text:
Briefs bomber may disrupt plans to empty Gitmo -- Test of leadership for Hawaiian White House: cerebral, or slow? -- GOP plans to keep hitting Dems on terrorism -- Invasion of the body scanners
ENGAGED: OMB Director Peter Orszag, 41, and ABC News economy-and-business correspondent Bianna Golodryga, 31, a University of Texas grad. Golodryga was filling in on the news desk of "Good Morning America" today. "Let's see the rock on that finger!" fill-in anchor Dan Harris said. She joked that Orszag scored points by being able to spell "Golodryga" after their first date. The two met in May, when Orszag was an ABC guest at the White House Correspondents Association Dinner. The money hunk proposed to the money honey yesterday at the restaurant Sarabeth's, on Central Park South. Orszag told Jackie Calmes that the wedding will most likely be in October. "She's a Russian Jew," he said, "who gets up earlier than I do." Golodryga bio, pic. Orszag on " D.C. Dreamboats" list.
VIDEO Year in Review, by POLITICO's Alexander Trowbridge — both parts here
Story Continued Below
TIVO TIP — "The Blind Side: The True Story Behind the Movie," on a special edition of ABC's "20/20" at 10 ET tonight, including an interview with the Baltimore Ravens' Michael Oher. Video preview
Good Tuesday morning. The White House gets harsh reviews for its handling of the briefs-bomber aftermath, with the lead headline of The New York Times saying of the president's remarks yesterday: "MOVES TO QUELL CRITICS." Peter Baker's Honolulu dispatch begins: "President Obama emerged from Hawaiian seclusion." A Yunji de Nies piece on "GMA" showed clip after clip of the White House response being attacked on cable news (mostly by Republicans) and made a big deal of the president's golfing and "even playing a game of tennis before his public address." Eugene Robinson, generally friendly to the administration, begins today's Washington Post column: "Homeland Security chief Janet Napolitano's initial assessment of the Christmas Day airliner attack — that 'the system worked' — doesn't quite match the absurdity of 'Brownie, you're doing a heck of a job.' But only because she quickly took it back."
POLITICO's Carol E. Lee writes from Honolulu in " Handling Problems the Obama Way" that the president has an established pattern "for dealing with unexpected problems. First, White House aides downplay the notion that something may have gone wrong on their part. While staying out of the spotlight, the president conveys his efforts to address the situation and his feelings about it through administration officials. After a few days, the White House concedes on the issue, and perhaps Obama even steps out to address it. That same scenario unfolded over the summer when Obama said Sgt. James Crowley, a white Cambridge, Mass., police officer, 'acted stupidly.' … It happened in March when the public was outraged over AIG dishing out hefty bonuses. More recently the public witnessed the dynamic after a security breach at President Barack Obama's first state dinner. But the fact that the issue now is a terrorist incident — albeit an unsuccessful one — makes the stakes much higher. … That this test of his leadership comes while he's on vacation in tropical Hawaii further complicates things."
THE WHITE HOUSE CASE — "Obama, the Anti-Bush in Aftermath of Terror Bid," by AFP's Stephen Collinson, in Kaneohe: "President Barack Obama sought to show both calm and steel Monday in a first response to the Christmas Day airline attack that marked a sharp shift in tone from George W. Bush-style rhetoric. Blunt but restrained, Obama delivered the carefully calibrated response to the botched bid to bring down a Northwest Airlines jet bound for Detroit, as he broke away from a family vacation in his native Hawaii. ... Ex-president Bush, a proponent of 'from the gut' leadership, often hit a swaggering, bombastic tone in contrast to his successor's more cerebral, 'no-drama Obama' performance on Monday. ... Obama's performance revealed a little about how he sees himself as a leader, and the way he will respond to current, and future threats to the US homeland. In waiting three days since the thwarted bid by a 23-year-old Nigerian man to bring down the jet, the president apparently sought to deny its extremist foes the oxygen of publicity. There also seemed to be an attempt to avoid sparking panic and to keep political temperatures cool at home. Obama coolly went to the gym and played tennis with his wife Michelle before making his statement — then headed for the golf links afterwards."
WHAT THE WEST WING IS READING (AND LOOKING INTO) — ABCNews.com, " Two al Qaeda Leaders Behind Northwest Flight 253 Terror Plot Were Released by U.S." from Gitmo and sent to Saudi Arabia in 2007 — by Brian Ross et al.: "Two of the four leaders allegedly behind the al Qaeda plot to blow up a Northwest Airlines passenger jet over Detroit were released by the U.S. from the Guantanamo prison in November, 2007, according to American officials and Department of Defense documents. … American officials agreed to send the two terrorists from Guantanamo to Saudi Arabia where they entered into an 'art therapy rehabilitation program' and were set free, according to U.S. and Saudi officials. Guantanamo prisoner #333, Muhamad Attik al-Harbi, and prisoner #372, Said Ali Shari, were sent to Saudi Arabia on Nov. 9, 2007, according to the Defense Department log of detainees who were released from American custody. Al-Harbi has since changed his name to Muhamad al-Awfi. Both Saudi nationals have since emerged in leadership roles in Yemen, according to U.S. officials and the men's own statements on al Qaeda propaganda tapes.
"Both of the former Guantanamo detainees are described as military commanders and appear on a January, 2009 video along with the man described as the top leader of al Qaeda in Yemen, Abu Basir Naser al-Wahishi, formerly Osama bin Laden's personal secretary. … The suspected bomber… told FBI agents he was trained for his Christmas Day mission in Yemen by top leaders of al Qaeda who provided him with the explosive materials. 'The so-called rehabilitation programs are a joke,' a U.S. diplomat said in describing the Saudi efforts with released Guantanamo detainees. Saudi officials concede its program has had its 'failures' but insist that, overall, the effort has helped return potential terrorists to a meaningful life. One program gives the former detainees paints and crayons as part of the rehabilitation regimen. A similar rehabilitation program in Yemen was stopped because so many of the detainees quickly joined with al Qaeda or its affiliates, the official said."
A FORMER TOP BUSH ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: "Key point is 43 admin released detainees who were thought not to be harmful. Even a number of them returned to the battlefield. Imagine what will happen if Obama moves forward with releasing ones who are still there?"
On Lufthansa's Frankfurt-to-Dulles flight last night, passengers were allowed only one carry-on and weren't allowed to have anything in their laps — including a blanket or napkin — for the final hour, tipster Fred Ryan reports.
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BIRTHDAYS: Commerce Department's Kevin Griffis … NPR Assistant Editor for Digital News Erica Ryan. BIRTH WEEK: Marsha Catron, press secretary for Rep. Linda Sanchez and former press staffer for Gov. Bill Richardson's presidential campaign.
" GOP SEIZES ON TERROR ISSUE," by Glenn Thrush and Martin Kady II, with Ben Smith and Carol E. Lee: "Republicans have wasted no time in attacking Democrats on intelligence and screening failures leading up to the failed Christmas Day bombing of Flight 253 — a significant departure from the calibrated, less partisan responses that have followed other recent terrorist activity. The strategy — coming as the Republican leadership seeks to exploit Democratic weaknesses heading into the 2010 midterms — is in many ways a natural for a party that views protecting the U.S. homeland as its ideological raison d'etre and electoral franchise. … Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) went even further, telling Fox News: … '[S]oft talk about engagement, closing Gitmo, these things are not going to appease the terrorists.' … A White House spokesman says the administration wants to avoid making the national security and terrorism a partisan issue. 'The president doesn't think we should play politics with issues like these. He hasn't. His response has been fact-based and appropriate and will continue to be as such,' said deputy White House press secretary Bill Burton. But other Democrats say the … offensive could backfire on Republicans. … Over the summer, 108 House Republicans voted against the final conference report of the 2010 appropriation bill for the Department of Homeland Security, which included funding for explosives detection systems and other aviation security measures. The no voters cited a procedural dispute over the appropriations process."
Brian Ross's unit posts what it says are photos of the bomb: " A singed pair of underwear with a packet of powder sewn into the crotch, seen in government photos obtained exclusively by ABC News, is all that remains of al Qaeda's attempt to down an American passenger plane over Detroit. … [T]he alleged bomb consisted of a packet of powder sewn into the briefs of Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab … The first photo … shows the slightly charred and singed underpants with the bomb packet still in place. … [T]he packet of actual explosive powder … is a six-inch long packet of the high explosive chemical called PETN … weighing about 80 grams. A government test with 50 grams of PETN blew a hole in the side of an airliner. That was the amount in the bomb carried by the so-called shoe bomber Richard Reid … The underpants bomb would have been one and a half times as powerful. … Tragedy was averted only because the detonator, acid in a syringe, did not work. … The acid in the melted plastic syringe … caused a fire but did not make proper contact with the PETN."
N.Y. Post: "GREAT BALLS OF FIRE." N.Y. Daily News: "PANTS ON FIRE."
WSJ 4-col. lead: "Al Qaeda Takes Credit for Plot" … WashPost 2.5-col. lead: "Explosive Could Have Blown Hole in Plane" … L.A. Times 2-col. lead: "U.S. Strains to Ensure Air Safety — Obama Vows, 'We Will Not Rest,'" as officials concede the system failed in the attempted bombing of an airliner.
A GREAT TV STORY — USA Today lead, " New Call for Body Scans at Airports: Fast-Screen Device Is Tested at TSA Lab," by Thomas Frank: "The machines could be a central part of a security review President Obama ordered. … Experts urged the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to accelerate the installation of the body scanners that can spot hidden plastic explosives. … Manufacturers say they are close to removing a major obstacle by building machines that can scan under passengers' clothing in a few seconds. Machines now used at 19 U.S. airports take up to 30 seconds because passengers must stand inside a glass portal with arms raised as a scanner rotates around them. A machine being tested at a federal lab is 'as quick as going through a metal detector.' … The TSA plans to install 150 scanners at airports in 2010 and buy another 300 scanners during the year, spokeswoman Kristin Lee said. The machines are considered an alternative to pat-downs. Groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union and some members of Congress call the scanners overly invasive. … European airports also are likely to use the machines more."
BUT THE PRESIDENT HAS LIMITED OPTIONS ON AIR SECURITY — POLITICO's Josh Gerstein: "Experts say nearly all the steps Obama is likely to consider come with trade-offs that have scared off other policymakers in the past. … Some things likely to be quickly addressed are specific to last Friday's attack. They include giving more weight to complaints from family members that a relative has become radicalized and may engage in terrorism. … Officials say they're considering an automatic review of outstanding visas for people entered into the broad U.S. terrorism database. And perhaps greater information sharing with allies like Britain. … But … while increasing security may seem like a political no-brainer, some frequent travelers have become so incensed at what they call 'security theater' that they are recoiling at steps already taken."
MORE QUESTIONS FOR FOLLOW-UP — AP's Eileen Sullivan: "Two federal agencies charged with keeping potential terrorists off airplanes and out of the country have been without their top leaders for nearly a year. It took the Obama administration more than eight months to nominate anyone to lead the Transportation Security Administration and the Customs and Border Protection agency."
IN HIS OWN WORDS — "Statement by the President on the Attempted Attack on Christmas Day and Recent Violence in Iran," Kaneohe Bay Marine Base, Kaneohe, Hawaii: "Hey, guys. Good morning, everybody. I just want to take a few minutes to update the American people on the attempted terrorist attack that occurred on Christmas Day and the steps we're taking to ensure the safety and security of the country. … This was a serious reminder of the dangers that we face and the nature of those who threaten our homeland. … Apparently the suspect in the Christmas incident was in the system, but not on a watch list such as the so-called no-fly list. So I've ordered a thorough review not only of how information related to the subject was handled, but of the overall watch list system and how it can be strengthened. The second review will examine all screening policies, technologies and procedures related to air travel. …
"We do not yet have all the answers about this latest attempt, but those who would slaughter innocent men, women and children must know that the United States will do more than simply strengthen our defenses — we will continue to use every element of our national power to disrupt, to dismantle, and defeat the violent extremists who threaten us — whether they are from Afghanistan or Pakistan, Yemen or Somalia, or anywhere where they are plotting attacks against the U.S. homeland. Finally, the American people should remain vigilant, but also be confident. … Before I leave let me also briefly address the events that have taken place over the last few days in the Islamic Republic of Iran. … Along with all free nations the United States stands with those who seek their universal rights. … We will continue to bear witness to the extraordinary events that are taking place there. And I'm confident that history will be on the side of those who seek justice. Thank you very much, everybody, and Happy New Year." The air safety remarks. The White House posts the Iran remarks in Arabic and Persian.
"ONLY A FORETASTE" — Christopher Hitchens, in his " Fighting Words" column on Slate: "We had better get used to being the civilians who are under a relentless and planned assault from the pledged supporters of a wicked theocratic ideology. These people will kill themselves to attack hotels, weddings, buses, subways, cinemas, and trains. They consider Jews, Christians, Hindus, women, homosexuals, and dissident Muslims (to give only the main instances) to be divinely mandated slaughter victims. Our civil aviation is only the most psychologically frightening symbol of a plethora of potential targets. The future murderers will generally not be from refugee camps or slums (though they are being indoctrinated every day in our prisons); they will frequently be from educated backgrounds, and they will often not be from overseas at all. They are already in our suburbs and even in our military. We can expect to take casualties. The battle will go on for the rest of our lives. Those who plan our destruction know what they want, and they are prepared to kill and die for it. Those who don't get the point prefer to whine about 'endless war,' accidentally speaking the truth about something of which the attempted Christmas bombing over Michigan was only a foretaste."
COOL CLICK — NYTimes.com has an interactive timeline on health care reform going back to 1912: "Former President Theodore Roosevelt campaigns on the Progressive Party ticket promising national health insurance." (h/t Chris Frates, POLITICO Pulse-master)
TECH WATCH: Facebook is planning tweaks to its home page that include removing the "Log Out" button. Images, Analysis Facebook's official " Developer Roadmap," modified yesterday.
MEDIA WATCH — " TMZ Admits It Was Duped by a Photo," by N.Y. Times' Brian Stelter: "It was, as TMZ said dramatically in a headline on Monday morning, 'The J.F.K. Photo That Could Have Changed History.' …Hours after the popular celebrity news Web site published a photo that it said 'appears to show John F. Kennedy on a boat filled with naked women,' one of its corporate siblings, The Smoking Gun, revealed that TMZ had been duped. The photo that TMZ called exclusive was, it turned out, featured in a Playboy magazine photo spread in 1967, four years after Mr. Kennedy was assassinated."
SPORTS BLINK — Favre leads an amazing rally but falls short — AP: "The Minnesota Vikings lost again Monday night despite the superb play of Brett Favre, beaten by the Chicago Bears 36-30 when Jay Cutler tossed a 39-yard strike to Devin Aromashodu in overtime. It was the Vikings' third loss in four games and gave the New Orleans Saints homefield advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. … Favre has never led a team to a win after trailing by 17 or more, falling to 0-43. The Bears were up 23-6 in the third quarter and the Vikings were able to tie it twice."
ALSO DRIVING THE CONVERSATION, by Michael Falcone:
" U.S. Struggles Anew to Ensure Safety as Gaps Are Revealed," by NYT's Eric Lipton: "In ways large and small, the Department of Homeland Security, once again, is struggling to strengthen an aviation security system it has already spent $40 billion rebuilding since the terror attacks of 2001. This latest round follows years of effort that has created a security net that is much stronger in key areas, from simple things like secure cockpit doors to the routine inspections now done on checked baggage. But a review of government audits and interviews with experts inside and outside the government also shows that the system has been slow to make even bigger changes because of a balky bureaucracy, fickle politics and, at times, airline industry opposition. It has also squandered tens of millions of dollars on faulty technology, like high-tech 'puffer' machines that repeatedly broke down and flunked the most basic test: they failed to detect some explosives. As a result, the government has delayed putting in place some of the most important recommendations from the Sept. 11 commission report, which examined the missteps that led to attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon in 2001."
NYT's Clark Kent Ervin op-ed — " After Eight Years, Terrorists Still Fly": "The Christmas Day attempt to destroy an airplane landing in Detroit underscores the sad reality that terrorism is a constant danger to the United States. Let us hope that policymakers will take this opportunity to make some overdue changes in their strategies for preventing attacks. They can start by 'rationalizing' various government databases. It is disturbing that someone who is thought to have connections to terrorism serious enough to warrant being placed on a government watch list is still not put on the smaller 'no-fly' list of people who are banned from airplanes. How did this come to pass? The no-fly list is reserved for those who are thought to pose a threat to airplanes. Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, the man charged with the would-be Christmas Day bombing, was on the watch list because his own father had warned American officials about his son's increasing radicalism. But an Obama administration official said 'there was insufficient derogatory information available' to merit Mr. Abdulmutallab's inclusion on the list. Given Al Qaeda's known obsession with attacking our aviation system and its tendency to go after the same target repeatedly, anyone on a terror watch list should automatically be placed on the no-fly list."
" Education Secretary Arne Duncan's Legacy as Chicago Schools Chief Questioned," by WashPost's Nick Anderson: "CHICAGO — Soon after Arne Duncan left his job as schools chief here to become one of the most powerful U.S. education secretaries ever, his former students sat for federal achievement tests. This month, the mathematics report card was delivered: Chicago trailed several cities in performance and progress made over six years. … The federal readout is just one measure of Duncan's record as chief executive of the nation's third-largest system. Others show advances on various fronts. But the new math scores signal that Chicago is nowhere near the head of the pack in urban school improvement, even though Duncan often cites the successes of his tenure as he crusades to fix public education. … For more than seven years, starting in 2001, Duncan tried to rejuvenate his city's struggling schools: jettisoning staff, hiring turnaround specialists, shutting down those deemed beyond hope. Yet questions have arisen this year about the magnitude of Duncan's accomplishments. The Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago, which represents business, professional, education and cultural leaders, concluded in June that gains on state test scores were inflated when Illinois relaxed passing standards and that too many students still drop out of high school or graduate unprepared for college. The Consortium on Chicago School Research, a nonpartisan group at the University of Chicago, reported in October that Duncan's closure of low-performing schools often shuffled students into comparable schools, yielding little or no academic benefit."
2010 — " Senate Race Splits Colorado Democrats," by WSJ's Stephanie Simon: "National and state Republican leaders have zeroed in on Colorado's junior senator, Democrat Michael Bennet, as a top target in their campaign to gain U.S. Senate seats. But fellow Democrats could take him down first. Mr. Bennet faces a primary challenge from Andrew Romanoff, former speaker of the state House. The two candidates, both in their mid-40s, have strikingly similar educational backgrounds, campaign styles and political positions. … Mr. Romanoff's supporters say he has more legislative experience and was unfairly passed over when Democratic Gov. Bill Ritter picked Mr. Bennet to fill the seat vacated by Ken Salazar when he joined the Obama administration as secretary of the interior earlier this year. …Colorado is a swing state with roughly equal numbers of registered Democrats, Republicans and independents; GOP strategist Karl Rove has called it a pivotal battleground in 2010. A recent Rasmussen Reports poll of 500 likely voters found [Lt. Gov. Jane] Norton beating both Democrats. In hypothetical match-ups Ms. Norton beat Mr. Bennet 46% to 37% and Mr. Romanoff 45% to 34%."
— " N.Y. Sen. Gillibrand Appears Safe," by Washington Times' S.A. Miller: "Democratic freshman Sen. Kristin Gillibrand is one of her party's most vulnerable incumbents, but New York Republicans can't come up with a political heavyweight to knock her on the ropes, and her campaign gains momentum with each passing day. Former New York Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and former Gov. George Pataki took a pass on the race, leaving a hodgepodge of relatively obscure Republican candidates vying for the seat held by Mrs. Gillibrand, a relative unknown herself just a year ago who nevertheless also faces scant competition so far in the September primary. … Still, she has never run statewide, and next year she likely faces strong anti-incumbent winds, an election cycle that historically hurts the party in power and potential voter antipathy toward Democrats if the economy does not improve. Mrs. Gillibrand trailed Mr. Giuliani by double digits, 50 percent to 40 percent, in a mid-December poll by Quinnipiac University."
— " Four More GOP House Seats Now Rated Safe," by CQ-Roll Call's Emily Cadei: "While the outlook for a Republican comeback in the November 2010 elections is still far from certain, one thing is clear: The electoral environment for the GOP, after a year of political and policy turmoil, is better as 2009 ends than could have been imagined when the year began. This certainly appears true for four House Republicans — two in California, and one each in Nevada and New York — who appeared potentially vulnerable coming out of the 2008 elections, but have to be feeling a lot more comfortable about their prospects in 2010. CQ Politics has changed its ratings to Safe Republican, up from Likely Republican, on the races featuring re-election bids by Tom McClintock of California's 4th District, Brian P. Bilbray in California's 50th, Dean Heller in Nevada's 2nd and Christopher Lee in New York's 26th. The dynamic in all these races is similar. All four districts have long histories of leaning Republican, but hosted competitive races in 2008. All were affected by the surge in Democratic energy and turnout prompted by Barack Obama 's successful campaign for president; McClintock and Lee faced the additional challenge of competing for seats left open by Republican incumbents in a tough year for their party nationally."
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****** A message from the Peter G. Peterson Foundation: Washington is debating tax reform. There's talk of substantial tax cuts that will give trillions of dollars back to American taxpayers. That sounds great. But if these tax cuts aren't paid for, future generations will be stuck with the bill. Congress is right to pursue tax reform – the code is outdated, complex and unfair. Tax reform done right should be permanent, because businesses and individuals need certainty to plan and invest. It should be based on realistic, independent projections and assumptions about the effect on our economy and our fiscal outlook. And it should enjoy bipartisan support, so that it's durable over time. Lawmakers should use the valuable opportunity presented by tax reform both to improve our fiscal outlook and strengthen the economy at the same time. Learn more about fiscally responsible tax reform at www.pgpf.org/tax-reform. ******


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How can I earn whilst sleeping?
1 | Get to grips with a thorough set of management accounts, broken down into revenue strands so you know just what it is each client is paying you for.
2 | Grill each new client brief to gauge exactly what you are being asked (and therefore paid) to do. Ensure your contract reflects it so you are not giving away any rights for which you are not being paid. They wouldn't.
3 | Re-visit your client contract with each new brief – does it make more sense to offer to license your work, rather than hand over the copyright?
4 | And if you are the originator of a character, a world, an app, ensure your contract insists the client must come back to you for any subsequent work with it on new platforms.
5 | Go back over your past work to detail your company's intellectual assets. Not your IP, but your assets. These will include market sector knowledge, footage, images, data, recordings, facts, networks etc.
6 | Can one or two of those assets be reformatted into a new product? Can you turn a product into a service? Find another market for your sector knowledge? Re-skin an app for a new audience/different client?
7 | Don't just look for a big national or global market. Seize the initiative – develop a product or service that fulfils a local need. Although the budget/profile will be lower, how many other small localities around the world have the same need?
8 | Draw a big 18-month biz dev plan up on the wall, with some of your assets listed. Encourage everyone in the team, suppliers, clients, whoever sees it, to contribute new ideas. This will help leverage value from those assets in ways you never anticipated.
9 | Partnering is a perfect example where 1+1=3. By jointly sharing your intellectual assets with a like-minded partner, new potential products and revenue streams will emerge.
10 | Don't anticipate having all the answers yourself. Pull together a table of friends/creatives/employees/your mums, buy the drinks, ask them to come up with a stream of ideas. This week your business, next week their business. Every month.
11 | If you come up with innovative ideas for a client, ask for a share in the success. You can negotiate a licence or back-end split, varying on sales, audience size, likes etc.
Your aim is to widen your earning streams, to grow less reliant on fees and bring in revenues from different ways of using what you already have/do/know. With the ultimate goal to own IP-derived material that people and companies around the world pay for… even whilst you sleep.
Founder of Lola Media (lola-media.co.uk), Erica Wolfe-Murray works with creative companies, brands and individuals devising new products, audiences and revenues from their intellectual assets. She runs the 'Intelligent Creativity' course for Creative England.

subset: commoncrawl


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Let them sing it for you
"Let the famous voices express your innermost thoughts or your frivolous humour" with this award winning interactive online project, "Let them sing it for you" which repurposes various pop songs and unpredictably sings back any phrase or sentence a user enters.
Of course, this program might also be another means for computers to collect data on what makes humans tick in order to faciliate their eventual takeover of our society and enslave us all as organic power necessary to fuel their machines. I'm just saying.


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Is anyone using BT Infinity Fibre and vpn?
I have a work colleague who is having difficulty logging onto a work vpn, a few minutes searching on google makes me think it could be that BT block vpn traffic on fibre or it could be the BT Home Hub but there's nothing conclusive I've found as yet.
Chat Forum
BT Infinity users and VPN traffic
Is anyone using BT Infinity Fibre and vpn?
I have Infinity FTTP (so fibre directly into the house, not cab, but same backhaul).
I can connect to all manner of VPN's in work and clients, never had an issue. This is sometimes multiple machines.
Also I have a VPN router inside my network, so I can stream content from my NAS when I'm away - again works fine, so all inbound and outbound seems to work.
I've never found a blocked port.
The Homehub on the other hand is very consumer so you have to open ports I believe - chuck it in the bin and get something better, the time saved on not having to reboot the router will offset any cost of a decent router.
If it's anything like Virgin's SuperHub it will block VPN traffic by default as I found out last night. He should login to the homehub and have a look about.
Have used BT Infinity to connect to my work VPN a few times with no issue.
I've not tried in a couple of months or more though.
Infinity 2 here. I have a work Cisco phone in my home office that is pre-programmed to connect to our work VPN. It works fine. Likewise the (manual) connection I make using a SonicWall VPN client on my laptop. The only problem I sometimes have is it might take several attempts before the VPN client recognises/accepts my username and password. Perseverance helps here, with sometimes half a dozen attempts at entering the same credentials before it connects.
Cheers for the replies, disabling BT Web Address Help ( what is this? ) seems to have sorted the problem for the user.
I will pass on the comments about the Homehub though.
The Virgin Superhub has to have its firewall disabled for VPN access! About to get a separate router and turning the hub into a modem should sort it out.
Topic Closed
This topic has been closed to new replies.


text:
TIGER Woods birdied two of his last three holes to salvage an even-par 72 in the wind and keep his two-shot lead over Zach Johnson in the World Challenge.
The score looked routine. The third round was not.
Wind that pushed away some light rain at the start of the round created havoc in the foothills of Sherwood Country Club. Woods hit a tee shot in the water and three-putted from about 6 feet on a par 5. But he finished strong and was at 11-under 205.
Johnson also finished two birdies, including a 20-footer on the 18th for a 72.
Bubba Watson three-putted the 18th for a 69 and was four shots behind. No one else was closer than six shots of Woods.
Originally published as Wind no worries for Woods


text:
Please bear with us as we update the Bunker. We apologize for the contractors, tarps and assorted pieces of
dry board Wotan Steel lying about. Should only take a day or so.
In the interim, we invite new readers to visit the updated Art Gallery. More will be added but from the beginning to end the pieces we hope form an overarching narrative of the Dark Times and the first steps into morning.
See everyone when the renovations are completed sometime tomorrow.


text:
Ceramics in Nuclear and Alternative Energy Applications, Volume 27, Issue 5
190 pages
December 2006
Table of Contents
Irradiation Effects in Ceramics.
(GenlV) Next Generation Nuclear Power and Requirements for Standards, Codes and Data Bases for Ceramic Matrix Composites (Michael G. Jenkins, Edgar Lara-Curzio, and William E. Windes).
Determination of Promising Inert Matrix Fuel Compounds (C. R. Stanek, J. A. Valdez, K. E. Sickafus, K. J. McClellan, and R. W. Grimes).
Densification Mechanism and Microstructural Evolution of Sic Matrix in NlTE Process (Kazuya Shimoda, Joon-Soon Park, Tatsuya Hinoki, and Akira Kohyama).
Optimization of Sintering Parameters for Nitride Transmutation Fuels (John T. Dunwoody, Christopher R. Stanek, Kenneth J. McClellan, Stewart L. Voit, Thomas Hartmann, Kirk Wheeler, Manuel Parra, and Pedro D. Peralta).
Ceramics in Non-Thermal Plasma Discharges for Hydrogen Generation (R. Vintila, G. Mendoza-Suarez, J. A. Kozinski, and R. A. L. Drew).
Piezoelectric Ceramic Fiber Composites for Energy Harvesting to Power Electronic Components (Richard Cass, Farhad Mohammadi, and Stephen Leschin).
Design Factor Using a SiC/SiC Composites for Core Component of Gas Cooled Fast Reactor. I: Hoop Stress (Jae-Kwang Lee and Masayuki Naganuma).
Characterizations of Ti,SiC, as Candidate for the Structural Materials of High Temperature Reactors (Fabienne Audubert, Guillaume Abrivard, and Christophe Tallaron).
Influence of Specimen Type and Loading Configuration on the Fracture Strength of Sic Layer in Coated Particle Fuel (T. S. Byun, S. G. Hong, L. L. Snead, and Y. Katoh).
Investigation of Aluminides as Potential Matrix Materials for Inert Matrix Nuclear Fuels (Darrin D. Byler, Kenneth J. McClellan, James A. Valdez, Pedro D. Peralta, and Kirk Wheeler).
Fluidised Bed Chemical Vapour Deposition of Pyrolytic Carbon (E. Lopez Honorato, P. Xiao, G. Marsh, and T. Abram).
Ceramics for Advanced Nuclear and Alternative Energy Applications.
Strength Testing of Monolithic and Duplex Silicon Carbide Cylinders in Support of Use as Nuclear Fuel Cladding (Denwood F. Ross, Jr. and William R. Hendrich).
Subcritical Crack Growth in Hi-Nicalon Type-S Fiber CVI-SiC/SiC Composites (Charles H. Henager, Jr.).
Electrical Conductivity of Proton Conductive Ceramics Under Reactor Irradiation (Tatsuo Shikama, Bun Tsuchiya, Shinji Nagata, and Kentaro Toh).
The Effects of Irradiation-Induced Swelling of Constituents on Mechanical Properties of Advanced SiCISiC Composites (Kazumi Ozawa, Takashi Nozawa, and Tatsuya Hinoki, and Akira Kohyama).
Behaviors of Radioluminescence of Optical Ceramics for Nuclear Applications (T. Shikama, S. Nagata, K. Toh, 6. Tsuchiya, and A. lnouye).
Author Index.
Author Information
Additionally, ceramic strength and fatigue testing, ceramic fractographical and flaw population analyses, Weibull analysis strength-size-scaling, and probabilistic life prediction and design of structural ceramic components constitutive another primary research objective. In support of all these efforts, both conventional and microstructural-level finite element stress analyses and microstructure characterization are performed. He is the author or co-author of over 100 technical publications and has given over 80 presentations, and is the co-developer of µ-FEA software.


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Rick Nash might be 50-50 on returning to active duty, but the Columbus Blue Jackets are 100% sure they want, and need, him back in the lineup.
The super-sniper hasn't played a game, save for one period of the season-opener against Washington, after suffering a high ankle sprain on the second day of training camp back in September. Nash missed the remainder of camp and then attempted to come back against the Capitals - only to be forced to sit out for the next 11 games.
Nash laboured a bit on his repaired wheel during the Blue Jackets' practice at Rexall Place yesterday, and will wait to see how the ankle feels before making a decision on whether to play tonight against the Edmonton Oilers.
"It's been tough with the lockout and then not being able to play. I'm just anxious to get in and play but saying that, I don't want to rush it," said Nash, who spent last winter in Switzerland, where he notched 47 points in 44 games for Davos.
"If it's not 100% this time then I'm not going to go. It's not back fully but almost everybody in the league has played with an injury before so it's not like I'm going to be the first guy."
The Jackets desperately want Nash to get at it as they've struggled offensively (last in the league with 22 goals in 12 games) without the gunner who netted 41 goals in the last NHL season. They've also been without blossoming defenceman Rostislav Klesla, who missed the entire pre-season due to a stress fracture in his leg.
The return of their dynamic duo would go a long way to getting things turned around for a team that was riding back-to-back overtime wins before losing in Minnesota on Saturday.
"Why we were so excited in the off-season and going into training camp was because when we have everybody on our lineup playing, we're a pretty good team," said Columbus head coach Gerard Gallant.
"It hasn't worked out yet but we're getting Rick and Rusty (Klesla) back, so we're going to be a good team and everybody's getting excited again."
Nash's injury has also hampered his efforts to secure a spot on the Canadian Olympic team bound for Italy in February.
That roster has to be set by Dec. 22, and Nash's absence from the ice might put his presence in a Maple Leaf jersey in jeopardy.
Then again, he was a great fit with Joe Thornton and Simon Gagne at the orientation camp in Kelowna back in August, so his hopes may not be seriously in doubt.
"It never was secure, and if it wasn't, it is a lot less secure now," Nash offered while mustering a little grin.
"I played in the world championships and tried my hardest to prove myself. If any injury sets me back, it sets me back. If I don't get to play, it's part of the business ... If they think the ankle's a problem then I'm still young, I'm only 21. There will be a couple more Olympics so I'll get a chance after."


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County to seek advance in state money for roads
WORTHINGTON -- Nobles County Commissioners on Tuesday approved a request from Public Works Director Stephen Schnieder seeking an advance in 2013 state aid funding to complete several projects in 2012. Schnieder said the advance is needed because they had advanced some of their 2012 allotment in 2011, leaving the fund short.
The projects he identified for work in 2012 include replacing a bridge on County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 14 near Midway Park, completing an overlay on CSAH 14 from U.S. 59 to Brewster and doing work at the CSAH 10 and CSAH 35 intersection on the west side of Worthington.
"Money is a little tight right now and we have a longer and longer list of roadways that need our attention," Schnieder told the board.
Commissioner Diane Thier asked if the county was going to "run into trouble" in the future because it is again requesting to advance money.
"Ultimately we're going to take a break ... but at this time our needs exceed our money," Schnieder responded. He said he'd like to get through the next three to five years and then be at the point where they wouldn't need to request all of the advanced funding.
Schnieder acknowledged that the state does have concerns about counties that advance the money year after year.
"We're at a point here where we really do need to get some projects done," he added.
In other business Tuesday, the board:
* Approved a resolution for the sale of $10.9 million in series 2011 bonds for the Lincoln-Pipestone Rural Water Project. The bonds will be used to pay off the previous allocation of $10.9 million in bonds authorized for Nobles County. The action will allow LPRW to get a lower interest rate -- from 3.75 percent to 3 percent -- that will ultimately save the agency more than $2 million over the 38-year term of the bonds.
* Received a report from Vetter Johnson Architects regarding an assessment on county facilities, including the Nobles County Government Center and the Prairie Justice Center.
In the report were numerous suggestions for maintenance upgrades and energy-saving updates that could be completed on the two buildings.
The cost to complete all of the projects outlined in the report totaled more than $2.5 million -- at least $500,000 more than what another firm proposed for doing many of the same projects.
Commissioner Bob Demuth Jr. voiced his concern about the higher costs outlined by the new report.
"Now we're at $2.5 million, and the other firm came back with $2 million," Demuth said. "There is no payback information for me to digest.
"I just feel we've lost nine months (the time between the first report and Tuesday's) and we've gained $500,000 (in expenses)," he added.
Part of the reason the new plan costs more is that it includes a proposal to renovate the six restroom facilities in the Government Center, and for window replacement in the building.
* Received a report on the clean-out of County Ditch 5 in Summit Lake Township. All but 1,240 feet was cleaned out, reported Schnieder, adding that there was an issue with a property owner who disputed the ditch was on his property. The property owner hired an attorney and contacted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service about the potential presence of Topeka Shiners in the stream and ditch system.
As a result of the property owner's actions, the USFWS is investigating the area and will make a determination on whether the remainder of the ditch can be cleaned. Schnieder said if they get approval yet this fall, he'd like to have the work completed right away. If not, the work will have to wait until next fall.
* Appointed Nancy Springman to the DAC board to fill the unexpired term of Julie Wratz.
* Tabled a decision on the city tax abatement request because a city-county-school meeting has been scheduled for 5 p.m. Nov. 28. Commissioners will take action on the request at their Dec. 8 board meeting.
* Approved an Emergency Management Performance Grant of $18,737.
* Authorized the hiring of a Children and Families Social Services Supervisor in the Family Services Agency following the resignation of Beth Mahoney.
* Authorized the hiring of a grounds keeper within the Nobles County Public Works office to fill a vacancy.
* Approved a master grant contract with the Minnesota Department of Health for the new Nobles County Community Services (formerly health and human services departments), effective Jan. 1.
* Learned the results of a speed study conducted on Nobles County 13 at Rushmore. The study, conducted by the Minnesota Department of Transportation, showed that 55 miles per hour was a safe and reasonable speed, and therefore the speed zone did not need to be changed from its 55 mph posting.


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Remember When MTV Was Cool? And They Had A Beach House In The Hamptons?
via guestofaguest.com We KNEW the house hosting last Saturday's Gawker Clambake looked familiar! How could we be so blind as to not realize it's the same house as MTV's Beach House circa 1993?! Oh right..because we were five years old. MORE>>


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Deschutes County commissioners are scheduled to hold a public hearing Monday to consider if destination resorts should be able to reduce the number of required overnight units. The commissioners should approve the change.
Almost nothing in Oregon land use law gets debated as much as destination resorts. Critics see them as wastrels of the land that subvert the intent of Oregon's land use laws with negative environmental impacts and questionable economic benefits. Supporters emphasize the economic benefits. It's hard to debate that Sunriver, in particular, has a legacy of driving tourism and prompting people to consider moving permanently to Central Oregon.
Resort developers have not been regularly building more overnight housing than they are required to under the law. It's pretty clear that's not where the money is.
Before 2003, destination resorts were required by state law to provide overnight lodging at a ratio of one unit of overnight lodging for every two individually owned lots, or 1:2. The state law was changed in 2009 to allow a 1:2.5 ratio. Pronghorn Intangibles LLC has requested an amendment to Deschutes County code, allowing the 1:2.5 ratio in this county. The proposal would change the requirement both for resorts that have already built overnight lodging and for those that have not.
Some critics of destination resorts will balk at anything that makes it easier for the resorts. The fact is that destination resorts are legal. If they are going to exist, it's much better for Deschutes County if they thrive, rather than having the golf courses brown and the windows of the buildings blinded by plywood. Commissioners should give the resorts this slight bit more flexibility to succeed.


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I even found a usb conexant modem
was detected and automagically installed to /dev/ttyACM0 , which no other distro could do. Mint must have brand new drivers for modems.
Code: Select all
Bus 003 Device 003: ID 0572:1324 Conexant Systems (Rockwell), Inc.
From the kde experience with Xandros, the things I haven't quite figured out with this gnome-based desktop are if there is a GUI to list active processes and maybe to select and kill/terminate a program, and I'm having a bit of trouble finding the other computers (4 of them Linux, 2 windows) in this mixed wired/wireless network. I can see the Mint laptop from the others (all Xandros 4.1), but the Mint computer does not see any of the others.
I'd say overall, this is probably a keeper, as long as I can figure out the network 'seeing other computers' thing.


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Letter: Music cuts would be devastating
The Willmar Senior High Band Department has received a great deal of attention in the last four years. In a three-year span, the WHS Marching Band went from being non-competitive to winning first-place trophies against top schools.
In addition to the marching band, hundreds of Willmar Senior High School students have been able to participate in the amazing pep band now present at WHS. The band was so loud that announcers at previous high school state championships felt compelled to comment on the band and how good it sounded on air, even showing images of the band "rocking out."
I know from personal experience that the entire music department at WHS is a very integral part of education for many students. One fellow classmate stated that "marching band was one of the most rewarding aspects of my high school career." The music department became a central part of numerous students' lives in their four-year career at WHS.
During the annual commencement concert, countless students are brought to tears with the realization that they will no longer be able to participate in a music program of such high caliber.
If the senior high were required to cut a music teacher, the effects would be devastating; many students would be denied an important opportunity to connect to something meaningful. The thought of one director managing three top-notch concert bands, pep band, marching band, and multiple jazz bands, as well as pit orchestra for the annual musical, is absurd. It is not feasible to ask one person to manage so many ensembles.
Mr. Bryan Mara has added enthusiasm and inspired many students to step out of their comfort zone and try something new. I believe it is very important for his position to be kept and for the community to step up and support a program that has been a source of great pride to the area. If you care about the future of the community please contact your school board members and let them know that music is important!
Ellie Holtz


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At Gemvara, we believe that the jewelry you wear should be one of a kind, like you. That's why we make each piece to order, one at a time, just the way you want it. Choose Rose Quartz and Sterling Silver or Green Amethyst and Yellow Gold: it's your choice. Mix and match gems and precious metals for a look that's exactly you. Gemvara uses only the highest quality materials to craft your Palladium Citrine Antique-Inspired Jewelry design with meticulous attention to detail. Our precious metals are recycled or responsibly mined. Citrine shimmers with a golden glow.Rare and naturally white, palladium is a platinum group metal that weighs a bit less than gold, making it versatile even for large jewelry designs.Our wide selection of Palladium Citrine Antique-Inspired Jewelry by talented designers means you can find jewelry that's exactly your style. You can also shop by style, choosing our Cross, Classic, or Open Heart Collections. Gemvara's fine quality Palladium Citrine Antique-Inspired Jewelry is designed to be passed down for generations to come, crafted by hand in the United States.
We can help right away. Chat with a jewelry expert now!


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Prison officer has part of their ear bitten off in attack by inmate
A PRISON officer has had part of his ear bitten off in a savage attack by an inmate.
Police officers were called to HMP Nottingham on Wednesday morning after reports of the guard being assaulted by a prisoner.
The officer was taken to Queen's Medical centre for treatment following the incident.
A spokesperson for the Ministry Of justice said anyone who carried out violent conduct towards prison staff would face "severe consequences".
"We always press for the most serious charges to be laid against anyone who is violent in prison"Ministry Of Justice
They said: "We have referred this incident to the police and are helping them with their inquiries.
"We always press for the most serious charges to be laid against anyone who is violent in prison."
The Nottinghamshire jail already made headlines in April when The POA union claimed that officers were being put at risk because of overcrowding, budget cuts and a lack of staff.
They labelled the atmosphere at HMP Nottingham as "extremely tense and dangerous" and highlighted recorded statistics which showed disturbances were up from 11 in 2011 to 48 in 2013.
Last week an inmate at the prison was rushed to hospital after attempting to blind himself just days before his release date.


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Tel:++62 361 286 283
Fax: ++62 361 286 284
U.S.A. Fax:(toll free) 1-800-506-8633
U.K. Fax: ++44-20-7000-1235
Australian Fax: ++61-2-94750419
24h: ++62 812 3819724
Bali handicraft export products made from leather were valued at US$9.67 million in 2012, an increase of 14.07% compared to 2011 when only US$8.48 million in leather goods were shipped abroad.
The spokesman for the provincial government of Bali, I Ketut Teneng, quoted by the State News Agency Antara, said, "There was also an increase in the volume of these goods, growing 148.48% from 4.1 million pieces in 2011 to 10.4 million pieces in 2012."
Teneng said that leather goods represent 3.01% of Bali's total exports that were valued at US$481.83 million in 2012. Total handicraft exports form Bali, however, declined 3.22% as compared to 2011 when goods worth US$497.86 million where shipped to overseas buyers.
The government tracks 17 handicraft items made for export. Among the most popular leather items shipped are jackets, belts shoes and handbags.
Japan is the leading consumer of Balinese leather goods purchasing 28.31% of all leather items made for export. In terms of market share.
Other major purchasers of Bali leather handicrafts are Singapore (19.7%), The Netherlands (9.73%), U.S.A. (7.03%), Australia (6.37%), France (3.05%), Germany (2.29%), Thailand (2.03%), U.K. (0.73%) and Hong Kong (0.43%).


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Work is underway at the CTS Inc. ...
The combined IBWA and NAMA tradeshow will be held Nov. 13
The International Bottled Water Assn. (IBWA) and the National Automatic Merchandising Assn. (NAMA) will again conduct two of their conferences over the same dates and at the same location. The 2013 IBWA Annual Business Conference and Tradeshow will be held Nov. 11 to 15, and the 2013 NAMA Coffee Tea & Water show will be held Nov. 12 to 14. Both conferences will be held at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tenn.
The two organizations met together in 2012 and feedback from conference attendees indicated that it was a successful co-location. Joint attendance reached 1,000 registrants. These individuals were able to experience a new level of networking and education through access to 132 exhibiting companies during the tradeshow and by participating in the 33 educational sessions that were offered. IBWA and NAMA plan to continue to build on this success for their 2013 conferences in Nashville.
The IBWA registration fee includes access to all NAMA events.
IBWA and NAMA educational seminars, business sessions and networking events will be held throughout the meeting dates, and the combined IBWA and NAMA trade show will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 13.
Zenith Intl.'s 2013 Global Bottled Water Congress will also take place Nov. 12 to 14 in Nashville. Under the theme "force of nature," the event is designed for industry leaders, suppliers, customers and analysts to gain a complete overview of the latest trends and thinking across all continents from top companies in each region, with extensive time for informal networking and discussion.


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The Price of Public Health Care Insurance in Canada
November 8, 2011
Canadians often misunderstand the true cost of their public health care system. This is partly because physician and hospital services covered by public health care insurance are free at the point of use, which leads many to grossly underestimate the actual cost of the care delivered. Furthermore, health care is financed through general government revenues rather than through a dedicated tax, which blurs further the true dollar cost of the service. So often, the bill for this type of program is presented aggregately, with the final number being so large that it no longer means anything to anyone in terms of his or her personal costs, say Milagros Palacios and Nadeem Esmail of the Fraser Institute.
In order to more precisely estimate the cost of public health care insurance for the average Canadian family in 2011, Palacios and Esmail determine how much tax an average family pays to all levels of government. The percentage of the family's total tax bill that pays for public health insurance is then assumed to match the share of total government tax revenues (income) spent on health care -- estimated to be 24.9 percent in 2010-2011.
- In 2011, the average unattached (single) individual, earning a little less than $37,000, will pay approximately $3,607 for public health care insurance.
- An average Canadian family consisting of two adults and two children (earning a little more than $105,700) will pay about $10,486 for public health care insurance.
With a more precise estimate of what they really pay, Canadians will be in a better position to decide whether they are getting a good return on the money they spend on health care.
Source: Milagros Palacios and Nadeem Esmail, "How Much Do We Really Pay: The Price of Public Health Care Insurance," Fraser Institute, November/December, 2011.
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The family at West Coast Exteriors has been giving only the highest level of quality in building patio covers in the Sacramento and Bay Area for over 10 years. We will transform your backyard into a gorgeous extension of your house with our amazing patio covers. WCE applies this superior knowledge and craftsmanship in building all forms of patio covers in your area including our most successful and exclusive product, Louvretec.
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WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama sought to blanket the airwaves yesterday with an impassioned defense of his health reform effort during back-to-back broadcasts of taped interviews on five morning news programs.
In interviews conducted Friday in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Obama acknowledged being "humbled" by the challenge of "breaking through" in the complicated and emotional battle over health care reform.
"I think there have been times where I have said I've got to step up my game in terms of talking to the American people about issues like health care," he told George Stephanopoulos on ABC's "This Week."
"I've tried to keep it digestible, you know, it's very hard for people to get their — their whole arms around it. And that's been a case where I have been humbled and I just keep on trying harder, because I, I really think it's the right thing to do for the country."
Beyond health care, Obama also said he will remain skeptical about the need for more U.S. troops in Afghanistan until he is satisfied that the military has the right strategy for winning the war there. And as previously reported by the networks on Friday, he dismissed former President Jimmy Carter's contention that critics are fueled primarily by racial hatred.
The interviews were devoted primarily to the battle over his health care efforts. Hewing to virtually the same script in each, Obama voiced a desire for a more "civil" tone in the debate.
"We all have an obligation to try to conduct this conversation in a civil way. And to recognize that each of us are patriots," he told NBC's David Gregory on "Meet the Press."
After Obama's appearance on NBC, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said the issue is not one of rhetoric or style.
"The president is selling something people aren't buying," Graham said. "He's been on everything but the Food Channel."
In addition to NBC and ABC, Obama also granted interviews to CNN's "State of the Union," CBS' "Face the Nation" and the Spanish-language Univision, but he did not appear on the Fox News Channel. Obama plans to make an appearance tonight on CBS' "Late Show with David Letterman," a first for a sitting president.
In the interviews broadcast yesterday, Obama portrayed himself as willing to take politically difficult positions, citing his move to pursue alternative dispute resolutions in cases of medical malpractice.
"That's not popular in my party," he said on NBC.
However, many physician leaders have complained that the administration's $25 million grant program falls far short of the aggressive changes they seek, including a cap on legal awards to injured patients.
The president brushed off suggestions by some allies that the fight over his centerpiece domestic policy initiative has been tinged by racial attitudes.
"What's driving passions right now is health care has become a proxy for a broader set of issues about how much government should be involved in our economy," he said on CBS. "I have no interest in increasing the size of government. I just want to make sure we've got a smart government."
This week, the Senate Finance Committee begins action on a bill drafted by panel chairman Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., and 564 amendments.
Several Democratic lawmakers said they hope to change a provision in the Baucus bill that would impose a 35 percent tax on high-priced insurance policies provided through the workplace.
In the CNN interview, Obama downplayed the impact of the proposal and said he was talking with union leaders who fear their members could be hard hit since their health coverage tends to be among the most generous in the country.
"I do think that giving a disincentive to insurance companies to offer Cadillac plans that don't make people healthier is part of the way that we're going to bring down health care costs for everybody over the long term," he said.
Acknowledging a shift in his own thinking, Obama also defended plans to require that every American carry health insurance. He denied repeated assertions from Stephanopoulos that the mandate represents a tax on average Americans.
"You can't just make up that language and decide that that's called a tax increase," a clearly frustrated Obama said. "My critics say everything is a tax increase. My critics say that I'm taking over every sector of the economy. You know that . . . I absolutely reject that notion."
Obama defended proposals to place new fees on the health care industry and to reduce the government payment to insurers that operate Medicare managed care plans, saying that "they're making huge profits."
And he said on CNN that illegal immigrants should not "be covered under this health care plan."
On Afghanistan, Obama said his top generals have completed another review of that strategy, and that he will not act on a further troop increase until he is satisfied that the review has produced a winnable approach.
"What I'm not also gonna do, though, is put the resource question before the strategy question," Obama said on "Meet the Press." "Until I'm satisfied that we've got the right strategy I'm not gonna be sending some young man or woman over there — beyond what we already have."
He echoed the same line to Stephanopoulos: "We're going to test whatever resources we have against our strategy, which is, if by sending young men and women into harm's way, we are defeating al-Qaeda — and that can be shown to a skeptical audience, namely me, somebody who is always asking hard questions about deploying troops — then we will do what's required to keep the American people safe."
The president made his comments as surveys showed increased pessimism in the United States and Europe about the mission in Afghanistan.
Reports have suggested that military officials could ask Obama for tens of thousands more American troops for the effort amid a surge in violence from insurgents and the Taliban.
But Obama told the network hosts that he has made no decision about sending more troops. He said the strategy in Afghanistan was "adrift" when he took office and he said the security situation is rapidly changing.
"We're not gonna put the cart before the horse and just think by sending more troops, we're automatically going to make Americans safe," he told Bob Schieffer of "Face the Nation."


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Recent claims that a disgruntled Kyrylo Fesenko quit the Ukraine national team and had a feud with his federation might have been a little mistranslated between Europe and the U.S.
According to his agent, the media reports were at the very least "a little misreported."
Fesenko's agent, Stu Lash, disputes published allegations that his client left the Ukraine national team in the middle of a tournament earlier this month because the center was disgruntled or had a disagreement with the country's coach.
In fact, Lash insists Fesenko's European experience — which he chose to pursue over being on the Utah Jazz's summer-league team — was still sweet even if shortened for a family obligation.
And the agent believes Fesenko's summer stint was good for the 7-foot-1 center and will be for the Jazz this NBA season as well.
"It was positive," Lash said of the Ukrainian's brief national-team time. "I think one thing it gave him was an opportunity to be back home and play and build his confidence up more than anything. … (It was) all in all a good experience for him."
Some, however, wondered if the opposite was the case from perusing box scores and viewing the situation from the outside — especially considering Fesenko didn't exactly tear it up against mostly non-NBA talent.
Fesenko only ended up getting action in three of his country's six European relegation games. He played 20-plus minutes in the first two games, but his participation quickly diminished. He logged only nine minutes in the third game, didn't get off the bench in the fourth contest and wasn't even with the team for the final outings against Estonia and the Czech Republic.
Asked if Fesenko had a dispute with his national team or if he bolted after being benched, the agent responded: "No, not at all." Rather, Lash claimed the real reason for Fesenko's early exit from Ukraine's team wasn't hastily made in the heat of the moment.
"He had a family thing to attend to and the team was playing some younger players, so it was kind of mutually agreed upon," Lash said. "... And just with his schedule, wanting to get back here and getting ready for the (NBA) season, it was something we had kind of spoken about ahead of time."
Though he missed the summer league and didn't exactly shine with Ukraine — aside from a 13-point, seven-rebound outing against Hungary — Lash believes Jazz brass and fans should be encouraged about Fesenko's future.
The inconsistent-but-intriguing big man will return to Utah later this week to begin preparing for his third season with the Jazz. Lash said his client, whose final year of his rookie contract was picked up by the Jazz in June, believes he can play his way into the rotation and extend his NBA career. That, Lash says, is where Fesenko's focus has been all summer.
"He's very excited. He's made tremendous growth as a player the last year and a half, two years, both on and off the court," Lash said. "I think with how the roster's shaped up, there's an opportunity there."
The Fesenko camp believes he has a skill set that sets him apart from the other "talented players in the frontcourt" — centers Mehmet Okur and second-year post player Kosta Koufos.
"Fes brings something to that team that I think there's a void there — and that's just interior presence on the defensive end and rebounding," Lash said. "He's as big as it gets.
"Now," he added, "he has to go out there and earn their trust and prove that he can handle those kind of minutes in the rotation. And I think that's his goal for the upcoming year."56 comments on this story
Getting off to a good start later next month when the Jazz reconvene will be crucial, his agent acknowledges.
"He's got to go into training camp in shape and ready to go from Day 1 to have an impact, and if he does that I think he'll have an opportunity," Lash said. "But it's got to be on him."
As for Fesenko's future with his national team, Lash says his client's status is "unknown."
"It's not something we've even discussed at this point," he said. "The main focus is just being ready for training camp with the Jazz right now more than anything. I think that's 100 percent what's on his mind right now."
e-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com


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|Rediff India Abroad Home | All the sections
Afghanistan: 5 years in, fear of failure
Can Merey in New Delhi/Kabul | October 06, 2006 12:17 IST
It's been five years since Afghanistan became the first target in the international war on terrorism.
"Now the Taliban will pay the price," US President George W Bush said during a television speech on October 7, 2001, the day American and British bombs began falling on the country. "Peace and freedom will prevail."
Now, however, concern is growing in the West that the Afghan war might fail after all.
The Taliban, Afghanistan's fundamentalist Islamic regime, paid the price by being ousted from power, but they have long since begun to repay the West through a strategy that is a mixture of guerrilla attacks and bombings.
The number of suicide bombings, which had before been practically unknown in Afghanistan, has risen sharply to almost 60 this year. Apart from the suicide bombers themselves, about 170 Afghans and 13 foreign soldiers have lost their lives in these attacks so far in 2006.
Since the end of 2001, about 500 foreign soldiers have died while on military assignment, but this year's toll has been far more than any preceding year, and foreign troops are looking back at the bloodiest summer they have seen since the Taliban's ouster.
Afghanistan's southern region, which hitherto had been neglected by the international community, has especially experienced heavy fighting this year, with many of the clashes being drawn out over several days.
It was in this region where international troops in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation-led International Security Assistance Force took over from US-led coalition forces at the end of July.
The ISAF was determined to change the deteriorating situation there by forcibly displacing Taliban fighters and then initiating a faster and more visible rebuilding of the secured countryside.
Through this strategy, the international community intended to conquer the hearts and minds of the southern Afghan people after many of them in frustration had again begun to support the Taliban.
However, the implementation of the concept began with little promise as hundreds of Taliban and many ISAF troops died in bitter fighting. ISAF casualties were particularly heavy among the British and Canadian contingents.
British Defence Secretary Des Browne recently admitted that his country and NATO underestimated the Taliban's strength in southern Afghanistan.
"We do have to accept that it's been even harder than we expected," he said.
When British troops were sent into the south in June, then defence secretary John Reid still voiced hope that his soldiers could "leave Afghanistan without firing a single shot."
Tens of thousands of rounds later, however, NATO is confronted not only with these hopes shattered but also by a crucial test: Important contributors of troops like Germany want to avoid sending their soldiers into the south while Britain and Canada have no intention of carrying their burden alone.
Germany's government already announced days ago that it wanted its troops to remain in Kabul and the comparatively safe northern part of the country.
This decision prompted the British newspaper The Guardian to write in an embittered editorial that countries like Germany, France and Italy "have sent troops to Afghanistan not to fight, but to play out a charade of solidarity."
NATO's intervention in Afghanistan "has been a disaster, but withdrawal would send the country back to the dark ages," the newspaper wrote.
The confused situation naturally caused joy among the Taliban and Al Qaeda elements.
"This summer, Allah be praised, is burning the crusaders in Afghanistan with its flames as they were previously warned by the commander of the faithful, (Taliban leader) Mullah Muhammad Omar, may Allah protect him," said Al Qaeda's deputy leader, Ayman al-Zawahiri in a video message on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States.
He cited the example of William Brydon, the sole British survivor of a battle between British and Afghan forces in 1842, threatening, "Dr Brydon will not return this time to India because his body will be thrown out to the dogs in Afghanistan."


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About RWSN
The Rural Water Supply Network (RWSN) is the global network of professionals and practitioners working to raise standards of knowledge and evidence, technical and professional competence, practice and policy in rural water supply and so fulfil the vision of sustainable rural water services for all. RWSN places a very strong emphasis on innovation, documentation, research and capacity building.
It is primarily concerned about viable technologies and approaches that improve rural water supply. It achieves its objectives by catalysing innovation, providing evidence-based documentation, supporting research, sharing information, influencing policies and practices, supporting efforts to build capacity and facilitating networking.
RWSN's vision is of a world in which all rural people have access to a sustainable and reliable water supply which can be effectively managed to provide sufficient, affordable and safe water within a reasonable distance of the home.
Number of People in Rural Areas that use an unimproved drinking water supply
Each territory is resized according to the total number of rural populations using an unimproved drinking water supply. Map prepared by Sasi Research Group (University of Sheffield) based on WHO/UNICEF 2008 Joint Monitoring Programme Data.
Download Strategy Document 2015-2017
Chair: Kelly Ann Naylor (UNICEF)
Theme Leaders:
- Equality, Non-Discrimination and Inclusion: Louisa Gosling (WaterAid), Priya Nath (WaterAid)
- Sustainable Groundwater Development: Dr Kerstin Danert (Skat)
- Sustainable Services: Marieke Adank (IRC); Susanna Smets (World Bank Water Global Practice);
- Accelerating Self Supply: Matthias Saladin (Skat)
- Mapping & Monitoring: Ellen Greggio (WaterAid), Antonio Rodriguez Serrano (World Bank Water Global Practice)
Executive Steering Committee:
representatives from
African Development Bank
- Jochen Rudolf
- Francis Konu
- Stef Smits
- Dr Patrick Moriarty
Skat Foundation
- Dr Kerstin Danert
- Sean Furey
Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation (SDC)
- Hanna Capeda
- Andreas Steiner
- Jose Gesti Canuto
- Kelly Ann Naylor
- Eric Harvey
- Louisa Gosling
The World Bank Group: Water Global Practice
- Miguel Vargas-Ramirez
- Lilian Pena Pereira Weiss
Affiliated Committee Members: Vincent Casey, Jane Wilbur, Ellen Greggio (WaterAid); Susanna Smets (The World Bank Group); Matthias Saladin (Skat); Maimuna Nalubega, Mahecor Ndiaye, Boniface Aleobua (African Development Bank); Marieke Adank (IRC).
- Director: Sean Furey (Skat)
- Communications Manager: Meleesa Naughton (Skat)
RWSN is not a legal entity in itself. As a network it depends on the direct and indirect support of its Partners. Full details can be found in the RWSN annual reports below and full audited accounts are available on request:
Annual Reports
The secretariat of the Rural Water Supply Network (RWSN) is located at:
c/o Skat Foundation
Vadianstrasse 42
St Gallen, CH-9000
Internet: www.rwsn.ch
Become an individual member of RWSN. It's free!
To become a member of RWSN, all you have to do is join the RWSN group on Dgroups. You will be asked for your name, email address and reason why you want to join. Once you have registered, it would be really helpful if you can fill in your profile to let us know what you do, what organisation you work for and what country you are based in.
Dgroups is a web and email based discussion platform designed specifically for development professionals. By setting up a Dgroups account you can find other RWSN members and join in online discussions on the RWSN Themes, or other aspects of rural water supply. You will also receive a quarterly e-newsletter.
If you are an existing member, or are not sure then please re-register by visiting » dgroups.org/rwsn
Become a RWSN Member Organisation
It is now possible to join as a 'Member Organisations' of RWSN. RWSN is a network of individuals and organisations that are committed to improving water services for the rural poor everywhere in the world. Being a Member Organisation of RWSN is a commitment to sharing knowledge and good practices, and to uphold the statements set out in the RWSN Vision and 2011 Kampala Commitments.
Who can become a Member Organisation?
An organisation should fulfil the following criteria to become a Member Organisation:
- Support the aims of RWSN (agree to the RWSN Vision and Kampala Commitments 2011)
- Have a website
- Be willing to insert the "RWSN Member Organisation" on your website (if technically possible) and create a link back to the RWSN website
- Have at least three people working full time for your organisation
- Have been a registered entity for at least 2 years
If you do not meet these requirements then the individual membership is probably more suitable. Individuals can join by setting up a free account on Dgroups.
Benefits of membership
- Logo and organisation page on the Member Organisation page of the Member Organisation area of RWSN website
- Preferential posting of items in the RWSN quarterly newsletter and opportunities to become involved in RWSN collaborations.
Conditions and cost of membership
- No membership fee is charged but Organisations are invited to make financial or in-kind contributions to the Secretariat (hosted by Skat Foundation).
- Membership lasts for five years and then can be renewed. Membership can be terminated by the Member Organisation at any time.
- The Executive Steering Committee of RWSN reserves the right to reject, suspend or terminate the membership of any organisation who they deem not to have behaved in a professional manner as set out in the Kampala Commitments 2011.
Apply now by downloading the form
In 1992, at a meeting in Kenya, it was agreed that there was a need to create a global network of handpump experts who could capitilise on the great work done by UNDP, UNICEF and the Water and Sanitation Programme in the 1980s. The humble handpump was seen as cornerstone of improving rural water supplies by making clean groundwater available to millions of people.
From small beginnings, UNICEF, Skat and others developed the Handpump Technology Network and broadened its scope until in 2004 it was agreed, under the leadership of WSP, to change the name to Rural Water Supply Network. Today the network has nearly 3,000 members in over 100 countries, continuing the mission of to help rural water supply practitioners from NGOs, governments, companies and development partners to learn from each other and work together.
RWSN timeline...
Privacy Policy
RWSN will not use any personal data collected on this site for any purpose other than that specifically stated.
RWSN may use personal contact details to send you further information we believe you will be interested in. If you indicate to us that you would prefer not to receive such information we will always respect your wishes. If you agree to receive, or sign up for, further information from RWSN and Skat Foundation by email we will offer you an opportunity to unsubscribe from that communication in every email we send.


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Written on: 14/01/2003 by bogdan. (1 review written)
Good Points
Very solid..Good reception.
Bad Points
The autonomy is not that big as i want it to be.
General Comments
Very solid :I dropped this phone few times and it's working like the first day.
Good reception: i compared once with some Nokia's of some friends and they didn't have signal but I did. Frankly, I was surprised because I knew Nokia as a good phone maker.
I have the phone from more than 2 years and until now only 3 or 4 times has some strange behaviours (I guess some minor software bugs).Fortunately those behaviours were temporary.
One of my friends bought same phone few moths a go but he has problems with the phone. I think Siemens didn't keep up the same quality level all the time. Too bad.


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By KEVIN KOELLING, Managing Editor
CANNELTON – Cannelton's Common Council adopted at a regular meeting July 11 an ordinance giving the city the right to inspect rental properties, but encountered opposition before voting.
By VINCE LUECKE, Editor
TELL CITY – A police investigation led to the arrest Tuesday of a Tell City man for his role in a pair of burglaries.
Tell City Patrolman Roger Smith said Steven Harrison, 38, of 806 Traphagen Court, faces two counts each of burglary and theft, as well as counts of carrying a handgun without a license, possession of methamphetamine and paraphernalia and criminal mischief.
His wife, Sammi, also faces pending charges, including conspiracy to commit burglary, Smith said.
By TRISTA LUTGRING, Feature Writer
TELL CITY – Members of the Tell City-Troy Township School Board heard from the principals of both Tell City schools about the recent release of ISTEP scores.
William Tell Elementary Principal Laura Noble said the elementary students' scores were "not quite as high (as last year), but still had some bright points. We're still very proud of the test scores we have."
TELL CITY – A Tell City man was arrested Friday on a charge of possessing child pornography after an investigation by Tell City police officers and the Indiana State Police Crimes Against Children Unit.
Christopher K. Taylor, 27, of 624 16th St., Tell City was lodged in the Perry County Jail, said Tell City Police Lt. Alan Malone. He and Chris Cecil, a member of the state police Crimes Against Children Unit and Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force picked up an investigation launched Wednesday by Patrolman Phillip Flamion and Sgt. Lynn Wooldridge.
TELL CITY – A county animal-control ordinance continues to evolve as county commissioners and community members discuss what it should and should not include.
One item removed from the proposed ordinance following a commissioners meeting Wednesday is a requirement that the county's animal-control officer have a minimum of 40 hours of law-enforcement training.
Editor's Note: This is one of an occasional series of articles about activities at Anderson Woods, a summer camp for children and adults with developmental disabilities.
The fifth session of camp was the start of Anderson Woods' weeks for adult campers. Last week there were campers from young- to middle-aged adults. As everyone arrived on Monday morning, the campers were reunited with old friends and also had the opportunity to begin many new friendships. Camp provides a social outlet for many of the adults who attend.
TELL CITY – Crisis Connection Inc., the local nonprofit, volunteer-based, victim-assistance program that serves victims of sexual and domestic violence, is seeking donations for the children of abuse victims as they prepare to return to school.
TELL CITY – A federal law-enforcement officer escaped injury Sunday when he lost control of his patrol vehicle near the intersection of Indiana 37 and Indiana 70.
Donald Kidd, who is assigned to the Hoosier National Forest, was taken to Perry County Memorial Hospital after complaining of chest pain. Kidd lost control of his vehicle and struck a gate at the Indiana Department of Transportation garage at the intersection and then traveled down an embankment.
The Perry County Sheriff's Department investigated the accident.
TELL CITY – Branchville Correctional Facility and the Indiana Department of Correction have named Kathy Alvey as the new assistant superintendent of re-entry. She will oversee most aspects of offender re-entry, including recreation, classification, post-release housing, program placement and community services.
Copyright © 2017
The Perry County News is your source for local news, sports, events, and information in Perry County, Indiana, and the surrounding area.


text: Hey everybody I'm a long time reader of the board and finally decided to join and post some. I've always really respected the suggestions everyone had made to other people needing some ideas about racquets to demo so would be great if I could get some input from you guys. I'm 24 and a medical student about to start my third year, have played tennis since I was 6 or so, but haven't played very frequently in the past 5 years (probably only a handful of times). Before college I was pretty much frustrated with pressures from coaches and wanted to take a break from tennis, but now I'm really starting to miss the sport and wanting to begin playing as frequently as my schedule allows. I currently play with the Dunlop Muscleweave 200g and am looking for a change since they don't make it anymore and I only have 2 of those sticks left. As for as playing style, I have a western grip on the forehand, pretty long swing and lots of topspin, two-handed backhand but liked to use the one-handed slice pretty frequently, like to chip and charge off the return so need something that handles well up at the net, and go for more spin and placement off the serve. I was playing at a 4.5 level before but who knows how bad I'll be now haha. I'm pretty much open to any brand, no real loyalty to Dunlop, but never really been a fan of Wilson racquets. Thanks for your time. Great to see so many people passionate about all the aspects of tennis.


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MAXIMILIEN A GHALIOUNGUI Real Estate Listing Profile
Currently listing real estate in: City Centre / Midtown Toronto
Real Estate areas listed in the past: City Centre / Midtown Toronto, Etobicoke, Markham, North York, York
Last Activity Date: Nov 23, 2017
Maximilien A. Ghalioungui's primary real estate concentration centres on waterfront condos, lofts and homes for individuals, couples and families who choose downtown living in Toronto. Max is known for his in-depth knowledge of the Toronto real estate market, his natural ability to build trusted relationships, and a sincere interest in the well being of each and every client.
Max's approach for every purchase or sale is to go above and beyond what his client has experienced before, or would expect from a sales representative or broker. He has a reputation for providing extra value and extra service every step of the way, giving his undivided attention to every project he undertakes. His is also fully bilingual in English and French. The results for clients are well-negotiated prices for both their sales or purchases, and an enjoyable, stress-free real estate experience.
Max combines his real estate acumen with superb negotiation skills in order to put together the best deal, whether you are buying, or selling. Max and his family are deeply entrenched in Toronto's real estate industry, with two generations of intimate knowledge of new and existing condo and housing developments, prime opportunities and cautions.Visit Max's Website at: http://www.condoquicksearch.com Brokerage address: 45 Harbour Square, Toronto, On, M5J2G4
My Website


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Nothing Is Left to Chance When Preparing for NAFCU's Annual Conference
When NAFCU picked the site for this year's Annual Conference & Exhibition at the Gaylord National on the Potomac in National Harbor, Md., the facility hadn't even been built yet.
NAFCU President/CEO Fred Becker and his staff chose the site after walking the construction grounds and looking at models. Becker also said he had been impressed with other Gaylord properties.
"Because of our size, we can only go to tier-one cities, and we have to lock in a place three years out," Becker said. "While we were taking something of a chance, we weren't going to be holding it during the facility's first year and we weren't guinea pigs."
In putting together such an event, the organization's first annual meeting in the Washington area, NAFCU attempted to leave nothing to chance.
About a month after last year's meeting in San Diego, NAFCU Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer Pat Morris, Director of Events and Education Alyssa Kolat and other staff members did the first of many walk-throughs in the rooms that will house the exhibition hall and the main sessions and breakouts. The association is expecting about 1,300 attendees, guests and exhibitors.
"We start visualizing how the empty room will look as an exhibition hall, and what it will take to transform some of the meeting rooms quickly. You might have very little time to change the set up from accommodating a meeting, and then soon after that, a reception," said Morris.
Kolat has a core planning staff of seven, although almost all NAFCU staff members become involved in the conference in some way on tasks ranging from helping to recruit speakers to packing up the conference on the final day.
She said the planning, including making contingency arrangements in case speakers are late or electronic equipment fails, involves thousands of moving parts and staff members who are often doing several tasks simultaneously. "There's a lot that keeps me up at times because the process is so complicated," said Kolat, a certified meeting professional who has planned events during much of her 20-year career.
During the first walk-through and in subsequent sessions, NAFCU officials met with Gaylord officials and contractors for lighting and set-up in the exhibit hall.
At that time, the NAFCU staff begins in earnest to focus on the selection of speakers. While some of the big names, such as singer Kenny Rogers, who is scheduled to perform Friday night, are well-known and picked more than a year before the conference, the process for choosing others is more complicated.
Morris, Kolat and members of her core team watch DVDs of prospective speakers and determine whose presentations would be most relevant. For those who make the first cut, NAFCU's staff will call other trade associations and find out how effective the presentations were and whether the speaker interacted well with the audience.
Once the speakers are picked, the NAFCU staff will talk to them about the conference and tell them what subjects attendees are most interested in and will make suggestions on how to tailor the presentation to the audience.
"We work with them to be sure that attendees don't hear a canned speech that they have heard before," Morris said.
And that goes for NAFCU staffers as well.
Becker writes his own speech but practices it several times in front of staff members. When asked what it's like to evaluate the work of the man who signs his paycheck, Morris replied diplomatically, "We don't critique it-we're contributing to it."


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Advanced Virus Remover is a fake anti-virus program, which uses malicious tactics to spread and make a profit. This parasite typically enters the system by using trojans like Zlob and Vundo, but has also been known to come bundled with all kinds of freeware. Upon entering, it will try it's best to scare the user into purchasing it's "full version".
Advanced Virus Remover is not called "scareware" for nothing: this bastard of a program unleashes a flood of popups upon the user, supposedly to inform him of an infection present on the system. Advanced Virus Remover supports this claim with fake system scans, which identify benign files, created by the program itself, as threats. The point of such tactics is to trick the user into thinking he is infected and therefore in need of an anti-virus program. Not just any anti-virus program, of course. As if all of that doesn't suck enough, having Advanced Virus Remover on the system will result in a significant drop in overall efficiency.
Advanced Virus Remover is a scam and should be treated as such: do NOT download or buy it and block its homepage (advancedvirusremover.com) using your HOSTS file.
Automatic Advanced Virus Remover removal tools
Manual removal
Important Note: Although it is possible to manually remove Advanced Virus Remover, such activity can permanently damage your system if any mistakes are made in the process, as advanced spyware parasites are able to automatically repair themselves if not completely removed. Thus, manual spyware removal is recommended for experienced users only, such as IT specialists or highly qualified system administrators. For other users, we recommend using Reimage or other tools found on 2-viruses.com.


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Liberians clash with government health workers over Ebola fears, as President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf declares a state of emergency and imposes quarantines on badly affected communities.
In a soggy field in Johnsonville, a township just outside of the Liberian capital Monrovia, Joseph Bayogar holds his hand to his chin and shakes his head as he walks through what is now a messy burial site. "We did not have Ebola in our area," the local resident says. "Now the government has put our lives in danger by doing this."
He was visiting the site on Aug. 4, just two days after health workers brought some 37 bodies – victims of the deadly Ebola outbreak that's now killed almost 1,000 in west Africa – to the field on orders from the Ministry of Health. The Assistant Minister of Health, Tolbert Nyenswah, tells TIME that the government had purchased the land from the township administration in order to use the area as a burial site.
But as the health workers buried the bodies, local residents say they chased them away, fearful of the spread of the highly contagious disease. The health workers abandoned the rest of the corpses, dumping them in shallow holes in a swampy area, say locals. The Ministry of Health denies that the bodies were dumped.


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What Can Youth Do? In Gallery 2 this week
14 April 2011
Freehand is FACT's programme for young people aged 13 – 19. From 13 – 19 April, they are taking over Gallery 2 with What Can Youth Do as part of Knowledge Lives Everywhere. This video has been made by Freehanders, Joe, Rachel and Amy, to give some background on Freehand and the thoughts behind the themes of the week.\r\n\r\n
Throughout the week, the 'zine desk will be open so anyone can come along and contribute to the fanzine. The Freehanders have been working on this for a couple of months now and it has a bit of everything in it, from their own artwork to fashion ideas and book reviews. What sounds particularly exciting has to be the spoof adverts created by Joe which feature throughout the 'zine. We had fun spotting these adverts with the special "Freehand" Twist. Also, don't miss the Digital Storytelling Workshop on 16 April, you can find out some more info about it here.\r\n
Even though Freehand is for young people, the title of the week can also be read as What Can You Do? This play on words is important to the Freehanders as they wanted everyone of all ages to be able to have a think about what they could do themselves. After hearing the exciting stories of what the Freehanders have been up to (for example designing futuristic communication suits with the Cornerhouse!!), you quickly get the sense that anything is possible.
Click here for more information about Freehand and how to join.