disclosure: I have NO financial connection to the barramundi business.)
Nancy Clark
Hi! I specialize in nutrition for exercise, and help active people figure out how to manage food, weight, exercise, energy and enjoyment of eating. Let me know if you have any questions!
View Nancy Clark RD CSSD's profile
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Thick and Frosty Milkshake — Yum!
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Do you feel hungry all the time…???
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I have setup a scheduler job, which has to kick my process at 3 AM
everyday. But more often the job is not starting automatically.
I checked last saturday while I was monitoring my application till it
shuts down @11.30 PM. The application shuts down properly. The
Scheduler job's Next Run time didn't change as it is set the right
date(Set as Sunday).
But when I checked the process again on Sunday, the process didn't
start at all. So I checked the Scheduler on Sunday. The Next Run Time
date shows Monday. Somehow the scheduler's Next Run Time date is
getting updated to a
wrong value.
Have anyone experienced any such problems? Is there any way to get
around this? Is there any Cron utility that comes with windows XP
from Scheduler job.
Any help is very much appreciated. This problem is killing me for the
last 2 weeks.


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Can the cola.
Skip the scotch.
Forget the fizzy stuff.
May we suggest a new way to celebrate the holidays?
Can the cola.
Skip the scotch.
Forget the fizzy stuff.
May we suggest a new way to celebrate the holidays?
Eating more fruits and vegetables may help lower the risk of bladder cancer in women, according to a University of Hawaii Cancer Center study.
Eating deep-fried foods such as French fries, fried chicken and doughnuts at least once a week is associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer, according to a study by investigators at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Continue reading
While the rate of prostate cancer occurrence in some Asian cultures is similar to the rate in Western cultures, it appears that prostate cancer tends to not progress in Asian cultures. Why?
by Dr. Geo Espinosa
Here is a quick look at some of the research on vegetables and cancer.
Cruciferous or Brassica vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, bok choy, collard greens, and kale, are rich in sulforaphane and indole-3 carbinol (I3C) (Higdon et al. 2007).
Heavy drinking is associated with increased risk of death from pancreatic cancer.
Heavy alcohol consumption, specifically three or more glasses of liquor a day, is associated with an increased risk of death from pancreatic cancer, according to a report in the March 14 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.


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beach house
|No rental rates available - please contact the owner
Bryan Leatherwood
Reviews for this vacation yacht rental in Surfside Beach, South Carolina
ramses titus
July 26, 2011
I loved, loved this place. My family of 16 stayed in this 6 bedroom house. It was perfect. Great location 1 block from beach. The sand so close to barefoot landing, beach offered ski and parasailing rentals. Everything and everyone was great.We loved the house and took advantage of the pool and beach chairs furnished by the owner. An awesome week.we will return.
Elizabeth wiggins
Great Location!
July 18, 2011
House was very nice and clean. Very convenient to beach, which is a definite plus with young children and older adults. Plenty of room for everyone. Private pool is so refreshing after the beach and I like not having to share with other renters. Very family oriented area and beaches are clean. Not commercialized, but close enough to anything you may want. Only negatives were; not enough couches or other comfortable chairs for everyone - but plenty of kitchen seating, seating was old and really starting to "sink" in the middle of the pullout couch, and definitely not enough decent pots or pans - theirs were really in bad shape and no bottle opener! Really? Need one of those! Even though those things needed improvement we really enjoyed our stay there. House is very quiet and all bedrooms were private for everyone to be comfortable.
Dee Dawson
Huntersville, NC
Dawson Beach 2011
July 11, 2011
The home is a beautiful 3-story with a small pool. It is laid out very well and accommodated us all so well. We went crabbing several days and in doing so, we gained a lot of "cool" points from the kids! The home had a 1/2 kitchen on the first floor and a full kitchen on the second floor, with dining tables on each floor. There was a washer/dryer on the first floor and another washer/dryer on the 3rd floor. Very convenient. There were 3 decks to use giving us options depending on where the sun was at the time. The kitchens had plenty of cooking utensils for our big family, too. The home is decorated just right for the beach! The walk to the beach was a very easy half block, too. And best of all --- Mother Nature cooperated perfectly with beautiful weather the entire time. Our family had a wonderful time!!!


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Note: The art is commonly abbreviated as LHBF, and often referred to by its Cantonese name: Lok Hap Baat Faat
|Also known as
|Shuǐ Quán
|Country of origin
|Chén Tuán 陳摶, also known as Chén Xīyí 陳希夷
Liuhebafachuan 六合八法拳; Pinyin: liùhébāfǎquán) (literally Six Harmonies Eight Methods Boxing) is a form of internal Chinese martial arts. It has been called "Xinyi Liuhebafa-" 心意六合八法拳 and is also referred to as "Water Boxing" (shuǐ quán 水拳) due to its principles.
|Part of a series on
|Chinese martial arts (Wushu)
Styles of Chinese martial arts
|Wushu in the world
Historical locations
Chen Village (陳家溝)
|Wushu athletes/practitioners
Legendary figures
Bodhidharma (菩提達摩)
Historical individuals
Yue Fei (岳飛; 1103—1142)
Modern celebrities
Bruce Lee (李小龍 1940—1973)
|Wushu influence
The Song Dynasty Taoist sage Chen Tuan (Chén Tuán 陳摶, also known as Chén Xīyí 陳希夷) is often credited with its origin and development. He was associated with the Hua Shan Taoist Monastery on Mount Hua in Shaanxi Province.
The Liuhebafa form "Zhú Jī 築基" was taught in the late 1930s in Shanghai and Nanjing by Wu Yihui (1887–1958).[1][citation needed] It is said he had learned the art from three teachers: Yan Guoxing, Chen Guangdi, and Chen Helu.
Many of Wu Yihui's students had martial arts backgrounds and modified the form to merge it with their own knowledge. This is one of several explanations for its similarities with other martial arts such as Xingyiquan, Baguazhang, T'ai chi and Yiquan.
Six Harmonies and Eight Methods[edit]
The Six Harmonies and the Eight Methods are the guiding principles of Liuhebafa that give it its name.
Six Harmonies, 六合[edit]
- 體合於心 (Pinyin: tǐ hé yū xīn) Body and Mind Combine
- 心合於意 (xīn hé yū yì) Mind and Intent Combine
- 意合於氣 (yì hé yū qì) Intent and Chi Combine
- 氣合於神 (qì hé yū shén) Chi and Spirit Combine
- 神合於動 (shén hé yū dòng) Spirit and Movement Combine
- 動合於空 (dòng hé yū kōng) Movement and Emptiness Combine
Eight Methods, 八法[edit]
- 氣 (qì) Chi
- 骨 (gǔ) Bone
- 形 (xíng) Shape
- 隨 (suí) Follow
- 提 (tí) Rise
- 還 (huán) Return
- 勒 (lè) Retain
- 伏 (fú) Conceal
The system of Liuhebafa, called Huayue Xiyi Men, as taught by Wu Yi Hui contains several forms (套路 taòlù), including bare hand and weapons forms as well as Qigong methods.
Hand forms[edit]
- 三盤十二勢 Sān Pán Shí Èr Shì - 3 Divisions, 12 Spirits (1.Dragon, 2.Phoenix, 3.Tiger, 4.Crane, 5.Leopard, 6.Ape, 7.Bear, 8.Goose, 9.Snake, 10.Hawk, 11.Roc, 12.Kylin)
- 築基 Zhú Jī - Discovering the Foundations
- 呂紅八勢 Lǚ Hóng Bā Shì - 8 Essences of Lǚ Hóng's Fist
- 龍虎戰 Lóng Hǔ Zhàn - Dragon and Tiger Fighting
- 螫龍遊 Zhē Lóng Yóu - Coiled Dragon Swimming
- 螫龍拳 Zhē Lóng Quán - Coiled Dragon Fist
Weapon forms[edit]
- 心意棍 Xīn Yì Gùn - Heart of Intent Staff
- 露花刀 Lù Huā Dāo - Dew Mist Broadsword
- 玉川劍 Yù Chuān Jiàn - Jade River Straight Sword
Internal exercises[edit]
- 韋佗功 Wéi Tuó Gōng - Standing meditation
- 太陽功 Tài Yáng Gōng - Solar Meditation
- 一杰混元功 Yī Jié Hún Yuán Gōng - Primary Definitive Force
- 先天座 Xiān Tiān Zuò - Pre-Heaven Meditation
- 三盤推手 Sān Pán Tuī Shǒu - 3 Divisions Push Hands
source: information and translations provided by "International Liuhebafa Internal Arts Association"
See also[edit]
- ^ according to Wu Ying Hua, son of Wu Yi Hui
External links[edit]
- International Liuhebafa Internal Arts Association
- Academic discussion and lineage
- GM Wai Lun Choi
- Yun Yin-sen, LHBF and Internal Martial Arts
- UK-based association offering information and instruction in LHBF
- Msr Kam Tung, Hong Kong
- GM Lu Gui-yao, Chin Wo Athletic Association, Foshan, China
- GM Wu Ying-hua, S. China Institute of Huainan, Anhui, China


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N.Y. Republicans Put Off Gay Marriage Vote
After convening for several hours behind closed doors at the Capitol, New York State Senate Republicans said they have yet to decide on whether to vote on a same-sex marriage bill.
"The issue has not been resolved. I'm respecting the decision of the conference," Republican leader Dean Skelos told reporters outside the Senate chamber Wednesday. Skelos, who represents a district on Long Island, said his conference would continue debating the bill on Thursday.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday put forward gay-marriage legislation, which currently has the backing of 31 out 62 senators, one vote short of the minimum needed for passage. At least three more Republicans have indicated that they may join their names to the growing tally of yes votes
Momentum behind the bill has surged, despite an eleventh-hour lobbying blitz by Jewish Orthodox and Roman Catholic leaders (among them Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan) who've criticized the bill as a threat to religious liberties. National anti-gay marriage activists on Tuesday sent out "emergency alerts," warning of an imminent vote.
The Democrat-led Assembly, which got permission from the governor to take up the measure before the customary three-day waiting period, is expected to vote on the bill today. They've voted to legalize gay marriage several times before.
In 2009, the Senate, then led by Democrats, rejected the measure by a wide margin. Entering this year, gay marriage had the support of 26 Democrats but no Republicans. This week, three more Democrats and two Republicans endorsed the bill.
A first-term Democrat, Cuomo has been a forceful proponent of gay marriage, calling it a "fundamental civil rights battle."


text: Date: Jan 21, 2011 4:07 AM Author: patricia Subject: Re: What the the most common finanical misunderstandings? I'm adding a comment to 'fiscal responsibility'. I've noticed that youths and adults seem to understand the concept of having a safety nest and can more or less figure out how much to plan for but the will is hindered by our culture's need to have 'it all' now versus planning a bit for later. What I've noticed more is their inability to factor in everything they need in order to maintain whatever standard of living they choose. As far as identifying the benefits or downfalls - interest rates and compounded rates are definitely a problem.


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Walkers laced up their sneakers and made the hike around Portland's Back Cove for the 2014 Southern Maine Heart Walk on Sunday. Participants could walk individually or as part of a team to raise money for the walk which benefits the American Heart Association.
According to numbers from the AHA, heart disease is the number one killer of Americans and the AHA hopes to improve cardiovascular health by 20 percent by the year 2020.
More than 1,000 walkers are expected to take part in Sunday's event. The 2014 Southern Maine Heart Walk hopes to raise $310,000. WMTW News 8's Tracy Sabol emceed the event.


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Chargers hold 24-22 lead heading to fourth quarter at Oakland
The Chargers go into Sunday's game having beat the Raiders 13 straight times. Follow the game with Gamezone, our new game tracking page, follow quarter-by-quarter analysis on the Chargers page and don't forget to leave your comments. Game time 1:15 p.m.
Chargers know Raiders are tough to beat


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Skip to content
Chronic Diseases Network (CDN) is a consolidated group of people and organisations with an interest in reducing the rate of chronic disease and its complications in the Northern Territory (NT). It has over 800 government and non-government members across the NT and Australia. CDN was formed to link stakeholders and promote communication, collaboration, coordination and collective memory in the area of common chronic diseases affecting the NT population, across the continuum of care. It is also responsible for publishing The Chronicle, a monthly public health publication.
An electronic newsletter is distributed via email to members every fortnight informing them of current issues, upcoming events and new research and reports of interest published by various stakeholders.
Abstract adapted from Chronic Diseases Network
Chronic Diseases Network (CDN)
PO Box 40596
Casuarina NT 0811
Ph: (08) 8985 8173
Email: email@example.com
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Event Announcement:
January 30, 2009, Friday, 10:00 am-3:00 pm. Information Commons, Marist Hall. School of Library and Information Science. Catholic University of America. Washington, DC.
"Bridging the Spectrum: A Symposium on Scholarship and Practice in Library and Information Science" offers a knowledge-sharing forum and meeting place for practitioners, students, and faculty in Library and Information Sciences and Services. Presentations on innovative practices, projects, and research activities will be delivered. Presentations originate from a variety of library, archive, or information services activity, and encompass many different aspects of Library and Information Professional work. The program will host a diverse set of presentations and foster unexpected connections across the spectrum of the information professions.
Format of Presentations:
The Symposium included primarily two types of sessions: briefings, and posters.
Briefings were 15-minute descriptions of an innovative practice, project, or research activity.
Posters were exhibits describing a practice, project, or research activity. Posters were viewable throughout the day, and there were a poster session during which presenters discussed their work with attendees.
Presentations were made by practitioners, students, and researchers.


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Michelle Mockbee's family celebrates her life, 1 year after deathUPDATED 11:44 PM EDT May 29, 2013
Michelle Mockbee's family gathered to celebrate her life on the one-year anniversary of her death.Video Transcript
STILL RUN DEEP. ONE YEAR AGO TODAY, A NORTHERN KENTUCKY WOMAN WAS KILLED AT HER WORKPLACE, 2- YOUNG CHILDREN FORGE AHEAD, WITHOUT A MOTHER. A MAN IS STILL MISSING HIS WIFE. A COMMUNITY IS SHOWING IT WILL NEVER FORGET. Soccer night in Fort Mitchell. For 2- young sisters Madelyn and Carli Mockbee, a few moments to get lost in a fun world. it's the annual kids vs parents game.. held at the DCCH Center for children and families. The heavy reality is, mom Michelle isn't here this time. ("I said that I love her so much and I miss her so much") a simple message from 8- year old Maddy.. Aunt Jennifer will always help keep her spirit alive. (jennifer Schneider/Michelle Mockbee's Sister"We try to do everything we can for them to realize how special there mother was. She was just a tremendously sweet person who didn't deserve what happened to her") Michelle Mockbee was found murdered at Thermo Fisher Scientific in Florence .. A year ago today. This soccer game was one of her favorite family events.. So this year it was dedicated to her.. Michelle's long time friend Laura put it all together.. It was a natural. (laura Rodgers/Michelle Mockbee's best friend"She just loved being with her kids.. She was such a great mom and anytime she could be with her kids to do anything fun, she loved it.") notes scrawled on red balloons.. Michelle's favorite color.. Then released into the sky.. it's been a very difficult year for 11- year old Carli..but tonight she feels the support, she knows she is loved.. ("I think this is awesome. This is such a great community") this balloon fades into the distance. But for family and friends, magical memories of Michelle will never float away MICHELLE'S FORMER CO- WORKER DAVID DOOLEY IS CHARGED IN HER MURDER. AND AS HER FAMILY BATTLES THROUGH THIS DIFFICULT TIMEM THEY'RE GETTING LOVE AND SUPPORT FROM MICHELLE'S FAVORITE TEAM. ON MEMORIAL DAY.. 114- OF MICHELLE'S FRIENDS AND FAMILY MEMBERS WENT TO THE REDS GAME WEARING RED BANDS TO REMEMBER MICHELLE. SEVERAL REDS PLAYER DID TO... GUYS LIKE BRANDON AND BRONSON!! IT'S SOMETHING THE FAMILY SAYS..
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Dow Corning introduces problem-solving innovations at Labelexpo Americas 2012
Dow Corning, a global leader in the development of
silicone technology for the pressure sensitive industry
, is introducing a range of innovative new release coatings and pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs) at
Labelexpo Americas 2012
in Chicago at Booth 3511, September 11-13.
The new products
, which are designed to help label and tape manufacturers improve performance, increase productivity, control costs and operate more sustainably, include new
® Advantage Series coatings with flat release profiles, unique water-based solutions for coating films, and low-adhesion PSAs for protective films and tapes.
Dow Corning's new
® Advantage Series
solventless silicone release coatings can help reduce the potential for web breaks after die-cutting and during label dispensing. The coatings offer very flat, stable release profiles coupled with the cost-effectiveness of low-temperature cure at low platinum levels. They can be used on a wide variety of paper substrates.
The new
® emulsion coatings for films
can help film-coaters optimize their release performance, operate more profitably and reduce their reliance on solvent-based technology. These unique thermal-cure silicone emulsions deliver low and stable release profiles that can add value to finished products. They also offer the potential for low coat weights and can be applied in-line to PET as well as off-line.
With low and stable adhesion, optical transparency, and clean removal under challenging environmental and processing conditions,
Dow Corning
® 7651 Adhesive
Dow Corning
® 7652 Adhesive
support the creation of high-performance protective films for mobile device, touch-screen and flat-panel display applications. They also can be used to produce cost-saving, waste-reducing reworkable films and tapes.
More information about these additions to Dow Corning's extensive line of silicone products for pressure sensitive applications is available at
According to Chris Velasquez, Market Manager, pressure sensitive label and tape makers are facing increasing pressure to reduce waste and improve the sustainability of their products and processes.
"But to remain competitive, they need cost-effective solutions that can help them achieve these goals without sacrificing performance," Velasquez said. "That is the focus of the new products we're introducing at Labelexpo Americas this year."
Dow Corning has a long history of market-driven innovation for the pressure sensitive industry. The company's
® Advantage Series is an excellent example. More than 80 coaters in 25 countries have already benefitted from the product line's ability to enhance line speed, improve coating performance and help them protect themselves from unpredictable swings in platinum metal prices.
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Our directory listings contain over 4,000 indoor climbing walls, gear shops, climbing clubs, campsites, club huts, climbing instructors and gear manufacturers from all over the UK and Europe.
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Indoor Walls
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Search results24 matches found
Strathcarron, ROSS & CROMARTY
"Mountain guiding, courses and expeditions in Scotland, Norway, Alps and the Himalayas. Directed by IFMGA and British Mountain Guide, Martin Moran. We are one..."
41 miles SSW
Ullapool, HIGHLAND
7.3 miles SSE
Gairloch, HIGHLAND
25 miles WSW
Dingwall, ROSS & CROMARTY
40 miles ESE
Stornoway, HEBRIDES
45 miles W
Ullapool, HIGHLAND
7.5 miles SSE
Lochinver, Lairg, SUTHERLAND
16 miles NNW
Gailroch, HIGHLAND
25 miles WSW
Kinlochewe, HIGHLAND
Now closed.
27 miles SSW
shieldaig, ROSS & CROMARTY
33 miles SSW
Conon Bridge, ROSS & CROMARTY
42 miles ESE
Applecross, ROSS & CROMARTY
45 miles SW
Ullapool, Ross-Shire, HIGHLAND
7.6 miles SE
7.8 miles WNW
Ullapool, HIGHLAND
9.8 miles WNW
Dundonnell, INVERNESSHIRE
11 miles S
Lochbroom, ROSS & CROMARTY
16 miles SE
Poolewe, HIGHLAND
21 miles WSW
Kinlochbervie, SUTHERLAND
34 miles NNE
Strathpeffer, HIGHLAND
38 miles ESE
Marybank, HIGHLAND
40 miles ESE
Stornaway, HEBRIDES
43 miles W
Applecross, ROSS & CROMARTY
43 miles SW
Inverness, HIGHLAND
45 miles SE
- ...not found? Please Add your Listing


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Issue No.06 - November/December (2002 vol.22)
pp: 24-38
Greg Welch , University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Eric Foxlin , InterSense
<p>This article introduces the physical principles underlying the variety of approaches to motion tracking. Although no single technology will work for all purposes, certain methods work quite well for specific applications. </p>
Greg Welch, Eric Foxlin, "Motion Tracking: No Silver Bullet, but a Respectable Arsenal", IEEE Computer Graphics and Applications, vol.22, no. 6, pp. 24-38, November/December 2002, doi:10.1109/MCG.2002.1046626


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A 13.0 stone slides down asnow-covered hill (the figure (Intro1 figure) ), leaving point with a speed of 12.0 . There is no friction on thehill between points and , but there is friction on the level ground atthe bottom of the hill, between and the wall. After entering the roughhorizontal region, the stone travels 100 and then runs into avery long, light spring with force constant 2.20 . The coefficients of kinetic andstatic friction between the stone and the horizontal ground are0.20 and 0.80, respectively.
The v2 was found to be 23.3 m/s. How do I calculate how far the stone will be compressed andif it will move again after it has been stopped by thespring?


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News 12 11pm / Monday, May 29, 2014
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW) -- Flipping one switch could've saved one Augusta call center a lot of time and it's employees, a lot of headaches. A strange smell that some thought was gas forced workers outside and sent others to the hospital. News 12 breaks down what happened and why one expert says common sense would've gone a long way.
A strange smell forces people outside their job, sends others to the hospital, and it all could have been avoided according to one roofer with more than 20 years experience.
"Combustible mixture, harmful or fatal if swallowed, used in adequate ventilation," read Dwayne Reigle, owner of All Aspects Roofing, off a warning label on light sealants that he says are also put on strong tar used for roofs.
He says the smell that got people sick at, the Augusta Teleperformance Call Center, could've been avoided doing one thing.
"Turn off the a/c unit it, in case it sucks the fumes, and it could make people sick," he said. That's exactly what workers, who thought they were breathing in gas, told first responders .
"Most symptoms were trouble breathing, we did have some with stomach issues, dizziness, things of that nature," said Augusta Fire Captain, Keith Lively.
Twenty one people ended up in the hospital, after fire fighters came out for a second time to check things out. The building should be good to go after 24 hours of airing it out, but headaches from the smells could effect more than just employees.
"Regardless of who's fault it was you always have a claim for worker's compensation," said William Sussman, an Augusta lawyer.
Sussman says the employer isn't the only one who can be responsible for those sick, so could the roofing company, if they did something wrong.
"Then you could also make a claim against them as well. So, you could possibly have two potential claims if you're a worker," he said.
Either way, roofer Dwayne Reigle says warning labels are there for a reason.
"Keep it ventilated, turn the unit off if your doing it around the a/c," he said.
Firefighters expect everything to be okay after all the smells airs out. Next door neighbor Virginia College was also checked out, but no problems were found.


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Business School LausanneLausanne , Switzerland
- 3 Masters
- 250 Students
- Private Institution Type
BSL : Preparing Tomorrows Leaders
Business School Lausanne is a leading innovator in business education. With an entrepreneurial spirit, BSL is committed to practical and pragmatic learning. The contemporary programs developed by BSL including the accelerated 2 year undergraduate Business Administration (BBA) program through to a Masters (MBA) and Doctorate (DBA) level, attracts forward-thinking participants from over 40 countries. In addition, specialized Masters programs in Finance, International Business and Global Marketing are offered.
Top Quality
A recent employer choice study by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds Ltd 2010) ranks BSL in the top three business schools in Switzerland and 47th among the TOP 200 Global Business Schools. BSLs unique modular MBA was designed in collaboration with leading CEOs and HR directors to offer a relevant, high quality business education as demanded by todays marketplace. Personal leadership skills are taken as seriously as subject knowledge in order to prepare effective leaders and cutting-edge problem solvers.
Practical Learning
The focus on practical learning is led by a multidisciplinary faculty formed by experienced business professionals. Learning is an interactive experiencein small classes where participants and faculty are professional partners in high quality discussions of real business cases.
Internationally diverse
An international student body enhances cross-cultural perspectives and an appreciation for cultural diversity. Only by exploring different approaches, will innovative and creative solutions be found so necessary in todays international business arena. Participants are challenged to move out of their comfort zone with an open mind and flexible attitude in order to competently solve problems and make informed and effective decisions.
Many organisations offer scholarships or grants. Some of these might help you to study for a Master at Business School Lausanne!
Rely on BSL
Whether you seek a single room studio or a luxury apartment, our knowledgeable and friendly staff is experienced in finding accommodation for students in Lausanne. Simply contact us three months prior to your studies, and we will either make the arrangements for you, or put you in contact with the right people.
Lemania College Campus
We highly recommend that BBA students new to Switzerland stay in the dormitory of Lemania College (BSL is part of the Lemania Group of Schools). Lemanias campus offers a friendly, international environment and provides meal service. It is an ideal living place for becoming oriented with Switzerland.
Entering a rental agreement in Switzerland usually requires a paid refundable deposit equal to the amount required for 3 months of rent. Additionally, the rent for the first month of occupancy is payable in advance. A furnished studio apartment with kitchen and bathroom facilities typically rents for CHF 950.
Business School Lausanne is located in Switzerland, an ideal place to begin the learning experience that will lead to business success.
The banking and commercial infrastructure of Switzerland is known and respected throughout the world. Many companies have chosen the country as the site for their headquarters, and these companies are always looking for dynamic, young individuals to join their international teams.
In addition to BSL, Lausanne is also home to IMD (International Institute for Management Development) and EHL (Ecole Hôteliére de Lausanne). Together they have established a worldwide reputation for Lausanne as a leading centre for undergraduate and graduate management education. The three schools complement each other by:
Several members and resident executives of IMD have obtained their doctoral degrees at Business School Lausanne. After graduation at BSL, our Alumni have continued their learning process at some of the worlds finest educational institutes.
Switzerland's reputation for stability and tolerance comes not only from the fact that it is the centre for world organisations such as WHO, UNHCR, ILO, but also from the attitude of the Swiss people. This creates an environment in which everyone can feel safe; allowing you to get on with your studies without having to worry about strikes, civil unrest or discrimination.
Lausanne is 35 minutes from Geneva and its international airport. Some of the best skiing in Europe is less than one hour away. As might be expected in a city that is home to the International Olympic Committee, Lausanne has extensive local sporting and recreational facilities.
BSL has successfully obtained independent recognition for the quality of its programs through its accreditation and certification. BSL was the first business school in Europe to be accredited by the ACBSP (Accreditation Council of Business Schools & Programs www.acbsp.org). In 2004 the Swiss Association for Quality and Management Systems (SQS) awarded BSL with the ISO 9001 certification, recognized by businesses worldwide as a highly respected guarantee for quality of education.
The E/MBA is a postgraduate degree in business and is fully accredited as a one-year postmasters degree in the US and is equivalent to a one-year European postmasters degree (Master in Advanced Studies).
Together with the ISIC Association and British Council IELTS, StudyPortals offers you the chance to receive up to £10000 to expand your horizon and study abroad. We want to ultimately encourage you to study abroad in order to experience and explore new countries, cultures and languages.


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JUN 21, 2013 - Zero Hedge
A Must Read - Share
Turmoil Exposes Global Risks (WSJ) China Money Rates Retreat After PBOC Said to Inject Cash (BBG) Fed Seen by Economists Trimming QE in September, 2014 End (BBG) Booz Allen, the World's Most Profitable Spy Organization (BBG) Abe's Arrows of Growth Dulled by Japan's Three Principles (BBG) FAA to Relax Rules for Gadgets in Flight (WSJ) China steps back from severe cash crunch (FT) Smog at Hazardous as Singapore, Jakarta Spar Over Fires (BBG) U.S. Weighs Doubling Leverage Standard for Biggest Banks (BBG) Eurozone bailout fund given power to 'directly recapitalise' banks (FT) Germany blocks
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Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West
by Gregory Maguire
Memory and the Past Quotes in Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West
How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Volume.Chapter.Paragraph) and (Volume.Chapter.Section.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Elphaba the girl does not know how to see her father as a broken man. All she knows is that he passes his brokenness on to her. Daily his habits of loathing and self-loathing cripple her. Daily she loves him back because she knows no other way. (5.11.31)
There's a major style shift that occurs when Elphaba is having her flashbacks/Miracle Elixir-induced visions. In this passage, we shift to the present tense, which is a little jarring, since the event being described here occurred years earlier.
Quote #2
She didn't mention (and she never had) how depressed Melena became when Elphaba was born. There was no point.
Elphie listened to all this, impatient and annoyed. On the one hand she wanted to throw it out the window: The past was immaterial. On the other, things fell into a slightly different order now. (184.108.40.206-51)
Nanny and Elphaba both unknowingly share a similar view of the past here: the past is past and has no bearing on the present. We wonder, though, if Elphaba would have the same attitude if Nanny actually spilled the beans about Melena's postpartum (after giving birth) depression.
Quote #3
"Melena hated her life at Colwen Grounds, you know. That's why she contrived to fall in love with Frex and get out of there." . . .
"She always talked about it so lovingly!" said Elphaba, astounded.
"Oh, everything is gorgeous once it's gone." (220.127.116.11-9)
We love that last sentence. It's classic Nanny, smart (even profound) idea spoken in a very offhand way. And it also introduces a cool theme: the idea of romanticizing the past. We see Elphaba do this during her reunion with Boq, when she waxes nostalgic about their exciting college days and complains about what middle-aged losers they have become.


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'Spider-Man' Musical Still Not Finished, Bono Says
With the official premiere of "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark" just hours away, Bono and The Edge are warning audiences that the overhauled show remains incomplete.
Speaking Monday night at 92Y on the Upper East Side, the two U2 members appeared nervous ahead of opening night for the much-delayed musical, for which they composed the music and the lyrics.
"There is still a little ways to go. I would say we are 10% off," Bono said. "I think that in the next weeks and months there will be another shift."
During the talk, the musicians discussed the flaws of the sometimes beleaguered and oft-delayed production, which is Broadway's most expensive musical by far, with a production cost of $70 million. Yet they did not specify what needs to be done to perfect the show, which was widely panned by critics earlier this year.
The Edge admitted that the band wished they had taken more responsibility for the show during the early stages of the production.
"We were so enjoying it and didn't really feel that responsible. We felt like we were in the hands of two experts," he said. "It was at the point we were staging it that the sheer ambition of the show started to weigh heavy on people and that's where we started to realize that if we had been looking out for the big picture from an early stage it would have helped."
With self-deprecating humor, the two band members said the inconsistency of the Spider-Man production thus far was a natural part of the creative process.
"In the early days of our band, one night we would be really great and one night we would be really crap," Bono said. "But we have always done our best work out of our depth."
The pair praised director Julie Taymor, who was removed from the show in March, but admitted that they differed with her on how the production should have been fixed.
"I think she probably knew there were some problems but we disagreed on how large a fix was needed and the time that fix would take," Bono said. "I miss her. I think she's an extraordinary artist but we had to make it work. In the end we've got good manners, we're fun, but we are mother—ckers. We're very serious about what we do. We feel it is our duty to her to make sure it is a success."
The musicians made just one mention of the many injuries that cast members suffered during rehearsals and months of preview performances leading up to tonight's premiere.
"I'll tell you who is a rock star, Chris Tierney is a rock star," said Bono of Spidey's stunt double, who returned to the production following several injuries in December.
Starting with an appearance at Sunday night's Tony Awards, the two men are making a goodwill tour of the Broadway community. But Bono said that he felt welcomed by that community as a whole, despite some of the natural instincts of some to see the "rich rock star step on a banana peel."
"People who love the process, they want to see us succeed," the rich rock star said. "I think there is general good will now, but we really need it. We really do."


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Social Question
Does anybody know of university research projects with which I could become involved?
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I'm studying political science and computer science, and would love to find a research project which would draw upon my classroom experience in both fields. I'm not really looking for pure CS work (more of an application of it) so if anybody knows of specific projects or a way to find them I would be really appreciative. Thanks!
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Connecticut Working Families Party sets agenda for 2012
This state's Working Families Party convened their annual meeting last week with a dispaly of strength.
Public support grows for government jobs program
"Let's make our country what it should be," said AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka yesterday.
Labor Day protestors demand jobs and fair trade deals
Steelworkers and 1,000 others protested against a new free trade agreement being negotiated for the Pacific Rim countries.
Ohio Labor Day fests defy "economic royalists"
Boosting the fight against Republican attacks on union and voting rights, tens of thousands rallied at Labor Day picnics, festivals and marches in cities throughout Ohio.
President Obama: Unions key to economic recovery
The president of the United States, the nation's labor leaders and one of America's cultural icons teamed up here on Labor Day to boost the labor movement, which they said is crucial to any economic revovery.


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Bissell vacuum exec eats pasta off subway platform he just cleanedUPDATED 5:34 PM EDT Aug 26, 2014
The Senior Brand Manager for Bissell Canada shows how much he trusts his company's claim that the new Symphony Vacuum and Steam Mop will sanitize any surface by eating directly off a cleaned subway platform. Mara Montalbano (@maramontalbano) has the video.
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Oakland -- Threatened with recall just one year into her term, Mayor Jean Quan can't count on much support from City Council members, who council watchers say have little love for the mayor.
"I think some of them are glad that Jean Quan is having this problem," former Councilman Wilson Riles said. "There's a lot of emotional baggage that is being carried by these council members over differences they've had with her over the years."
With one recall petition circulating and another recall group announcing the hiring of a campaign consultant and its intention to spend $30,000 on paid signature gatherers, Oakland lawmakers are trying to steer clear of the subject.
While several council members say the recall effort would be an unfortunate distraction, only Nancy Nadel -- the lone council member to endorse Quan during the 2010 mayoral election -- says she would actively campaign against it.
Quan said she isn't bothered that council members weren't racing to defend her against the recall. "I'm sure a couple of them are looking at running," she said late last month.
The silence from council members underscores Quan's failure to develop close-knit relationships with her colleagues during nearly a decade in city government, City Hall observers say. It also illustrates that politicians remain unconvinced about the ability of recall leaders to gather enough signatures to trigger an election and the caliber of candidates who would seek to replace Quan.
"They don't know how it's going to play out," former Councilman Dick Spees said, noting that any council member who takes a strong stand now on the recall risks losing clout if the other side prevails. "It's most likely that you would be neutral on the subject and try to avoid it the best you can."
Two council members mentioned frequently as potential mayoral candidates in a recall election, Desley Brooks and Rebecca Kaplan, both refused to discuss the recall. Councilman Ignacio De La Fuente, another potential candidate to replace Quan, said last month that he does not support any recall, but "sometimes we bring it on ourselves."
Besides Nadel, Councilwoman Pat Kernighan said she was generally opposed the recall. "I think the mayor has made some mistakes, but I think a recall should really be for corruption or serious malfeasance," she said.
Reasons for silence
Quan doesn't possess the type of power that cements political loyalties. She didn't play a significant part in helping elect the council members, nor does she control access to top campaign contributors.
Her leverage is further hampered by the fact that she didn't win a clear electoral mandate and that she's the first sitting council member in decades to win the mayor's job. "I think it was hard for the council to accept one of their own becoming the mayor," Quan said.
Several observers who praised Quan's work ethic said they thought the cold shoulder she's getting from the council over the recall has more to do with her personal style than their political calculations.
"Jean will take credit for everything and blame everything on someone else," said political consultant Larry Tramutola, who managed Quan's council campaigns before working against her on Don Perata's failed 2010 mayoral bid.
"I don't think generally there's a whole lot of love for her," he said. "She has been a lone wolf. She hasn't built the relationships you need to have."
Riles, a recall opponent, said there is a "brusqueness" about Quan that he thought irritated council members and made them less likely to defend her against the recall. "It's a measure of their political immaturity that they're allowing their own personal, emotional feelings to get entangled with their political positions."
Recall uncertain
There is still no guarantee that either of the two recall efforts will succeed in collecting the requisite 19,811 valid signatures over four months to qualify for the ballot. One recall petition is being circulated by two separate volunteer groups, neither of which has managed to blanket the city with signature gatherers.
Gene Hazzard, a leader of one of the groups, wouldn't disclose how many signatures he's collected, but he said he would step up his efforts now that the holiday season is over.
A second petition, led by businessman and former mayoral candidate Greg Harland, was dealt a setback last week when the city clerk found several minor errors in the recall petition, including print too small to meet legal requirements.
Harland's group, which resubmitted its petition and is waiting for city approval to begin collecting signatures, announced that its campaign will be headed by San Francisco-based political consultant Johnny Wang.
Wang, who hasn't yet been paid, said that Harland and his mostly unnamed backers, could themselves fund the $30,000 professional signature-gathering effort.
"We'll be hitting all the major shopping areas and transit corridors," Wang said. "This will be a very intense campaign."
Contact Matthew Artz at 510-208-6435.


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In an unprecedented partnership, retailers Neiman Marcus and Target this week announced plans for a massive limited edition holiday collection featuring specially made items designed by twenty-four CFDA designers.
The line, which will be called The Target + Neiman Marcus Holiday Collection when it launches on December 1st, is the first of its kind in sense it will be sold simultaneously in both Neiman Marcus and Target stores across the country, and features a wide range of established brands, such as Marc Jacobs, Carolina Herrera and Oscar de la Renta, as well as younger indie labels, like Rodarte, Band of Outsiders and Proenza Schouler.
Although details of exactly what will be available are yet to be revealed, prices are said to range from between $7.99 and $499, with most items coming in at less than $60.
Many of the members involved, such as Rodarte and Jason Wu, have already partnered with Target on successful design collaborations, and in gesture of early good will towards the CFDA, both Target and Neiman Marcus are donating a total of $1 million to the organization.
"I can't think of a better finale to the CFDA's 50th anniversary celebration," CFDA president Diane von Fustenberg told Women's Wear Daily. "As designers, creativity is our best gift, and with the generous support of Neiman Marcus and Target, we are happy to have created specially designed products as a thank you to share with our customers and friends."