text:
|Publication number
|Publication type
|Application number
|Publication date
|Mar 27, 2007
|Filing date
|Oct 29, 2003
|Priority date
|Dec 10, 1999
|Fee status
|Also published as
|Publication number
|Michael J. Czaplicki
|Original Assignee
|L & L Products, Inc.
|Export Citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Patent Citations (114), Non-Patent Citations (7), Referenced by (15), Classifications (14), Legal Events (5)
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet
This application is a continuation of and claim the benefit of the filing date of application Ser. No. 09/459,756 filed on Dec. 10, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,668,457.
The present invention relates generally to a heat-activated foam reinforced structural member. More particularly, the invention relates to a structural foam reinforced hydroform structures, wherein the structural foam becomes chemically active and expands upon heating.
Traditionally, hydroforming techniques are used to draw and shape metal tubes. Conventional hydroforming techniques often involve two steps: (1) placing the desired bends in the tube and (2) forming the tube to the desired configuration. Step 2 usually requires placing a tubular member having an open bore in a mold and pinching off the ends of the tube. A pressurized liquid is injected into the open bore, causing the tube to stretch and expand out against the mold.
The advantage of the hydroforming process is that it allows formation of relatively long tubular structures having a seamless perimeter. This process eliminates the cost of welding or machining operations often used to shape the part in the desired configuration. As a result, a hydroform oftentimes has a high length to diameter ratio. For instance, a hydroform structure may have a length in excess of 15′ and a diameter ranging from approximately � to more than 12″. It is not unusual for a hydroform structure to exceed the length of other tubular members, such as torsion bars or tubular bars, formed using other processes.
Additionally, hydroforms are complex structural shapes that typically include bends and contour changes. Often the number of bends and contour changes in a hydroformed bar are greater and more complex than those found in torsion bars or other tubular structures formed using different techniques.
Hydroform structures typically have a constant wall thickness prior to forming, and thus tend to develop weak spots at the site of bends or changes in contour, as well as at certain locations along a long tubular section. Thus, hydroform sections are generally reinforced to improve their structural stiffness and strength.
Traditional ways of reinforcing tubular structures such as hydroforms include sliding a metal sleeve inside the tube and welding the reinforcing member in place. However, because the hydroform often includes one or more bends or one or more changes in contour, it is often difficult to insert the sleeve into the hydroform at the site of weak spots. Other techniques include reinforcing the hydroform from the outside by welding the sleeve onto the outside of the hydroform. However, hydroforms are often used in applications having very close tolerances, resulting in little or no clearance for an externally placed reinforcing member.
Additionally, in many operations the weight of the tubular member is critical and must be kept low as possible. Thus, the use of an external sleeve adds unwanted weight to the tubular assembly. Finally, the welding operation tends to be labor intensive, time consuming and inexact, increasing the cost of forming the hydroform member and producing parts that have questionable reliability.
Consequently, there is needed a device and method for reinforcing the weak areas of hydroform tubes without significantly increasing the weight and manufacturing complexity.
The invention relates to a reinforced hydroform member. In one embodiment, the hydroform member includes an outer structural member having an open bore; and a structural foam supported by the outer structural member. The foam extends along at least a portion of the length of the outer structural member, and may fill at least a portion of the length of the bore.
The structural foam is generally and preferably a heat-activated epoxy-based resin. As the foam is heated, it expands and adheres to adjacent surfaces. The preferred structural foam material is commercially available from L&L Products of Romeo, Mich. under the designation L5206, L5207, L5208, or L5209.
In an alternative embodiment, the hydroform member includes an inner structural member having an open section, wherein the inner structural member is received in the bore of the outer structural member. The outer structural member and the inner structural member are fabricated of metal, and the structural foam extends along at least a portion of the length of the inner structural member and the outer structural member.
In still another embodiment, the reinforced hydroform includes an outer elongated tubular bar having a open center; an elongated inner tubular bar having an open bore coextensive therewith such that the inner tubular bar is received in the open center of the outer tubular bar so as to extend concentrically therewith; and a structural foam supported by the outer surface of the inner tubular bar, wherein the structural foam extends along at least a portion of the length of the inner structural member.
The reinforced hydroform may be formed by (1) providing an outer structural member having an open bore; (2) reinforcing the outer structural member by applying a structural foam thereto; (3) reshaping the outer structural member, causing the exterior surface of the outer structural member to assume a desired configuration; and (4) heating the structural foam to a temperature sufficient to cause the structural foam to expand and adhere to adjacent surfaces.
Where the hydroform includes a inner structural member, the method of forming the reinforced hydroform further includes the step of providing an inner structural member that is received in the open bore of the outer structural member so as to form a structural assembly. The structural assembly is reinforced by applying the structural foam thereto.
The features and inventive aspects of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description, claims and drawings, of which the following is a brief description:
The hydroform member 10 includes an outer metal tube 12 and an inner concentric tube 14. The outer tube 12 includes an open center and preferably has a seamless outer perimeter. Although
The physical dimensions of the outer tube 12 will vary depending on the intended use of the hydroform member 10. Where the hydroform member 10 is used as part of an automobile framing system, the outer tube 12 may have a length in excess of 15′ and an inner diameter typically ranging from approximately �″ to 12″. For an outer tube 12 having these dimensions, the outer tube 12 has a constant wall thickness prior to any deformation. The wall thickness of tube chosen will vary depending on the function and structure of the element being reinforced.
The inner tube 14 is received in the open center of the outer tube 12. Preferably, the inner tube 14 is concentrically received in the open center of the outer tube 12, and extends axially along the length of the outer tube 12 such that each end of the inner tube 14 is substantially flush with the respective ends of the outer tube 12.
In the preferred embodiment, the inner tube 14 has an open center and a seamless outer perimeter. Although
The physical dimensions of the inner tube 14 will vary depending on the intended use of the hydroform member 10. Where the hydroform member 10 is used as part of an automobile framing system, the inner tube 14 may have a length in excess of 15′. The inner diameter typically has a value ranging between approximately 1″ and 12″ and a constant wall thickness generally having a specific value ranging between 0.030″ and 0.30″.
As best seen in
The structural foam 16 is preferably heat-activated and expands and cures upon heating, typically by a foaming and cross-linking reactions. The structural foam 16 is generally applied to the tube 14 in a solid or semi-solid state. The structural foam 16 may be applied to the outer perimeter of the tube 14 in a fluid state using commonly known injection techniques, wherein the structural foam 16 is heated to a temperature that permits the structural foam 16 to flow slightly. Upon cooling the structural foam 16 hardens and adheres to the outer surface of the tube 14. Alternatively, the structural foam 16 may be applied to the tube 14 as precast pellets, which are heated slightly to permit the pellets to bond to the outer surface of the tube 14. At this stage, the structural foam 16 is heated just enough to cause the structural foam 16 to flow slightly, but not enough to cause the structural foam 16 to thermally expand. Additionally, the structural foam may also be applied by heat bonding/thermoforming and by co-extrusion. Note that other expandable sheet materials can be used, such as, without limitation, an encapsulated mixture of materials that, when activated by temperature, pressure, chemically, or other by other ambient conditions, will expand.
The structural foam 16 is an epoxy-based material, but may include an ethylene copolymer or terpolymer, such as with an alpha-olefin. As a copolymer or terpolymer, the molecule is composed of two or three different monomers, i.e., small molecules with high chemical reactivity that are capable of linking up with similar molecules.
A number of epoxy-based structural reinforcing foams are known in the art and may also be used to produce the structural foam 16. A typical structural foam includes a polymeric base material, such as an epoxy resin or ethylene-based polymer which, when compounded with appropriate ingredients (typically a blowing agent and perhaps a curing agent and filler), expands and cures in a reliable and predictable manner upon the application of heat or another activation stimulus. The resulting material has a low density and sufficient stiffness to impart desired rigidity to a supported article. From a chemical standpoint for a thermally-activated material, the structural foam 16 is usually initially processed as a thermoplastic material before curing. After curing, the structural foam 16 typically becomes a thermoset material.
An example of a preferred structural foam 16 formulation is an epoxy-based material that may include an ethylene copolymer or terpolymer that is commercially available from L&L Products of Romeo, Mich., under the designations L5206,L5207, L5208 and L5209. One advantage of the preferred structural foam materials 16 over prior art materials is the preferred materials can be processed in several ways. The preferred materials can be processed by injection molding, extrusion or with a mini-applicator extruder. This enables the creation of part designs that exceed the capability of most prior art materials.
While the preferred materials for fabricating the structural foam 16 have been disclosed, the structural foam 16 can be formed of other materials provided that the material selected is heat-activated or otherwise activated by an ambient condition (e.g. moisture, pressure, time or the like) and expands in a predictable and reliable manner under appropriate conditions for the selected application. One such material is the epoxy based resin disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/268,810, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference, filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Mar. 8, 1999 by the assignee of this application. Some other possible materials include, but are not limited to, polyolefin materials, copolymers and terpolymers with at least one monomer type an alpha-olefin, phenol/formaldehyde materials, phenoxy materials, and polyurethane materials with high glass transition temperatures. See also U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,766,719; 5,755,486; 5,575,526; 5,932,680 (incorporated herein by reference). In general, the desired characteristics of the structural foam 16 include high stiffness, high strength, high glass transition temperature (typically greater than 70 degrees Celsius), and good corrosion and humidity resistance properties.
In applications where a heat activated, thermally expanding material is employed, an important consideration involved with the selection and formulation of the material comprising the structural foam 16 is the temperature at which a material reaction or expansion, and possibly curing, will take place. For instance, in most applications, it is undesirable for the material to be active at room temperature or otherwise at the ambient temperature in a production line environment. More typically, the structural foam 16 becomes reactive at higher processing temperatures, such as those encountered in an automobile assembly plant, when the foam 16 is processed along with the automobile components at elevated temperatures or at higher applied energy levels. While temperatures encountered in an automobile assembly body shop may be in the range of 148.89� C. to 204.44� C. (300� F. to 400� F.), body and paint shop applications are commonly about 93.33� C. (215� F.) or slightly higher. If needed, blowing agents can be incorporated into the composition to cause expansion at different temperatures outside the above ranges.
Generally, prior art expandable foams have a range of expansion ranging from approximately 0 to over 1000 percent. The level of expansion of the structural foam 16 may be increased to as high as 1500 percent or more, but is typically between 0% and 300%.
The hydroform member 10 may be used in a variety of applications where structural reinforcement is desired. The hydroform member 10 has particular application in those instances where the overall weight of the structure being reinforced is a critical factor. For instance, the hydroform member may be used to increase the structural strength of aircraft frames, marine vehicles, automobile frames, building structures or other similar objects. In the embodiment disclosed the hydroform member 10 is used as part of an automobile frame to reinforce selected areas of the automobile frame.
As best illustrated in
The method of forming the hydroform member 10 includes applying the structural foam 16 to the outer perimeter of the inner tube 14. The structural foam 16 is applied to the inner tube 14 using the techniques previously discussed.
The inner tube 14 is then received in the open center of the outer tube 12. The tube assembly 12, 14 is reshaped to include any desired bends, twists or contour changes. One particular method in which the tube assembly 12, 14 could be deformed is by first inserting the inner tube 14 into the outer tube 12 to be hydroformed and then bending the outer tube 12 to lock the inner tube 14 into place. After completion of the bending process, the tube assembly 12, 14 is placed in a mold and each end of the tube assembly 12, 14 is sealed using known techniques. For instance, an end cap (not shown) is inserted over each end of the tubular members 12, 14, and one end of a kick bolt (not shown) is coupled to one of the end caps and the other end to a fluid source under pressure.
Next, a hydroforming process is employed to reshape and to stretch the tubular assembly 12, 14 to the desired configuration. It will be appreciated that hydroforming, sometimes referred to as fluid forming or rubber diaphragm forming, is a known process for drawing and shaping metal components. The hydroforming process explained herein is for illustrative purposes only, and it will be appreciated that other hydroforming techniques may be used.
The hydroforming process employed in practicing this invention includes injecting a liquid under pressure into the open center of the tube 14 through the end cap. The fluid pressure causes the tube assembly 12, 14 to expand outwardly, bringing the exterior of the tube 12 into contact with the mold into which the tube assembly 12, 14 has been placed. Consequently, the exterior of the outer tube 12 is forced to assume the shape of the mold. The inner tube 14 can also be drawn during the hydroforming operation at locations wherein the outer tube 12 is also drawn. In other words, the inner tube 14 can be deformed in the same manner as the outer tube 12, whether through the initial bending process or through the subsequent drawing process that occurs during hydroforming. Once the hydroforming process is completed, the kick bolt (not shown) is removed.
Finally, after hydroforming the tube assembly 12, 14, the strength and stiffness of the hydroform 10 is increased by curing the structural foam 16. To cure the structural foam 16, the structural foam 16 is heated to a temperature sufficient to permit the structural foam 16 to expand and adhere to the inner surface of the outer tube 12. As the structural foam 16 is heated, it becomes chemically active and expands, forming a bond with the adjacent structure, the inner surface of the tube 12. The characteristics of the foam 16 can be provided by a separate adhesive layer in between the structural foam 16 and the inner surface of the tube 16, or it can be obtained from the formulation of the foam 16 itself.
During the curing cycle, the structural foam 16 is heated to a temperature higher than the temperature used during application of the foam material 16 to the tube 14. This higher temperature causes activation of the expansion and curing properties of the structural foam 16 by initiating chemical decomposition of the blowing agent and curing agent additives.
Upon cooling, the structural foam 16 stiffens and resists deformation during handling. Preferably, for cost and weight considerations, the structural foam 16 does not extend throughout the entire length of the tube assembly 12, 14. However, it will be appreciated that the structural foam 16 could be applied to the inner tube 14 so as to expand the entire length of the tubular assembly 12, 14.
Alternatively, the structural foam 16 may be applied to the tubular assembly 12, 14 using an extruder or injection process, wherein molten structural foam 16 is dispensed into key sections of the member to be reinforced. In this manner, the molten structural foam material 16 flows into the cavity to be reinforced. Another method for applying the structural foam 16 to the tubular assembly 12, 14 includes using structural foam 16 pellets. The pellets are inserted into the cavity between the tubes 12, 14 and cured as described above.
Preferably, the structural foam 16 is applied to the assembly 12, 14 at the location to be reinforced, which is generally at bends or locations where the surface contour changes. However, it will be appreciated that the structural foam 16 may be applied to the entire length of the hydroform 10 if desired.
The application of the structural foam 16 to the tube 14, increases the structural strength and stiffness of the tube 14. As a result, the overall structural strength and stiffness of the hydroform 10 is increased.
There are a variety of configurations that may be employed to fabricate a hydroform member 10. For instance, the hydroform 10 need not be fabricated as a tubular assembly but may comprise any configuration having a continuous perimeter and an open section therein. The disclosed embodiment is given to illustrate the invention. However, it is not intended to limit the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, the invention should be limited only by the appended claims.
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|Oct 23, 2012
|Ford Global Technologies
|Reinforced closed section assembly
|Feb 27, 2008
|Oct 23, 2012
|Sika Technology Ag
|Oct 26, 2010
|Apr 7, 2015
|Daimler Ag
|Method for producing a body shell of a motor vehicle and body shell for a motor vehicle
|Jan 9, 2006
|Jul 12, 2007
|Murray Scott L
|Foam wheel cladding process
|Dec 26, 2007
|Jul 2, 2009
|Niezur Michael C
|Integrated reinforcing crossmember
|Feb 27, 2008
|Aug 27, 2009
|Henri Cousin
|Apr 15, 2008
|Oct 15, 2009
|Frank Hoefflin
|Method for incorporating long glass fibers into epoxy-based reinforcing resins
|Apr 15, 2009
|Oct 21, 2010
|Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
|Prestressed Structural Members and Methods of Making Same
|Dec 3, 2009
|Jun 9, 2011
|Ari Garo Caliskan
|Reinforced closed section assembly
|Oct 26, 2010
|Nov 8, 2012
|Daimler Ag
|Method for Producing a Body Shell of a Motor Vehicle and Body Shell for a Motor Vehicle
|Sep 24, 2015
|Mar 30, 2017
|Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
|Seitent�r f�r ein Fahrzeug und Fahrzeug mit einer derartigen Seitent�r
|U.S. Classification
|29/897.2, 29/421.1
|International Classification
|Cooperative Classification
|European Classification
|Mar 22, 2007
Owner name: ZEPHYROS, INC., MICHIGAN
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:L&L PRODUCTS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:019094/0064
Effective date: 20061215
Owner name: ZEPHYROS, INC.,MICHIGAN
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:L&L PRODUCTS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:019094/0064
Effective date: 20061215
|Nov 1, 2010
|Maintenance fee reminder mailed
|Mar 28, 2011
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 4
|Mar 28, 2011
|Surcharge for late payment
|Sep 18, 2014
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 8


text:
The GTU is proud to be among the consponsors of the 2017 King and Faith lectures, presented by the Northern California Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Foundation. This annual lecture series is part of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration events held yearly in San Francisco each January and seeks to engage the wider scholarly, theological, clerical, and lay communities in contemporary contemplation of Dr. King, his message, and his symbology.
Graduate Theological Union
2400 Ridge Road
Berkeley, California 94709
email@example.com +1.510.649.2400
Admissions +1.800.826.4488
Report a problem
© 2012 GTU • All Rights Reserved

subset: commoncrawl


text:
01/08/2017 Zobrazenie celkom: 11922 Dnes: 1
Apartment Le Vele Riva del Garda, Located a 5-minute drive from Lake Garda, Appartamento Le Vele offers an apartment simply furnished with 2 terraces. Bikes can be rented on site, while shops and restaurants are within 30 metres of the apartment. The apartment will provide you with a flat-screen TV, a washing machine and a kitchenette with a dishwasher. The bathroom comes with a hairdryer and free toiletries. Bezplatné parkovanie je zabezpečené. You can relax in the sun terrace. Torbole is reachable in 10 minút jazdy autom. The centre of Riva del Garda is 2 km from Le Vele Appartamento. (Apartment Le Vele Riva del Garda hotels booking).


text:
I Choose Gals
Duration: 3min 00sec Views: 4 428 Submitted: 7 years ago
Description: I was making a tiny movie for my BOYFRIEND Johnny, but I found him poking around on me. Ravage him, because he could have had a three way one day. Instead all you fellows online reap the benefits. Love men ;)
Channel: I Know That Girl
Models: Lizz Taylor Mariah Madysinn
Download: 768x432, 21.98 Mb


text: Overview and New Feature Architecture overview Topology and terminology Installation Installation overview Profiles – details Install – Network deployment Web server plug-in installation Websphere Application Server V6 migration System management System management architecture Browser-based administrative console Start/stop/monitor processes Other commands Build cell – add / remove nodes Cell, deployment manager, node and node agent Manage generic servers Application management overview Application management install and uninstall Application management Lab – install application JDBC management Manage Web server nodes Security Overview and architecture Security for system administrator Authentication mechanism and user registries Service integration technologies Overview Architecture Configuration service integration bus resources Configuring JMS resources for service integration bus Performance and demonstrations Application server performance overview Websphere Application Server dynamic cache Performance advisor and Tivoli Performance Viewer(TPV) Problem determination Overview – where to start Log files overview Loading and tracing Log and trace analyzer Hung thread detection Generating an IBM heap dump Websphere portal Administrator Contents Introduction. Installation. Architecture. Navigation. Page Management. Access Control Concepts & Administration. Attribute Based Administration. Branding. Virtual Portal Concepts & Administration. Topologies. Installation scenarios. Portal Cluster. Deploying Portlets, skins and themes to a cluster. Staging to production. Web Content Management WCM – Overview. WCM – Concepts. WCM – Application Development. Deploying Portlets Portal Security Management Feed Syndication Mash up Integration Portal Search Other Miscellaneous Administrative Portlets Theme Architecture (Branding) Creating a Cell Federating a Portal Node into a Cell Configuration Portal Security Troubleshooting Production Topologies Portal Cluster


text:
ED Magedson – Founder
Ripoff Report
Inphonics - ERC Enhanced Recovery Corporation1010 Wisconsin Ave Suite 600 Washington, District of Columbia U.S.A.
Does your business have a bad reputation?
Fix it the right way.
Corporate Advocacy Program™
Set the record straight:
Arbitration Program
This report was posted on Ripoff Report on 05/31/2005 05:38 PM and is a permanent record located here: http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/inphonics-erc-enhanced-recovery-corporation/washington-district-of-columbia-20007/inphonics-and-erc-enhanced-recovery-corporation-ripoff-misrepresentation-and-false-advert-144596. The posting time indicated is Arizona local time. Arizona does not observe daylight savings so the post time may be Mountain or Pacific depending on the time of year.
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text:
As technology development moves on at an increasing pace the security industry is constantly taking advantage of the progress. The migration from an analogue to a digital technology was a real game changer. Suddenly technology integration has become much easier and cost effective. User friendliness and flexibility seem to no long have any limits.
Here, and, in the newly published edition of Detektor magazine 02/17, Lennart Alexandrie, gives his views on the cyber threat and how it might affect the security industry.


text:
BD's Mongolian Barbecue
2619 28th St., SE (Breton Rd. SE) Send to Phone
616-957-7500 | Make Restaurant Reservations | Menu
OpenLunch & Dinner daily
- Parking lot
- Dress code: Casual
- Full bar
- Heart-healthy dishes
- Kid-friendly
* Click here for rating key
BD's Mongolian Barbecue Restaurant Review: Belly up to the stir-fry bar and customize your own creation with numerous combinations of vegetables, meats and seafood. Modern décor, a nod to authentic Mongolian banquet halls, gives this family-friendly eatery a fun, laid-back feel. After dousing your design in condiments and sauces, bring your bowl to the circular grill and gather with the other restaurant patrons to watch the cooks gently toss ingredients in the air and back into the heat. Reservations are not accepted, but same-day call-ahead seating is.
Find out which restaurants and chefs top the list of GAYOT's 2016 Annual Restaurant Awards.


text:
Hugh Acheson is a chef, restaurateur and cookbook author who loves local. In his #MakeEveryDayLocal video with YP, he shares a few of his favorite businesses in and around Atlanta, Georgia that allow him to live his life and run his restaurants, locally.[two_third spacing="no" last="no" background_color="" background_image="" background_repeat="no-repeat" background_position="left top" border_size="0px" border_color="" border_style="solid" padding="4px 0 10px 0″ class="" id=""]See more of Hughs favorite Atlanta businesses on YP.[/two_third]
Hugh Acheson


text:
"Fun, unique, role playing chat, with a medieval fantasy setting. Create your character and step into our world. Your story is up to YOU. Live it. ~All creative writers welcome~"
Top site lists are a simple, but powerful system for exposing your site to millions. If accepted into our exclusive network this is a great opportunity to grow your site.
Pick a unique URL: top-site-list.com/your-name. Add a custom logo and background. Your choice of over 275 styles for your toplist, or provide your own custom HTML layout.
4,152 Top Site Lists
246,128 Members
1,024,533 Listed Websites
315,728,028 Total Votes
553,057,416 Total Hits


text:
GERMANY ISSUE 400 Apr 2013
bluestudios Hanover photographers
For more than 20 years the bluestudios have stood for unique style and fresh ideas across a wide range of photography. Thanks to its expertise, versatility and quality bluestudios is in great demand among long-term clients such as Continental, Volkswagen, Einbecker, Volkswagen Individual, Volkswagen Nutzfahrzeuge, Reifen.com, Blaupunkt, Valtra, Claas, Vergölst, Blohm + Voss and KWS, to name just a few.
bluestudios founders, Dieter Sieg and Volker Warning, create new visual languages in close collaboration with their clients. Both share the desire to offer clients exclusivity and emotionally accessible images. Besides fashion, beauty, cars, people and lifestyle, Dieter and Volker have also shot widely seen calendars and have both published very successful books of their artwork.
Visit the website to discover their latest work and don't miss bluestudios' app for Smartphone and Android.
Tag your comment using @productionparadise to share with us!


text:
PARIS – In January, Chris Williamson, Chief Economist at the economics research firm Markit, called France "the new sick man of Europe." With near-zero GDP growth, rising unemployment, and mounting public debt – not to mention counter-productive austerity policies – it is difficult to argue otherwise. Given France's profound importance to Europe's economic and political stability, this poses a major threat to the entire European project.
Recent developments confirm Williamson's diagnosis. French business activity sank to a seven-month low in December. While tax revenues increased by €32 billion ($44 billion) last year, the government deficit fell by a mere €8 billion and public debt increased from 89% of GDP to more than 93%. Meanwhile, unemployment rose from 9.5% to 10.5%.
The obvious conclusion is that austerity is not the answer. Indeed, France must abandon its current policies, for its own – and the rest of Europe's – sake.
France's problems, like those of the eurozone's other troubled economies, stem from the fact that the euro's exchange rate does not align with member countries' economic positions. As a result, these countries' virtual exchange rates vis-à-vis Germany are critically overvalued, inasmuch as wages in these countries have risen more quickly, and labor productivity more slowly, than in Germany. Given that the implicit nominal exchange rates are fixed "forever" within the euro, these countries have accumulated major deficits relative to Germany.


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When a neighbour in a northern Turkish village complains that orphaned teenager Lale (Günes Nezihe Sensoy) and her four older sisters have been misbehaving with boys, they are grounded by their strict grandmother (Nihal Koldas) and hypocritical uncle (Ayberk Pekcan), who make plans to marry them off.
Films about arranged marriage are pretty commonplace in India and the Middle East. But this Franco-Turkish story seeks to alert Western arthouse audiences to the issue by arousing liberal ire rather than exploring the socio-cultural issues in any great depth. Deniz Gamze Ergüven's directorial debut may have been nominated for the Oscar for Best Foreign Film and won four Césars, but its inevitable descent into melodrama undoubtedly compromises its message.
It may be an Oscar nominee but its descent into melodrama undoubtedly compromises its message.
Scripting with Alice Winocour (who explored the notion of trophy wives in Disorder), Ergüven begins by showing how much Günes Nezihe Sensoy and siblings Ilayda Akdogan, Tugba Sunguroglu, Elit Iscan, Doga Zeynep Doguslu enjoy life in their Black Sea backwater. But, from the moment they are caught frolicking on the beach with some local lads, their purity becomes more important than their innocence and they are placed on the marriage market by their reactionary grandmother and lascivious uncle.
The sexually active Akdogan keeps seeing her secret boyfriend, while Sensoy manages to slip away from the endless lessons in pliant domesticity to join the all-female crowd at a football match. But, while granny Nihal Koldas is bent on finding husbands, she turns a blind eye to the abusive antics of son Ayberk Pekcan, whose lust brings about a tragedy that still shocks despite its cynical calculation and gauche echoing of Sofia Coppola's The Virgin Suicides.
The insights into Islamic issues with female sexuality are shrewd and sincere, while the performances of the largely non-professional cast are excellent. But Ergüven's direction lacks nuance, with too much reliance being placed upon the voiceover narration, while the heavy handed symbolism often labours otherwise cogent points and the denouement is more sentimental than optimistic.
A superbly acted study of suppression that's more intent on provocation than plausibility.


text:
Unemployment benefits have become a first-page, news headliner issue since Sen. Bunning put a hold on benefits payments. He insisted that the Senate find $10 billion in cuts elsewhere in the budget to pay for a new round of benefits -- so that the Senate wouldn't violate Congress' renewal of "Pay as you Go" legislation.
The more basic problem, however, is that repeated extensions of benefits turn the unemployment "safety net" from an insurance to a welfare program. The unemployment insurance funds have already been exhausted in many states We know the dangers of welfare -- creating a dependency culture rather than encouraging self-reliance and enterprise.
Many years ago, some successful experiments were mounted in some American states (e.g., Massachusetts) and some foreign countries (e.g., France). These showed that unemployment funds could be used to seed new businesses. Many unemployed people were helped to "be your own boss" and create their own job(s). The potential of this is great now, as the "Great Recession" continues and long-term unemployment grows. The Director of the New Hampshire's SBA program reports that his office has been swamped with requests for assistance from unemployed people who can't find jobs, so they are turning to self-employment as an option. They need help to establish new enterprises.
Thus, Congress should build on past experiments to revise the unemployment benefits program so that it can help enable enterprise rather than encourage dependency. Receipt of benefits to be paid out to someone unemployed over a year should be contingent on a choice of either self-employment or public employment. The latter implies that Congress should also be prepared to authorize temporary public employment on an emergency basis -- to enable some useful work to be provided to people unemployed more than a year. The guiding rule is just what guided welfare reform: Beyond a certain point, no welfare without work.
Studies show that nearly two-thirds of net new jobs are generated by new or young (up to 5 years old) enterprises. To the maximum extent possible, let's see that unemployment funds are used to help build job-creating businesses.
PETER BEARSE, Ph.D., International Consulting Economist and Candidate
for Congress, NH CD 1.


text:
A topical, antifungal mouthwash or an orally or intravenously administered antifungal medicine treats thrush. The name "thrush" refers to an infection caused by the Candida yeast growing out of control in the mouth or throat, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Continue Reading
Normally, Candida yeast lives on the skin and mucous membranes of the body, causing problems only when it grows out of control, a condition called Candidiasis, explains the CDC. Candidiasis can occur in multiple locations on the body but occurs often in the genitals, where it commonly receives the diagnosis of "yeast infection." Treatment for these instances of Candidiasis is the same, involving a topical or oral antifungal medicine.Learn more about Conditions & Diseases


text:
JACKSON, Mississippi — The Mississippi Republican Party faces a Monday deadline to file certified results from the June 24 runoff in which six-term Sen. Thad Cochran defeated Chris McDaniel. Party spokesman Bobby Morgan said results will be filed with the secretary of state's office by the 5 p.m. deadline. It wasn't immediately clear whether the numbers would be publicly released Monday. ...Read More »
Daily Archives: July 7, 2014
BorgWarner expanding operations in Water Valley
WATER VALLEY — Officials from global powertrain supplier BorgWarner announced today the company is expanding operations in Water Valley to accommodate an increased demand for the company's advanced transmission solutions. The project is the company's fourth expansion in Water Valley. It represents a company investment of $43 million and will create 158 new jobs. Advanced transmission solutions produced at the Water Valley ...Read More »
Small business owner named to Jackson sales tax commission
Special to the MBJ JACKSON, Mississippi – Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves today named small business owner and local architect Michael Boerner to the 1-percent sales tax commission charged with overseeing expenditures from a recent sales tax increase in the city of Jackson. The 10-member commission will develop a plan for infrastructure repairs and address how tax revenues will support the ...Read More »
GITOMER — Really, 'close' the sale? Eh, no Sparky. It's 'earn' the sale
It never ceases to amaze me how many people still ask me, "What's the best way to close a sale?" Other than cold calling and finding the pain, this is one of the biggest misconceptions in sales. It's not a technique. It's not a manipulation. It's not something that you wait until the end of your presentation to do. It's ...Read More »
TODD SMITH'S SPIN CYCLE: New PR and marketing study busts myths on industries
By Todd Smith Some commonly held beliefs about PR and marketing – especially content marketing and SEO adoption – are more myth than reality according to a comprehensive study on industry trends conducted recently by Vocus, a public relations and marketing software company, and Market Connections Inc., a research firm based in Virginia. The results indicate that progressive strides are ...Read More »
BOOK BIZ: New book provides photographic tour of capital city
Prolific Bay St. Louis photographer Ken Murphy presents another beautiful book of photos that is sure to become a collector's item. This time the subject is Jackson, Mississippi's largest and capital city and hub of political and business activity. Jackson is a 183-page photography book with a foreword by Lemuria Bookstore owner John Evans and an introduction by business leader ...Read More »
WILLOUGHBY: Coyt Bailey ignores naysayers, grows Mercury Aviation
Follow your bliss. That summarizes the philosophy of 20th century author and mythologist Joseph Campbell. In his book, Reflections in the Art of Living: A Joseph Campbell Companion, Campbell said, "If you follow your bliss, you put yourself on a kind of track that has been there all the while, waiting for you, and the life that you ought to ...Read More »
SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Ink on paper still has its charms for The Book Rack
While we've seen the decline and in some cases (a la Borders Books) the demise of the big chain bookstore, there has been something of a revival of smaller neighborhood bookshops. That's true in the Jackson area, as in many other places. A good example is the Book Rack, located in the Canton Mart Square shopping center in north Jackson. ...Read More »
Green Bay Converting locating operations, 300 jobs in Hattiesburg
HATTIESBURG — Officials from Green Bay Converting, converter of sanitary towel and tissue products, announced today the company is expanding its operations into Mississippi with a facility in Hattiesburg. The project represents a corporate investment of $48 million and will create 300 new jobs. "We are excited about the continued growth of our business and believe Hattiesburg to be the perfect ...Read More »
STRUCTURE: Ellis Steel in West Point provides the framework for major projects in Mississippi and nationwide
Ellis Steel Co. has been in business for 83 years, the last 30 years under the current management, an impressive record for longevity on both counts. President and general manager Frank Hopper, who has been with Ellis since 1980, had a simple explanation for why the company has successfully operated for so long. "Our success is attributed to the hard ...Read More »


text:
Tyto alba
Barn owls are terrestrial and are common around the world and are found on all continents, except Antarctica.
They are 29 to 60 centimetres in length and have a wingspan of close to I metre.
They don't hoot like other owls, instead they make a raspy hissing or shrieking sound.
Barn owls have a very distinctive heart shaped face.
Barn owls are found on nearly all the continents excluding the poles and desert environments.
They can live in a variety of habitats including grasslands, crops and open and riparian woodlands.
The barn owls can be found roosting in cavities such as roofs, hollowed trees, small caves and small gaps but will lay their eggs on bare wood or stone.
The habitat puts little pressure on the owls and they find the food they need and they can live in almost any area in their environment.
Barn owls cross-fertilise with the opposite sex and have internal fertilisation.
Males will attract a female with a call and then chase the female. The male and female will make a series of calls before mating.
The eggs protect the owlet which is inside. If one parent dies hunting, the owls will still hatch and the other parent will hunt for them. The owls use viviparity, so the unhatched owls will die if the mother dies.
For owls, their reproductive organs are neatly and internally tucked away. Males manage to fertilize the female by rubbing the opening under their tail against hers to transfer a tiny drop of sperm onto the surface. Then the sperm swims up a long tube to fertilize the egg. The barn owl uses oviparity and lays eggs.
The female barn owl lays five to ten eggs but can lay up to 15 at a rate of one egg every two to three days. More eggs are laid when food is plentiful because the female is at her healthiest and it is likely more young will survive when food is plentiful. The owlets will hatch after 32-34 days and can hunt on their own after 2 months. As the barn owl has a life expectancy of only about two years, females often have two broods a year. The young grow to full adulthood rapidly and many breed in their first year at around ten months old.
Advantages include the fact that both parents hunt for the food but barn owls may never meet a mate but this is unlikely because they are quite common. This strategy works very well.
The parental role is shared. The male gathers the food, (but sometimes the female can) while the females do the incubating and brooding, joining in food collection when the young may be left. This does mean that the nesting can fail if either parent dies before the young can be left uncovered (around 3 weeks after hatching). The baby barn owls are able to eat their own body weight in food every night. Barn owls use "K" selection and the survivul rates are 30%.
Their strategy works well for them but it has low survival rates.
The owl below is nesting the eggs. She will stay on her eggs until they hatch and the young can stay uncovered ater 3 months. The male will hunt because if the eggs are left uncovered they could die. If the male dies the babies might very likely also die because of lack of food. There is medium parental care because of the two parents;
the male gathers the food, while the females do the incubating and brooding, joining in food collection when the young may be left.
Barn owl nesting
Birds of Prey - Majestic Masters of the Sky. (2007).
Parragon Publishing.
Melbourne's Wildlife - A field guide to the fauna of Greater Melbourne. (2006). Melbourne:
Museum Victoria, CSIRO.
Field Guide to the Birds of Australia. (2004). Simpson & Day.
Penguin, Viking.


text:
With First Tutors: Music you can locate a Caerphilly flugel horn tutor. Flugel Horn tuition are the perfect method to learn a stimulating new hobby, acquire a new skill and gain confidence with flugel horn. Try our service to find Caerphilly flugel horn tutors and choose which best suits your requirements so you can start your flugel horn tuition in Caerphilly straight away!
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text:
Product code: 11429
Despatched in 1-3 days.
The blood pressure monitor is a professional upper arm monitor with a full cuff which also takes pulse measurements. It is fully automatic with an internal pump for inflation and deflation and requires no manual intervention to take measurements and display the readings, which can be in European or American formats.It is very accurate and reliable and is easy to use and can store 36 previous readings.Contents
Sign up for the latest news, offers and ideas.
eChemist.co.uk © 2017. All rights reserved.


text:
Remember Me
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Premium Subscribers & members of my network may view my contact information.
Tom is a tireless worker in an often thankless job, but he surpasses demands and expectations every time. There are very few people that I would recommend unconditionally for any task, but Tom is one of them.
- R. Scott Medsker (7/25/08)
Peer Assessment:22
Social Influence:?
tom runge
© 2006-16 Viable Ventures, LLC. All rights reserved.


text: Greenway Grameen Infra, a team of student entrepreneurs from India, has won the 8 th annual Intel Global Challenge at UC Berkeley, a global business plan competition that encourages student entrepreneurs to tackle some of the world's most pressing issues and rewards innovative ideas that could make a positive impact on society. The winning team of entrepreneurs created efficient, biomass-based cooking solutions. In India and elsewhere around the globe, indoor open fires and traditional mud stoves are still used for cooking by nearly 3 billion people, leading to negative impacts on the environment and economy. The team's flagship product, the Greenway Smart Stove, incorporates a unique air-flow generator that saves fuel consumption by up to 65 percent and reduces smoke output by 70 percent. Since it commercially launched in December 2011, Greenway Grameen Infra has sold more than 12,000 units. The company plans to add two new stove designs and a waste heat-to-electricity converter to its product line. "This year, we saw impressive innovations in fields including healthcare, mobile app development and energy conservation," said Shelly Esque, president of the Intel Foundation and global director of Intel's Corporate Affairs Group. "These student entrepreneurs from around the world have developed first-class business plans ranging from improved reliability for cancer diagnoses to the production of inexpensive, more efficient solar cells." The Intel Foundation awarded $100,000 total in cash prizes. The grand prize-winning team received $50,000, and the three best-of-category winning teams each received $15,000. In addition, two prizes of $2,500 were awarded to the winning teams of a social media challenge and an audience favorite contest. Besides cash prizes, winning teams received invaluable mentoring and feedback from Silicon Valley's leading venture capitalists. Innovations from the three best-of-category winners included industries ranging from healthcare to agriculture. Nanoly Bioscience of the United States developed a protective shield that stabilizes vaccines and eliminates the need for refrigeration, allowing vaccines to be shipped virtually anywhere. Sustainable Agriculture Solutions of Colombia created sustainable farming solutions, including a fertilizer that increases efficiency by 40 percent over traditional alternatives. Avetics of Singapore invented an autonomous mini-plane with a computerized control board that takes high-resolution photographs for aerial maps.


text: Found out that (of all places) ALDI were getting some of this in last thursday, I went down there today and picked up a few bottles... I've always quite liked Löwenbräu, it makes a nice change once in a while; but I didn't know what to expect from the Oktoberfest special beer. What a nice surprise! It's a pretty strong little number, at 6.1% ABV and it's definitely got a rather definied taste to it, but it's quite palletable and once it's REALLY cold it tastes rather satisfying from a long glass. Has anyone else tried it? Regards, Rob.


text:
Taylor Benson
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text:
Grey Mid-Calf Socks from Falke for Women(1 Product)
Sort byMost popular first
- Your choice:
- Falke
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Falke Tennis Apparel
RU4 Warm Sports Socks Women - Grey, Dark Grey
£16.90£10.90Available sizes:
* All prices incl. VAT
The crossed out prices are the RRP.
The crossed out prices are the RRP.


text:
Rock band 30 Seconds to Mars have begun mapping out materials that will make it to their third studio album.
Jared Leto-fronted rock band 30 Seconds to Mars have begun the pre-production of their third effort. They will follow up the 2005 released 'A Beautiful Lie' that peaked at #36 on Billboard Hot 200.
"We are actually doing pre production," drummer Shannon Leto said to Ultimate-Guitar.com at the 2008 Guitar Center Drum Off. "I've recorded a bunch of beats, some guitar parts. My brother has probably written twenty or thirty songs already. We're going to go tour England and part of Europe right now, come back, record about five songs and see what happens."
On the changes they made in the new album Shannon said, "We're always going to change, always going to grow, always going to evolve so it's going to sound different from the last album. We always want to change. That's important to us, so."
The album will be the first release from the band without bassist Matt Wachter who left in March 2007 to devote time for his family. No replacement for Wachter has been made official.
The band will headline a two-days festival called 'Give It a Name' in Sheffield and London on May 10 and 11 respectively. But before that, they will embark on a European tour on January 24 in Newcastle, U.K. and wind it down February 15 in Lisbon.


text:
Fri Apr 13, 2012, 10:49 AM
oberliner (45,147 posts)
October Surprise
Why Israel may feel pressure to attack Iran before the U.S. presidential election.
Excerpt from the end of the piece:
In fact, if the Israelis really are intent on attacking the Iranian nuclear facilities, theyre likely to do so before this Novembers American presidential elections. If they started an attack and needed U.S. firepower to help them complete the task, Barack Obama might open himself up to perilous political attacksfor being indecisive, weak, appeasing, anti-Israel, you name itif he didnt follow through. It could cost him the votes of crucial constituencies. If the Israelis tried to pressure the United States into joining an attack after the election, Obama would have (to borrow a phrase from another context) more flexibility. So, to the extent the Israeli leaders have decided to attack (and its not at all clear they have), they are probably thinking: much better sooner than later.
One thought worth considering is that the Iranians have probably contemplated this scenario as well. They certainly do worry about an Israeli attack, and for good reason. The fact that theyve buried some of their facilities so deeply underground, at great cost, attests to this. If they think the Israelis are serious, maybe they will come up with a deal to avert a strike, at least for the next several months. The question, then, is whether their offerwhatever it isseems authentic and sufficiently tempting for the Israelis to accept.
Maybe the negotiations will be worth following, after all.
10 replies, 1401 views
|10 replies
October Surprise (Original post)
|Apr 2012
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Response to oberliner (Original post)
Fri Apr 13, 2012, 11:05 AM
no_hypocrisy (29,225 posts)
1. Two reason why I can see this:
1) Netanyahu doesn't like or trust Obama.
2) Netanyahu and Mitt Romney are old friends.
Response to oberliner (Original post)
Fri Apr 13, 2012, 11:06 AM
leftynyc (23,038 posts)
2. Another fucking article about the same fucking
thing I've been reading here for the last 3-1/2 years. Israel is going to attack!!! Hide under your desks!!! How pathetic. You'd think the people writing these would be embarassed by now.
Response to oberliner (Original post)
Fri Apr 13, 2012, 11:08 AM
bananas (27,505 posts)
3. The October Surprise of 1980
The Republicans were worried that Carter would cut a deal with Iran to release the hostages in October,
so the Republicans went and cut their own deal to keep the hostages until Reagan was in office.
So will the Republicans try to cut a deal with Iran now?
Response to bananas (Reply #3)
Fri Apr 13, 2012, 12:46 PM
bongbong (5,436 posts)
5. The other 1980 surprise
John Anderson, a repig, running to steal votes from Carter. He stole millions of votes. After the election, he was literally never heard from again.
Response to bongbong (Reply #5)
Fri Apr 13, 2012, 01:15 PM
oberliner (45,147 posts)
7. How did Anderson steal votes from Carter?
If he was a Republican, wouldn't he have stolen votes from Reagan?
Response to oberliner (Reply #7)
Fri Apr 13, 2012, 03:20 PM
bongbong (5,436 posts)
8. It seems you weren't there
Even though he was a repig, Anderson ran as a super-liberal to the left of Carter. He got votes from the folks who were miffed at Carter for not being Liberal enough.
Response to bongbong (Reply #8)
Fri Apr 13, 2012, 05:04 PM
oberliner (45,147 posts)
9. A Republican super-liberal?
Interesting assessment.
Response to oberliner (Reply #9)
Fri Apr 13, 2012, 05:10 PM
lastlib (9,706 posts)
10. they actually had 'em in those days....
they're extinct now. Olympia Snowe was probably the closest living relative to one.....
Yes, Anderson did siphon votes away from Carter, but IIRC, not enough to have made a diff in the outcome. He took a few away from Reagan from the few repubs who thought Ronnie was just too nutso.
Response to oberliner (Original post)
Fri Apr 13, 2012, 11:10 AM
sadbear (4,340 posts)
4. Bush Doctrine redux, Israeli-style.
Response to oberliner (Original post)
Fri Apr 13, 2012, 12:57 PM
BlueIris (29,135 posts)
6. My guess is that the surprise happens, er...a lot earlier.
A lot earlier than planned.


text:
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Zubair Torwali
It was a young crowd, in the thousands. These college students were thrilled at each song the organisers played. Their happiness came through in shouts and whistles.
This was at a ceremony held by a Swat-based youth organisation hailing persons with noted achievements 'nationwide'.
This time the event was more a concert than an award-giving ceremony. Some of the famous women Pashto singers performed. A few Swat-based Pashto singers also performed well.
Despite everything, such events everywhere, especially in the entertainment-starved Swat valley, are laudable. This was the second event held by the youth at the historic Wadudia Hall opposite to the 'once-prestigious' Jahanzeb College in Saidu Sharif, Swat.
Of all the significant things at the event two video messages from youth leaders were notable. Among these messages one was given by Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai.
Malala, because of whom Swat is now better known the world over, has made education for girls her sole mission. In the video message she talked about Swat and tried to motivate her peers to study because she thinks education is the bulwark against all odds.
For me it was interesting to observe the reaction of the crowd at the appearance of Malala. As expected the crowd, especially the youth, appreciated the message delivered by a German lady but when Malala's video appeared on the screen the youth began to scream in Pashto 'larey ka' (remove her). They also shouted 'chee chee', an expression of disgust, at her.
The adults and the elderly, however, were not moved. They neither expressed delight nor disgust. They looked confused – as the majority in Pakistan is. When the message ended there was no applause. Notwithstanding the reaction, the organisers of the event played the message by Malala; and this was their courage.
I have my own perspective about Malala accepting the Nobel Prize. But I have no doubt over the ingenuity of what Malala had done prior to the deadly attack on her life in October 2012.
Similarly, the conspiracy theories around Malala have no substance in them. It is quite simple. She dared to speak to the media on what was going in Swat in a time when nobody dared to say a single word. She narrated her day-to-day stories in a form of a diary on the BBC Urdu website. She dared to speak to the international media when men like me used to avoid their cameras because of the vulnerability of families, and a convoluted response by state and society against the insurgency in our valley.
There might be other people who had spoken up that time in Swat; and they may complain of not having been duly acknowledged by the media or the government. But a teenage girl speaking up in a society like ours, during a time of militancy and extremism – has a different impact both on the media and on the civil society. This is the reason that after Malala, the girls and women of Swat and the rest of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are awarded by various foreign governments and organisations for their activism even though their work might not be too significant on the ground. This is because of our bad social image internationally.
It must indeed hurt a lot when those very people that you think you serve end up hating you. The irony is that these same people would make you not only a hero but insignia symbol of pride when you are dead. Muslim philosophers, scientists and logicians of the medieval age are now the crown jewels of our academia, Islamic political parties and schools but in their lifetime all were seen as heretics or apostates by the predecessors of these same people.
Today many scholars who not only represent but also vigorously defend Muslims internationally, by holding world superpowers accountable, are mostly regarded as infidels and bad Muslims back in their home countries.
Had Malala, God forbid, not survived the attack she would have been a hero for all Swatis. She not only survived it but also became an icon of resistance the world over; and that is why we now despise her.
Back to the youth event. When I observed these young people shouting at Malala I wondered about how and why they had developed this attitude. I recalled my teenage and college days when our teachers claimed to know everything and tried to instil their biases into our young minds.
Hence the education that Malala fights for the world over needs to encourage independent thinking rather than toeing the lines drawn by polarised and biased teachers.
The writer heads IBT, an independentorganisation dealing with education and
development in Swat. Email: [email protected]


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Guess Who?
Well guys seems I've actually managed not to smoke a whole 2hrs!!!!!(91/2hrs if you count last night asleep!lol).I've binned all my smoking rubbish (ashtrays lightersetc) and I've had myself a nice hot shower to get rid of any smoke stink on me.Feelng ok at the moment - I remember I was very edgy last time (maybe it was just the effect patches had on me) Anyway I seem to be much calmer (at the moment lol) .Maybe this zyban stuff isn't so bad after all!