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PHILADELPHIA — The National Institutes of Health (NIH), in partnership with the Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation, has announced that Nehal N. Mehta, MD, director of Inflammatory Risk in Preventive Cardiology at Penn Medicine, will be the inaugural Lasker Clinical Research Scholar. He will begin as a Lasker Scholar at NIH this month joining the intramural program of the NIH's National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
"I am truly honored to be selected as the inaugural Lasker Clinical Research Scholar," said Dr. Mehta, who will remain an adjunct faculty member at Penn. "This unique award will allow me to forward my research within the NIH Clinical Center, foster the development of a multi-disciplinary human translational study team and advance the Laboratory of Inflammation and Cardiometabolic Diseases. I am excited about the multitude of opportunities to interact with the Lasker Foundation and the Division of Intramural Research at NIH as well as the rich resources made available through this far reaching program."
Mehta will work in the NHLBI's Cardiovascular-Pulmonary Branch. His research focuses on how inflammation influences metabolic activity, insulin resistance, lipid function and atherosclerosis. He also has expertise in nuclear cardiology and uses novel imaging techniques to understand the development of atherosclerotic plaques and vascular inflammation.
"The NIH is excited to welcome Dr. Mehta onto our campus as the first recipient of this historic intramural-extramural partnership with the Lasker Foundation," said NIH Director Francis Collins, MD, PhD. "Dr. Mehta is an exceptional early-career scientist who will be a tremendous addition to the NIH Intramural Research Program."
As a new Lasker Clinical Research Scholar, Mehta will be able to conduct independent research at NIH for five to seven years. The program will provide him access to the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, MD, the nation's largest hospital devoted entirely to clinical research. Afterwards, Mehta and subsequent Scholars will have the opportunity to remain at the NIH as tenured investigators or move on to an extramural research institution, where they can receive up to five years of additional NIH financial support.
"Dr. Mehta is a superbly trained physician-scientist with the demonstrated ability to bridge the translational divide between basic research and medical discovery," said Michael S. Parmacek, MD, chief, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and director, Penn Medicine Cardiovascular Institute. "He is an outstanding choice as the first NIH-Lasker Scholar possessing the creativity, drive and other intangibles I've seen in others who have gone on to make transformational discoveries."
The Lasker Clinical Research Scholar program honors the contributions of Mary and Albert Lasker to the NIH and to the overall biomedical community. For more information on the program, please see the NIH-Lasker Foundation press release.


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If only I had instructions years ago. Although I am a male and we never read instructions anyway.
In addition to #9, just start somewhere, anywhere, just start!
Genius! Have you missed your calling as a philosopher? If I may, I plan to share with my design students!
i must print and frame, tho i have to hide from my wife! what am i to do?
#9 is key for me. Ask my wife: I've been designing our home for 10 years, yet to start construction…
That´s a great list! Not sure about nr. 10 though… even though it seems to be true for most projects.
Thank you for the idea Mr. Claude! 😀
As will I
if we build for our children they never know to design…just be their as strong supports…n build for u in front of them…they will built it for themselves
Esthetics = Balance + Orientation + Harmony. . . one of the pearls taken from school.
Invisible ink.
I'm still stick in 10…:))))
#1 Design to live! If you don't live and don't have a real social live you are not able to design in a social way for people apart for yourself! If you live to design, you can't be balanced, you don't live together, you don't have children or they rarely see you.
Because you probably need this stuff. Click on the shirt to enter the Shop of Angst!

subset: commoncrawl


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Sales fell 13.88 percent as compared to same month in last year, when the company experienced sales to the tune of 1,14,920 units including that of Jaguar land Rover. Wholesales are defined as dispatches to company dealers and not to end users.
Cumulative wholesales during the fiscal stood at 8,81,900. Wholesales of all commercial vehicles including Tata, Tata Daewoo and Tata Hispano Carrocera stood at 52,043 in December 2012 as compared to 53,854 in December 2011 while cumulative sales for the fiscal stood at 4,36,240 units. All passenger vehicle sales during December 2012 stood at 46,925 as compared to 61,660 in December 2011 while cumulative wholesales for passenger vehicles for the fiscal stood at 4,44,769 units.
Global wholesales of Tata passenger vehicles stood at 14,643 units during December 2012 and for the fiscal stood at 1,89,047 units. Taking sales of Jaguar Land Rover into account, global wholesales during December 2012 stood at 32,282 units. Jaguar sales accounted for 5,444 units while sales of Land Rover accounted for 26,838 units during the same period.


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AT&T partners with FlipSwap to bring trade-in program to retail locations starting February 13th
AT&T partners with FlipSwap to bring trade-in program to retail locations starting February 13th
U.S. wireless provider AT&T has partnered with FlipSwap — the self-proclaimed "global leader in consumer electronics buyback programs" — to offer its customers a new, trade-in program through all of its retail locations. Customers can exchange unwanted mobile devices for AT&T credits, which can be used to purchase or offset the the cost of products and services offered by the company. As the press release reads:
- Customers can visit any AT&T retail location to take advantage of the trade-in, available to AT&T customers purchasing a device through either new service activation or a device upgrade.
- Store representatives will facilitate the trade-in request in real-time and provide the customer with a value estimate.
- Representatives will also provide all the necessary FlipSwap instructions and forms – including detailed instructions on how to wipe the device clean of any personal information – as well as a prepaid USPS padded envelope and shipping label for the device; customers simply follow the instructions, package their phones and mail the envelope.
- Customers will receive an AT&T promotional card – good for use in any AT&T store or online at www.att.com – in the mail roughly two to four weeks after FlipSwap receives the device and verifies its condition.
The program will launch in all AT&T retail stores on February 13th. Hit the jump for the full press release. More →


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State releases BMI report
By Jim Letizia & Ohio Public Radio • Jul 26, 2012
Ohio health officials are urging families with children to eat better and get more exercise after finding 1 in 3 school kids screened last year was overweight or obese. But there are questions about how to view the Body Mass Index. Ohio Public Radio's Karen Kasler reports.


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We're still awating a release date to be fixed for M.I.A's new album "Matangi", but that ain't stopping the London singer-rapper from premiering new songs from the much-anticipated project for our listening pleasure. The latest 'treat' for fans was premiered on June 17 via BBC Radio 1. The new track is called "Bring The Noize". Listen above!
Wow, this is insane! The beat knocks hard, and M.I.A's crazy robotic vocals, and weird lyrics rapping blend really well with the whole 'vibe'. Not sure I can say this sounds like a 'hit', but I am sure M.I.A isn't worrying about it. She's known for bringing 'fresh', and 'original' music and "Bring The Noize" fits nicely in those categories. Cannot wait to see what M.I.A will prepare for us in the "Bring The Noize" music video. It's gonna be mental!


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The Italian luxury designer brand Versace is opening its first Hawaii store at Ala Moana Center in May.
According to the shopping center's website, the store will be in the former Big Island Candies space between Tumi and Armani Exchange.
It will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays.


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48 posts tagged with iraq and us.
Displaying 1 through 48 of 48. Subscribe:
Ark and flood in one package
The US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) was established in 1961 and has grown into one of the US government's largest intelligence organizations. It employs 17,000 people, including thousands stationed overseas, and its 2013 fiscal year budget request was for $3.15 billion. Yet, the DIA is also one of the more secretive agencies in the U.S. intelligence community, regularly denying access to basic information about its structure, functions and activities. On November 20, the National Security Archive posted a new sourcebook of over 50 declassified documents that help to illuminate the DIA's five-decades-long history. [more inside]
A War Of All Against All
Why Turkey is bombing the Kurds more than Islamic State - "Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's bombing campaign — capitalizing on the nationalist, anti-Kurd sentiment that has been steadily growing inside Turkey — could help him regain his AKP party's absolute majority in parliament now that coalition talks have failed and snap elections are likely." [more inside]
I said, hey, you're good at combat and people need you here; why not go?
Many American, Canadian, and British military veterans opposed to the actions of ISIS in Iraq have been, individually, going over to fight with the Kurdish Peshmerga for some time now, bringing thousands of dollars of military gear and irreplaceable training. There have been so many of them fighting that the Peshmerga are now actively recruiting military veterans online. Not to be internet-outdone, military veterans have begun investigating forming units of their own to fight ISIS -including notable and controversial science-fiction author John Ringo, who suggested trying to crowdfund for 'a brigade of soldiers'. [more inside]
Connecting the Dots
With all the upheaval in the skies and on the ground, here is one person's opinion on why the U.S. is fighting beside Iran in Iraq and against it in Yemen. Putin tells Iran that an immediate ceasefire is needed in Yemen. All the while...negotiators from six world powers (the P5+1) are attempting to strike a deal with Iran to restrict its nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief. As Iran nuclear talks 'enter endgame' in Switzerland...China and Russia say they will show up tomorrow. Keeping things cloaked in intrigue: the US accuses Israel of spying on nuclear talks with Iran and Putin says Western spies plot against Russia before polls, blurs the picture further.
Human trafficking in Iraq and Afghanistan, paid for by US tax dollars
Crossing the "Red Line"?
Syria Options Go From Bad To Worse
As reports have surfaced of possible use of sarin gas in the Syrian civil war, calls by long-time proponents of U.S. intervention on behalf of the anti-Assad rebels have grown to a fever pitch. These same voices, both at home and abroad, have evoked the administration's previously stated "red line" on use of chemical weapons. But even assuming that reports of WMD usage in Syria turn out to be true, the Obama Administration's position may be far more nuanced than previously thought.[more inside]
"Never, ever let anybody use your gender as an excuse."
"Women get flustered under fire. They're too fragile, too emotional. They lack the ferocity required to take a life. They can't handle pain. They're a distraction, a threat to cohesion, a provocative tease to close-quartered men. These are the sort of myths you hear from people who oppose the U.S. military's evolving new rules about women in combat. But for women who have already been in combat, who have earned medals fighting alongside men, the war stories they tell don't sound a thing like myths" [more inside]
"It begins with a knock at the door."
Final Salute. Between 2004 and 2005, "Rocky Mountain News reporter Jim Sheeler and photographer Todd Heisler spent a year with the Marines stationed at Aurora's Buckley Air Force Base who have found themselves called upon to notify families of the deaths of their sons in Iraq. In each case in this story, the families agreed to let Sheeler and Heisler chronicle their loss and grief. They wanted people to know their sons, the men and women who brought them home, and the bond of traditions more than 200 years old that unite them. Though readers are led through the story by the white-gloved hand of Maj. Steve Beck, he remains a reluctant hero. He is, he insists, only a small part of the massive mosaic that is the Marine Corps." The full story ran on Veteran's Day, 2005 and won two Pulitzer Prizes: one for Feature Photography, another for feature writing in 2006. A nice single-page version of one section: Katherine Cathey and 2nd Lt. James J. Cathey (via.) The Rocky Mountain News closed in 2009. [more inside]
"I had reached the point of no return. You finally get fed up … I finally wanted to speak the truth."
Last year, the unofficial Dean of the White House Press Corps, Helen Thomas, spoke about the State of Israel on camera. (Previously) Her replies: "Tell them to get the hell out of Palestine," and that the Jews "can go home" to "Poland, Germany and America and everywhere else," sparked media outrage, prompted her to issue an apology and retire. After months of being out of the the public spotlight, she has now given her first long-form interview, which will appear in the April issue of Playboy Magazine. In it, she explains what she meant, tells us how she would like to be remembered and expands upon her positions regarding Israel, Jewish political influence, Presidents Bush and Obama, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Like Punk'd But With Real Bombs
Combat operations in Iraq are over! Except, the AP says "our content should not refer to the end of combat in Iraq, or the end of U.S. military involvement." Meanwhile, in Iraq, a new show has been airing since Ramadan that has been described as "Punk'd, Iraqi-Style, at a Checkpoint." You can watch 14-minutes of the show (in Arabic, no English subtitles), here.
Iraq Swears by Bomb Detector U.S. (Correctly) Sees as Useless
Iraq Swears by Bomb Detector U.S. (Correctly) Sees as Useless. Similar to the now debunked Sniffex (as seen previously on Metafilter), the ADE651 detects explosives, firearms, grenades, narcotics, elephant ivory, bank notes, and according to its manufacturer's website, "human research." [more inside]
Don't Ask, Don't Tell
A Gay Soldier's Husband — In the backdrop of the conservative activist Supreme Court's recent decision against hearing a challenge to the US military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, one gay American relates the difficulties he faces having a partner on active duty in Iraq. In Iraq itself, death squads continue to murder gay and lesbian Iraqis, while American occupying forces look the other way.
"There's culture shock, and then there's the culture shock of moving to a country that started a war in your home."
"The war has uprooted 4.7 million people from their homes. So where are they?" With the election of Obama and the economic crisis, the topic of Iraq has fallen by the wayside. As hard as things may be right now, Iraqis have been going through far worse for years now. If you're curious about what they have to say, hear them tell it in their own words. Iraqi Refugee Stories. [more inside]
Team Lioness - Female Soldiers in Combat in Iraq
Team Lioness is the name given to a group of female soliders, (and the documentary about them) who were some of the first women in modern American warfare to engage in frontline combat — something that is officially forbidden by the military. "The female support soliders were assigned to the 1st Engineer Battalion and they were recruited to accompany Marine units during raids. Originally, the female soldiers were there to search and detain any women they came upon and to guard the unit's Arabic interpreter. Over time, however, as the situation in Ramadi deteriorated, the Marine units transitioned into a more offensive role, baiting insurgents into firefights in order to draw them out. Until officers higher up the chain got spooked over the possibility of a female soldier killed in combat and quietly disbanded the unit, members of Team Lioness were often right in the thick of things, including some of the fiercest urban firefights of the Iraq War."
Dissent: Voices of Conscience
"You can not come back to Canada until you have been criminally rehabilitated." Ann Wright, who had 29 years of military and govt service, resigned in protest on the eve of the Iraq War from her position as deputy ambassador to Mongolia. In this hour long talk, she discusses her story and the story of several others from various countries who resigned in protest. Her new book, Dissent: Voices of Conscience, details the story of 24 people who resigned in protest. [more inside]
US out of Iraq in the year 2525, er 2011
It's (semi) official: Washington and Baghdad have reached a final agreement after months of talks on a pact that would require U.S. forces to withdraw from Iraq by 2011, U.S. and Iraqi officials said on Wednesday. Additionally, "Iraq said it had secured the right to prosecute U.S. soldiers for serious crimes under certain circumstances" "Inside their bases, they will be under American law. Iraqi judicial law will be implemented in case these forces commit a serious and deliberate felony outside their military bases and when off duty." [more inside]
Doing less with more
Bush requests $515.4 billion in funds for the defense budget from congress. So what do those numbers mean? The Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments states the DoD's base budget will grow to record (or near-record) levels and will require even greater increases in the coming years. The troops wouldn't mind the planned pay raises commensurate with the private sector, housing that doesn't smell like bug powder and mold, and chow that doesn't turn your stomach. But according to the CSBA's analysis ( here * caution PDF) , it's doubtful that even an ideological Bush clone would be able to implement those increases given the economic realities. Some vets blame the silence of the generals. Should everything have changed post 9/11?(*PDF)
Abu Ghraib Interrogator Becomes Conscientious Objector
A riveting ten-minute interview with playwright and former US Army interrogator Joshua Casteel. He discusses how a particular interrogation with an Iraqi prisoner--and an exchange of views on Islam and Christianity--motivated him to leave the armed forces and become a conscientious objector.
Allí, ese 16 de marzo, Bush, Blair y Aznar decidieron sustituir al Consejo de Seguridad de Naciones Unidas y usurparon sus funciones para declarar por su cuenta y riesgo la guerra contra Irak.
Bush and Aznar pre-Iraq Invasion-- Transcript of their private conversations in Crawford, Feb 22, 2003: "Quedan dos semanas. En dos semanas estaremos militarmente listos. Estaremos en Bagdad a finales de marzo", le dijo a Aznar. ("2 weeks. In 2 weeks we will be ready militarily. We'll be in Baghdad by the end of March", he told Aznar.) Consider this historical documentation. Full transcript here, and audio clips in first link. [more inside]
"The station's gaffes have included broadcasting in December 2006 a 68-minute call to arms against Israelis by a senior figure of the terrorist group Hezbollah..."
Al Hurra television, the U.S. government's $63 million-a-year effort at public diplomacy broadcasting in the Middle East, is run by executives and officials who cannot speak Arabic, according to a senior official who oversees the program. That might explain why critics say the service has recently been caught broadcasting terrorist messages, ... from their About US page: Alhurra is operated by non-profit corporation "The Middle East Broadcasting Networks, Inc." (MBN). MBN is financed by the American people through the U.S Congress. US Govt. Accountability Office abstract about other MBN problems here.
Because You Loved Me
BBC Filter: Asked whether he was "partly to blame" for Mr Blair's departure, Mr Bush joked: "I haven't polled the Labour conference, but, could be." ... And he rounded on British journalists asking about Mr Blair's retirement, accusing them of trying to "tap dance on the prime minister's grave". At least they'll always have Iraq. One wonders if he and Mr Brown will also have a special relationship.
Senate backs Iraq withdrawal date
Senate backs Iraq withdrawal date The US Senate has voted to approve a bill which requires US troops to be withdrawn from Iraq within 11 months.
US Soldiers speak .
Voices of the Fallen: the war in the words of the dead-- In letters and journals and e-mails, the war dead live on, their words—urgent, honest, unself-conscious—testament to the realities of combat. What do they have to say to us? ... The result is a window on Iraq we have not had before: the bravery, the fear and the chaos of war, and the loves and hates and dreams and nightmares of the warriors. Things are incredibly busy, then they are not. The Iraqis are welcoming, then they are not. The war is going well, then it is not. The mission makes sense, then it does not. ... (video, audio, email, and text)
After "You break it, you've bought it"...
US and Iraq: Post-Pottery Barn Rules. "The issue here is not which candidate said what, but how the campaign is revealing the underlying public mood -- the view people have of the Iraq saga and their country's international responsibility more generally."
Saddam's Iraq and his Execution
Saddam"s Iraq and his Execution Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. Topics include international press coverage, how the execution technique was selected, summary executions under Saddam's regime, history of execution pictures, and brief descriptions of several forms of hanging. Also includes background about Saddam's relationship with the United States. But how did he come to power? Here, a concise history, from beginning to the present
End of the 109th session
I'm an amendment to be - Yes an amendment to be. And I'm hoping that they'll ratify me. With political pressure towards signing bills becoming more relevant in the Rovian era of politics (example), will we see a shift in Congressional jurisprudence on issues such as Social Security, The War in Iraq (nytimes op-ed reg req), Ethics in the 110th? Perhaps Public Perception has a lot to do with it. Of course, some loopholes couldn't hurt.
...from that block came the sound of screaming ...
Meet the new jailers-- Abu Ghraib prison in Baghdad is at the centre of fresh abuse allegations just a week after it was handed over to Iraqi authorities, with claims that inmates are being tortured by their new captors. Mass executions, torture again, etc. How bad is it when the inmates plead for us to come back? (Warning--this second link is graphic evidence of what we did there--NSFW)
"playing" America's Army
In Memoriam and in Protest --why not use an online deathmatch as a pedestal for speaking out against a war? Artist/Professor uses US Govt-developed America's Army (...placing Soldiering front and center within popular culture and showcasing the roles training, teamwork and technology play in the Army. ... ) as protest and art space. DeLappe's homepage (and jpgs) here
an off the books slush fund that both the Americans and their Iraqi allies could use with impunity to cover expenditures they would rather keep secret
How Much Oil Has Iraq Been Exporting Since We Invaded? And how much revenue should be recorded? --Iraq's oil exports hit another post-invasion low in December and January, according to the Oil & Gas Journal. How do they know? Good question: according to Reuters, production and exports have gone unmetered since the Coalition Provisional Authority took over the country following the 2003 invasion; until new meters are installed (in 1-2 more years), everybody's just guessing. Our Government's Energy Information Administration has all sorts of statistics--anyone wanna figure out how they're derived regarding Iraq?
The United States does not torture -- GWB, 11/05
Abu Ghraib, continued. A new cache of disturbing images and videos from the original interrogations, with commentary from Salon. [Definitely NSFW, or for Earth, for that matter.]
Silence is Broken
A Disturbance in the Blogosphere: Publishing the UK/US/Uzbekistan Torture Memo. Braving arrest, bloggers have broken the UK's law of silence with the truth about torture. Bloggers are mass publishing the leaked UK/US/Uzbekistan Torture Memos. The memos are from the correspondences of Craig Murray who was the United Kingdom's ambassador to Uzbekistan. These memos are evidence and a memorandum of record outlining the rendition and torture of US-arrested prisoners in Uzbekistan. From Craig Murray's Memo: 12. On the usefulness of the material obtained, this is irrelevant. Article 2 of the [UN] Convention, to which we are a party, could not be plainer: "No exceptional circumstances whatsoever, whether a state of war or a threat of war, internal political instability or any other public emergency, may be invoked as a justification of torture." 13. Nonetheless, I repeat that this material is useless – we are selling our souls for dross. It is in fact positively harmful.
American Global Domination
This War is About So Much More. Compelling conspiracy for the people.
Paying the Real Cost of War
Estimated civilian casualties in Iraq: 25,000. A new study by the Oxford Research Group and Iraq Body Count estimates that 1 in 1000 Iraqis have been killed since the US invasion began. They further estimate that 37 percent of these deaths were caused by coalition forces, and 9 percent were killed by the insurgents. Estimated civilian wounded: 42,500. Over 1700 US troops have also died, and over 18,000 have been injured.
Above and Beyond the Call of Duty
Above and Beyond the Call of Duty The St. Petersburg Times reported this week that Army Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith, killed in action in Iraq on April 4, 2003, will be posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Sgt. Smith had always said he would give "all that I am to make sure all my boys make it home." The Medal of Honor is awarded "for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty." Marine Cpl. Jason Dunham, killed in Iraq in April 2004 after he threw himself on top of a grenade to protect his fellow Marines, has been nominated for the Medal of Honor.
US gives up search for Iraq WMD
It's official: US gives up search for Iraq WMD.
Medal of Freedom for Iraq
Medals of Freedom awarded and I'd like to make some smart comment about current Iraqi conditions and the award and the presenter, but why bother - make your own.
If America were Iraq, what would it be like?
If America were Iraq, what would it be like? Private armies totaling 275,000 men; platoons of Christian Soldiers Militia holed up in Arlington National Cemetery; the grounds of the White House constantly under mortar fire; the Secretary of State, President, and Attorney General all assassinated in the past year; and the Air Force routinely bombing Billings, Flint, Philadelphia, and parts of LA and DC to destroy "safe houses" of "criminal gangs."
The inertia of technology
Was Iraq always about Iran? Iran turns toward the United States, again.
Thousandth U.S. soldier dies in War on Terror.
Over a thousand U.S. soldiers have died in the War on Terror. As of today, 872 soldiers have died in Operation Iraqi Freedom and 129 in Operation Enduring Freedom. Time for a moment of silence, perhaps, before sharing your reflections on the subject.
protecting ancient sites in Iraq
Protecting the Cradle Kirkuk Air Base -- US Army Colonel works with Iraqi archaeological officials to protect nearby ancient sites.
Meanwhile at more secluded mounds, looters continue to plunder the sites and to erase the tangible record of the world's earliest civilizations. "When you come here at night, it looks like a city, there are so many lights," [Archaeological official Abdul-Amir] Hamdani said, looking out over the arid scrubland where thieves swarm after dark.
Meanwhile at more secluded mounds, looters continue to plunder the sites and to erase the tangible record of the world's earliest civilizations. "When you come here at night, it looks like a city, there are so many lights," [Archaeological official Abdul-Amir] Hamdani said, looking out over the arid scrubland where thieves swarm after dark.
the wrong morons
The Wrong Morons. (from the Army Times) "Around the halls of the Pentagon, a term of caustic derision has emerged for the enlisted soldiers at the heart of the furor over the Abu Ghraib prison scandal: the six morons who lost the war...But the folks in the Pentagon are talking about the wrong morons."
Lest We Forget
Cool War: "In searching for evidence of the potential danger posed by Iraq, the Bush Administration need have looked no further than the well-kept record of U.S. manipulation of the sanctions program since 1991. If any international act in the last decade is sure to generate enduring bitterness toward the United States, it is the epidemic suffering needlessly visited on Iraqis via U.S. fiat inside the United Nations Security Council. Within that body, the United States has consistently thwarted Iraq from satisfying its most basic humanitarian needs, using sanctions as nothing less than a deadly weapon, and, despite recent reforms, continuing to do so. Invoking security concerns -- including those not corroborated by U.N. weapons inspectors -- U.S. policymakers have effectively turned a program of international governance into a legitimized act of mass slaughter." [More inside]
Wanna bet?
Wanna bet we'll win the war? No, seriously: you can. Check it out yourself: Go here and click on "World Events" to see the odds for "The US Embassy in Pakistan Being Blown Up By A Nuclear Weapon" or "Date Line In Which Osama Bin Laden Will Be Consigned (Dead or Alive) To US Authorities." Ah, America.
Blowback: The Cost And Consequences of American Empire plus War And Conflict In The Post-Cold War, Post-9/11 Era
Chalmers Johnson is an provocative proponent of the American Empire theory, indeed. Here are excerpts from his Blow Back: The Cost And Consequences of American Empire
I heard Johnson interviewed on Episode II, War And Conflict In The Post-Cold War, Post-9/11 Era of The Whole Wide World
The Cold War and its central conflict - the physical and ideological battles between the United States, the Soviet Union and their proxy states - imposed a certain logic and consistency on the world. Take that away and add the bloody wars in the Balkans, Africa and the Middle East in the '90s as well as the terror attacks and warnings of more recent times and you get a very confused picture of a world at war. Is this breaking storm in Iraq about oil, democracy, freedom, empire, culture, water, diamonds, modernizing Islam or nation building in the Middle East? Some, one or all of these things?
It was an excellent program and well worth your listen, either by RA now or mp3 later. (From listening to the radio)
I heard Johnson interviewed on Episode II, War And Conflict In The Post-Cold War, Post-9/11 Era of The Whole Wide World
The Cold War and its central conflict - the physical and ideological battles between the United States, the Soviet Union and their proxy states - imposed a certain logic and consistency on the world. Take that away and add the bloody wars in the Balkans, Africa and the Middle East in the '90s as well as the terror attacks and warnings of more recent times and you get a very confused picture of a world at war. Is this breaking storm in Iraq about oil, democracy, freedom, empire, culture, water, diamonds, modernizing Islam or nation building in the Middle East? Some, one or all of these things?
It was an excellent program and well worth your listen, either by RA now or mp3 later. (From listening to the radio)
U.S. helped Iraq start bioweapons program
U.S. helped Iraq start bioweapons program
"I don't think it would be accurate to say the United States government deliberately provided seed stocks to the Iraqis' biological weapons programs,'' said Jonathan Tucker, a former U.N. biological weapons inspector. "But they did deliver samples that Iraq said had a legitimate public health purpose, which I think was naive to believe, even at the time."
" -isn't iraq just another case of blowback and is anyone asking what the next round of "blowback" will be if we go in again?
"I don't think it would be accurate to say the United States government deliberately provided seed stocks to the Iraqis' biological weapons programs,'' said Jonathan Tucker, a former U.N. biological weapons inspector. "But they did deliver samples that Iraq said had a legitimate public health purpose, which I think was naive to believe, even at the time."
" -isn't iraq just another case of blowback and is anyone asking what the next round of "blowback" will be if we go in again?
'The guy who tried to kill my dad.'
'The guy who tried to kill my dad.' Setting aside partisan bickering, this description of Saddam Hussein by George W. Bush today sent my mind reeling. Is this in reference to something published in the past that is just escaping my mind? The Reuters version of the story adds that it is reference to "an Iraqi plot to kill former President George Bush after the 1991 Gulf War." Anyone have a link to that older story?
America Can Persuade Israel to Make a Just Peace
America Can Persuade Israel to Make a Just Peace An op-ed piece by former president Jimmy Carter that is going to get a lot of play in the media. Unfortunately, Mr. Carter seems to suggest a rather easy solution: give back the Palestinian lands and have the Palestinians recognize Israel's right to exist. Put the pressure on Israel by withhold financial aid till they do as we bid. Problem: Palestinians being subsidized by Iraq, Iran, EU and Syria. What about pressure on them? And: Palelstinian issues still in need of resolving: capital and Right of Return....with this left out, we are still not going to get peace. Does Carter simplify or is he on target? reg reqd.
U.S. sending Patriot missles to Israel
U.S. sending Patriot missles to Israel Iraq moves troops close to Syrian border and announces it is a military exercise. The U.S. moves Patriot missle outfit to Israel with some troops and announces it is a military exercise. My trainer told me that sometimes you can overdo the exercising.
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Bobcats top Bulls to end woeful 18-game skidKemba Walker had 18 points and eight rebounds, and the Bobcats ended an 18-game losing streak with a 91-81 win over the Chicago Bulls on Monday. After all, snapping an 18-game losing streak gives you the same buzz without that meddlesome hangover. Tied at… (more)Source: ESPN.com
Bobcats snap 18-game losing streak with road win over 'swagger-less' BullsHow did you celebrate the end of 2012? Raising a glass of champagne, putting on a sweet hat and blowing into a noisemaker, maybe? That sounds pretty sweet, but I'm guessing it wasn't quite as sweet as getting your first taste of victory in more than a m…Source: yahoo.com
Happy New Year!: Charlotte can only hope it's a sign of better thi…Charlotte can only hope it's a sign of better things in 2013. Kemba Walker had 18 points as Bobcats ended the year by beating the Bulls 91-81 to snap their losing streak at 18.Source: CNNSI.com


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Effective Date: January 06, 2011
Expiration Date: October 06, 2017
|| TOC | Preface | Chapter1 | Chapter2 | Chapter3 | AppendixA | AppendixB | ALL |
1.1.1 In 1986, Congress added Section 508 to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 thereby establishing guidance for Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) accessibility. In 1998, the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 was signed into law, which included the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998. These amendments expanded information technology (IT) accessibility requirements and called on Federal agencies to implement the guidance.
1.1.2 Consistent with the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (the "Access Board"), EIT is defined as follows:
a. EIT includes IT and any equipment or interconnected system or subsystem of equipment that is used in the creation, conversion, or duplication of data or information. The term electronic and information technology includes, but is not limited to, telecommunications products (such as telephones), information kiosks and transaction machines, Web sites, multimedia, and office equipment such as copiers and fax machines. The term does not include equipment that contains embedded IT used as an integral part of the product, but the principal function of which is not the acquisition, storage, manipulation, management, movement, control, display, switching, interchange, transmission, or reception of data or information. For example, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) equipment such as thermostats or temperature control devices, and medical equipment where information technology is integral to its operation, is not information technology.
1.2.1 The scope of this document includes both procurement of goods and services, as well as any EIT development by NASA or its contractors for the use of NASA employees, employees of other Federal agencies, and the public. This includes Government-developed/provided software (e.g., E-Government products, in-house development), Web-based content/applications, and other EIT that, even if not procured, are obtained from sources other than NASA and its contractors (e.g., if a university develops in conjunction with NASA, but at no cost to NASA, a Web-based survey requesting information from NASA civil servants, the survey shall comply with the requirements of this document).
1.2.2 The requirements identified in this document apply to EIT acquired, developed, maintained, and used by or for NASA for the use of NASA employees, employees of other Federal agencies, and the public. Additional information regarding Section 508 as it pertains to NASA can be found at http://section508.nasa.gov.
| TOC | Preface | Chapter1 | Chapter2 | Chapter3 | AppendixA | AppendixB | ALL |
|| NODIS Library | Legal Policies(2000s) | Search |


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CD box sets | DVD box sets | Music DVDs | Books
This year saw the release of many great new music DVDs, the best of which would go quite nicely under any tree.
Here's a guide to the best of the best.
1. The Who at Kilburn: 1977
The first words out of Roger Daltrey's mouth are "We don't know what this is gonna be like 'cause we ain't played most of these songs in about a year." But by the time Pete Townshend has executed his first windmill on I Can't Explain, it's doubtful many Who fans would mistake this for an off night. Captured live in Kilburn for the greatest rockumentary ever, The Kids Are Alright, this concert's been gathering dust for more than 40 years. In addition to brilliant performances of Substitute, Baba O'Riley, Behind Blue Eyes and Pinball Wizard, it features one of Keith Moon's final live performances, including a truly hilarious vocal on Tommy's Holiday Camp. $24.98.
2. Parliament Funkadelic, The Mothership Collection Live 1976
Catch P-Funk in their interstellar prime - on Halloween, no less. This tour included P-Funk's legendary mothership and loads of ridiculous stagewear, not the least of which is Gary Shider's classic knee-high go-go boots and diaper look. The highlight is Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof Off the Sucker) with a guest appearance by the great Sly Stone. $14.98
3. Ladies and Gentlemen . . . The Fabulous Stains
This 1981 cult hit starring Diane Lane and Laura Dern as members of a teenage punk band makes its DVD debut at last. Diane Lane is amazing, but punk fans may be more inclined to see it for the supergroup assembled for the film with Paul Simonon of the Clash and two Sex Pistols (Steve Jones and Paul Cook), who end up sounding almost slick when compared with the Fabulous Stains, who truly don't know how to play their instruments. $19.95.
4. The Beatles Love - All Together Now
Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and producer George Martin are among the many talking heads who tell their side of how the Beatles classic recordings were boldly reinvented and given new life by a Cirque du Soleil production. Martin likens to "tampering with the Holy Grail," which is exactly what they've done - to breathtaking effect, a point first driven home by the haunting a cappella version of Because that eases you into the film. $24.98.
5. James Brown, I Got the Feelin': James Brown in the '60s
This box set includes the director's cut of The Night James Brown Saved Boston and two DVDs that find the hardest-working man in show biz in his '60s prime - onstage, where he belongs, at the Apollo and the Boston Garden, with a bonus performance of Out of Sight from the legendary T.A.M.I. show. $39.98.
6. Cheap Trick, Budokan!
There were no DVDs when Cheap Trick rocked the Budokan in their '70s prime. But if there had been, this performance, broadcast once on Japanese TV and never seen again, would have given these guys an even bigger U.S. breakthrough than At Budokan. Imagine all those Tiger Beat subscribers watching front man Robin Zander as he pleads to be wanted and needed and loved and begged by you and you alone. And then, there's guitarist Rick Nielsen, whose truly ridiculous facial gestures couldn't hope to translate on a vinyl album. The man is amazing. To get the DVD, you have to buy the box set, but it's worth it, with a killer poster, three CDs and a really nice booklet. $49.98
7. The Sex Pistols, There'll Always Be an England
It's amazing how vital the reunited Pistols sound digging into such punk-era classics as Pretty Vacant and God Save the Queen. It should be kind of sad, but it isn't - in part, because they always said they didn't care. So what's the harm in cashing in at this point? An aging punk can't sell out when he never bought in to begin with. Julien Temple, whose previous credits include the classic Pistols documentary The Filth and the Fury, directs. $19.98.
8. The Future is Unwritten
Julien Temple directs this heartfelt documentary on the great Joe Strummer of the Clash, which plays more like a celebration of the singer's life than an actual documentary, including tributes from the likes of Martin Scorcese, Steve Buscemi and the other members of the Clash, once thought of as the only band that matters. There's also plenty of running commentary from the man himself, who died in late 2002, and classic footage of the Clash in action. $19.98.
9. Johnny Cash's America
This acclaimed documentary sets out to capture the essence of a complex American icon, a religious family man and patriot whose most enduring portrait is of flipping off the camera at one of his classic prison gigs. You can tell just how complex he is by the list of famous people dropping by to share their insights, from Al Gore to Snoop Dogg and Bob Dylan. $21.98.
10. Radiohead, Best Of Watch in amazement as Radiohead evolves into the most important rock and roll on the planet over the course of these 21 videos, from Creep through High and Dry and the highlights of OK Computer to such recent gems as There There, Go To Sleep and a live performance of the Bush-baiting classic, 2+2=5. $24.98.
BUDOKAN!(30th Anniversary DVD+3CDs).
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Hot Celebrity Fashion Trend: Dresses With Cut-Outs
For a while all the celebs were wearing the Herve Leger by Max Azria bandage dress in various colors and amalgamations. Now it's the cut-out dress, which we are seeing more and more often on the red carpet.
The dresses feature a strategic spot of skin, often flashed on the hip or stomach.
Christina Milian (above) wore a black one to the 5th Anniversary of Tao Las Vegas Nightclub in Las Vegas last week. Also at the event was "Dancing With The Stars" star Karina Smirnoff, wearing a black and white cut-out ensemble.
What do you think of this fashion trend? Check out the stars below!
Audrina Patridge's was a mess at the 2009 MuchMusic Video Awards:
Brandy at TV Guide Magazine's "Hot List" event:
Halle Berry at an auction last spring:
Former "Hills" star Stephanie Pratt at Lavo Las Vegas:
Fashion disaster Mischa Barton over the summer:


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David Paulson's development a positive for SteelersA seventh-round pick from a year ago, Paulson made seven catches for 51 yards in 16 games as a rookie. While the Steelers would prefer to have Spaeth available, David Paulson is the tight end who is going to really replace Miller if Miller's not ready to … (more)Source: profootballtalk.com
Injuries are now hitting Steelers tight endsEveryone knows playing in the NFL can be dangerous. But the most dangerous position in the AFC North seems to be tight end. Just like the Baltimore Ravens, the Pittsburgh Steelers are now without two top tight ends. Matt Spaeth, who is considered the No…Source: ESPN.com
Inside the Ropes: Steelers work on no-huddle offenseBy Mark Kaboly, McKeesport Daily News• The Steelers worked on the no-huddle offense during their final practice before Saturday's first preseason game with mixed results. The offense wasn't able to ...Source: pittsburghlive.com


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ARCHBOLD — A Defiance man was injured seriously Sunday morning when his tractor trailer hit a bridge pillar on the Ohio Turnpike, the Ohio Highway Patrol said.
Norman Pontious, 52, was flown to the University of Toledo Medical Center, formerly the Medical College of Ohio Hospital, following the crash that occurred about 5 a.m., troopers at the highway patrol's Swanton post said.
A hospital spokesman had no information on a patient by his name.
Mr. Pontious was westbound on the turnpike when his vehicle went off the south side of the road into the median and struck a pillar to the Fulton County Road 22 overpass, troopers said.
He was extricated from the vehicle and flown to the hospital. The eastbound lanes of the turnpike were closed for more than an hour as authorities handled the incident.
Mr. Pontious's rig was hauling paper products from Pennsylvania to Illinois, troopers said.


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Alex Hitz to Conduct Cooking Demo in Dallas
Posted on November 6, 2013 by
Alex Hitz
DALLAS -Alex Hitz, celebrity chef, cookbook author and founder of the luxury gourmet food product line The Beverly Hills Kitchen, will present a cooking demonstration on Friday, Jan. 17 at 2 p.m. at The Culinary Stage, World Trade Center first floor during the Dallas Total Housewares & Gourmet Market, Jan. 15-21, 2014.
Hitz's cookbook, "My Beverly Hills Kitchen: Classic Southern Cooking with a French Twist" has been critically well received and he has appeared on numerous television programs, sharing a down-to-earth philosophy on food and entertaining.
Following college, Hitz enrolled in Peter Kump's Cooking School in New York, and Le Cordon Bleu, Paris. In 2009 he founded The Beverly Hills Kitchen, selling one product on QVC - Beef Bourguignon. He then moved to HSN and built a successful food brand, according to World Market Center, which owns and organizes the Dallas Total Housewares & Gourmet Market. Hitz is now expanding his line to include cookware, small appliances and tabletop.
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Play Me A Story invites young audiences to assist in telling a favorite story through strong visuals, home-made props, sets, costumes, art activities, and original music. Teacher and actress Maya Blank, and multi-instrumentalist Uri Sharlin, create the magical world of the story & engage the imaginations of each child. The stories can be performed for almost any event.
1 review
An environmental music program for your babies and tots run by Ofrit Peres.
Ofrit is the founder and creator of Rug Bug. She is a performing artist and musician with an extensive performance background that includes numerous television shows and stage shows in Israel and NY.
Through our programs, workshops,events and products we give families with young children an opportunity to experience music, movement, art and play. We promote a healthy and eco-friendly childhood and create new and exciting play opportunities by recycling and reusing materials to make Green toys and instruments.
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EzraGuitar is a fresh and innovative method developed by Classical guitarist, Maoz Ezra in 2005. This method will teach students the basic elements of music making, from reading music to performance.
1 review
Tel: 718 434 2103
Cell: 646 660 4249/ 6
A Dynamic and nurturing Jewish daycare program, Oranim offers an array of eclectic activities to promote learning, socialization and traditional Jewish values. They include: Ongoing Holiday celebrations throughout the year, music & movement, Friday Kabbalat shabbat, Integration of Hebrew Throughout the classroom, spacious on-site play area, and much more.
Serving children between the ages of 18-months and 4 years, Oranim offers affordable, flexible Schedules year-round.
2 reviews
Educational Director: Dalia Abrahamian
Location: 28 East 4th Street Brooklyn 11218
Sivan Vigder offers Brooklyn classes in
Prospect Heights/North Slope
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Yellow Sneaker is a company based in Brooklyn, New York. We entertain and educate kids of all ages through puppets, storytelling, movement and music. We do sing-alongs, creative birthday parties, and original musical puppet shows. We create innovative and engaging experiences for kids, but we know that there are grown-ups in the audience and we want to keep you entertained too. Since we are committed to including you in the show, what we do is playful and full of surprises!
1 review
I felt compelled to share the music and the knowledge I had gained with other parents. Now, when parents tell me they are singing more with their baby and smiling more at each other as a result of my workshops and CD, I know that indeed all of my paths thus far have converged perfectly.
2 reviews
Mika is a story-teller who loves entertaining kids of all ages. She currently hosts a Hebrew story time, She'at Sipur, at the Leonard library in Williamsburg, every Monday at 4:30. She also does face painting and balloon animals at birthday parties.
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0 reviews
159 N 4th St Brooklyn, NY 11211
(718) 599-5900
Keshetot is an innovative music, story, art and movement program for infants and toddlers – the first of its kind in the New York area. It is a place to learn and explore Israeli songs, stories and culture, celebrate holidays and share our love to Israel.
1 review
33 Nassau Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11222
(Corner of Dobbin St.)
Amazing inflatables in an unbelievably cool bounce stadium in Brooklyn, NY. Private, clean and climate controlled.
0 reviews
Jewish Children's Museum
A place of learning and wonder, the Jewish Children's Museum is a unique institution where children and their parents – from all segments of the community – can explore jewish history and heritage in a stimulating and interactive environment.
0 reviews
792 Eastern Parkway
Brooklyn, NY 11213


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Inexperienced drivers are often horrified to discover how expensive it can be to insure even the smallest, cheapest motor. However insurance is a legal requirement - its designed to protect you, your motorcar and anyone else involved in an accident.
"Ive been with Tesco for over 3 years now. At first i wasent sure about going with them as i had only known them as a supermarket. However, i have found them to be competitive and realiable for my cover. I get tesco clubcard points being a holder which is a good benefit of the policy. I am happy with level of cover i have for the price. Thus far i would be happy to reccomend to my friends and family." Read More About Tesco
The good news is that generally, the older you get the cheaper your car insurance will become - especially if you remain claim free. As a first driver you're in a high-risk category right now - statistically, one in five people have an accident within six months of passing their test.
For the best quote, the pass plus scheme could help you obtain a discount. Then shop around over the internet and phone. The best policy isn't always the cheapest. Compare the small print carefully- if you want piece of mind of having legal protection, courtesy vehicles and breakdown cover, make sure they are included.
The van insurance industry is now a tough market place with many insurers offering competitive packages. The ideal way to get the best deal possible is to shop around online and get as many quotes as possible.
All the usual factors will contribute to how cheap or expensive your cover will be. Having a no claims bonus will save you money and get you some attractive discounts.
Finding the best motorbike insurance is not always an easy task. Having in-adequate cover can leave you with expensive bills and out of pocket. You may need classic bike insurance or cover for multiple riders or even an off road policy. The good news is that bike insurance is now more competitive than ever giving the customer better quotes.
With the increase in popularity of the motorcycle, insurance providers have adapted to offer customers a package that is more suited to their needs. If you are a 50cc moped driver or a superbike rider there will be a deal that is tailored to meet your needs. Finding the right deal is just a click away from comparing the best deals online.
To get the best value insurance it is important to do a thorough comparison online. Shopping around is likely to get you a multitude of competitive quotes. You can then take the best deal you are offered here and enquire with the providers who do not feature on comparison sites to see if they can beat the quote.
Getting value is all about getting the best deal that is tailored to what you need. There is no point in getting a great price on something that covers you for a lot more than you actually need. At the same time there is not much benefit in getting the very cheapest package if it is not likely to cover you for situations that you are likely to need.
When it comes to cheap deals Tesco is one of the biggest emerging providers, you could save up to £252. One of the benefits is the ability to collect clubcard points. Please note we do not collect any personal details, and you cannot apply for quotes online via this site. We are not the official Tesco Finance website. For quotes and more details please visit the official website.
If you have had previous road accidents, your quotes can increase depending on service history. Some discounts may be available as well as premium offers. Payouts can depend on liability. For cheap quotes compare websites online and enter your bonus code for any reduced claims. "The amount your auto company will pay is based on an estimate of your car's, trucks, or automobiles value at the time of the incident, not what you paid for it originally.
For more information and a better understanding and more info on how it works we recommend checking out the Insurance Information Institute website as it is packed with useful information and good articles.
Finding the specific type of cover you need can become a bit of a balancing act with trying to keep costs down but making sure you are covered in all the areas you need. Read more on How To Find Cheap Car Insurance With Outstanding Coverage
A recent ruling means that from December 21st 2012 females will no longer be given cheaper car premiums than males based on their gender. Read more to discover The Truth About Policies For Women Drivers After 2011 – European Court Of Justice Ruling
If you have ever applied online for a quote you will have noticed the significantly higher costs for vehicles with a larger engine size. Why is this? If two cars are driving at 30mph and have an accident wont they cause the same amount of damage? So why is the cover more expensive for the larger engine car? Read on to find out Why Does Engine Size Effect Car Insurance Costs?


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Today around the globe too many atrocities are being committed with impunity in the name of god, allah and other constructs, which have over the ages, been identified or associated with the so called supreme being. The dream of a secular peaceful world where people of all faiths and none can coexist in harmony - continues to elude many across the region. Millions of people- theists and atheists- continue to suffer and are abused due to superstition, religious fundamentalism and supernaturalism. In this piece I will focus on two of such areas.
The rights of non-believers. I have heard it proclaimed at the UN that the rights of women are human rights. I have also heard it proclaimed that the rights of gay people are human rights. These proclamations changed the way human rights are perceived around the globe. Personally I have yet to hear it proclaimed at UN, or at our regional and national human rights bodies that the rights of atheists, agnostics and freethinkers are human rights. I do not want these rights to be implied or assumed as currently the case in most countries. I want them to be expressly declared as universal human rights.
In spite of the progress the world has made in terms of upholding human rights and liberties, and getting states to honour their obligations under various instruments and mechanisms, equal rights have yet to be extended to religious non-believers in most parts of the world particularly in Africa.
I still do not know any African country where one can openly and truly say that the government recognizes the full human rights of non-believers including their right to life, freedom of expression, freedom from torture, inhumane or degrading treatment, freedom of association, freedom of conscience etc. There is no country in the region with an effective mechanism to protect the rights of those who profess no religion; those who change their religion or those who are critical of religious and theistic ideas. Religious non-believers are treated as if they are not human beings, as if they do not exist or do not have the right to exist.
There are no guarantees for the rights and dignity of infidels, apostates and blasphemers as freethinkers are often called. Many governments have caved in to pressures from religious fanatics, from theocrats, jihadists and terrorists. So nonbelievers are denied their basic rights with impunity, sometimes as a matter of state policy or for the sake of 'public order, peace or 'morality'. The situation is worse in countries that have an official religion or official religions. Unbelievers are targets of forced conversion, oppression, discrimination, persecution and murder, sometimes by states. Many governments pay lip service to freedom of religion or belief. Freedom of religion is often understood as freedom to profess a religion-the religion sanctioned by the state, by one's family or community- not freedom to change one's religion or freedom not to profess any religion at all as contained in article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
So most people who do not profess any religion or belief in god are compelled to live or remain in the closets or to pretend to be religious, paying lip service to religions they do not truly profess, to religious dogmas that mean nothing to them or to a god they do not actually believe in. Non-believers live in constant fear of their lives because going open with one's religious unbelief often comes at a price, at a very heavy price. In Africa, by going open and public as a freethinker, one risks being ostracized by families and communities, being persecuted by state and non-state agents, being expelled from schools. As an atheist, one can be sacked from jobs, domestically abused, disqualified from posts, demonized by faith groups, taunted as a person without morality or portrayed as the enemy of the state or society. Atheism is a freethinking position that still dares not mention its name in most parts of the continent.
In many African states, apostasy and blasphemy are crimes punishable by death and imprisonment. Expressions of freethinkers are often taken to be blasphemies. Hence freethinkers are legally denied freedom of expression. Freethinkers are treated as criminals, not citizens; as undeserving of human rights protection.
But we all know that the term, non-believer, does not always refer to someone who does not profess a religion or who does not believe in god. In multi religious societies, the term 'non-believers' often refers to those who profess other religions, or to religious minorities.
So, protecting the rights of non-believers is critical to upholding the equal rights of all individuals to freedom of conscience. I urge anyone to show me a country where the rights of non-believers are not protected and I will show you another country where the right to freedom of religion or belief, or the rights of religious minorities, in fact, universal human rights are not respected.
So now we need to get the world to break the 'criminal' silence over the violations of human rights of non-believers. At the UN, Commonwealth, AU etc, we must strive to get states to recognize and to take measures to protect the rights of atheists, freethinkers, skeptics, religious dissenters and infidels. We must ensure that states that violate the human rights of non-believers or governments that fail to protect the rights of non-believers are held accountable and responsible.
Also we need to focus on human rights abuses that are perpetrated against people of faith in the name of religion by state and non state agents.
As I noted above, it is not only non theists or non religious believers whose rights are violated in the name of religion, so many theists and religious believers across the world suffer abuses in the name of their own faith or the faith of others. Unfortunately, these abuses are so many and have been going on for so long. Due to fear of offending religious sensibilities, many states and human rights institutions have failed to rise up to the challenge of addressing these abuses. Many people are afraid of shining the light on faith related human rights violations because of fear of being attacked or killed by fanatics.
Highlighting the abuses is often deemed to be offensive or a form of provocation and our governments do not want to offend or be seen to be offending the religious 'sensibilities' of fanatics even when if it means condoning grave human rights abuses, hence these violations persist.
What we have in many parts of Africa and the world is a situation where the victims, not the perpetrators, are blamed for the abuses or a situation where harmful traditional practices are encouraged or condoned because doing otherwise would offend the religious or cultural sentiments of the people. Religious doctrines, traditions and sensibilities are cited to justify child marriage, the death penalty, corporal punishment, female genital mutilation, the denial of reproductive rights, homophobia, witch hunt, the subordination of women, etc. Even where there are enabling laws, governments lack the political will to enforce these laws.
We must not only stand up for the rights of atheists and freethinkers around the globe but also the human rights of people of all faiths who are oppressed in the name of religion or god. For there are many, far too many, around the world who are victims of religious tyranny, violence and exploitation. They could be writers or artists whose works offend fanatics. They could be women, children and elderly persons who are persecuted in the name of witchcraft in Africa. They could be muslim women who are subordinated in the name of sharia. They could be christians and muslims who are shot and killed by extremist groups in Nigeria.
They could also be albinos, people with hunch back and other disabled persons being hunted down and killed for ritual purposes in many parts of Africa.
In conclusion, I know there are risks involved in speaking out against faith based human rights abuses. But I think we run a greater risk as a society, country and continent by not doing so. We are worse off by keeping silence in the face of religious tyranny and oppression. So, let's muster courage and serve as the voice of hope, freedom and change. Let's strive to herald this new dawn for Africa and for humanity. Let's work to realize a new civilization and enlightenment with a global dimension.
you probably know the following:
the overwhelming majority of whites only care about whites, their own families, plus friends. Africa means very little to them.
It isn't hate as it was in the past—today it's indifference, as Moynihan may have termed it, "benign neglect". There is some ecumenicism, however the Darwinist aspect rules; whites are primarily concerned with their pedigrees in pursuit of their legacies.
This has to be discussed or we are shall we say spinning a prayer wheel and nothing more.
I don't think it even has to do with race, but merely the fact that those in the developed world simply don't care about developments in Africa (and other places they deem marginal or insignificant) because they don't feel they will affect them personally. For instance, many Americans very much care about what happens in China.
To keep it brief,
let's take Obama as an example: his enemies treat him worse than they did Clinton (and that is saying something); you don't think it might have something to do with Obama being an 'exotic'? nothing at all? but again, it isn't hate, as it was in the days of the Klan and 'cuffies'; it's indifference, "benign" neglect.
Obama's race is an easily-exploitable factor in motivating the mouth-breathers that are the GOP's target demographic. The fact that they exploit it is not surprising.
That's not very good, is it?,
that otherwise decent (whatever their flaws, the GOP aren't skinhead-types) would stoop so low in the 'greatest country in the world'. Leads me to believe although caucasians might not dislike blacks in Africa and elsewhere, blacks are not exactly cherished.
Your proposal really strikes a chord. Your views express much of the reason why I became assertive about atheism. Without reading your piece, I might never have been able to articulate that fact. We really do need to speak out everywhere on the human rights of atheists
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"La cerise sur le gâteau."
That's how my husband's grandmother referred to me, a newcomer to her family, during her speech at her 90th birthday party. I was flattered, even though it made me the butt of an uncle's jokes for the rest of the evening.
I am not sure where this blog will go. Probably a food-related blog. Possibly a photography blog. Both from a beginner's perspective. I've been reading a lot of food blogs, and we just bought a digital SLR (reflex) camera. I'd love to improve both my cooking (baking) and my photography skills.
I'll start with these first attempts at photographing my baking. These were taken with our point and shoot Canon Ixus something-or-other. My goal in future photographs will be taking non-blurry close-ups without flash...


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Along with standard services, Hotel Clement **** provides additional special services to its guests.
Booking Conditions
Booking terms and conditions may vary depending on the type of the room and on whether you have made a direct reservation or have done so through a booking agent. Reservations can be guaranteed by credit card number or without guarantee. Another case, the hotel keeps the reservation until 18:00.
Check-in: from 14:00
Check-out: until 12:00
Early check-in and late check-out is possible on request and/or for an extra fee.
At check-in guests are kindly requested to fill out the registration form at the front desk and leave a deposit of 50 EUR per room for the whole stay. Deposit can be provided in cash or by credit card.
The hotel accepts the following credit cards:
American Express, Visa, Euro / MasterCard, Diners Club
The hotel reserves the right to pre-authorize credit cards prior to arrival.
Cancellation policy
Reservations are held until 18:00 unless the hotel has been notified of late arrival and has received a deposit or a credit card number. Free cancellation is possible until 18:00 (hotel's local time) two days before arrival. Reservation must be guaranteed by credit card number.
In case of a later cancellation or a "no show" 100% of the total booking cost for the first night of stay will be charged to the credit card. Indicated rates in EUR will be recalculated in accordance with the actual exchange rate on the day of arrival.
Children and Extra Beds
All children under 7 years sharing a room with parents stay free of charge. For children from 7 till 12 a fee of 15 EUR is charged. For children from 4 to 12 a breakfast fee of 7 EUR should be paid.
Maximum number of baby cots in a room is 1.
Baby cots are available on request and need to be confirmed by the hotel.
Extra beds for adults (from 13 years of age) in a room can be booked in advance for a fee of 30 EUR including breakfast. An extra bed must be confirmed by the hotel.
We allow our guests to bring their pets with them for an additional charge. Approximate cost for a pet is from 15 EUR.
Pets are not allowed to the hotel restaurant. The hotel reserves the right to decline confirmation of a pet's stay.


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Frequently Asked Questions on the Passage of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (FSPTCA) Updated October, 2010
What are the health effects of smoking?
According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking causes chronic and often fatal diseases, such as lung cancer and other forms of cancer; heart disease; and respiratory diseases, including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and pneumonia. Each year in the United States, over 440,000 people die as a result of cigarette smoking. This represents one in every five deaths in adults.
What are the health benefits of quitting smoking/tobacco use?
According to the CDC, quitting smoking and quitting tobacco has immediate and substantial health benefits. These can include a decreased risk of many cancers including cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, larynx, and lungs and reducing the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.
IMPLEMENTATION and REGULATION:
How is FDA implementing the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act?
By regulating tobacco products in the United States, the Food and Drug Administration has taken several important steps in a larger public health effort aimed toward preventing our children from becoming the next generation of Americans to die prematurely from tobacco use and ultimately reducing death and disease associated with tobacco use.
The past sixteen months,has seen the initiation of the scientific and regulatory foundation for the regulation of tobacco products. FDA will continue to work deliberately toward our goals for a healthier America.
Where will the funding for the Center for Tobacco Products come from?
As set forth in the Tobacco Control Act, funding for the Center and other activities related to the regulation of tobacco will come from user fees paid by manufacturers and importers of tobacco products.
Does FDA now have the authority to regulate tobacco products?
Yes. On June 22, 2009, President Barack Obama signed into law the Tobacco Control Act.
What specifically has FDA been charged with under this new legislation?
This historic legislation grants authority the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to regulate tobacco products. Among other things, the FSPTCA provides FDA with regulatory authority to regulate marketing and promotion of tobacco products and to set performance standards for tobacco products to protect the public health.
What is the main goal in regulating tobacco products?
The main goal is to use the best available science to guide the development and implementation of effective public health strategies to reduce the burden of illness and death caused by tobacco products.
What products are considered to be tobacco products as defined by the Tobacco Control Act?
The term "tobacco product" means any product made or derived from tobacco that is intended for human consumption, including any component, part, or accessory of a tobacco product. This includes, among other products, cigarettes, cigarette tobacco, roll-your-own tobacco, and smokeless tobacco.
What products are not considered to be tobacco products as defined by the Tobacco Control Act?
The term "tobacco product" does not apply to raw materials other than tobacco used in manufacturing a component, part, or accessory of a tobacco product. Nor does it mean something that is defined as a drug, device, or combination product under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
Does FDA have the authority to ban cigarettes?
No. The Tobacco Control Act specifically states that FDA cannot ban all cigarettes, smokeless tobacco products, cigars, pipe tobacco or roll-your-own tobacco products.
Will FDA take action to reduce nicotine levels in products?
FDA has not yet evaluated this issue. The Tobacco Control Act allows FDA to establish tobacco product standards that can include provisions for nicotine yields if such provisions are appropriate for the protection of the public health. However, The Tobacco Control Act specifically states that FDA is prohibited from requiring the reduction of the nicotine yields of a tobacco product to zero.
Are Cigars impacted by the passage of the Act?
Cigars are considered tobacco products under the Tobacco Control Act. However, the Act does not automatically apply to cigars. FDA must issue a regulation deeming cigars to be subject to the law.
Does the legislation impact tobacco products for pipe smoking?
Pipe tobacco is considered a tobacco product under the Tobacco Control Act. However, the Act does not automatically apply to pipe tobacco. FDA must issue a regulation deeming pipe tobacco to be subject to the law.
Will the current tobacco products on the market be removed?
Tobacco products that were commercially marketed in the United States as of February 15, 2007 may continue to be marketed, but must comply with all provisions of the Tobacco Control Act.
Will new tobacco products now be subject to FDA approval?
The Agency will need to conduct a premarket review of applications for tobacco products not commercially marketed in the United States as of February 15, 2007, unless those products are exempt for certain reasons outlined in the FSPTCA. For those products requiring premarket review, FDA will review, among other things, information submitted regarding the health risks of the tobacco product, ingredients, methods used for manufacture, and labeling.
How do these products differ from those approved by other FDA Centers, such as those approved under the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER)?
The products which go through the CDER review process are ones which meet the definition for drugs under the Federal Food, Drugs and Cosmetic Act and are not defined as a tobacco product. In addition, CDER primarily approves nicotine replacement products to reduce withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting smoking.
Will FDA raise the minimum age to purchase tobacco products?
As required by the Tobacco Control Act, an expert panel will be convened to conduct a study on the public health implications of raising the minimum age to purchase tobacco products. The results of this study are to be submitted to Congress.
What will FDA do to curb tobacco use among children and adolescents?
FDA will employ many effective public health strategies to reduce the burden of illness and death caused by tobacco products. One of the first items aimed at reducing tobacco use among children and adolescents was to reissue the 1996 regulation aimed at reducing young people's access to tobacco products and curbing the appeal of tobacco to the young. A number of measures took effect, including:
- Tobacco manufacturers may no longer sponsor athletic, and entertainment events using tobacco product brand names and logos;
- Tobacco manufacturers may no longer sell or give away clothing or other items which bear the brand name or logo of a tobacco product; and
- Tobacco manufacturers will no longer be able to distribute free samples of cigarettes, and free samples of smokeless tobacco will be allowed only in adult-only facilities.
Will FDA issue regulations on graphics for labels on tobacco products?
Yes, FDA will issue regulations requiring health warnings (graphics) on labels depicting the negative health consequences of smoking. Once established, FDA will communicate with industry and the public about implementation.
When will FDA make public the information it collects about ingredients in tobacco products?
Each tobacco product manufacturer or importer is required to submit a listing of all ingredients to FDA within 6 months of the signing of the Tobacco Control Act, and a list of all constituents identified by FDA as harmful or potentially harmful to health within 3 years of the signing of the Tobacco Control Act. Within 4 years of the signing of the Tobacco Control Act, FDA will publish a list of harmful and potentially harmful constituents in each tobacco product by brand and by quantity.


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Ravella Cocktail Ottomans
Current Selections
With a sleek frame and tufted cushion, Ravella works as a bench, ottoman or cocktail table and offers a luxurious spot to put up your feet, serve drinks, or have a seat.See the full Ravella collection
We partner with artisans and workshops across the country
Details of Ravella 40w 40d 16h Square Tufted Bench/Cocktail Table
- Dimensions: 40"w 40"d 16"h
- Leg Thickness: 1.5"w
- Construction: hand-welded frame
- Seat Cushion: foam and fiber
- Cushion Style: tight bench seat
- Product Origin: made in Texas
- Item Number: 584885
- See all photos
- Fabric: Flint charcoal See full fabric details
- Fabric Content: 100% polyester
- Fabric Description: Exclusive to Room & Board, Flint looks like heathered wool but offers high performance. Woven from polyester, this durable fabric resists stains and fading. Soft and comfortable, Flint adds a classic elegance to any room in your home.
- Base: stainless steel See full material details
- Material Description: Our stainless steel is domestically sourced from 60% recycled material. It is highly resistant to corrosion and has a brushed texture to ensure wear marks will blend in over time.
Product Care
Helpful Links
Customer Reviews
Summary of all reviewsby PowerReviews
- Great design (3)
- Quality construction (3)
Best Uses
- Reviewer Profile:
- Modern/contemporary (3)
Reviewed by 3 customers
- Durable finish
- Good height
- Great design
- Quality construction
Best Uses
- Accent
Customer comments about Ravella 56w 24d 16h Tufted Bench/Cocktail Table:
I have been looking at this bench for years, as a perfect piece for my bedroom dormer (56x24), but they only made it with the stainless steel base. We have the Mackintosh bed in natural steel (black), which we love, and wanted this bench in natural steel to match it. They finally released it in black this January, and I purchased it with charcoal upholstery. I love it even more than I thought I would. It very sturdy, and is the perfect height for sitting to put on shoes, etc. I could also use it in the living room as a coffee table or as extra seating under a window. It was well worth the wait.
Service and delivery comments:
- I live in a:
- House
- This product is used in my:
- Primary bedroom
- Good height
- Great design
- Quality construction
Best Uses
- Extra seating
- Reading Nook
Customer comments about Ravella 40w 40d 16h Square Tufted Bench/Cocktail:
I was super lucky to snap this bench up from the Clearance area online, in a fantastic custom fabric. Even on sale it was quite expensive (because of the custom fabric), but worth every penny. I placed it in our library, in front of a Slim Bookcase (42") that I also purchased at R&B. My kids absolutely love to grab books off the shelves and sit on this ottoman and read. The piece is extremely sturdy. The fabric is tightly upholstered and expertly sewn. I couldn't be happier with this purchase.
- I live in a:
- House
- This product is used in my:
- Library
- Durable finish
- Great design
- Quality construction
Best Uses
- Accent
Customer comments about Ravella 40sq 16h Tufted Bench/Cocktail:
The product is amazing. It added just the right touch; however it is quite a "show piece" in the living room. It provides the multi-functional purposes of a coffee table and added seating in a room with limited space...yet allows the room to still feel open.
Service and delivery comments:
Service and delivery were executed flawlessly!
- I live in a:
- House
- This product is used in my:
- Living room/family room/great room
More items in the Ravella Collection
Exceptional Service,
Start to Finish
We treat you the way we would like to be treated, from shopping and ordering to delivery and long-term service.
American-Made Quality
More than 90% of our products are American made. Working with family-owned companies around the U.S. allows us to bring you the best quality and fastest delivery with the least environmental impact. It also means you get furniture with a story you'd be proud to share.
Inspired Design Guidance
Our Design Associates put their product expertise and passion for home design into helping you create a functional and inspiring space. Their design help is always available to you for free.
Fair Prices
We set our prices on December 26 and guarantee them for a full year so you can take the time you need to find the pieces that work for you. No discount codes, no flash sales. We give you our best price every day.
Unlimited Items for
One Flat Rate
Receive unlimited items for $89 within 100 miles of our stores or $129 anywhere else in the contiguous United States. Small accessories ship for free via UPS.
Full-Service Delivery
Our respectful Delivery Associates take care of every detail. Furniture arrives fully assembled and is placed exactly where you want it with no packaging left behind.
Free Returns and Exchanges
We offer free return or exchange delivery service on any item you buy from us. We understand that it can take a few days to a few weeks to determine if your new furniture will work for you. We encourage you to return or exchange items in a timely manner because damage or wear will result in an adjustment to your final refund.
Our Guarantee
We stand behind the quality of our products and the prices we charge. If you're not satisfied with your purchase or any part of your experience, just let us know. We're here to help.
Get unlimited items delivered by our dedicated Delivery Associates for one flat rate per trip—$89 for local customers within 100 miles of a Room & Board store and $129 for customers who live beyond our local delivery areas within the 48 contiguous states. Unlimited accessories ship for free via UPS (excluding accessories that require in-home delivery).


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Woodhaven has state of the art Adult Day Services.
Woodhaven's Adult Day Service is the only program of its kind in all of Michigan. Since 1991, we've been open every single day to serve the needs of our client families, and to provide outstanding elderly care in Livonia and the Detroit area. The local Area Agency on Aging has recognized Woodhaven as a significant resource for older adults in Western Wayne County, and has directed Older Americans Act funding to our program.
Living together in a safe, comfortable day care community
Many times over the years, adult day participants who have started out reluctant to live in a retirement community have become so comfortable and adjusted to the day care program, they eventually choose to become permanent residents in our Independent or Assisted Living facilities. It is a wonderful thing to see people make a smooth transition from living alone and isolated to becoming part of a larger community and living together among their peers.
Woodhaven's adult day participants are provided three hot meals, a variety of activities and outings, care oversight and the opportunity for many social interactions and stimulation. We safely host seniors who have a tendency to walk away in a sprawling, yet totally secured, area with access to the wooded outdoors.
Please call Woodhaven's Director of Adult Day Services, Debbie Kucharski at (734) 261-9000 or email her at firstname.lastname@example.com to set up visit for you and your loved one. Woodhaven cordially invites all interested family members and their older loved ones to be our guests for a complimentary hot lunch, the day of the tour.
No one should have to worry about leaving an older loved one at home alone. May we be part of the solution?
Learn more about features and prices of Woodhaven Adult Day Services.


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Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr.
Wednesday, June 18, 2003
CONTACT: Doris Sanchez
Phone: (512) 463-0127
Statement on Sen. Lucio admitted to hospital in Fort Worth
AUSTIN, TX -- Today Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr. was admitted to Harris Methodist Hospital in Forth Worth at 10:35 a.m. with chest pains, soon after giving a speech to the Texas School Food Service Association. Preliminary diagnosis is arterial blockage. The hospital has listed his condition as serious but stable. Sen. Lucio is alert and with family.
Sen. Lucio, his family, friends and staff wish to thank those who have called with concerns for his health and to offer their prayers. The family has requested that no flowers be sent, but that people keep him in their thoughts.


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1. Preheat oven upto 350 degrees F.
2. In a bowl, combine together pureed tomato, salt, sugar, pepper, oregano and olive oil and mix well.
3. In yet another bowl, take two glasses of water, add yeast powder, salt and olive oil to it and mix well.
4. Gradually sieve in the flour, mixing it continually, until you have a soft dough.
5. Grease a baking tray, and using your fingers, evenly spread the dough across the bottom of the dish.
6. Pour the tomato sauce on top of it and spread evenly.
7. Top it with grated mozzarella and green bell pepper
8. Bake it in the oven for 25 minutes until nicely browned and baked.
9. Cut into slices and serve hot.


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CD Project Suggestion
Posted 30 January 2006 - 01:10 PM
The last CD done by another site I frequent was done through cafepress.com
This allows you to upload the music, and artwork etc. then they produce, sell and ship the CD's for you. There is no minimum qty rules so no one will get stuck with unsold CD's.
The CD's themselves are excellent, "pro-quality".
the downside I guess is that it's a touch more expensive but given the audience it should not be a problem.
This is the CD I was on and it's done very nicely.
You can also do t-shirts, hats and other stuff.
Probably not a new idea but I hadn't seen it mentioned.
Email the Home Made Hit Show
My Soundclick
Posted 30 January 2006 - 01:26 PM
tonyoci, on Jan 30 2006, 06:10 PM, said:
Posted 30 January 2006 - 04:02 PM
Nige: You send them a master cd and they duplicate it.
Posted 31 January 2006 - 03:33 PM
I have no personally done this but I believe that my friend uploaded individual WAV files (though they will take MP3's). It looks like you can also send them a finished CD as well.
Given the vanity nature of these projects I think the one I was on really did not feature any mastering, each track was just uploaded individually.
Email the Home Made Hit Show
My Soundclick
Posted 31 January 2006 - 03:49 PM
Posted 31 January 2006 - 05:36 PM
As a community effort, MANY folks pitched in at various stages on the last CD Project and helped in their areas of expertise. (I'll get an exact count if any one is interested.)
If this next one is going to be simply a vanity project/contest - then what all will WE gain as songwriters from the CD making process, other than writing a song and learning how to upload to a site? Is it still important to broaden the scope of the songwriting focus to include other factors addressed in REAL WORLD CD producing? Does it matter?
Looking at Jodi's responses and at the site as a whole, MM is here for learning about songwriting and all it's various inner and outer workings . . . so I'm not exactly sure the Caf? Press idea will fit the bill/vision for Jodi's site.
But it is an option . . . and one worth exploring further.
Tony, if you haven't heard or seen the last Muse Community Project CD, I'd be happy to send you one so you can do a little comparison/contrast for us.
Posted 31 January 2006 - 11:36 PM
Nouveau retro pop rock
Stone Marmot on Soundclick
Stone Marmot on MySpace
Our first animated music video!
Posted 01 February 2006 - 10:38 AM
Posted 01 February 2006 - 12:04 PM
Sammy, on Feb 1 2006, 04:36 AM, said:
That is absolutely wrong.
I sat in an engineering meeting where, at one point, we reviewed the material properties and process used to write/burn a CD. Basically, putting data on a CD involves changing the state of the material used to store the info from a random structure to/from an organized crystaline structure thereby affecting its reflective properties. Once put into a state the only way it can change state is to be heated to a critical temperature. This heating is normally done via a focused laser and the temperature would not be reached by sitting on a shelf or even on the dashboard of a car on a sunny July day in Phoenix, AZ. The plasic substrate will degrade before the storage material changes state and plastic has a very long lifespan, ask any environmentalist.
If anything limits the life of a CD it is improper care. Fingerprints and scratches on the surface will ruin a CD before the bits are lost to any natural process.
Refugee's Music
Posted 01 February 2006 - 12:50 PM
Sammy, on Jan 31 2006, 08:36 PM, said:
I agree with cool_E that's an urban legend that's going around at the moment. No proof at all, it was discussed on a tech podcast I listen to just last week.
I would have to think they are burned because the sell to order so they would not press in advance.
Bubblingsoul, this post was in no way intended to co-op the process. I heard second hand stories about the problems first time around and had not heard any mention of Cafepress so I brought it up as a thought. I also recently heard that hosting a CD with CD-baby results in the tracks being invidually available on iTunes which could be good. I definitely understand your comments on the whole CD generation process (though I don't think that's directly tied to songwriting ) but either way this is definitely a vanity project.
Email the Home Made Hit Show
My Soundclick
Posted 01 February 2006 - 01:18 PM
If you sell a cd for $11.99 that still leaves you a profit of $3 or about 2c each for every songwriter and artist on the cd. Still better than paying out IMO.
Of course, I haven't actually seen a Caf? Press cd up close so I'll reserve my judgement until I do.
But good info to know. Thanks Tony.
Posted 02 February 2006 - 09:08 AM
I have found that truth is often irrelevent. Products have failed, companies have gone bankrupt, and governments have toppled because of rumors and perceptions that are totally wrong. I don't think it is wise to try to market something in a format people are going to avoid, whether their reasons are right or wrong.
Nouveau retro pop rock
Stone Marmot on Soundclick
Stone Marmot on MySpace
Our first animated music video!
Posted 02 February 2006 - 12:27 PM
I don't think it is wise to try to market something in a format people are going to avoid, whether their reasons are right or wrong.
People are avoiding cdr's?...
What do you do as an alternative for archiving data?
Lyrics & Music Writer of the Year 2004/2005
Most Likely To Succeed 2005/2007
Song of the Year 2005/2008/2009
Posted 02 February 2006 - 12:48 PM
RLD, on Feb 2 2006, 12:27 PM, said:
I don't think it is wise to try to market something in a format people are going to avoid, whether their reasons are right or wrong.
People are avoiding cdr's?...
What do you do as an alternative for archiving data?
I'll tell you the problem with the scientific power that you're using here: it didn't require any discipline to attain it. You read what others had done and you took the next step. You didn't earn the knowledge for yourselves, so you don't take any responsibility for it. You stood on the shoulders of geniuses to accomplish something as fast as you could and before you even knew what you had you patented it and packaged it and slapped it on a plastic lunchbox, and now you're selling it, you want to sell it!
Always up for a collaboration with lyricists!
Posted 03 February 2006 - 12:00 AM
From the very beginning, to the very end, there is forever, which is now, just a thought.
Sometimes God seems nonexistent, can something seemingly nonexistent be only an illusion?
#16 Guest_Texas Guy_*
Posted 16 February 2006 - 03:53 PM
RLD, on Feb 2 2006, 11:27 AM, said:
I don't think it is wise to try to market something in a format people are going to avoid, whether their reasons are right or wrong.
People are avoiding cdr's?...
What do you do as an alternative for archiving data?
A friend of mine came by with a really cool little toy the other day that he bought for $60. I can't remember what he called it but the jist of it was that it's portable memory that you can fit into your shirt pocket, purse etc. and it has a little cap you pull off and then you can plug it into the USB port of any computer. I believe it had 20 gigs of memory but I can't recall. It was either 20 or 25 anyway. Cool stuff!
Personally, I have about 100 cd-r's that I've had since I recorded them in '98. Everyone of them doesn't have a scratch on them and plays just as well as the day I recorded them. I'm not sure where Sammy got his information on shelf life but I read something that said a cd has a shelf life of 20 years.
The key is the number of songs that are burned or the amount of data that is burned. I try to keep my songs at a max. 12 per cd and Data below 500. Generally, most scratching occurs the further you get from the middle of the cd. If you use all of the space on one, more than likely it will scratch rather quickly and be worthless. The other key is how they are stored. Using binders with sleeves will scratch them up but if you buy a cabinet and store it in the jewel case, you'll find that they last much longer. Or anyway, that's what has worked for me. Also, I usually burn my data on DVD-R because I can store more but they tend to scratch as badly as CD-R's. Again, it depends on how well you handle them and store them. Plus, burning backups is a smart thing to do as well.
I'm sure whatever form that they use on the muse cd will be high quality. It just depends on the user if it'll last whether it's burned or pressed. I know people who go thru store bought cd's within a matter of weeks.
Posted 16 February 2006 - 05:06 PM
Posted 22 February 2006 - 05:34 PM
Posted 23 February 2006 - 11:18 AM
Count on me to help market & promote your CD in every way, as I did the first one! I have links to it on the PRESS KIT PAGE of CookieCutterGirl.com. Don't forget to BOOKMARK THE MEGADEALS PAGE to access 100s of FREE LINKS to PROMOTE YOUR MUSIC!


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What is the pattern?
Are we saying that the ticket price can only be changed in increments of $5? If so you will have 2 different maximums.
Does a $5 decrease always add another 2000 consistantly?
A professional basketball team plays in a stadium that holds 23,000 spectators. With
ticket prices at $60, the average attendance had been 18,000. When ticket prices were
lowered to $55, the average attendance rose to 20,000. Based on this pattern, how should
ticket prices be set to maximize ticket revenue?