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NOTE: The Friends Bookstore is closed January 18-21 for inventory management. Normal hours resume next week.
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Does anyone else make reading goals at the beginning of the year? I find it so interesting how different readers approach reading. Everyone does it a little bit differently but the goals are often the same: reading for pleasure, reading to learn, reading to grow, reading to escape for a bit! It's always at the end of the year when I am reflecting on the year that has passed and preparing for the new year that I'm thinking about personal reading goals. More reading is always on my goal list.
Last year, I challenged myself to read 100 books and keep track of them on Goodreads. I love having a record of what I've read! In 2013, I'll try to read 100 books again, but I think I'll choose 12 personal growth books or lifelong learning that I've been wanting to read but don't make time for. They are going on a list and I'm plowing through them, one month at a time. Knowledge is power, friends!
Number 1 on that list: Help, Thanks, Wow: the three essential prayers by Anne Lamott. If you know me, you probably saw that coming! I'm also looking forward to Daring Greatly: how the courage to be vulnerable transforms the way we live, love, parent, and lead by Brene Brown. Have you seen her TED talk on vulnerability? So inspiring!
What books are you looking forward to making time for in 2013? If you need some best of lists, KPL's staff lists are great. Our staff has diverse tastes but share a love for reading, listening and viewing. I love that the lists are linked to our catalog so I can search for the location or place holds as I peruse the favorites! I also love this list by NPR, this list and this list by the New York Times, and this list of notable fiction by the Washington Post.
Happy new year to all! I wish you many hours of enjoyable reading for fun, reading for growth, and reading just because you can!
Posted by Andrea Vernola at 12/26/2012 11:47:04 AM
Books for: Kids, Teens & Tweens


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David Hall:
Like the 1947 BTWs, the 1948 Booker T Washingtons were not very good sellers at the time of issue. For each of the three Mints, 20,000 coins were struck, 12,000 were subsequently melted as unsold, leaving a quantity distributed to the public at 8,000 for each of the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints. Today, the three issues are fairly available in mint states grades up to MS66, but like the 1947s, and indeed all BTWs, they are rare in MS67 or better condition. The problem is marks on the relatively flatly designed face. Interestingly, the coins are rarely seen in circulated grades. The sets had a three coin face value of $1.50, and they were only sold by the set, and the price was $7.50. So the people who bought them, kept them! This is quite a bit different fron the 1946 issues, which were made in such a large number, about 1,200,000 distributed, that they were really only worth face value early on, so many were spent. The three 1948 BTWs are all about equal rarity.

subset: commoncrawl


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3 of the Least Stressful Jobs With Great Growth Potential
You've tried everything from meditation to massage to cope with stress at work, but that doesn't mean it goes away. With workplace stress dubbed the "...
Should We Still Be Sending Thank-You Notes After Interviews?
Image Credit: Izabel Brito/Getty Images Times have changed, in large part due to technological advancements, and our culture has changed right along w...
Here's Why You Should Sit in a Circle at Work
When you picture "sitting in a circle," adults in professional dress probably aren't the folks who spring to mind. You might instead...
Tell us about your current job and your skillset, and we'll let you know how much employers are paying in your area.


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America is pleased to introduce its first audio slide show. Catholic artist Alfonse Borysewicz, profiled in the February 11 issue, narrates a tour of his work.
Show Comments (3)
Comments (hide)
I welcome the mystery of Mr. Borysewicz's work--it is moving, and I don't know why.
Yoy've got to be kidding! The icon type madonnas are elegant with 4th century sweetness and reverence but the rest of the "paintings" are a mystery to me.
Thank you very much indeed - a wonderful start to this Sunday morning...I found Alphonse and his art very sympathetic...I loved the lamb!


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- 11-24-12, 04:34 PM Thread Author #1
Curve 9300 Problem .. PLEASE HELP !!!
So here's the problem ...... I bought a Blackbery Curve 9300 4 days ago, and what happens, is when I try to update it, it gave me at first, error 507 (Which means there's no OS in the device I suppose) ... when I tried to update it again, it gets stuck on ''Reconnecting to JVN'' or ''JVM'' can't remember ..... I've been trying to find a solution for hours and stil no luck .... i tried pulling the battery out and putting it back in, but doesnt work ..... a pop up message told me to go to control panel, check for USB Root hub and put a check mark on a certain option, but they were already checked ..... this situation is extremely frustrating because the guy from whom i bought the phone doesn't answer anymore, and I don't really want to take it to a store to repair it for like 60-80 $ or whatever ..... if possible, I'd like to get some help please !!!
ALSO, I've tried going into Safe mode, WHICH WORKED FOR 2 minutes, but then, got a white screen, and rebooted the phone and keeps on rebooting ..... I can't access Safe mode anymore :/ .....
Please, Help me guys .... I've searched many threads, but none of them seems to work and ive posted on many thread, and I haven't got a single reply ...
Thanks in advance !
Sounds like you've been taken. Make sure you only have 1 OS installed on your pc and keep trying, if it's a laptop make sure power saving isn't enabled on the usb ports.
- 11-24-12, 07:37 PM Thread Author #3
Windows? Either add and remove programs or programs and features. Just remember though that you said the person you bought it from won't talk to you which may mean they know there is an issue with the phone. You could try to wipe it with bbsak and see if that helps but not sure how would if you have a 507 reload now.
- 11-25-12, 01:06 PM Thread Author #5
- 11-25-12, 05:35 PM Thread Author #6
Ffs i used it, only updated bbm, and now i was in a middle of a conversation on my phone, and the phone shuts off and just does the same problem !!!!! It's extremely frustrating god !!!!!
Pleeeeeaaaaaaaaase help !!!!!!!!!! Bump bump bump !!!
- CrackBerry Abuser
- Posts
- 450 Posts
Does it shuts off because battery is empty - after phone restarts shows only few percentages of battery left?
We had a similar case with kiddos 9300 and turned out a faulty battery.
What I will do in such a situation
Wipe the phone, install fresh OS - to be sure there wasnt problem with prev install)
In case nothing changes, second will be to get a new battery.
If still issues with the phone, well, then a time to go to repair shop
- 11-25-12, 09:49 PM Thread Author #8
Phone was fully charged when it happenned earlier .... I even have a backup battery just in case , so I don't think it would be a faulty battery.
I'm going to try to reinstall the OS one more time and see what it'll do(Btw, ive been wiping the device with JL_Cmder and it just does the same problem, I don't know why, and I can't even use BBSak because it doesn't detect my blackberry)
Thank-you for replying !
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Specifically formulated solution helps keep goggles and eyeglasses clean and fog free.
Posted by Molly on 25th Sep 2014
this really keeps the fogging of my goggles to a minimum. Only after about 25 minutes of swimming laps do they fog a little. I spray once on the interior of the lens, on each side, gently wipe, and am all set
Posted by Unknown on 31st May 2013
I have other antifog and hoped this would be an improvement...not the case. Just another failed product.
Posted by Lesli on 18th Oct 2012
as promised - but I have nothing to compare it to - I have never used anti fog before
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0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
They were all good, Bob. Right now I'm sticking with brick, provolone, and Swiss as the proper constituents of the mix. My next experiments will involve adjusting the proportions of each.
Pete,Your pizza looks very tasty. Wish I could have tasted a slice.Norma
Thanks, Norma!!! Once I get this thing finally almost precisely figured out, you most definitely will!!! LOL
Real nice Pete...looks tasty!Please, what do you mean by "salted mix....." ?
Pete,Looking forward to the day I can taste a slice of the old Papa Dino's pizza. Thanks for thinking of me. Norma
I'm all stocked up on mozzarella, white Colby longhorn, and Swiss so let the next round of experiments begin... LOL I've used mozzarella and Colby together before but not with Swiss.
Pete,Good luck in trying mozzarella, Colby and Swiss together. If, and when I get to Papa Dino's again, I am going to try to find out what that big block of cheese was. I think it was cheddar. Maybe someone could even call and see if they would tell what kind of cheese that was. Norma
Thanks, Norma!!! Yeah, I want to go back and look at that cheese block picture again, myself. Next, I'll try more mozzarella and less Colby. A mix of 40% mozzarella, 40% Colby, and 20% Swiss did produce the correct translucent "slime" but maybe just a little too much of it... LOL
I had a translucent "slime" pizza in Lewisburg NC today while piking up an auto part. Friendly 'lil town. The crust was burnt worse than a Jack's cooked on high though...
Pete,Lol, about the correct translucent slime. Do you really know what cheese Papa Dinos used years ago? If Papa Dinos modeled their pizzas after the boardwalk pizzas it sure makes me wonder if they did use more than one cheese on their pizzas. I really dont know about that though, but the pizza I had at Papa Dinos did have about the right cheese taste to me. Norma
I first heard about the cheese mix from the guy who used to own Nancy Lou's Bar-B-Q in Palmyra sometime back in the nineties. I distinctly remember him mentioning mozzarella and longhorn but I had forgotten what the third cheese was. It is definitely Swiss, however. Every combination of mozzarella, provolone, brick, Colby, and Swiss I've tried so far has tasted great and seem close. I'm going to have to decide on which three I want to go with so you can try some soon, Norma. LOL Right now, I'm leaning toward the mozzarella, Colby, and Swiss combo pending a little adjustment of the proportions of each.
, I'm leaning toward the mozzarella, Colby, and Swiss combo pending a little adjustment of the proportions of each.
Glad you're back...Norma and I were just about to come looking for you. How did this one taste Pete...does the Colby add any sort of butteriness flavor?
Pete,I see the big grin, was the taste right? Norma
I'm always grinning when I make pizza, Norma. Yes, I'm quite satisfied with the cheese mix for the moment. Now, I need to get some Gangi sauce for that final determination.


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Seagate Barracuda XT Hard Drive (3TB)
The new Barracuda XT from Seagate breaks the 2TB barrier and offers a substantial 3TB of storage without the need for any additional software or hardware. It combines a 64MB cache that optimizes burst performance Serial ATA 6Gb/s to enable the high performance for the desktop hard drive.
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Why not use Tyvek wristbands and use a biro or marker pen to record the split times you are looking for? They cost pennies. Once in place they are waterproof and incredibly tough.
Some events already give you the wristbands (to allocate start times/ start blocks). In which case take a pen from a betting shop with you and a list of your split times to write on the wristband.
My husband ahs a website on wristbands and how to use them- see the link above
Thank you Rich.
I am relatively new to forums and I suspect I have replied to the wrong thing. I thought this thread was about wristbands and using them to record estimated times during races. I am glad your injury/ OP is better but I wasn't expecting to get a reply back about it and am a little puzzled as to your response. Given that I must have done something wrong could you tell me what I should have replied too? I was looking for information on something else and stumbled on this thread and thought I could help. Does the age of it mean it isn't useful to other people and is the etiquette that it shouldn't be used again?
Thank you
Given that you are resurrecting threads from many years ago and along with a website promoting your own company then it is logical to presume that you are ignoring the terms and conditions of this website and getting a bit of free advertisingWhy bother posting if you dont expect a reply?*reported by the way
Looks a bit in the dark to me...can't see what sort of runner this forumite is, probably shy
Thank you for your replies. I think I now understand why I've not been on forums before.I have been running since before computers, and given how unpleasant this has been I am not sure computer forums have done much for running. If you want to see what I've done, why not Google me. Stupidly I seem to have forgotten to hide behind a pseudonym.
I don't seem able to edit or remove what has been put. If I could I would take it down for the anger it has triggered. I came to this forum after a google search on something else about wristbands. I thought it may have been of use to the person at the beginning of the thread. Does it matter that the thread is old if it is still helpful?
I thought forums where meant to be friendly, helpful places. Not every one is obviously as adept and at ease in this space as you, and for those of us who aren't it would be nice to be given support not sarcasm.
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The Peavey Messenger® is a complete, portable sound system designed with the compact size and carry-on convenience of a briefcase. At 24" wide, the Messenger is portable enough for business travelers, and since it is completely self contained and sets up in seconds, it's perhaps the one thing you can rely on during those long trips. The Messenger's robust five-channel mixer and 100 watt output make it ideal for an endless array of applications, from office presentations and meetings to karaoke and open-mic performances. Its top lid also functions as a lecturn to hold your meeting notes or song lyrics.
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Anyone know how my settings can be altered so that I'm allowed to read private messages sent to me?
Presuming this needs to be done via a site administrator, are there any around?
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About the Author: David McKeeby is a Public Affairs Specialist in the State Department's Bureau of Political-Military Affairs.
U.S. diplomatic leadership in the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia and stepped up international naval patrols are making a positive difference in the waters off the Horn of Africa, resulting in an increasing number of successful interdictions and prosecutions of pirates prowling the region.
On May 29, representatives from the Contact Group's 28 participating countries and six international organizations (the African Union, the Arab League, the European Union, the International Maritime Organization, NATO, and the UN Secretariat) will meet at the United Nations in New York City to build on international progress against piracy, which continues to threaten global shipping traffic and humanitarian aid deliveries transiting the region.
"We may be dealing with a 17th century crime," Secretary Clinton said, following the rescue of the U.S.-flagged Maersk Alabama," but we need to bring 21st century solutions to bear."
Just how multinational is this 21st century effort to suppress modern-day piracy? Consider this: when a Greek-owned, Egyptian-flagged vessel recently came under attack south of Yemen, South Korean destroyer Munmu the Great from Combined Task Force 151 came to the rescue, joined by flagship USS Gettysburg and the force's commander, Turkish Rear Admiral Caner Bener, detaining 17 Somali suspects. Created by the U.S. Navy to confront piracy, the force has also included naval personnel from the United Kingdom, Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, and Singapore.
In all, around 20 countries have sent naval vessels to join in the international patrols against piracy. The United States is not only working closely with NATO and European Union allies; we also hope to build on new maritime security partnerships with China, India, and Russia, which have also joined in the counter-piracy effort.
Since January 2009, over 300 individuals suspected of engaging in piracy have been captured in the waters off the Horn of Africa. Approximately 200 of these suspects are currently the subject of criminal investigations or proceedings in Kenya, the Puntland region, Yemen, France, the Seychelles, the Netherlands, and the United States.
In New York, Contact Group members will continue to discuss the many challenges remaining ahead. How can the Contact Group stem the overall rise in pirate attacks, which are currently on track to be double the number of incidents in 2008? How can partners in the shipping industry best minimize their vulnerability to piracy? How can states affected by piracy fulfill their responsibility to bring suspected pirates to justice?
And not far from anyone's mind will be the fact that 14 ships and over 200 crew members from the Philippines, China, Bulgaria, Russia, Ukraine, and several other nations currently remain in pirate custody.
Behar G. in Washington, DC writes:
Besides the illgal dumping of toxic waste products on Somali shores, much of the problems associated with the root causes of piracy could have been prevented had the internatioanl community addressed the illegal fishing in Somalian waters by western companies that have take an estiamted $300 million a year from Somali fishmerman, whereas pirating made the Somalis about $100 million. (Somalia is often considered to be a failed state with no navy of its own to protect its waters) And those arguing for the Somali case do admit that there are pirates who are simply gangsters, particularly in West Africa, but piracy is not a new phenomenon. Somali pirates have been active since the early 90s, and its pretty pathetic that the only time the international community will scream bloody murder is when piracy threatens trade in one of the busiest trade routes in the world, a route that is busier than the suez and panal canal combined.
There's a reason why 70% of Somali citizens support these pirates: because they bring with them revenue to spend in Somali markets so that average somalis are now making money too. No one cared when fisherman were losing their livelihood or when the Somali economy continued to spiral downwards forcing its citizens to live below subhuman conditions... but now that Somalis are acting out we're going to label them as the bad guys because they're threatening our livelihood. Yes, it's politics, but it's in the interest of the international community to address the root cause of the problem in most cases: economic injustice caused by the backlash of globalization in these areas. I'm not against globalization in all its forms, but if there isnt a more humane face to it, things will not improve.
Theres a really good article that was written last year by Mohamed Abshir Waldo called "The Two Piracies in Somalia: Why the world ignores the Other" that might be a good read. They've got some interviews with him on youtube too. One of the most famous articles arguing for the Somali case was written by Johan Hari, and at the end he writes the following about a pirate who was captured and brought to Alexander the Great: "[Alexander the Great] demanded to know "what he meant by keeping possession of the sea." The pirate smiled, and responded: "What you mean by seizing the whole earth; but because I do it with a petty ship, I am called a robber, while you, who do it with a great fleet, are called emperor."
Finally, all the solutions to piracy have focused on helping every country but the country plagued with it. There have been talks about perhaps arming those on board ships, or having the navy escort some ships, etc. but no one has said anything about the things that not only drive people to piracy but the things that drive people to support those who choose piracy. No one has said, "well now we have to figure out the source of these toxic waste products and penalize the countries involved" or "we have to prosecute those who illegally fish in Somali waters", it's all about keeping the market in check and protecting the Gulf of Aden. Some Somalis don't even see themselves as pirates, calling themselves, "the national volunteer coast guard." It's not like there's been an effort to combat the root cause of the problem, economic injustice, and until there is, it looks like we're going to have to continue putting band-aids on gashes like piracy in the Horn of Africa. It's just sad that it took piracy, and not decades worth of disease, starvation, and war, to put the spotlight back on Somalia.
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Eric in New Mexico writes:
@ Behar G., That's an eloquent defense of the indefensable, but is still no reason to conclude that two wrongs make it right.
And what about all the "toxic human waste" al-quaida has dumped in Somalia that has fueled the troubles and terrorism there for so long, eh?
"bin laden's navy" has held Somali fishermen captive, but you don't mention this little fact either.
Nor a single mention of the Somali president's own remarks regarding the threat to his nation's stability the pirates represent.
Or the recent decision by a major group of pirates to abandon the practice as being against Islamic law.
Fact is, if Somali soveriegn rights were being violated as you suggest, there's ample fora to properly address these issues under international law.
Nice try, but your argument won't fly very far when faced with the facts.
Helen in Pennsylvania writes:
Somilia has been lawless for so long that people are suffering. I think that this is going to continue to be a problem. We need to protect our ships and people.
Eric in New Mexico writes:
"On Saturday, a U.S. guided missile destroyer rescued a group of 52 Somali men women and children -- including a woman who was eight months pregnant -- who had been stranded aboard a small skiff for nearly a week off Somalia's coast, the U.S. Navy said." - CNN
They were adrift at sea because it is an absolute "nightmare" on land, according to the UN.
Right about now, the U.S.A. has a golden opportunity to do something very right on the scale of the tsunami relief effort.
That "something" is to simply evacuate as many Somali civilians out of the Mogadishu area ASAP. Thousands are homeless due to the fighting.
Park a hospital ship offshore, and save some lives till the international community figures out what to do about this mess in totality.
No leader of a stuggling nation should ever have to beg the family of nations for help against al-quaida and co., but Somalia's leader has done so, and I think we ought to give it to him....as of yesterday.
Donald in Virginia writes:
I'm Glad to see our U.S. Navy involved in removing the piracy problems. The mission of the Navy is to keep the sealanes open allowing valuable logistics from any country in the world reaching it's destination safely! There are no excuses when it comes to human life or we were too late! Try to explain that to someones loved one? The bottom line is the United States needs to have a greater combat force to match the pirates to prevent the loss of valuable cargo and crew. The U.S. Navy can answer that call... We had the motto "Wooden ships and Iron men sailed the open seas"
Joe in Tennessee writes:
I still feel like International Laws need be altered to allow Private firms to hire PROFESSIONAL Security teams. There are now ample teams available who can carry the necessary equipment to deal with direct threats to Private shipping as they occur.
It is not the responsibility of the US to monotor all privite shipping lanes...the UN should be footing the bill for this. It is not FREE...
Since most people captured are not really prosecuted, or are better off in a prison of any civilized country, there is no reason for them to stop. It is all carrots for them and those who seek to have free countries expend their resources on the international seas, rather than in war. I say this as it a ?policing? action which is costly to the civilians of those countries providing the security who seldom see any gratitude in the cost of product reflected back.
We are not the United States International Police Force. The cost must be shared and equally distributed.
Behar G. in Washington, DC writes:
@ Eric in New Mexico:
Apparently you and I have a very different understanding as to what the "facts" are. If you're ridiculous enough to point to whatever amounts of toxic waste al-qaeda is dumping in those waters, they pale in comparison to the amount of toxic waste international companies have been dumping. (See http://www.unep.org/cpi/briefs/Brief16Mar05.doc) And if you're going to point to "bin laden's navy" i sincerely hope you're not making the argument that all pirates have ties to terrorist groups or all pirates are terrorists. That means that you're choosing to ignore the countless pirates operating in the Gulf of Aden who are NOT affiliated to bin laden or terrorist groups -- thats just a sad excuse U.S. officials use to condone their actions. And to make the ridiculous claim that pirates or the somali government just now realized that piracy goes against everything Islamic doesnt make any sense. You would think that Somalis would be aware of this as Islam has been around for quite some time.
Finally, stating that all violations of international law have been documented or dealt with is inaccurate, but as the link above will show the UN HAS been dealing with this for quite some time--it just hasn't made the 6 o clock news enough to change your thinking.
John in Greece writes:
I think that the basic "key question" is somewhere between Eric's in NM and Joe's in TN comments, cause they are both logical: Terrorism/al-quaida&co;vs. Cost.
QUOTE: No leader of a stuggling nation should ever have to beg the family of nations for help against al-quaida and co., but Somalia's leader has done so, and I think we ought to give it to him....as of yesterday. END OF QUOTE.
QUOTE: We are not the United States International Police Force. The cost must be shared and equally distributed. END OF QUOTE.
This is really a very difficult debate!
Ron in New York writes:
Pirates are Criminals
Pirates have ties to Terrorists
Pirates are linked to corrupt officials
Pirates are mercenaries
Pirates know that target vessels are ill-equipped to defend and often instructed to hand over goods.
Pirates can be defeated by arresting their chiefs on land....and killed easily at sea when thet attack decoy freighters.
Eric in New Mexico writes:
QUOTE: We are not the United States International Police Force. The cost must be shared and equally distributed. END OF QUOTE.
@ John in Greece,
I don't have a debate with what I fully agree with. I wrote the following in the last days of 2001 and my opinion hasn't changed.
"We've been accused of playing world cop, as a nation. If you ask any officer on any street in the U.S. what his/her least favorite call to get is and they'll more than likely say, "Domestic disputes". This is the only politically correct way I can think to describe the current world situation. If we must play that role, they need to understand that there's a new sheriff in town, determined to prevent domestic violence.
This goes as well for the Mideast, the Korean, and other long standing conflicts.
To "protect and serve humanity, and ensure the preservation of civilization, of all cultures, and ways of tradition that an individual or nation has the inalienable right to choose for themselves as they see fit, so long as it harms no other individual's, or nation's ability to do so."
With this as our philosophy, as policy, the "undiscovered country" may become reality. This is not a role that should be played unilaterally, as it is essentially all nation's task."
Fact is, the good 'ol U.S.A. does do some things better than anyone else, and sometimes things no one else can do. For all that we do, the U.S. still only spends something like 1% of yearly GDP on all foreign assistance combined, including UN dues if I remember right.
In any case, this isn't a debate about the per capita value in printable U.S. currency of a human life.
We got a hospital ship floating about on duty anyway, might as well use it if it's not already responding to the Bangladesh typhoon, or the Sri-Lanka refugee crisis.
Where's the debate in that?
There's Russian, Chinese, Japanese, French, NATO assigned warships from various countries, along with a few Gulf nation's assets on patrol, so I just can't see this anti-piracy effort as being a unilateral U.S. police action by any stretch of the imagination.
Nor do I anticipate nor suggest any unilateraly deployed U.S. boots on the ground unless in direct attacks on al-quaida when opportunity knocks for spec. opps raids.
I would remind Joe that we are a nation at war and we'll do what we do best to win it, on our terms. Not al-quaida's.
And that involves heping people live their lives the way they want to, in eventual peace.
@ Behar G.
What about al-quaida being "toxic human waste" do you not understand? They dumped themselves in Somalia and I venture they've cause a lot more human suffering than the toxic dumping you are complaining about.
Guess you didn't see the BBC article regarding a pirate group deciding on a better career path;
I call it "bin laden's navy" precicely because he's been known to adopt a cause or "lifestyle" if it serves his ends. Ask the Palestinians.
Given that his stated strategic goals have been the economic downfall of the US and allied countries, and the known long-term presence of al-quaida in Somalia, I have no doubt al-quaida is involved in piracy.
Nor did I say "all pirates were al-quaida". The rapid rise in piracy however, is very much a factor of al-quaida's need for funding.
You wrote:
"Finally, stating that all violations of international law have been documented or dealt with is inaccurate,.."
Try reading this again, "Fact is, if Somali soveriegn rights were being violated as you suggest, there's ample fora to properly address these issues under international law."
Piracy isn't the way to solve their grievances Behar, two wrongs don't make it right.
Donald in Virginia writes:
Anytime a group of people with weapons use deadly force when taking ships, boats, people in a hostage situation and demand money are terrorists. There is no way to sugar coat the situation with the piracy. Whats the cost if the U.S. Navy did not get involved? The Saudis found out quick how they lost one of their big tankers and the ship was probably worth more than the oil onboard. One of our ships was taken hostage, a captain. Should the UN provide support, I agree but then what is the UN? A place for people to sit around and discuss issues from countries around the world, when a known fact is A country leader can still act with Military options and agressions towards another country. In my opinion the United Nations tries to do wonderful things. However, they cannot stop piracy, they can't stop North Korea from firing Nuclear Weapons, nor can they stop Iran from firing Nuclear Weapons. They can sign resolutions on countries, but the reality check is, Country Leaders around the world still make choices to develope and launch weapons. I also believe after the latest nuclear test in North Korea the United States should be in DEFCON 3 status. Let's face it, how long before North Korea starts launching a missile with a Nuclear device, and by then it could be too late. That whole region around North Korea and the State of California should also be on alert. If not mistaken North Korea had the ability to reach the Ca Coast with one of his long range missiles. I also believe North Korea's threat is real and the United States needs to act soon before the loss of Millions of lives. This situation is very grave and needs to be resolved.
Eric in New Mexico writes:
@ Donald in Virginia,
Well put.
Perhaps the greatest challenge (and opportunity) is in the relationship that develops between rival nations in a common cause on the high seas.
It would have been unthinkable a few years ago for US, Russian and Chinese warships to be involved in a joint task force. And if you had suggested it, folks would have thought you were nuts, or more "unrealistic" than sanity allows for at the very least.
Speaking from experience....(chuckle).
Zharkov in U.S.A. writes:
Seagoing vessels are still not safe no matter how many navies patrol the ocean, and if we insist on having a total government solution, ships will never be safe from piracy.
How many millions of dollars does it cost to keep a 20-nation fleet at sea looking for pirates?
Can't anyone compare the cost of naval patrols from 20 countries to the lesser cost for providing commercial ships with small arms for shooting back at pirates?
There are many things that shipping companies can do much more efficiently and at far less cost than any government could, and one of those things is self-defense.
We expect shipping companies at sea to feed and house their crews, provide them safe working conditions and any medical attention they require, and to pay them, so why not allow the ship's captain to protect the crew as well?
It is such a little thing to carry sufficient weapons to repel pirates that it seems like madness that governments would rather spend tens of millions of dollars patrolling oceans, when a shipping company can protect their own ship for under a thousand dollars.
Government ships cannot be everywhere all the time, and even when they do find pirates, the rules of engagement amount to "catch and release", so what's the point? The government solution has not stopped piracy and cannot stop piracy as long as pirates are free to go home after being caught in the act.
Why are so many governments wasting so much time and money on something the shipping companies and crews could handle for themselves?
Do we not have more important things for governments to do such as removing nuclear weapons in the hands of irrational dictators?
Stacy in Massachusetts writes:
I agree that efforts need to be made to curb piracy but isn't there a larger issue here? Mainly, that Somalia has devolved into total anarchy and the people are so poor they lack no means to put food on the table or a roof over their heads. For all intents and purposes, there is no functioning government, health care system or economy in Somalia. Unless the international community addresses those issues, piracy will likely continue to be a persistent threat.
Also, as the recent high profile piracy case currently taking place (where the one surviving pirate is going to go on trial) in NY illustrates, many of these "pirates" are practically children and the real problem is the groups which are recruiting these people to go out and hijack the ships, only to turn around and take almost all of the bounty later. In other words, I am not sure putting a few pirates on trial is much of a deterrent given the real criminals are sitting pretty back in Somalia, using the funds to buy weapons and provide support for terrorist organizations.
Eric in New Mexico writes:
@ Stacy in Mass., Welcome to the blog.
Indeed there is a larger issue. If you want to go macro..; one could even note the strategic overlay of sponsors of terror creating as many humanitarian crisis as possible globally (including Somalia), in order to disperse response to them directly, and induce a fiscal drain on donor nations to the UN trying to cope with various terrorist exacerbated local conflicts and tensions as seen in the global nature of their pattern and methodology of attacks over time, including the latest attacks upon the existing UN-recognized Somali government.
Which goes to the heart of your second point about the need for going to the source of the problem instead of taking a piecemeal approach, if I understood that right.
I guess we'll see if sound logic stands up to politics.
John in Greece writes:
@ Eric in New Mexico -- Clear! (your comment) at this level. Maybe my mistake, I thought like we were discussing about a bigger operation that could offer a final solution for this region.
I thought we were discussing about a "great punch" that would give terrorism/al-quaida & Co. a black eye.
A (punch) bigger operation means real BIG money though, that's why I asked your opinions on this "security/terrorism fight vs. cost" debatable parameter.
You are absolutely right writing: "We got a hospital ship floating about on duty anyway, might as well use it if it's not already responding to the Bangladesh typhoon, or the Sri-Lanka refugee crisis.".
Who can disagree with this? Nobody! it should be there as of yesterday! However, I think that you will agree with me that you cannot fight al-quaida with just a hospital ship.
U.S.A. and NATO forces are already there. The hospital ship will just offer humanitarian help, which is very important. I agree with you.
But, what can we do to have a FINAL SOLUTION?
As the "nightmare" goes, we will very soon have to face the possibility of a probable military engagement, both in sea, air and land.
And here is the debatable point -- according to me, I don't put words in Joe's mouth -- What about the cost? Who will cover it again?
Only America? America only? It's a global issue!
Best regards! I really love your posts and I learn from you!
Donald in Virginia writes:
Don's idea how to resolve the North Korean Threats!
After all the stuff going on in the world today, think I should of applied for the Secretary of Defense Job. My latest strategy for North Korea is very simple. We just bomb them with laughing gas then drop Sand bags until the midget Kim has to crawl out of his bunker crying for help? Help me help me! As the sand bags continue dropping over North Korea, the people are laughing so hard and praying to Kim please make it stop!!! Make it stop Kim!!! A sand bag by luck lands on top of Kims head, he sees stars, pink elephants. This method is environmentally safe, sand returns to the earth, no harmful poisionings from bullets or shells, plus can recycle the sand after use. Not one missile or rocket fired in harms way, nor bullets flying, or placing our troops in harms way. You can never run out of sand. The cool thing about this strategy is you can add things in the sand bags. Once the North Korean Leader is feeling the pressure of being buried alive, I see the white flag of surrender appearing. Ofcourse, let's not forget about his beautiful palace and swimmming pool, living the Good Life while his people are under a dictactorship and bow down to Kim treating him like a God. This is the same strategy I would use on Iran as well. Make them laugh hard then bomb them with sand bags until they give UP!!!
Have a wonderful day! Ouch who threw that sand bag? heehehheheehheh
Eric in New Mexico writes:
First of all John, one must weigh the cost of doing something, against the cost of doing nothing.
When one takes an assesment over time and sees no change in behavior , nor an improvment in the situation, a lot of humanitarian aid that was too little to make a dent, a number of military interventions by various nations that have been under funded and under manned, and without clear political and strategic plan that leaves the average Somali citizen better off than before, with some chance for hope things will continue to improve....
That's throwing money down the toilet, along with blood, sweat and tears, not to mention lives lost to political hand-wringing and haggling over political "interests".
Ok, so you say you want to know how to get results in a cost effective manner right?
That's why they pay think tank town analysts between 75,000 and 125,000 per year to tell policy makers that very same thing, on a lot of issues.
Well John, I suspect if I type the recipe for success, that means a self-educated, 30-year construction worker knows a thing or two about nation building that think tanks haven't been able to master. I'll no doubt be getting a call in a day or two with a job offer, or a word of thanks for it being a cost effective solution that cost the "powers that be" nothing to arrive at.
This crisis requires a "generalist" I think, so a jack of all trades might just be well suited to arrive at a solution.
Come to think of it, construction is like football...best done by younger folk, so I'm all for a career change.
I accept your challenge and I'll have a working outline in 12-24 hours for public dissection with one non- binding condition.
My challenge to Dept. of State is to get all of think tank town on the phone and have them match my speed of delivery.
Tell 'em to send their best, and if their experts don't deliver a better proposal, I want pick among their jobs.
That's the deal, A workable outlined solution by "high noon" tomorrow.
This could get quite entertaining, to say the least.
State's got nothing to lose on a few phone calls, and the only thing I've got to lose is risking having a few ideas shredded in public, so looks like a win, win situation to me if think tank town thinks their reputation is worth placing their jobs on the line.
( Incentive based, results oriented, goal driven government is the responsibility of the citizen to promote.)
Eric in New Mexico writes:
The Framework of any workable solution must be outlaid in context to current understanding of the coflict and parameters of stability and instability of tribal culture in Somalia.
As such, any plan must start from a basic fundemental set of core principals which underly the parameters of the mission statement, thus it must mesh seamlessly with ongoing efforts and the President's approach towards the issue at a time when policy is still "under review", at least by one congressional subcomittee if not by the guy who makes the ultimate foreign policy decisions for the USA.
If I heard the President correctly he'd "beg, borrow or steal an idea from any source" if he thought it would further the interests of the American people or add to national security.
I'll take President Obama at his litteral word on that and he's welcome to consider the following as his own if it meets those parameters.
In creating a plan that will address the existing parameters outlined in the hearing transcript above, and the problematic scenarios and sentiments that were expressed, I do not consider it to be limited to Somalia.
But rather as a set of potential flexible and adaptable strategies to address the core issues which exist in many conflics al-quaida has chosen to become involved with and involve us in as a result.
Essentially a radical restructuring of UN peacekeeping forces is required for greater effectiveness in post-conflict, insurget dominated situations wherin delivery of humanitarian aid is rendered ineffective by design of those with a destabilization agenda.
Thus, I believe such a plan must address the macro as well as regional strategic overlay of outside influence, including arms dealers, state sponsors of terror, regional actors with ill intent and neighbors in land dispute with Somali people.
First off, a band aid is not going to help, and any action to stabilize the territory of Somalia and assure territorial integrity will of necessity involve a force posture of up to 300,000 troops minimum, including logistics and support, basing and supply chain infrastructure.
Civilian side, NGO's etc say bombs are counterproductive, I agree unless they happen to fall on an al-quaida terrorist's head, in which case we call that "success" where I come from.
So it indeed time to grasp the whole picture and no time to waste.
I find myself in full agreement with Assistant Secretary Carson's opening remarks and glad he's in position to effect some change in thinking.
The diplomatic side of this will be one for the record books if it's possible to conceive the notion among the parties that we, the US can provide the needed heavy lift capability and basing structure on site and secured while Chinese, Russian, and NATO troops expand the "safe zone" perimeters from these three bases chosen for their remoteness, accessable underground water table, sufficiant terrain for air cargo opps and landing strips constructed.
I mentioned bringing a hospital ship off shore and a "golden opportunity to do something very right", and before folks think I'm suggesting "occupation" here, I want to make clear what the deal is.
The intent of this is to lay the foundation for the creation of a battle space (which it already is) that creates the conditions that allow for smooth delivery of humanitarian supply, escape corridors for IDP's to safe zones, and the safety of humanitarian aid workers and the civilian population in general.
As well as addressing the armed with a simple choice.
"Lay down your arms and walk a road to peace, or rest in peace."
In this I would follow the COIN manual in all opperational planning.
For the current leadership, recognised by the UN as having come to power through legitimate process, I would ask the governments of Afghanistan and Iraq to send special envoys to help the leadership undrstand the nature of US involvement and intent in their countries to further his process of reconciliation among tribes and bring a focused understanding from the recieving end of Nation Building as to how the process can achieve a nation conceived by Somalis, built by Somalis, and run by Somalis for the good of Somalis and everyone else.
Except extemists that is.
Eric in New Mexico writes:
Good governance depends on good and due process, and perhaps Afghanistan and Iraq will be helpful in presenting some blueprints on how that may be structured in tribal society. The loya jirga process comes to mind.
As well, it is the Somali leader's responsibility to present the plan to his own people so they understand why foreign assistance comes with a strong military presence to deliver it.
Diplomaticly, the consultations and agreements that would have to be in place to allow for a multinational solution are made easier by the fact that we all have military assets in the region and a process in place that enjenders a cooperative approach to the "Final Solution", as John in Greece wanted me to come up with.
That "Final Solution" is up to the Somalis in the long run. It's their country.
In the meantime, what's going on in Somalia represents an imminent theat to the economic well being of commercial shipping and related national and international security concerns of various nations.
The challenge and the opportunity that has presented itself to further an ongoing cooperative effort in addressing piracy has come to fruition upon the realization that as senator Feingold put it, "Pirates live on land, not ships."
So I'll briefly outline what I need from China and Russia as well as EU nations and others of note in order to create:
Nation Building 3.0
The Marshal Plan was Nation Building 1.0, Afghanistan was/is 2.0 and Iraq was/is version 2.5 respectively.
The economic recovery aspects that were briefly touched on during the hearing play a vital role in bringing Russia and China as well as the EU/NATO into the mix.
Diplomatic solutions to resolving the resourcing and material contributions needed can be found in creative ways such as approaching the Cambodian government to address it's debt to the US ( see Dipnote archive ) by paying it in bulk rice contributions to NGO distributors of aid we normally supply to anyway at cost to the taxpayer.
In other words, I intend for the diplomatic corps to call in a few favors around the world and be up front with the leader of Somalia that nations need to see a return on their investment by way of having a stake in their economic rebuilding.
To put myself in China's shoes would the contribution of 200,000 troops to police Somalia's borders and help create the safe zone be worth a 99 year lease on beachfront property to build an entire tourist industry and vacation housing for their expanding population, and would that create jobs for Somalis and expand the overall economic base to help create a viable stable future for their investment in such a project?
For the Russians, perhaps mineral leasing rights provided for another 100,000 personel + all the food and farm and related equipment they can ship in till folks are fed proper and can restore the agro economy on a sustainable footing.
(These are just speculative example of what might be possible by way of economic incentive for the parties to find mutual long-term benefit in bilateral relations with Somalia.)
Regarding the UN and NGO participation, Wallmart, Taget and Home Depo will be contacted to be put at your disposal in return for the Somali leaders assurance that at least 10 stores for each will be built in country when conditions permit.
(This is the ultimate public-private collabration for supplying the needed temp housing, camping, and cooking gear, and incedentals the population will need to jumpstart their own rebuilding process.)
Eric in New Mexico writes:
The EU/NATO contribution to the global effort to combat poverty, protect populations and promote clean industry is long standing and considerable, however I need them to go beyond what they might deem possible.
Fund, train and restructure the existing UN peacekeeping force on the PRT model of civilian engagement in conflict zones. U.S. consulting advisors having led PRT's on the ground will contribute their expertice.
I'd like to see the AU forces be incorperated into this training.
From a command and control aspect, when dealing with troops of many nations, with all the language complexities and political considerations, no other multilateral org. on Earth has been more successful in organizational and operational planing coordination than NATO.
Shy about expanding "out of area" as they are, they bring an essential ingrediant into this recipe for success.
As Secretary Gates reflected, the manpower exists.
I would add that when a half dozen helicopters can't be had by begging or legal means to support the UN peacekeeping mission in the great basin of the Congo, then there's a serious problem that needs fixing from the root core of the mission.
That problem is the simple collective lack of "Give a damn."
And if folks don't start giving a damn, no plan will matter much.
So recognizing this, I intend to render the UN to an executive role in global peacekeeping partnerships separate from the orginizational framework, much like the the President (as CinC) and the Sec. of Defense are civilian heads of the U.S. military as mandated by separations of powers in our constitution.
The reason for this is simple. The decisions made in the UN Security Council must be reflected on the ground in as efficient and sustainable manner possible, as quickly as possible.
Like most wise Presidents know, the field commander has a better grasp of the situation by virtue of his on-site experience. So he asks the field commander what it takes to meet his goals and makes sure he gets it, or risks being voted out of office if the problem's not corrected. That's called political incentive.
Providing security to an entire nation is the goal here, not "occupation", and al-quaida affiliated Sabeh(sp)will have a hard time coming up with effective propoganda to explain why we (all involved) gave the nation back to the original owners, that's why I want the Afghan/Iraqi contingent to act as the co-chairmen of the "Friends of Somalia" donors conference among Muslim nations.
There's really only one way to change mindsets of mistrust for intent. That's to prove the percieved ill intent untrue.
This requires a working notion of how to go about that and much has been written, so I'll just add that trust factors into manipulating the human condition for the better and there's witness to this.
The Somalis need three basic things from the international community, and these are food, water, and safe shelter along with emergency medical.
Therein lies the opportunity to gain trust.
If we provide that at the same time we separate the insurgents from the population, then it makes the military side of the equation that much more straight forward and operationally desirable for the safety of non-combattants.
So I want the plan to do two things simultaneously, create the safe zones and secure the overland territorial boudaries of Somalia to prevent arms smuggling.
So I set up the three bases in the north, south and mid section, push the security to the perimiters of the borders, secure the areas interlinked and on the seaward side evacuating civilians from secured beacheads and transporting them to the temp housing and aid set up in the areas around the inland bases, when they have water wells and are functioning to provide aid flown in.
I'm going to want a cruise line or two to donate a liner for conversion into hospital use ASAP, with whatever deal can be cut in trade for tour concessions in the future international tourist destination we are going to ultimatly create for the Somali people to enjoy, along with all of us.
The U.S. contribution in supply and logistics capability, air cover and resupply made Nation Building 2.0 and 2.5 possible.
How do we pay for it?
The US currently provides almost 1/4 of all UN peacekeeping funding. We're going to take a flat deduction for our expense in setting up permanant opperating bases for the UN and NGO's to run relief opperations out of for the entire continent of Africa.
I know Congress will appreciate my simple fiscal approach.
Eric in New Mexico writes:
In conceptualizing the environment to be created by 300,000 troops and a huge humanitarian supply effort, I'm talking about making stone soup (as I outlined in last weeks' question of the week on public-private collaberation).
I don't intend to "armchair general" the process of creating a functioning security environment needed to provide humanitarian relief to millions, nor the conditions which would allow the safe return of the many refugees in surrounding nations.
But I would suggest that the Afghan model does hold some funtional corrolary to the Somali circumstance in which the local tribal support is won by direct problem solving ability derived through the joint working relationship between the cental government, tribal elders and the military command of the international forces there at the hosted invitation of the Afghan central government.
I will not offer an opinion on the merits of providing support to the current leader of Somalia other than as I put it previously:
"No leader of a stuggling nation should ever have to beg the family of nations for help against al-quaida and co., but Somalia's leader has done so, and I think we ought to give it to him....as of yesterday.""We" in this context being the entire international community as a humanitarian imperetive of the concept, "responsability to protect".
A Somali face, must deliver a Somali solution to create a government "by, for and of" the Somali people, of all tribes who wish to live in peace.
The People of Somali land have the right and responsibility to themselves to deliver on that, but we who have failed all too often to deliver the promise have the moral responsibility as nations witness to these things, to ensure that they get that chance this time around.
In closing I wish the newly minted Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Johnnie Carson much success during his term of service to the nation in this capacity.
Special thanks to John in Greece for putting me up to the challenge, and thanks to the Dipnote staff for putting up with my stream of conciousness driven ramblings...and all the rest of you reading...
This is a work in progress, subject to the changes and good ideas you may choose to toss into the pot.
What up with that?
Stone soup.
Eric in New Mexico writes:
One final thought on the uniqueness of military cooperation between "rivals" on the international stage in general is that is not unique.
War is a temporary condition of the state, the more temporary, the more cost effective the outcome so long as a permanent solution that brooks no further conflict is achieved.
As Colin Powell rightly noted once upon a time...
"You break it, you own it."
I know military folk in the U.S. like to invite a dialoge among forces to achieve a greater level of understanding , if not a sense of predictability of intent and procedure.
I've pushed the envelope on the possible and the probable in seeking total cooperation and I would offer my thoughts on doing buisiness together.
In my experience, more trust has been gained on a handshake and one's word well kept than all the written agreements ever enforced.
I look at this as a social experiment among long time aquaintances, with benefits to be shared by all involved from an investment by all involved after the burden is born by all to achieve something all can live with.
I'm hoping that military folks internationally will get curious if it could be possible to pull off, to the point where they get brave enough to try it.


text:
Browsing Washington County, Oregon Planning Documents by Subject "Homeless persons -- Housing -- Oregon --- Beaverton"
Now showing items 1-1 of 1
Beaverton (Or.); Washington County (Or.). Office of Community Development (City of Beaverton (Or.), March , 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: In January 2004, Washington County undertook the development of the 2005-2010 Consolidated Plan, the strategic planning document that provides a framework for the County .... Work commenced with a comprehensive housing and non-housing needs assessment which culminated in a Needs Assessment Summary designed to bridge the time period between the early application intake process and the start of the new five year cycle.....The 2005 Action Plan, or Volume III of the Consolidated Plan, implements the first year of the new five-year cycle by linking the projects selected with the priorities developed during the planning process. The Plan describes how Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG), and American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI) program resources will be used in the coming year to address the priority needs and local objectives established in the Consolidated Plan. [From the Action Plan] This Plan was created in coordination with the five-year Consolidated Plan for Housing and Community Development required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) from all recipients of community development and housing entitlement grants (including Community Development Block Grants. [From the Housing and Community Development Strategic Plan] Description: Item contains two files: 1) City Of Beaverton 2005-2010 Housing and Community Development Strategic Plan. 10 pp. Not Dated. 2) 2005 Action Plan. 130 pp. Bookmarks added by UO. Referenced maps not included. Published March 2005. Captured August 3, 2006. URI: http://www.beavertonoregon.gov/departments/economicdev/housing/docs/2005_Action_Plan.pdf
Files in this item: 2Beaverton_2005_Action_Plan.pdf (293.9Kb)
Now showing items 1-1 of 1


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What in the World
A Fire Monkey Can Usher In Chaos. So Can 600 or So Macaques.
This is a rare Year of the Fire Monkey, an occasion often associated with chaos. Just ask a village in China that's been overrun by little, loud primates.
News about astrology, including commentary and archival articles published in The New York Times.


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11851 N. 51st Ave., Building D Glendale, Arizona 85304 602.973.3888
Team Podiatrist of the Phoenix Suns
Patient Education
We believe that informed patients are better equipped to make decisions regarding their health and well being. For your personal use, we have created an extensive patient library covering an array of educational topics. Browse through these diagnoses and treatments to learn more about topics of interest to you. Or, for a more comprehensive search of our entire web site, enter your term(s) in the search bar provided.
What is a Podiatrist?
When To Call a Podiatrist
Foot Anatomy
Overview of Foot and Ankle Problems
Basic Foot Care Guidelines
Foot Problems
Achilles Problems
Ankle Problems
Arch and Ball Problems
Common Foot Injuries
Diabetes and Your Feet
Diseases of the Foot
Fungus Problems
Heel Problems
Nail Problems
Skin Problems
Toe Problems
Vascular/Nerve Problems
Medical Care
Diagnostic Procedures
Pain Management
Surgical Procedures
Fitness and Your Feet
General Information About Fitness and Your Feet
Exercise Those Toes!
Fitness And Your Feet
Sports and Your Feet
Walking and Your Feet
Work Footwear
Foot Care
Basic Foot Care Guidelines
Athletic Foot Care
Children's Feet
Corns and Calluses
Diabetic Foot Care
Exercise Those Toes!
Foot Care For Seniors
Foot Self-Exam
Self-Assessment Quiz
Women's Feet
Fungus Problems
Foot Odor and Smelly Feet
Anatomy of a Shoe
Athletic Shoe Guidelines
Children's Shoes
Corrective and Prescription Shoes
What To Look For
Getting a Proper Fit
Men's Shoes
Women's Shoes
Your Footprint
Wear Patterns
Online Resources
As always, you can contact our office to answer any questions or concerns.


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Changing privacy settings
If you have your browser's privacy settings set to 'High' you may be unable to access Google Accounts. To resolve this problem, please add www.google.com to your browser's list of allowed sites.
If you're accessing Google Accounts from behind a firewall, proxy, or anti-virus program, temporarily disable the program and try signing in to Google Accounts. If disabling the program resolves the issue you're experiencing, then most likely the software is causing the problem.
We suggest consulting the program's online support center to find out why it might be interfering with your ability to access your Google Account.
Note: if you're using a work computer, the problem may be related to your computer's corporate security settings. We suggest checking with your system administrator.
Ashley is an Accounts expert and the author of this help page. Leave her feedback below about how to improve it.


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Lennon's Imagine Peace Tower lights up Reykjavik
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/media/story/2007 ... ml?ref=rss
From Icelandic TV 2, interviews with Yoko and Ringo about the Imagine Peace Tower beacon and the dedication ceremony itself:
Yoko Ono urged the world to give peace a chance Tuesday as she unveiled a tower of light dedicated to her late husband, John Lennon, near Reykjavik, Iceland.
Lennon's son Sean Lennon, Beatles drummer Ringo Starr and George Harrison's widow Olivia joined Ono and fans of the late Beatle at the ceremony, falling on what would have been Lennon's 67th birthday.
"We're all here for Johnny's birthday and the big light," Starr said. "I love the light."
Ono, 74, designed the tower, a beam of light radiating from a wishing well, which is engraved with the words "imagine peace" in 24 languages.
"I consider myself very fortunate to see the dream my husband and I dreamt together become reality," said Ono, who designed the tower 40 years ago while Lennon was alive.
"I got the idea because I just liked the romantic idea of having a building that just appears, emerges once in a while but sometimes it is not seen," she said on Iceland's Channel 2 television.
She said she chose Iceland for the tower because it could be powered with clean thermal energy.
"It's so beautiful," she said. "There's a certain strangeness to it. I would like to say it's magical."
It will be lit each year between Lennon's birthday, Oct. 9, and the anniversary of his death on Dec. 8.
Ono said she had gathered hundreds of thousands of wishes for world peace at art galleries around the world that will be buried in capsules on the island, each topped with a tree.
In New York, Lennon fans gathered in their annual homage to the late Beatle in an area known as Strawberry Fields.


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Looks promising!!!
All all-star lineup performed Monday night, Jan. 27, at the Los Angeles Convention Center for "The Night That Changed America — A Grammy Salute to The Beatles," which is set to air on CBS on Feb. 9. Among the performances were Dhani Harrison joining Jeff Lynne on "Something," Dave Grohl and Lynne doing "Hey Bulldog," the Eurythmics (reuniting Dave Stewart and Annie Lennox) on "Fool on the Hill" and then mini sets by Ringo and Paul, culminating with them teaming up for "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band"/"With a Little Help From My Friends." Bits from The Beatles on Sullivan and other film clips also were incorporated into the two-hour show. Here's the unofficial set list: The Beatles' "All My Loving" from Sullivan, which segued into Maroon 5 doing the song; Maroon 5 on "Ticket to Ride"; John Mayer and Keith Urban on "Don't Let Me Down"; Ed Sheeran on "In My Life"; Alicia Keys and John Legend on "Let It Be"; Imagine Dragons on "Revolution"; Katy Perry on "Yesterday"; the Eurythmics on "Fool on the Hill"; Pharrell Williams and Brad Paisley and the Cirque du Soliel troupe on "Here Comes the Sun"; Dave Grohl and Jeff Lynne on "Hey Bulldog"; Lynne, Dhani Harrison and Joe Walsh on "Something"; Gary Clark Jr., Walsh and Grohl on "While My Guitar Gently Weeps"; Stevie Wpnder on two takes of "We Can Work It Out"; Ringo (introduced by Jeff Bridges) doing "Matchbox," "Boys" and "Yellow Submarine"; Macca (introduced by Sean Penn) doing "Magical Mystery Tour," "Birthday," "Get Back," "I Saw Her Standing There," and then "Sgt. Pepper" straight into "With a Little Help" sung by Ringo, followed by "Hey Jude" with Ringo on drums. The house band was basically the same one that backed Ringo on the Grammys telecast, with Peter Frampton and Steve Lukather on guitars, Don Was on bass, Kenny Aronoff on drums and Greg Philliganes on piano. Macca was backed by his own band. Among the celebs on hand, either serving an onstage role or in the audience, were Paul's wife Nancy, Ringo's wife Barbara, Yoko Ono, Sean Lennon, Olivia Harrison, Eric Idle, LL Cool J, Kate Beckinsale, Johnny Depp, Peter Asher and Tom Hanks.
This is reprinted from Bill King at Beatlefan


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Pm with a price pal thanks
I have an original Bouncing Battle Cat with all original parts and in mint condition. Was literally ridden probably 2 times. It has been sitting in my parents attic for about 20 years. Let me know if you are interested and I will try and get up there and take some pics...
Pm with a price pal thanks
It's your place for Freedom of Speach for everything MOTU, POP, TMNT, , Horror, Wrestling, DC and Batman, and all other properties that are cool.
Is is now up and live please check it out and spread the word please!!!
Follow me on Twitter.... BrianOzone
My feedback threadhttp://www.he-man.org/forums/boards/...or-Brian-Ozone
Here are some pics of my Battle Cat Bouncing Ride...
2 questions. One where do you live in case I could pick it up, and 2 how much are you looking for?
Currently Looking for:
Dragon Walker with tattoo he - man MIB.
Parts I need:
Zodak Calves, Feet and Loin Cloths.
I live in NJ...just asking people to make offers...


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Bright non-settling colors blend easily with creamy smooth textures and good working characteristics. Great paint for today's busy classroom. Available in 16 oz. bottles. AP certified non-toxic. Made in the USA.
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I have ordered from other companies and while they were good, I didn't know what great was until I popped open the first jar of the paint!! It was gorgeous! great consistancy! Some tempura's dry crunchy,...[more]
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Inspired by these essays, I decided to unveil a project that I had hoped would be done in time for this infamous/auspicious anniversary. As it turns out, I haven't gotten very far with the project, but I thought it fitting to release the first installment today.
A few years ago, while snooping around my wife's family's house, I found a dusty old diary that turned out to be my mother-in-law's account of the family's flight from Vietnam in 1975. My wife was two and a half years old at the time, and her little sister was an infant. Her uncle and grandfather were also on this journey. Unbeknown to my wife or her mom, I enlisted the help of Le Pham of Dragon Momma to translate. I will let the results speak for themselves:
Guam, 1975
OMFG!! I am so effing tired! I was just on the longest, most horrendous flight of my life! (Well, I've never actually been on a plane before LOL, but still...) How hard would it have been to put a diaper changing table on a C-130??? WTF, PEOPLE??? And those seats are worse than the little stools at the sidewalk cafes in Saigon. I don't see how those fat-ass Americans can even fit on them ;)
Anyways, Toddlerette and Babygirl decided they would both fuss through the whole eight-hour flight, after they had been so good while we waited at the airbase for two days *sigh*. Oh, and then Toddlerette decides to barf into the bag that contains all of our worldly possessions *double sigh*. (Did I mention that I'm fleeing for my life from the only place I've ever lived and leaving behind everything and everyone I've ever known for a place where I don't speak the language and the people and culture are terrifying to me and we have no money and no idea what we will do when we get there and we have two babies and my father-in-law to take care of?)
And Dearest Hubby wasn't much help either. He and his father and brother were talking boring politics and arguing during the whole flight:
"The Americans turned their backs on us!"
"We'll never see our homes again!"
"This will never stand...the resistance will rise up and defeat the communists!"
"What will happen when we get to America?"
"What about all our relatives who can't get out?"
"Only God can help us..."
HEY! DO YOU THINK GOD COULD HOLD ONE OF THESE KIDS OR MAYBE CHANGE A DIAPER??? Seriously, y'all ! It was like me and the kiddos weren't even there. At least Dearest Hubby has his relatives with him, unlike me who will probably never get to see my family again :( The least he could do is change a freaking diaper for once.
So here we are at this God-forsaken processing station in Guam (???!!!). All I know is that there are a bazillion other refugees here fighting for water and C-rations that I am about to PUNCH IN THE THROAT if they don't shut up.
Gotta go! I just saw a shady spot on the tarmac where I might be able to curl up with the kids and get a little nap. More later.
Naturally, due to egocentrism, I'm often struck by how my life would have been different had things worked out better for our side back in '75. The major implications are that I wouldn't have met my wife, and the first mixed-race female twin consecutive presidents would never have been born. (Of course, our meeting, like anyone's, could have been thwarted by the alteration of any number of serendipitous details like college class schedules or a delay in the eradication of my mullet; but it's more fun to imagine myself as a participant in world history.) Other than that, my life would have been pretty much the same.
But my wife's life would have been completely different. We were reminded of this when we traveled to Vietnam a few years ago and met up with some of my wife's relatives, and indeed whenever we met any women of her age there. These women had led hard, sometimes tragic lives.
But who's to say what opportunities my wife would have had growing up in Vietnam if the forces of free-market democracy had prevailed? I think it's a safe bet, though, that she would not have ended up as a doctor in Southern California with beautiful Wasian babies and the dashing piece of arm-candy she calls her husband. That's why even though many Vietnamese-Americans recognize April 30th as "Deep Resentment Day," I can't bring myself to be completely resentful.


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I have a Carvin dreadnought with an M1a pickup. I'd like to use a DI/preamp with it for shows, such as the Venue, but it's way out of my price range. I was thinking of trying the Behringer ADI21.
My question is, since the M1a is active, will it sound good with an active DI/preamp? Or will the high output of the pickup distort an active DI? The Behringer has a 20db pad feature. Would it be better to just use a passive DI?
Here's the Behringer:


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College students make a college town great
It's that time of year once again. The sudden influx of humanity, increased activity at local businesses and the declining availability of choice parking spaces can only mean one thing … the school year has begun for Michigan Technological University.
As of this week classes are now in session at Michigan Tech as well as our area's other colleges, Gogebic Community College, the Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College and Finlandia University.
For the next several months, students from around the world are now sharing this unique corner of the globe with us.
Some will be our neighbors, sit near us in church, chat in the grocery store and bring their children to the same schools and daycare facilities as those of us who are fortunate enough to live here all year long.
Although summers in the Keweenaw are pleasant and, as always we welcome the thousands of visitors and former residents who briefly stay with us, we feel there is something about the return of college students that fills a void left after the academic year ends.
The reality is, the cities of Houghton and Hancock, and for the most part most of the surrounding communities, are college towns and without college students we're just not the same.
Although the school year is just days old, already things are heating up. K-Day will be held Friday at McLain State Park, always a great way to start the year. In addition, work has already begun for events and activities that impact the entire region. The Parade of Nations is little more than a week away, a highly anticipated opportunity for those from other lands to share their culture and cuisine.
The Michigan Tech Theatre Company is holding their final night of auditions for their first production of the season, "Brighton Beach Memoirs" tonight in the McArdle Theatre.
On top of that, bands, choruses, troupes and many other social, artistic and cultural groups are now forming, all adding to the melting pot that is the academic year in the Keweenaw.
So as the new school year begins, we'd like to take this opportunity to welcome back returning students and to extend a Copper Country welcome to our new friends. Now sit back and enjoy … it's going to be a great ride.


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iHerb Customer Reviews
Savings of: $15.00 (50% off)
Paradise Tibetan Cordyceps
Posted by 4782868986597761729 on Aug 23, 2012
I have been using Cordyceps for well over 2 years now. The original product I used was quite expense and just became too rich for my blood. Therefore I've switched over to the Paradise brand. I was very happy to find that I benefit on the same level using the Paradise brand as I was with the more expensive product. I notice a significant difference in my endurance and strength during my workout routines when I take cordyceps. My workout routine is vigorous, I run over 6 miles 3xweek and do a hardcore routine of weight resistance and compound exercises that lasts for 75min the other 3 days a week, taking 1 day off for rest. The key to continuously benefit from taking cordyceps, is to take them for 2 months on 2 weeks off. Continue taking them on this schedule and I believe you will always feel the difference. At least I do.
Posted by Reviewer2561245 on Nov 22, 2009
My breathing problems at night is taken care of with the use of this product.
This stuff is awesome
Posted by Reviewer2098910 on Dec 03, 2014
As of this review I am a 27 y/o, 5'4" 125lb female. I originally took this in the winter for lung capacity and immune boosting properties. I recently started working out again after my last child and notice a HUGE difference in my endurance and ability to do cardio without feeling like I'm going to fall over. I went from dreading cardio or even walking up a large flight of stairs to looking forward to my next workout, which has never happened. Ever. I see why athletes take this. Makes me feel good and boosts my energy. I hope this review is able to help someone. Peace and love to all of you!
Paradise Herbs, Tibetan Cordyceps, 60 Veggie Caps
Posted by Reviewer1212307 on Mar 23, 2009
This product has definitely helped me with masculine-related activities.
Not Bad
Posted by Reviewer3001165 on Sep 10, 2008
use it along with Rhodiola; works well
Tibetan Cordyceps
Posted by Reviewer1978473 on Oct 11, 2007
Wonderful boost when mountain climbing, roller blading, kayaking. I'll continue to enjoy!
Posted by Reviewer2852097 on Feb 06, 2010
best price and product available... replacing caffeine from diet, the natural energy of body is enhanced with continued use...
Posted by Reviewer1009764 on Oct 05, 2008
Originally introduced to this herb on a recent trip to China. When I ran out I was referred to this web sit for supplies and shipping. Happy with product quality and extremely impressed with the speed of arrival! Recommended by myself and friends.
Good and recommendable!
Posted by VEP607 on Aug 28, 2012
Esté cordyceps es uno de los mejores! Lo recomiendo!
Great for me and also for my cat...
Posted by hele-ku-go on Jan 04, 2013
Great value, concentrated, pure (without any other stuff)...


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To: Interested Parties
From: Marge Baker, Executive Vice President, People For the American Way
Date: April 20, 2010
Re: Republican Obstruction of Executive and Judicial Nominees
Despite being presented with qualified nominees, unquestionably within the ideological mainstream, Republican Senators have engaged in a calculated effort to slow the confirmation of President Obama's executive and judicial nominees.
Although the bulk of the news coverage on nominations has focused on a few nominees singled out for very public attacks by the GOP and right-wing activists, it's the lower profile nominations that most clearly illustrate the Republicans' "Party of 'No'" strategy. In dealing with those nominees, the GOP has undertaken a relentless and irresponsible campaign of obstruction that has frustrated the timely confirmation of the President's nominees and diverted critical time, energy, and focus from other, equally critical business of the Senate.
Just last night, the Senate invoked cloture on the nomination of Lael Brainard, to fill the critical position at the Treasury Department of Under Secretary for International Affairs. The vote on this "controversial" nominee, who had been held up for almost four months: an overwhelming 84-10.
For most of the Senate's historythe vast majority of judicial and executive branch nominees have been approved fairly quickly and without much controversy. Indeed, up until 1949, delays were so rare that the Senate did not even have a rule for cutting off debate through a cloture motion. Most frequently, nominees were confirmed not by roll call votes, but by unanimous consent.
No more.
Under President Obama, Senate Republicans have refused to agree to move forward on even the most routine nominations, slowing down the process of confirmation and grinding the business of the Senate to a halt. GOP leaders have objected to unanimous consent agreements and demanded cloture votes they have no expectation of winning simply to chew up valuable legislative time and constrict President Obama's ability to enact his policies.
The result has been nominees subjected to months of GOP foot dragging, only to be confirmed by farcically lopsided votes.
Beverly Martin, nominated to a seat on the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, was approved unanimously by the Senate Judiciary Committee, only to be held up for 132 days, at which point she was finally confirmed 97-0.
Joseph A. Greenaway, Jr., whom president Obama nominated to a seat on the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals, also cleared committee unanimously. Greenaway was eventually confirmed 84-0, but not before waiting 131 days for a vote.
Greenaway and Martin are not exceptions. Judge Gerald Lynch was forced to wait 98 days before being approved 94-3, Judge Andre Davis waited more than five months to be approved 72-16, and the nomination of Judge Barbara Keenan languished on the Senate floor for 124 days before she was approved 99-0.
All of these nominees were eventually confirmed to the Courts of Appeals, but the same pattern of obstruction holds true on the lower federal courts. Several uncontroversial district court nominees who could have quickly and easily been confirmed by unanimous consent have waited weeks for roll call votes:
- Irene Berger waited 26 days to be confirmed 97-0.
- Charlene Honeywell waited 39 days to be confirmed 88-0.
- Jacqueline Nguyen waited 47 days to be confirmed 97-0.
- Roberto Lange waited 20 days to be confirmed 100-0.
In each case, in addition to facing no opposition, the nominee was rated "Well Qualified" by the American Bar Association.
And in each case, the nominee could have been confirmed quickly via unanimous consent, but Republicans spent months refusing to allow the process to go forward. It's clear that these delays aren't rooted in objections to the nominees themselves, but in a scorched-earth political strategy. And those scorched-earth tactics have serious consequences. At the moment, more than one in eight seats on the Federal Judiciary are currently vacant, leading to lengthy delays in resolving disputes that have profound effects on the lives of millions of Americans.
The GOP seems unconcerned with the consequences of this obstruction. But no one else should tolerate this irresponsibility. Republican Senators need to be called on for their obstructionist tactics and held accountable for their disingenuous political strategy.
|Click here to download this memo in PDF format


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Most information technology (IT) projects fail one of the triple constraints of project management: scope, schedule, or budget. The typical IT project is late, is over its budget, or has its scope reduced to fit into the schedule and cost constraints. Many projects fail all three constraints. Sadly, these projects fail for predictable and preventable reasons. The key to managing IT projects is to understand the project product and all the levels of complexity that need to be managed to deliver that product. But how does an IT project manager ensure that all that needs to be planned has been identified?
This white paper describes the practical use of the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) IntelliGrid methodology for project management. The methodology utilizes use cases to define the business objectives of an IT project and the use of the GridWise Architecture Council (GWAC) stack as a model for utility IT project execution. The white paper also illustrates how to obtain a usable use case and how to decompose it into each of the layers of the GWAC stack to create a project plan. Additionally, this white paper documents how each of the critical, cross-cutting issues of the GWAC stack are created and applied to ensure a well-scoped, successful project.


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Spectacular crash
Two men were temporarily trapped in a vehicle that overturned early Thursday morning in the village of Fredonia. Both escaped without injury.
At 2 a.m. Fredonia Police responded to a rollover accident on East Main Street, a quarter mile west of Route 60. According to police, Jeremy R. Dolce, 29, of Tampa, Fla., was driving an SUV with oversized tires east when he lost control of the vehicle and crossed over the middle turning lane into the westbound driving lane. Dolce allegedly overcorrected, causing the vehicle to roll over and slide approximately 100 feet on its roof.
Dolce and a passenger, Nathaniel Organ, 28, of Dunkirk, were trapped inside the vehicle for a short time. Both were checked out at the scene but refused medical treatment. The vehicle was towed. As a result of the accident, Dolce was charged with failure to keep right, driving while intoxicated and aggravated DWI with a blood alcohol content of .18 or more. He was released on his own recognizance to appear in court at a later date.
Comments on this story may be sent to firstname.lastname@example.com


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MS Pub Crawl on Monroe!
I like to think Rochester is one of the best cities in America for pub crawling. Sure, other cities may have larger pub crawls, perhaps more pub crawling-friendly weather, but pound-for-pound no other city I've lived in seems to love drinking for a cause as much as Rochester.
The pub crawling season kicks off each year with one of the best: the MS Pub Crawl on Monroe Ave! Starting at the Brickwood Grill at noon this Saturday, May 12th, the MS Pub Crawl is an afternoon of socializing in the name of raising awareness and funds for the MS Society here in upstate New York. If you haven't participated before, this is the year to come check out the festivities. Spread the word, recruit some friends, and come support a great cause!
And if helping others is your thing but drinking isn't, check out some of the great events that Rochester Young Professionals has coming up, including the March of Dimes Walk on May 20th, and helping out at the AIDS Care Bike Ride, the LPGA and the Landmark Society's Home and Garden Tour next month!