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Strengthening border control capacities in Albania
1. Objective
The overall objective of the project is to provide a balanced package of assistance in priority areas to the Government of Albania so that it is better able to counter illicit trafficking and disrupt organized criminal activities. It will provide direct assistance in order to strengthen the government's capacities to detect illicit drugs and other trafficking activities through the provision of technical equipment and training, especially at the eastern border crossing points and the green border.
The project aims to introduce modern concepts of an 'intelligence-led' approach to Police and Customs enforcement services as well as promote national and regional information exchange and cross border cooperation. In addition, it focuses on sensitive operational areas and strengthen regional cooperation at the operational level.
The project is designed as a continuation of the successfully implemented first phase of ALB/G70. It aims to fulfil the following objectives:
Involve all drug related entities covering a wide range of subjects and covering more geographical areas;
Explore with those entities how to build on models of use;
Evaluate the continuation of activities to produce guidelines and samples for all entireties on how to encourage joint undertaking of operations and exchange of information;
Implement a wide range of activities such as workshop and training;
Encourage officers and prosecutors to share their experiences with other intuitions locally and abroad in order to continue with the dissemination of information.
2. Results Achieved To Date Based on Indicators
As stated in the recent report of EU on Albania, the country has made progress in the fight against organized crime, but it is still in an early phase. The country still lacks a unified, interinstitutional response in the fight against organized crime. Poor cooperation among various entities that are engaged in the implementation of the Integrated Border Management Strategy is of serious concern. Albania has made progress in improving its border security, but its ability to further develop and sustain these efforts, particularly in the area of IBM, remains a challenge. Based on the UNODC initiative of creating joint teams of border police and customs, operational Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) between national authorities were developed during the first phase of the project. Such cooperation has also led to the joint use of equipment and thus a shared responsibility in the fight against illicit trafficking. Recently both custom authorities and border police have become more involved in the interdiction of illicit trafficking, an area which until recently they considered to be the sole responsibility of anti-drug units. Albania continues to be a country of origin and production of the cannabis sativa plant, as well as a transit country for the trafficking of hard drugs, mainly of heroin. Despite the fact that the figures regarding narcotics seizures are the highest in the last four years, one must be careful not to confuse progress with success. Criminal intelligence as a tool in disrupting drug trafficking and dismantling drug tracking groups is now being widely used, and it has led to greater levels of information exchange between both national entities and regional ones.
In addition, Albanian police and customs officers have become better equipped and trained, and the coordination between the two law enforcement agencies has improved. In terms of equipment and training, UNODC technical assistance has contributed to making Albania's borders less porous. With regard to Anti-Human Trafficking issues, a new perception and attitude has been introduced, leading to an improvement in the assistance provided to victims and the roles each of these agencies plays in investigating Anti-Human Trafficking cases. For the period of September - December 2009, the technical assistance provided contributed to the drafting of an in-depth comparative analysis of the challenges and successes of the law enforcement entities operating at land border crossings; to generating a deeper understanding of the roles that each entity plays in effectively fighting illicit trafficking; in highlighting different models of how border police, customs and anti drug unit work together to advance their performance; and it also offered good examples of practices and legislation against trafficking in persons with regard to victim's assistance, compensation and witness protection.
3. Project Activities
a. Trainings
Training of trainers on border control techniques and the establishment of a national curricula
From 7 - 18 December 2009, a group of three officers from the Albanian Customs Administration and three officers from the Border and Migration Police attended a training course on how to "Train the Trainer to Train" conducted by the Turkish International Academy against Drugs and Organized Crime (TADOC) in Ankara, Turkey.
While at the Academy, the participants increased their know-how on all the subject matters covered during the training, which were in general novel and very helpful. The theoretical knowledge of some essential theories in the training field (modern pedagogy), the approach of organizing classes, and the application of the theory in practice is expected to be very useful for the officers. Based on both the theoretical and practical experience they acquired as potential trainers in different professional areas, UNODC believes that the completed training serves as a good impetus for them to further develop and enhance this knowledge in the future. This cluster of officer is also expected to attend a practical training course on vehicle search techniques, which will increase the number of trainers trained within the framework of ALB/G70 to 12.
UNODC believes that such an activity will enable both of the administrations involved to make the first steps towards preparing a training course on site.
Joint Training on the Use of DTF Equipment
The training on the use of DTF equipment was conducted by two Albanian trainers who had benefited from the UNODC funded three-week Training Techniques Course in Turkey. In addition, they had also been trained in Car Search Techniques by HM Revenue Customs in Dover, UK, also funded by UNODC.
Organized in Vlora, Albania from 23-26 November 2009, a total of 14 officers (7 from customs and 7 from the border police) participated. The training modules consisted mostly of slides which demonstrated the subject matter for the course. Separate instructions in Albanian on the use of specialized equipment such as the endoscope were also prepared. The three days of classroom training were interactive; the material was interesting; and the students enjoyed working in small groups, making presentations and contributing to the course in general. On the final day the Anti Drugs Squad team participated in the training in the Port of Vlora, making available their hydraulic car lift for use in examining a vehicle. Instructions were also given on how to use the endoscope, the "Buster" sonic device and other equipment.
The feedback questionnaire from the students indicated a score of 96% satisfaction.
Training on Basic Intelligence Techniques for the Officers from Anti Drug Units in Gjirokastra, Vlora, Lezha and Saranda
Four analysts from the Department of Criminal Intelligence in the Ministry of Intelligence visited Anti Drug Units in Gjirokstara, Vlora, Lezha and Shkodra in order to train the staff on the use of Memex. The training was conducted by the Albanian trainers that were previously trained under a twin project with the Austrian Government. 12 anti drug officers from the above directorates benefited from this raining which will take place in the third week of December 2009.
b. Assessments
Provision of Advice on the Effective Use of Intelligence Techniques and Software in the Development of Intelligence Products
During an assessment mission that took place in Albania from 21 - 24 December 2009, the participating expert assessed (i) the national intelligence model, (ii) checked to see if the model was serving as a mechanism to promote intelligence-led policing, including criminal intelligence regarding drug trafficking, (iii) assessed the need to develop training standards regarding criminal intelligence for all affected levels of law enforcement personnel which would include training objectives, the number of hours, the frequency of training, etc., (iv) met with all relevant stakeholders and international representatives in Albania . At the end of the mission the expert prepared a report with recommendations which was shared with the authorities and considered by UNODC for further intervention.
Review the Roles of Prosecution and Police in Investigating Human Trafficking Cases
From 22 - 27 November 2009, an international expert visited Tirana in order to assess Albanian legislation in regards to the responsibility of prosecution and police agencies in investigating human trafficking cases, the number of prosecutions and convictions, as well as the presence of appropriate sentences for all forms of human trafficking ensuring that law enforcement structures have conducted fair and partial investigations and that judicial processes guaranteeing the rights of all parties. The expert also ensured that Anti-Human Trafficking training included both pro-active investigation techniques (specialist level) and low level intelligence gathering techniques (at generalist level). In addition, the expert assessed the knowledge and skills of law enforcement officers on pro-active investigation techniques by paying attention to the specific human trafficking responsibilities and roles taken on by various institutions (anti trafficking police investigators, prosecutors and judges of the Serious Crime Court). During her mission in Tirana, the expert also met with senior authorities from the Ministry of Interior, including the Deputy Minister of Interior and the Head of the Serious Crime Prosecution Office. Since the completion of her mission, she prepared her mission report, which was then shared with the appropriate authorities.
Evaluation and Advice on the Establishment and Systematization of the Training Capacities of the Customs Directorate
Through the assistance of the World Customs Organization, UNODC succeeded in subcontracting a training expert from 8 - 14 December 2009, whose main tasks involved assessing the overall training orientation of the Customs Administration in Albania; assessing the training structure seeing as it represents one of the three sectors subject to the Directory of Personnel and Training; assessing any serious attempt to enhance the sustainability of the training that focuses on the allocation of funds; as well conducting an assessment of the customs curricula on career development for the staff, for the processing of training data, and the proper archiving of training materials (modules, training evaluations etc.). The expert also reviewed the levels of communication and cooperation between the Personnel Sector (personnel files of officers) and the Training Sector. Furthermore, the expert held a meeting with the customs authorities, representatives of the EU who assist the Customs Administration, and representatives from the Ministry of Finance. The mission constituted the first time that the Customs Administration had conducted an audit of its training capacities and needs, and was therefore considered highly relevant.
c. Provision of Equipment
Provision of Priority Rummage Equipment for the ports Kakavija, Qafe Bote, Saranda, as well as Hani Hotit
12 search tool kits were procured for the aforementioned border crossing points in order to facilitate the daily operations of the customs and police in interdicting illicit activities at both the land and blue border.
Provision of Drug Task Force (DTF) Vehicle and Rummage Equipment for Shengjin Port Due to the recent operation of a ferry between the Italian port of Bari and Shengjin, police sources have confirmed that this might be a new potential route of trafficking of narcotics and drugs, warranting assistance in providing the proper law enforcement agencies with the proper equipment. Since many border crossing points are already in the process of being renovated and updated therefore with IPA assistance, it was advised to assist in the procurement of vehicle and rummage equipment for the use by a joint mobile team of officers, which had trained by UNODC in the use of such equipment. The vehicle and equipment have been procured by the UNODC Project Office in Tirana, and are scheduled to be delivered to the Albanian authorities during an upcoming handover ceremony.
Provision of Basic Equipment of Off-Road Vehicle for Anti Drug Units and the Anti-Human Trafficking sector
Three off-road vehicles were procured for the Anti Drug Unit in Lezha and Anti-Human Trafficking units in Gjirokastra and Vlora. It is expected that these off-road vehicles will support the day to day operations of both the Albanian Anti Drug and Anti-Human Trafficking officers. In addition, UNODC procured 15,000 Evidence Temper bags for the Central Service for the fight against drugs, which will contribute to the better preservation of seized drugs, as well as an improved use of them as evidence in investigations. Furthermore, 20 printers have been donated to the Serious Crime Prosecution Office in order to support their daily work in investigating Human Trafficking cases.
Provision of Hard- and Software for Handling Drug Related Data including Memex Licenses
16 PC, 6 network printers and 2 laptops were procured by UNODC for the Anti Drug Unit at the Ministry of Interior and the Customs Directorate. In addition, the Albanian police also benefited from 4 Memex licenses for handling criminal intelligence. The licenses are operational and have already been installed by the respective department at the Albanian State Police Directorate.
Provision of Equipment to Blue Border Training Facility in Vlora
The enhancement of training capacities of the Border Police is one of the main objectives of ALB/G70 Phase II. Therefore, training occupies an important part of the assistance provided to the Albanian Government. As such, the training facility in Vlora was renovated with the assistance of Guardia di Finnaza, and the proper equipment was provided by UNODC. For this purpose office furniture and related equipment was procured in order to make this facility fully operational, contributing to the training of border police officers and cadets.
Provision of Passport Readers for 20 Border Control Points in Albania
Upon the request of the Albanian Government, 20 biometric passport readers were procured and delivered to the Albanian Border and Migration Police. Specifications for these pieces of equipment were identified in cooperation with the authorities in order to ensure that they were fully compatible with the software used by the Ministry of the Interior. The provision of these passport readers will contribute to the visa liberalization process, for which the use of such readers at all Border Control Points in the country is mandatory.
Provision of Equipment to a Computer Examination Laboratory as Identified by Pameca
Cyber crime and crimes committed in instances where electronic evidence is likely to be detected is a recent phenomenon in Albania. In order to properly respond to meet these new challenges, the Albanian State Police has received assistance from the international community. A donation ceremony was organized on 5 November 2009 during which the Albanian Minister of Interior, Mr. Lulzim Basha, the Ambassador of the US, HE John Withers, the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany H. E. Mr. Bernd Borschadt, and the Director General of the Albanian State Police, Mr. Hysni Burgaj participated and greeted the participants.
With the support of ICITAP and the UNODC, two senior specialists, one assigned to the Serious Crimes Prosecution and the other to the Criminal Intelligence Analysis Directorate, worked together in developing a service manual in handbook form that gives precise, yet simple to follow directions on the recognition of possible electronic evidence, its protection and preservation, and the methods of transmitting such evidence safely to the new computer forensics laboratory for analysis. 1,500 copies of this handbook have been designed so that it can be oriented and distributed throughout the Albanian State Police. In addition, this handbook has been designed so that it can be carried out by all patrols, as well as generalist and criminal investigators as part of their regular equipment. A more comprehensive training manual has also been developed by these specialists, which will be used to train prosecutors and judges at the Magistrate School. UNODC has taken into consideration equipment already identified by PAMECA and placed a request for the procurement of needed equipment for the Cyber Crime Sector. UNODC will donate sophisticated computer hardware and software that is completely compatible and will greatly enhance the capabilities of the Forensics Section of the Cyber Crime Sector.
d. Study Tour
Study Tour of Selected Anti-Human Trafficking Officers and Prosecutors to an EU Country in order to Benefit from the Experience in Undertaking Joint Operations in the Fight against Human Trafficking
Four Albanian officers and prosecutors visited Brussels upon the invitation of the Belgian Ministry of Justice in order to undertake a study tour on the roles of prosecution and police in investigating human trafficking cases. The study tour was preceded by the drafting of the Terms of Reference (TORs) and a Letter of Acceptance for the Belgian authorities in their capacity as the hosting entities. In this process UNODC Project Office in Tirana was assisted by the UNODC Anti-Human Trafficking Unit. The visit was expected to generate a deeper understanding of the roles that each entity plays in effectively fighting human trafficking, and offer the participants the chance to receive feedback and advice on their local efforts, while also exposing them to different approaches from an EU country.


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For this weekend, it's the YUTC!! (Pronounced YUT-SEE)
This is the Youngstown Ultra Trail Classic, the 50K that my club NEO Trail, runs every September. This is the 8th running of the race.
I have missed two years of the event, the first year, and then in 2009, due to a work schedule conflict.
Last year and this year I have graduated to club management and Aid Station duties during the race. No worries, I get to tour the park during our volunteer run. (And there is also URINEO in December!)
The course is a figure eight, so it makes it easy for aid and aid station. Aid is available about every 4 miles, and there are only two Aid Stations, at the Log Cabin and the Covered Bridge.
Friday we will mark the course, meaning we'll run the trails, hanging colored ribbons for the runners to follow. We have a few people to mark trail this year, so this activity should be done fairly quickly.
Then a picnic lunch of sorts, and then on to buying the rest of the foodstuffs needed for the aid station, like the fresh fruit. Evening to be spent drinking IPA and Knob and finishing up whatever last minute details that need to be done.
This year Gombu and Shubi will not be here. They have, like the Elves, moved into the West. They will (and I am already) be missed at this year's race. I love you guys!!

subset: commoncrawl


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Have you used Ghastlies in a quilt? The prints are a bit pricey, but they are so cute and creepy! They remind me of some books my kids used to read, "A Series of Unfortunate Events", or the Adams Family, or Tim Burton's "Nightmare Before Christmas" with their sober, Victorian, angry faces that say, "Don't bother me..." a bit macabre. And then there's the kids! OK, somehow, it makes me smile!
What would you make out of these fabrics?
the Ghastlies
A Ghastlie Night


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CORSICANA — Calvary claimed a 25-11, 25-16, 21-25, 25-19 win over Rockwall Heritage Christian on Friday in the TAPPS Class 2A state tournament semifinals, setting up a rematch of last season's state title match today with the Geneva School of Boerne in the final.
Madeline Mayer had 19 kills and 17 assists for the Lady Lions, while Anna Hollingshead posted 19 kills and 23 digs. Kelly Crow added 28 digs, and Makenzie Willison had 17 assists.
Calvary head coach Jennifer Bramlett liked the way her team started and finished the match.
"We just started really strong," she said. "Rockwall battled, and we were able to keep our composure and just play our game."
Calvary defeated the Geneva School of Boerne in last season's state championship, which Bramlett thinks could work against the Lady Lions as much as in their favor.
"I think we showed our experience [Friday]," Bramlett said. "They're always solid. They won several times in [Class] A, but they have a whole new group of players.
"Also, I guess it could be a disadvantage because now they'll be gunning for us."
The Lady Lions and Lady Eagles are set for a 4:30 p.m. first serve at Corsicana High School.


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Change to LCC annual general meeting venue
- By London Cycling Campaign on at 12:00am 11 November 2009
- Posted in: News and blogs
- Tagged with:
View AGM 2009 in a larger map
Due to the unexpectedly high demand from members registering for the AGM, the Chair has exercised his right to ensure the safety and comfort of attendees by changing the previously advertised venue.
The LCC AGM will now take place on Tues 17 November at:
Henriette Raphael Function Room
Guy's Campus
Great Maze Pond
The original advertised venue would only accommodate 80 people and LCC has already received booking in excess of 100, with the probability of some members turning up on the night who have not pre-registered.
The date, time and business to be transacted are all as previously stated, and the agenda for the whole evening with details of guest speakers and awards can be found by clicking the link below.


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Source for Replacement Measuring Cups or Spoons?
Q: Do you know of any resources where you can buy individual measuring cups/spoons (so you don't have to buy a whole new set to replace a lost or damaged one)?
Sent by Heather
Editor: Heather, I do not know offhand of a good source for individual measuring cups or spoons, although I do recommend eBay for this kind of thing — especially if you're looking for a particular brand, like Tupperware.
Readers, any suggestions?
Related: Good Product: Lifetime Measuring Cups
(Image: Lee Valley)


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ACParadise Network: American Cosplay Paradise American Cosplay Experience American Cosplay Snapshots
Cosplayer Ambrosia > Costume of Sailor Jupiter (Sailor Moon)
- Most Recent Photo
- 12-02-2014
- Series
- Sailor Moon
- Character
- Sailor Jupiter
- Special Variation:
- Valendra's Myth Senshi
- Year Completed:
- 2014
- Construction Difficulty:
- Normal
- Costume worn at:
- Katsucon 2014
About this Costume
- Construction Details:
Hand-painted dress paired with really expensive silk iridescent chiffon from Mood that my machine nearly destroyed (oh well, I had a Groupon). Antler-branches are made from connecting pipes and insulated wire and finished with textured paints.
- Personal Thoughts:
- I organized this group to pay tribute to a gorgeous piece of fanart done by DA artist Valendra: http://valendra.deviantart.com/art/Myth-Senshi-Reboot-279194615 Of course I picked the one with gladiator sandals and Claire picked the one with mega heels so neither of us are the proper height for our characters. Oh well. I have a tree on my head.
Add a Comment


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HAUL ASH: The EPA on Monday took over the cleanup of December's 1 billion-gallon coal-ash spill in East Tennessee, using the Superfund law to wrest oversight from the TVA. The EPA will now manage the cleanup, the agency announced in a press release yesterday, and will be reimbursed by the TVA, the public utility that owns the coal plant where the spill took place. Taxpayers will not pay to clean up the disaster, which EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson calls "one of the largest and most serious environmental releases in our history." The TVA has frequently downplayed the seriousness of the spill, but the EPA statement listed several toxic substances contained in the sludge, including arsenic, lead and mercury. The cleanup is expected to take two to three years. (Sources: EPA, Nashville Tennessean, Chattanooga Times Free Press)
CARLESS LOVE: The town of Vauban, Germany, has just one road and two places to park, and 70 percent of its inhabitants don't own cars. The NY Times features this anti-Levittown on its front page this morning, examining how Vauban highlights not only a growing interest in driving less, but a trend in car-free communities — the U.S. EPA promotes "car-reduced cities," for example, and one is being built in California, having earned an exemption from zoning laws that typically require two parking spaces per residential unit. (Source: New York Times)
ELECTRIC CARS FOR LEASE: Despite the idyllic appeal of going carless, you don't have to give up driving to be Earth-friendly — it just seems that way because the United States has been without highway-legal electric cars for more than a decade (unless you're willing to pay more than $100,000 for one). But that era is almost over. Fully electric Mini coupes will be leased to 450 people in California, New York and New Jersey over the next few weeks, foreshadowing a coming flood of EVs headed for U.S. streets. Following the release of Chevy's plug-in hybrid Volt in 2010, the electric Focus is due in 2011 from Ford, which announced plans last week to spend $550 million revamping a Michigan truck factory to build the vehicle. Nissan, Mitsubishi, Tesla and others are also scrambling to gets their EVs ready. (Source: Los Angeles Times)
PESTICIDE-ICIDE: The agricultural pesticide carbofuran may no longer be used on food crops in the United States, following a ruling from the EPA on Monday. Sold under the brand name Furadan by Philadelphia-based FMC Corp. — which has fought the ban — the insecticide's granular form was axed in the 1990s after it was blamed for killing millions of wild birds, and the EPA began working in 2006 to completely remove it from the market. The agency says in coming months it plans to ban carbofuran across the board, including on nonfood crops, because of dangers it poses to farmers and the environment. (Sources: Associated Press, United Press International)
BLUE WHALES: The largest animals in the history of Earth were nearly hunted to extinction by humans in the mid-20th century, but after decades of protection they seem to finally be returning to their old habits. A new study reports 15 instances since 1997 that blue whales from Southern California waters were also spotted as far north as the Gulf of Alaska. Such long-range migration was once common for blue whales, but they've rarely been seen up there in the last half century. While this is good news, Dot Earth's Andy Revkin wonders whether resurgent populations and migratory habits will set the stage for a return to hunting the enormous creatures. (Source: Dot Earth)
EARLIEST ANIMALS: Scientists have discovered traces of the earliest animals that ever lived — small blobs of "gelatinous goo" that hugged rocks 850 million years ago in what is now Canada's Northwest territory. While such blobs haven't left fossils, they left patterns on rocks similar to the textures left by sponges in coral reefs. In addition to pushing back the age of animals, the findings also shed light on how sea life colonized the land. (Source: New Scientist)
NIGHT OF THE LEPUS: Australia's rabbits have proven at least as incorrigible as Bugs Bunny over the years, repeatedly defying attempts to stop their invasion and domination of the island continent. Viruses such as myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) have made dents, but the hares just keep growing back. Now a new study suggests that a nonlethal form of the RHD calcivirus that lives in cool, humid areas may be naturally vaccinating some rabbits against the human-introduced strain, at least partly helping to explain their resilience. Researchers suspect the vaccinating virus may have traveled to Australia with the first rabbits 150 years ago. (Source: TerraDaily)
(Photo: Wade Payne/AP)


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Topping our picks of best Colorado shows this week are Fiona Apple Junip and more. We'll be seeing you there, and if you don't make it out, follow the music musings on our Twitter @RVRB and our selfies on Instagram @heyreverb.
4) A. Tom Collins, Ark Life, the Yawpers — Hi-Dive, Oct. 11, $5
There's no better way to celebrate the country's biggest celebration of beer than with a party sponsored by New Belgium and featuring sets by A. Tom Collins, Ark Life and the Yawpers. It's the perfect match for drinking beer after an entire day of drinking beer at the Great American Beer Festival. Anyone with a GABF ticket gets free admission to this after party at the Hi-Dive on Oct. 11.


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DOER's Green Communities Division recently closed the books on what will surely be remembered as one of the fastest-paced and most productive initiatives undertaken by the agency: the successful investment of nearly $70 million in US Department of Energy (DOE) funds under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2008. This infusion of federal funding was particularly well-timed for Massachusetts, coming on the heels of Governor Deval Patrick's signing of several landmark energy laws, including the Green Communities Act. By investing approximately $54.9 million in State Energy Program (SEP) dollars in programs to support renewable energy and energy efficiency, and $14.7 million in Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) funds to assist municipalities to do the same, DOER advanced the Commonwealth closer to the Governor's vision of a clean energy future.
At a glance, here are some highlights of what was accomplished through ARRA. Under the direction of Leading by Example Program Director Eric Friedman, DOER invested most of the state's SEP funds in three key areas:
- High Performance Buildings to showcase the potential of deep energy retrofits to reduce building energy consumption by at least 50 percent ($20.3 million)
- Expansion of energy efficiency and renewable energy efforts at state facilities ($16 million)
- Solar Stimulus project to significantly increase solar photovoltaic installations at public, private and institutional facilities throughout the state ($14.4 million).
These funds supported across Massachusetts, putting more than 1,700 individuals to work, cutting energy costs by hundreds of millions of dollars over project lifetimes, leveraging almost $200 million in additional public and private funds, and supporting the preservation and expansion of many local businesses.
Likewise, the Green Communities Division – created just after passage of ARRA – seized the opportunity to invest $11.5 million of its EECBG funding in competitive sub-grants to 94 municipalities with populations under 35,000, supporting the development of renewable energy projects and energy conservation measures in oil or propane heated municipal buildings. The balance of the $14.7 million in ARRA funding went to several programs provided by DOER to all Massachusetts municipalities at no cost: owner's agent technical assistance to help cities and towns negotiate, develop and manage energy projects; energy code training for local building code officials; and development of MassEnergyInsight, an online tool that enables communities to track their energy consumption in order to inform decisions regarding energy use and efficiency.
Grappling along with other states with the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, Massachusetts emerged stronger than its counterparts across the country, in part through DOER's strategic and timely deployment of ARRA funds under the SEP and EECBG programs. Helping to hone the clean energy competencies of state agencies, municipal governments, college campuses and private businesses, Massachusetts' "ARRA era" leaves a legacy of momentum toward the Commonwealth's clean energy goals.


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Australia has become a major exporter of education at all levels, from primary school to tertiary education. Many people come here from overseas to take advantage of our excellent trade and vocational colleges, also the academic qualifications gained through universities and post-graduate...
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If you have managed to secure an Australian student visa to study in Australia, you will want to put it to good use. Australian Universities are among the best in the world, with 64% ranked in the top 500 Universities in the world. Student services are generally good and offer real support for...
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Yingli Sees FY12 Module Shipment Above 2.2GW
Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Limited (NYSE: YGE) ("Yingli Green Energy" or the "Company"), a leading solar energy company and one of the world's largest vertically integrated photovoltaic manufacturers, which markets its products under the brand "Yingli Solar," today announced that, according to preliminary data, the Company expects its module shipment for the fourth quarter of 2012 to reach a new historical high. Therefore, the module shipment for full year 2012 is expected to be more than 2.2 GW, beating the high end of its full year shipment guidance of 2.1 GW to 2.2 GW.
© 2017 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.


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Tagged: lightbox problem, prettyphoto, wordpress update
Thank for your good work.
I'm using this theme from 1 year now and i have a problem since i updated my wordpress to 3.2.1
When i'm in one of my gallerys all things are ok but when i'm clicking in one of it to see it in details the lightbox can't run, all my visitors are seeing my pictures like as normal , in a page in jpg format.
My website : http://www.carminbook.com
I did a correct replacement of pretty photo but the problem still the same :-(
Thank you for your help.
because of the new jquery version in WP 3.2.1 all other js files (custom.js, etc.) require an update too. I'd download the newest version of Expose at http://themeforest.net and replace the old files with the new ones.
It is very strange, on my account i can't find update of my expose theme, now i have only "Studio Box Premium WordPress 9 in 1″… I will ask my brother to give me the new files when he will back from hollidays… Thank you.
If i will replace some files of the theme please tell me what about personnal customisations code ?
The update package contains a changelog (version.rtf file) – it tells you which files were modified/need to be updated. If you modified the stylesheets you need to change the version number in style.css only (maybe you need to correct one code line/entry).
Hello Dude,
I must wait for my brother because only him have the update of the theme, if it will be very long i will change my theme, i can't stay with this lightbox bug like this.
Thank you for your informations.
Have a nice day.
Ps: In other case, is it possible to give me just the file to replace my older one for stopping my actual bug ?
Version.rtf contains all necessary references/files. Replacing just one file is a very unsatisfying solution because you'll encounter some other bugs with WP3.2 and then we've the same situation again :)
I will check the bugs by myself and i will try to solve it.
Thank you.
The topic 'Since update to 3.1.1 my lightbox is not running' is closed to new replies.


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Premium automotive manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover recently recognised its dealer partners across the Middle East and North Africa region during an awards ceremony held at its After sales Conference in Dubai, U.A.E.
Alfardan Premier Motors, the distributor of Jaguar in Qatar received theJaguar MENA Customer Service Excellence 2012/13 Half Year Award.
Awards on the night were presented by Rob Preston, After sales Director at Jaguar Land Rover MENA, and were based on dealer performance. Judging criteria covered several key performance indicators including customer satisfaction and technical competency.
Speaking about the awards, Rob Preston said "We have a very strong network of dealer partners across the region, and the Customer Service Excellence Programme is just one of the ways in which we recognise the important contribution they make to the Jaguar Land Rover business. Dealer performance across all areas of the customer experience is paramount to the growth and development of the brand in what is a key region for us globally."
After sales Manager, Andrew Wheeler collected the award on behalf of Alfardan Premier Motors, and commented; "I am delighted to accept such an award, and proud that my team have been recognised for their dedication to customer service excellence".
Regional After sales Manager for Jaguar Land Rover MENA, Ryan Abbott, said: "Having carried out a series of evaluations through the course of the year, the level of growth in Customer Service is a credit to the Alfardan Premier Motors team. This demonstrates the team's commitment to achieving consistency and maintaining the highest level of customer service".
[1] https://www.albawaba.com/en/node/355857?nid=454221
[2] https://www.albawaba.com/asdaa-burson-marsteller
[3] http://www.albawaba.com


text:
The Contemporary QuiltArt Association is a group of
more than 100 Washington State artists bound by our
relationship to thread and its role in textiles. Whether
members focus individually on the design dimensions
available in this medium or as a way that fiber arts can
express life's vagaries, it comes back to a love of
thread and how it binds layers together. As a group
CQA is diverse in styles, media, and techniques.
Members are not restricted by traditional definitions of
quilting, but are driven to express thoughts and feelings, through the medium of quilting.
Materials in the quilts can include any fabric, vinyl, cotton, plastic, silk, nails, linen,
wood, rubber hoses, wool, feathers, zippers, beads, sequins, paint, yarn, and of course
thread – cotton, silk, rayon, variegated, and metallic. CQA members' work ranges in size
from postcard to several feet in width and height. The very act of quilting causes a two-dimensional
piece to have depth, but many of our members further emphasize this by
giving actual shape to the work, such as vessels and sculptures using quilting techniques.
Color and surface design are likewise important to CQA artists who dye yardage, or
paint, stencil, and print on materials to create special effects. Members also manipulate
commercial or found fabrics in ways manufacturers would never imagine. Some work
abstractly; some create representational images. Some use repeat blocks; some do not.
The only constant is that CQA members continue to expand the definition of the Art
Quilt. Styles are always evolving as new materials and techniques become available.
Members have ample opportunities to learn from each other through our monthly
newsletter, our list server, and Showcase critiques, a regular feature of our meetings.
Showcase is an invitation for members of the group to make constructive remarks
concerning design, style, color, technique, and composition. This give-and-take is also a
mentoring process for our less experienced members. Some individuals within CQA are
nationally known and award winning artists. Some are new members who are clearly on
the road to national recognition by "pushing the envelope." The CQA board and its
members have grown and evolved over the years. As the quilt art movement continues to grow, CQA is
excited and proud of its contributions to the public's awareness and understanding of this
fine art form.
To see images of our members' work, go to the Members' Gallery and Exhibitions Gallery pages and click the thumbnail images to see full images and descriptions of each artist's work..