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The Muttur Massacre a quest for the whole truth |
Monday, 07 July 2008 | |
by: Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha In the first week of August 2006, 17 workers of the French Aid Agency Action Contre La Faim were killed in Muttur in the Trincomalee District of Sri Lanka. A number of questions concerning the incident still remain unanswered. Though it is vital to try to find out who was responsible for the killings, and why, there are other questions too as to the fuller reasons for the deaths of so many helpless youngsters. Sadly hardly any attention has been paid by those responsible to questions such as a) why they went into Muttur, which was in a state of unrest at the time b) why they remained there when all other aid workers were withdrawing c) why they continued in their office despite government officials and religious leaders begging them to take shelter elsewhere. Answers to these questions may explain the virulence with which the Agency has been criticizing the government of Sri Lanka and its officials ever since the incident. They may also explain why such attacks are replete with factual inaccuracies, innuendo and self-contradiction. They may also explain why, having asked for a public inquiry, and remained in Sri Lanka for eighteen months after the incident, the Agency decided suddenly to withdraw when they were being cross-examined by a Commission of Inquiry appointed by the Government to look into the incident. This was followed by further criticism from a safe distance, following on a report of the Jaffna University Teachers for Human Rights, an organization that had independently sought the truth about the incident. This report points the finger of blame for the killings on a Muslim homeguard and two policemen. UTHR, it should be noted, has generally been accepted as acting in good faith, and ACF cites this report favourably, indeed triumphantly. Most recently ACF has issued a document which skates over its own role and instead points the finger at every agency of Government connected with the incident. Though ACF has claimed to independent observers concerned with the truth that it conducted its own inquiry into its conduct in the matter, the findings of that inquiry have not as yet been made public. Sending the workers into Muttur The latest ACF document claims that 'On the mornings of July 31 and August 1, 2006, 17 ACF aid workers left the Trincomalee base for Muttur, to carry out projects in the town and surrounding areas. The organisation had a local office in Muttur to facilitate activities and limit unnecessary transportation. On August 1, the team was due to return to Trincomalee on the afternoon ferry, however, rebel troops launched an attack on Muttur before the team was able to leave, and 17 ACF workers were stranded in the town.' This needs to be clarified. According to UTHR, some workers were sent to Muttur against their will on July 31st. UTHR claims 'The local staff members who were to go to Mutur on Monday 31st July did not want to go. We are told that two of them applied for leave and were turned down. About 5 food security workers were sent to Mutur on Monday. One supposes that instructions to go were routed through Colombo. Some who were sent expressed a wish that evening to get back.' Then, on August 1st, the rest were sent out because 'As for ACF, we learn that WS had second thoughts about sending his staff to Mutur on 1st August, but was persuaded to send them by the fact that FS's staff was already there the day before. ACF also had a coordinator, a local man, but he does not seem to have applied himself effectively in ensuring the security of the staff, or was it that those above him did not heed his advice?' UTHR also notes 'At security level 3, all decisions to send the staff away from base, Trincomalee town in this instance, to work in an outlying area, we learn, must be routed through the head office in Colombo. Whether this procedure was followed or the decision taken in Trincomalee itself with regard to the staff sent to Mutur during that fatal week is a question to which the answer is hazy. ACF in Trincomalee had three expatriate staff attached to the base and other expatriates from a central pool were sent to stations as required. Those at the base were the Head of Base (HB), Programme Manager for food security (FS) and Programme Manager for water and sanitation (WS). There had been a change of expatriate base staff in June. Owing to a delay in finding replacements, the newcomers did not have the benefit of a transition period where they would have worked with their predecessors. The new arrivals had no previous acquaintance with Sri Lanka and no preparation for the kind of problems they encountered in early August. All they had to prepare themselves with was written advice left behind by their predecessors. We understand that one piece of written advice left behind was for them to ask the local staff whether they felt comfortable about going somewhere before sending them.' Again, UTHR flatly contradicts the claim that the team was due to return on the 1st, since the regular practice was for workers to stay on in Muttur for a week. Indeed ACF itself notes that the Muttur office was intended to cut down on 'unnecessary transportation'. The impression of its opening paragraph quoted above was that, having sanguinely sent in workers on the 31st and 1st, ACF decided on the 1st itself to withdraw all of them on that day, but was unable to do so because 'The ferry service was immediately suspended, and an ongoing battle between the Sri Lankan Army (SLA) and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) ensued leaving roads around the town unsafe for travel.' All accounts however are that the battle began only on the 2nd, when the LTTE began shelling Muttur and taking control of some areas in the town. ACF therefore fails to explain why, following the suspension of the ferry service on the 1st, a service on which it had planned to withdraw its staff, it did not send in a vehicle straight away. It should also be noted that, while ACF claims its staff was unable to get away on the ferry on the 1st, it has also been claimed that the ferry did go back on the afternoon of the 1st, which fits in with the fact that fighting began on the 2nd. If this is correct, ACF has some further explaining to do as to why the team did not go back to Trincomalee on the afternoon ferry on which it 'was due to return' – even though UTHR says 'Those sent to Mutur were normally sent in vehicles on Monday to stay over in Mutur until Friday when the vehicle would return.' Keeping the workers in Muttur The ACF document claims that 'A decision was taken in Colombo, and then Paris, to request all staff members to remain in the ACF office until the fighting ceased. The whole area fell under intense fire, however regular radio contact was established and maintained with the base in Trincomalee and the decision taken, seemed at the time, to be the safest option. On August 2, the situation in Muttur deteriorated and evacuation of the aid workers was deemed impossible.' The phrasing of this suggests that the decision to keep the workers in Muttur was taken on the 1st, but by the 2nd evacuation was considered desirable but impossible. The timing of the 'decision…in Colombo' seems odd, since the fighting itself began on the 2nd. ACF, which had decided even on August 1st to send in its workers, against the will of some of them, into a tense situation, had no significantly different reason to consider changing its mind on the 1st. It was rather after the fighting started on the 2nd, as UTHR made clear, that ACF decided to keep its members in the ACF office. Keeping the workers in their office The ACF document recognizes that the office was not a safe place, using a rather circuitous turn of phrase, viz 'the visibility of the compound was increased, identifying it as an NGO base'. What this means is that the workers were seen as outsiders, in a context in which the inhabitants of Muttur were aggrieved. ACF does not mention that the majority of inhabitants of Muttur were Muslim, that all but one of the ACF workers were Tamil, and that the attack on Muttur launched by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam also had racial overtones. The determination to stay on in a predominantly Muslim neighbourhood can be seen as a sign of faith in common humanity. It can also be seen as bravado in a context in which, on the 2nd certainly, the Tigers seemed on the ascendant. It should be noted that, even before the shelling occurred, some Tamils had been taking shelter in public buildings, which roused suspicion that they were forewarned of the impending attack. However by the 3rd ACF grants that plans for evacuation were considered – 'The following day, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) tried to organise an evacuation by boat in which the ACF staff could participate.' – though again it does not confirm that it had decided to participate in this ICRC effort. Certainly, when this ICRC effort fell through, and ICRC decided to evacuate by land – UTHR reports that 'The ICRC too had pulled out leaving behind about two local staff in Mutur, who left with the people on the 4th' - ACF did not participate. The omission of such decisions in the ACF document confirms that a certain sleight of hand has been employed in what purports to be a factual account of what occurred. ACF then claims that 'A fall back plan of moving the 17 staff members to an internally displaced persons camp was also considered by ACF, however the stranded staff members told ACF that it would not be possible for them to leave the office due to the constant heavy shelling. Twenty minutes later, the camp was hit and ten civilians were killed.' What ACF means here by 'an internally displaced persons camp' is not clear. UTHR records several attempts by officials to persuade the ACF workers to move to shelters. The Methodist Church, into which the pastor, Fr Swarnaraj, had collected Tamils, continued a safe haven throughout. The Catholic Church was also safe, though a shell fell nearby, causing a couple of deaths. There is no record of ten civilians being killed in any single venue, so this particular ACF claim needs to be checked further – UTHR reports that a 'shell fell on a tree near Arabic College at 9.30AM (4th) and after that no one wanted to stay there', but this is no reason for the ACF staff having failed to move into the Christian shelters where other Tamils were from the 2nd on. Also, given that a shell fell near the close by hospital, it is clear that the compound was as much in danger from random shelling as anywhere else, whilst the precautions ACF took against such shelling seem ludicrous in the context of fierce fighting. ACF claims that 'During this period, ACF contacted the Army, Navy and Police forces to inform them of the presence of the aid workers in the town and provided them with the exact GPS location of the ACF base. The organisation hoped that the information would help protect their staff members from the possibility of accidental shelling'. Since much of the shelling taking place at this time was by the Tigers, one wonders whether similar precautions were taken to inform them as well to steer clear of the office, or whether this was thought unnecessary. It is also strange that ACF should have assumed it necessary to suggest to forces in the heat of battle that they exercise particular care about an office in the middle of an inhabited area, close to a hospital, without assuming that – since the area consisted of inhabitants who would not have been sheltering Tigers – the forces would have avoided attacking the area in general. Conversely, the failure to go along with others to a sanctuary, or to attempt to leave the town along with for instance the ICRC, seems at best suspicious. The assumption that the workers were safer in their office than in a sanctuary where many others were present including religious authorities, and which was under the purview of government officials, is extraordinary. What is more extraordinary, given the pleas of most of the poor workers themselves for prompt evacuation from where they were, is the insistence of ACF itself, whether Trincomalee or Colombo or Paris, that they did not move from the office. There is however a possible explanation contained in another section of the UTHR Report – 'According to INGO sources, in Friday morning's message from Mutur, the Trinco office of ACF was told that the LTTE had called on them and told them that they were pulling out of Mutur and could no longer guarantee their security.' Such an explanation is however also worrying – if indeed ACF staff were the beneficiaries of such guarantees which were not extended to ordinary Tamil people who had sought shelter in the churches, the manner in which ACF functioned in a context in which the LTTE had launched an sudden attack on a predominantly Muslim town seems at the very least injudicious. Continuing delays on the part of ACF The previous discussion concerned the culpability of ACF in sending its workers into a dangerous situation, in keeping them there, and in forbidding them from taking shelter along with others who felt endangered. Its failure to investigate these lapses has been compounded by its unwillingness to answer questions about its conduct at the Commission of Inquiry. But there are other anomalies too. ACF claims that it tried, on the 4th as well as the 5th, to arrange evacuation by land, but that they were stopped by the Sri Lankan army. On the 6th they claim that 'the convoy was forced to turn back after a village mob blocked the road'. However the Consortium of Humanitarian Agencies did manage to reach Muttur on that day, and discovered the bodies. CHA did not have workers in danger, but it nevertheless got to Muttur. ACF, which claims that 'after fighting ended, deliberate attempts were made by the authorities to limit access to Muttur', fails to note that CHA got into Muttur and were not stopped from going to the ACF office. Incidentally, ACF claims that 'A second attempt was made to take the ferry to Muttur as soon as the service was restored, however, shells fell in front of the boat as it attempted to dock and it too was forced to turn back' placing this statement as though to suggest that this 'second attempt' of theirs was made on the 6th. More reliable reports indicate that the abortive ferry journey took place only on the 7th. That was the day on which ACF had already made its way to Muttur by land, following the CHA discovery. It is odd therefore that ACF should have mentioned this ferry effort as relevant to them and to the 6th, unless one realizes that here is an organization that in fact did nothing for a couple of days about the staff it had sent to their deaths, but now wants to claim that they made every effort to rescue them. ACF also, in its determination to fling every allegation it can against the government, asserts that 'An obstructive attitude was also adopted toward ACF when efforts were made to collect the victims' bodies'. However, earlier in this self-justificatory narrative, it notes that 'Collection of the bodies was organised from the ACF base in Trincomalee using a team that largely consisted of ACF staff members. Upon arriving in Muttur, they headed directly to the police station and informed officers there of their intentions to collect their colleagues' bodies. Five policemen escorted them to the compound gate and warned them not to take pictures or to make phone calls. The policemen filmed the scene but did not help to collect the bodies, nor did they make any efforts to gather evidence. This was an early indication of the lack of interest, from government officers, in ascertaining the truth of what had occurred.' Here the charge is a different one, and in making it ACF indicates that they were taken to the site on the very day they managed to get to Muttur, after CHA had found the bodies. There is also no suggestion, even though they had been told on the 6th of the tragedy, that they took any doctor or other such specialist with them. Who the rest of the team were, ie those who were not 'ACF staff members' is not indicated. Insinuations and allegations regarding tampering with evidence ACF makes a concerted attempt in its document to suggest that the government tampered with evidence. They go so far indeed as to claim that 'The authorities clearly had intended to leave the bodies exposed, then to eventually destroy them', ignoring the fact that the authorities allowed the ACF team to take away the bodies the very day they arrived on the scene. ACF also 'casts serious doubts on the authenticity and integrity of the items submitted to the Magistrate', namely '32 empty cartridges and 11 ammunitions'. This assertion is based on the fact that its team did not notice these during their visit, and that early pictures do not show these items. They seem not to take into account the police claim that on their second visit they looked more carefully and found items buried in the ground. They also question the findings of the experts who looked at the exhumed bodies. About the exhumations themselves they claim that 'The AG representative was initially opposed to the idea of exhuming the bodies. However, he later allowed three exhumations, then eleven' and only later note the difficulties caused by 'the difficulty for the police to identify with certainty some of the victims' graves, the absence of family representative and in one case, the lack of family consent' (at which stage in their document they claim that only two and then nine bodies were exhumed, a small anomaly perhaps, but typical). Whilst the authorities obviously had no problems about allowing the ACF team possession of the bodies to take them to Trincomalee on August 7th, ACF itself tries to sow mistrust in its every phrase. Thus they claim that 'anecdotal evidence suggested that two different calibre projectiles were retrieved from the bodies ; six 7.62mm calibre bullets (commonly used in Sri Lanka with T-56 weapons) and one 5.56 mm calibre bullet (used with M-16 weapons). These are sensitive findings because potential witnesses had previously stated that government Special Forces bearing M-16 automatic rifles were in Muttur at the height of the battle'. What is meant by the term 'anecdotal evidence' is not clear, but in any case ACF should have noted that the assertion that a 5.56 calibre bullet was retrieved was not anecdotal, but to be found in the report of the Australian forensic expert Dr Malcolm Dodd. Much was made of this report, including by the ICJ which accused government officials of tampering with evidence, and reproduced the allegation about government forces using 5.56 bullets, ignoring the fact that these are used by others too. The government analyst, a ballistics expert who had identified all the bullets as 7.62, stood by his opinion, and explained why one bullet, that looked very different in the photographs from the rest, was part of a 7.62 bullet and not a different sort as initially assumed by Dr Dodd. Dr Dodd accepted this explanation, and strongly refuted what ICJ had tried to pin on him, namely the claim that the evidence had been tampered with. However ICJ, as well as ACF, now insinuate that the photograph could be of a different item from that initially examined, ignoring the fact that the photograph Dr Dodd worked with does suggest a difference for which however the ballistics expert provided an explanation which Dr Dodd accepted without hesitation. In short, after much weight being placed on the Australian's expertise, when he retracted, with a full explanation for his reasons for thinking otherwise, he is presented as either a villain or a fool. ACF's perspective on the proceedings is apparent from its assertion that 'examples of the inefficiency and failures of the Sri Lankan judicial system are common place'. This assertion however came after it had found itself embarrassed by cross-examination at the Commission of Inquiry, which led to a precipitate withdrawal. The current diatribe seems designed to excuse its avoidance of questioning about its own unsavoury role. Though it may seem generous of the Paris office to engage in this rearguard action to protect its underlings in Trincomalee or Colombo, the meanness of attacking every Sri Lankan institution to achieve this end cannot be excused. Abuse of the SLMM In order to strengthen its case, ACF has had constant recourse to the intervention of the then Head of the Scandinavian Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission, Gen Henricsson. In this document it merely asserts that 'Concerned groups such as SLMM, failed to thoroughly investigate the killings as their monitors were refused access to the site', while failing to note that the SLMM without such investigation issued an ex cathedra statement finding Sri Lankan forces guilty. Following this, ACF had allowed Gen Henricsson to make such damning allegations, to be quoted internationally, at what was supposed to be a commemoration of the incident in Paris. This intervention of Gen Henricsson was in contravention of his contract, and his employers have been asked to take disciplinary action against him, though they say that he is now not in contact with them. It should be noted that the Sri Lankan Ambassador in France had made clear to ACF that Gen Henricsson was prejudiced, and was not a suitable invitee to their events. This was after he was scheduled to speak at the first commemoration at which she herself was present. He failed to turn up then however, so after she had made her point she was astonished to find him allowed to make derogatory statements about Sri Lanka and its forces the following month. ACF providing him with this platform suggests the partiality of their approach. This partiality is the more strange in that it was by then abundantly clear that his ruling was seriously flawed. He got the time of the killings hopelessly wrong, the only witness he cites by name was an LTTE military leader, and his principal evidence for attributing the deed to Sri Lankan forces was that they had not allowed him into Muttur at a time when they allowed journalists in. The reasons for the killing, the responsibility for the deaths Most recently UTHR has published a report in which it states that a Muslim homeguard was the main killer, along with two Sinhalese policemen. The report also claims that several navy commandos were present at the time of the killing, the late afternoon of the 4th of August, but were not active in the murders. ACF has made much of this report, and requested that the persons named be investigated. Whilst UTHR reports are generally issued in good faith, it is noteworthy that this one contradicts a previous report in which UTHR asserted that the killings took place on the morning of the 5th, and that 'a combination of one or more of the Special Forces, paramilitary elements, and armed elements under the security forces' umbrella' were responsible. In its earlier reports, UTHR drew attention to the role of ACF in forcing its workers to go to Muttur and in keeping them there against their will. It also drew attention to the nugatory compensation paid to the families of these workers. ACF however ignored these reports, and seems totally happy with the pitiful amounts it paid the workers, amounting to a fraction of what it paid its expatriate staff each month. In the interests of transparency it would be useful if ACF indicated how much it paid the Sri Lankans who suffered, and also how much it has expended since in its campaign of vilification against the Sri Lankan government. UTHR also mentions what it believes to have been the reason for the killing, namely the feeling of the Muslim homeguard that the ACF workers were somehow culpable with regard to the deaths of his brother, who had died quite near the ACF office when he had been shot in cold blood by a Tamil disguised as a Muslim. In fact there were widespread suspicions in Muttur at the time that the ACF staff, or at least one or two of them, were acting on behalf of the LTTE, and were being used to supply information about the situation in the town so as to assist the LTTE in its assaults. Certainly the claim of ACF that 'the stranded staff members told ACF that it would not be possible for them to leave the office due to the constant heavy shelling' is scarcely creditable since UTHR records some of them moving freely about the area during the period of hostilities. In such a context it is incumbent on ACF to explain who made the decision to send the staff to Muttur, and who kept them there. UN guidelines are very clear about the need for expatriate staff to be responsible in such situations of conflict, and indeed to safeguard their local staff by accompanying them in such dangerous situations. UTHR pointed out that, with a recent change of expatriate staff, the titular head was not in a position to make decisions. He must then have been influenced by local staff. In the interests of those who were compelled to go to Muttur against their will, the people who were responsible for the decision should be identified. Though this is no justification for the killing, the alleged response of the homeguard must be seen in the context of a raging battle in which Muttur Muslims in particular felt themselves under threat from the racist policies of the LTTE, which had earlier engaged in ethnic cleansing of Muslims from another Province. In such a context, of burgeoning hostility, it was at best unwise of ACF to have just one Muslim amongst the 17 staff members it sent to Muttur. Even if they had full confidence in the integrity of their staff, it is well known that staff can come under pressure to fulfil terrorist demands. A healthy mix of staff from different communities is the best safeguard against communal feelings or pressures, but ACF has sedulously avoided such an approach. Certainly this is not the only instance in which ACF staff have come under suspicion, for instance for being in possession of inappropriate information, as happened recently in Colombo. Though the explanation provided then was accepted, the recurrence of unusual behaviour – as 'helping the Muslims during the crisis by distributing potable water and relief during the siege and also helping with sanitation in camps', according to UTHR – could, while it might seem admirable kindness in the context of the dangers of time and place, have readily been interpreted as suspicious by someone who suffered a sibling's loss due to clandestine killers. Was ACF in Paris aware of all these ramifications? I suppose we will never know now. It is true, as ACF alleges, that the inquiry has taken a long time, though no longer than many such complex cases, as - to cite a French example - that of the military instructor who killed several young cadets. One consequence of the delay is that proper inquiry could not be made of the manner in which ACF had made decisions and, when the opportunity finally came, ACF promptly fled. But, if they are innocent, and feel their decision making or decision influencing staff were totally innocent, there is no reason for them not to publicize the results of their internal inquiry into what happened. The breach of UN guidelines was egregious in this case, and it is a pity that some UN officials, who make sanctimonious pronouncements with reference to this case, do not take on someone of their own size and provenance. Surely they have an obligation, given their commitment to humanitarian workers, and in particular vulnerable local workers, to inquire into how ACF could have so carelessly sent Sri Lankan workers into danger; could have failed to get them into appropriate shelter when the danger was too obvious even for them to ignore; could have got to the scene long after a national NGO with no direct link to the murdered personnel; could have paid only trivial amounts as compensation; and could have engaged in a highly professional campaign against the Sri Lankan government whilst avoiding the Inquiry that is now taking place. None of this takes away from the obligation of the Sri Lankan government to investigate the case fully, to take notice of all evidence brought to its attention, and to charge those responsible for the killings. The latest reports of the proceedings of the Commission of Inquiry suggest that evidence is not being suppressed. The government must show that, though justice takes a long time, it will be done. Similarly, ACF must also do justice to the victims, many innocent young people forced to go into danger on the insistence of a few, by investigating and making clear what happened, who made culpable decisions and why. And it should compensate the families of the victims adequately, treating them on a par with international staff, not as mere Sri Lankans. Prof Rajiva Wijesinha Secretary-General Secretariat for Coordinating the Peace Process Web Link : The Island |
Last Updated ( Monday, 09 March 2009 ) |
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The Villas at Devils Glen - Apartment Rentals in Bettendorf, IA
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You're watching...
Gallup: Obama Winning the Female Vote
Kelly Jane Torrance breaks down the women's vote and gender gap.
Sep 28, 2012
You're watching...
Kelly Jane Torrance breaks down the women's vote and gender gap.
Sep 28, 2012
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Action and the female vote here -- the latest numbers from Gallup among all women President Obama leads Mitt Romney 52 to 42.
Among married women Romney leads the present 4845.
And watch this.
According to -- -- Obama leads Romney 6233.
Among unmarried women.
Kelly Jane Torrance from the weekly standard is in Washington -- gonna go -- out that 68 to 33 amongst unmarried women.
I explain masked by saying that unmarried women want free bus control as they write a -- site walked.
I think that's what the Obama campaign thinks but I'm not quite sure that's true well that -- Eileen -- 6033.
You explain it to me.
Okay first of -- you know this is one of the reason that we say there's no such thing as an objective.
Media we we keep hearing stories about the gender gap between Romney -- Obama will no one's talking about the marriage gap.
As you point out married women Gallup find out their market come on board another joint and -- Aren't yet you've got to explain this to 6833.
-- the poll is skewed all there -- some policy which really doesn't appeal to unmarried women all.
As my colleague here how and based lawyer says maybe there's an ad that's gone out to the on married women and that's what's doing it.
What's your explanation.
Well let's face it the Obama campaign -- been going after the base -- -- worried about churn out young people women that's who they consider part of the base.
But let me ask you look at it a slightly different way okay women in general we've got 52 to 42 -- just -- right.
But in 2008.
That gap.
-- much larger 57%.
Went for a -- and 43 for McCain so actually -- gender gap has narrowed.
I you may not agree I -- part of it that contraceptive argument I think.
You know we keep hearing Republicans -- the party that to see women as reproductive -- But really it seems like it's the Democrats that assume women are gonna vote based on their internal market at an -- day -- They may be so successful outreach -- we'll give you folks free contraception everybody gets it.
-- -- -- for somebody else will pay you won't pay.
If that's your business I didn't make any what -- -- It's attractive -- some women I agree.
But I think a lot of other women can see through it -- -- cynical ploy to get their -- and insulted by the idea that if we don't have free government birth control women can't figure out how to get it for themselves.
Yeah you're -- young unmarried women are definitely going for Obama but -- gender gap.
In general has narrowed since 2008 and I really think that the women who -- -- little older why -- there.
They see through this as for what it is a cynical ploy to to get there -- -- by buying.
I've got 3040 seconds left -- wanna bring the company into this you have anything to say market and yeah yeah I mean do you think then that these are just strictly off of being Democrats are just gonna vote for Democrats do you think they're part of the 47%.
That we hear -- -- single women don't pay taxes.
Do you think where is it coming from -- it's not coming from the contraception issue.
I think that's part of it I mean again you know if you're if you're unmarried you're likely younger and we -- younger people -- a bit more democratic.
I -- -- -- pointed out all of the up polling that's been done.
Looking it registered voters rather likely voters tends to skew democratic in the first place.
All right Kelly Jane Torrance -- a very interesting question -- -- back.
Because I wanna discuss his gender gap -- before the election I think is very I love the talk about it -- it is important thank you for having me -- I don't know what interrupt you so much a provision for.
-- gentlemen thank -- relatively.
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Trespasser Denim Jacket
The perfect light-wash denim jacket is a year-round staple, and we've got just the one. Team it with anything (and everything)—this thing's never going out of style.
• Denim jacket. Collar. Long sleeves.
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• 99% Cotton, 2% Spandex
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Good morning and welcome to another addition of Friday Writing. I hope that you enjoy putting your thoughts down and have other people reading your work. I think it is important you edit your work before you post it, because your work represents you. The other teachers and students only know about you by your pseudonym and the words you post on your blog.
The Canadian Mint has announced that the "penny" will no longer be manufactured in Canada. Apparently, it cost more to make each penny than a penny. Goods and services will know have to be rounded or estimated. You might have to pay more for your new jeans than the price tag. Please, write a paragraph discussing the loss of the one cent coin. Will it make a difference in your life? Please give me your "two cents".
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I have the Sea&Sea VX-950 Pro housing for the Sony PDX 10P DVCAM.
I would like to upgrade the camera and buy the Sony HVR-A1U if this camera will work with the old VX-950 housing.
Could anyone offer their expertise, I will be very grateful for any help.
Camera upgrade/Sea&Sea VX-950 housing
Started by cardash, Sep 02 2012 11:44 PM
2 replies to this topic
Posted 02 September 2012 - 11:44 PM
my videos: www.kardasz.net
Posted 03 September 2012 - 12:47 AM
Hmmm, I actually tried this and remember (this is like 6-7 years ago) that the A1 is bigger than the PDX-10 but lost my VS950 before I could test it.. However, I know other housings like the USVH could be retrofitted. The lanc functions work but I think I remember a need for a firmware update on the housing.
"Journalism is what someone else does not want printed, everything else is public relations."
"Journalism is what someone else does not want printed, everything else is public relations."
Posted 04 September 2012 - 09:57 PM
thanks Drew.
my videos: www.kardasz.net


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Tech may not shed so many jobs this time
With Wall Street teetering and venture capital investment in high tech at its lowest point in more than a decade, few in the technology industry doubt there are scary days ahead.
The bad news is starting to pile up: eBay recently decided to lay off 1,000 workers, a long list of smaller Internet outfits have begun cutting jobs, and most industry watchers expect Yahoo to announce another round of layoffs when it discusses third-quarter earnings after the close of trading Tuesday.
Now here's the good news: whatever job cuts occur in the technology sector in the coming months, … Read more


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When many people hear the term life jacket, the first thing that comes to mind is a bright orange Type II jacket. They're easily recognizable, and they're on most people's boats, but they are rarely worn except in an emergency. The U.S. Coast Guard Type I, Type II and Type III vests meet strict performance requirements (see flotation standards below). The Type I life jacket is intended for offshore use, and will turn an unconscious person face up. The Type II life jacket has similar performance but has less floatation and may not always turn an unconscious person face up. And finally, the Type III life jacket will not turn an unconscious person face up, but is less bulky and is intended for use where a quick rescue is likely.
The Kent Offshore Type I life jacket ($44.99) and the Kent Nearshore Type II life jacket ($8.99) scored low on comfort among our testers. While the Type I was the only inherently buoyant jacket in our study that consistently turned our testers face up, its bulk made it challenging to swim and heavy after getting out of the water. The Type II jacket, while an inexpensive way to meet the Coast Guard requirements for carrying a life jacket aboard, was not comfortable enough to be worn for extended periods of time.
Control Jackets: Type III
The standard Type III life jacket is popular with the active boaters and tends to be worn more often than the bulkier Type I and Type II jackets. The Kent General Purpose Type III ($21.99) was easier to fit properly that the Type I and II jackets, although one of our testers, a non-boater, initially put the jacket on inside out and another tester misaligned the buckles. The life jacket we tested was an adult universal size, so while adjustable, it was far from a perfect fit on most testers. The Coast Guard Type III is the only life jacket in this control category that our testers would consider wearing routinely while boating.


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Thinking of buying an eReader for yourself or someone else this holiday season? With a full-service Library card, you can access thousands of bestselling eBook titles from the Library for free! As a bonus, we're planning special training opportunities after the holidays to help newbies get the most out of their eReaders.
At the Morningside Branch Library, eBook how-to sessions will be held Thursday, December 27 from 6-7:30 pm and Tuesday, January 8 from 12 noon-1:30 pm. The Wilbur Aalfs (Main) Library offers one-on-one consultations with Library tech staff by appointment (call 255-2933 x 221). And, people are encouraged to bring their devices and questions to any Library Tech Talk—the next one is Tuesday, January 22 from 6-7:30 pm.


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Authorities seek burglary suspect
A cash reward of $1,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect
By JAMIE PATTERSON
Managing Editor
Investigators are seeking the public's assistance in arresting the suspects who burglarized a local pharmacy.
Vanjon's Pharmacy, located on Fifteenth Street, was broken into last Friday.
"The suspects gained entry into the front door of the business," said Capt. Willie Hubbard. "An assortment of medications and money were stolen."
-------for the rest of the story see The Yazoo Herald printed edition or subscribe to the Digital Edition.----------


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Welcome to Near Eastern Studies
The Department of Near Eastern Studies is part of the College of Literature, Science and the Arts, which administers its undergraduate programs leading to the B.A. degrees, and of the Rackham School of Graduate Studies, which administers its graduate programs leading to M.A. and Ph.D. degrees. The regular faculty numbers about 26 of which 12 are full professors. The Department offers several programs of study at the B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. levels, covering Near Eastern languages, literatures, civilizations, linguistics, history, Ancient studies, Biblical studies, Egyptology, Medieval Islamic history and Islamic studies.
- Arabic Flagship Intern Chandler Gibson travels to D.C. May 9, 2013
- Beyond Hatti: A Tribute to Gary Beckman April 30, 2013
- Congratulations to the Near Eastern Studies Spring Awards Winners of 2013! April 24, 2013


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According to Provo Police Sgt. Brandon Post, the man created a fake profile on ldssingles.com and lied to the woman about his name and occupation. The dating website is not affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
"One of the reasons why online websites are so bad is because anyone can use them," Alex Ostler, a young woman who frequents Rock Canyon, said. "I think people use those to prey on women."
Post said 33-year-old Cladiu Marius Bora arranged to meet the woman at the Provo Temple on July 6.
After meeting at the Provo Temple grounds, police said Bora and the alleged victim drove to the Rock Canyon parking lot and went on a hike.
During the hike, Bora tried to kiss the victim, but she refused his advances.
When they returned to the parking lot, the victim put her purse in the backseat of her SUV. Bora is accused of shoving the victim into the car and raping her.
"That's pretty twisted," Elise Otteson, another hiker, said. "I don't know what kind of mindset he is in, but that's pretty messed up."
The statement said the victim constantly tried to fight Bora off and screamed, "No!"
Bora allegedly kept saying, "Didn't you know that 'no' means 'yes'?"
Police said the alleged victim's skirt was torn during the assault and she sustained injuries to her genitals.
Police advise anyone who uses online dating websites to be careful. If you plan to meet someone in person, do so in a public place with a group of friends.
"Don't go to places that are secluded or that aren't really populated even if it seems like a good idea," Taylor Weitzeil, another hiker, said.
Police records show Bora is a native of Romania.
Bora was charged Tuesday with 1st Degree Felony Rape, 1st Degree Felony Object Rape and 2nd Degree Felony Forcible Sexual Abuse.
He was arrested and booked into Utah County Jail on Saturday.
Bora is scheduled to appear in court November 1.


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You don't have to be Harry Potter to play the magical wizarding game of Quidditch. Although you may not able to zoom through the air on a broomstick, the earthbound version — Muggle Quidditch — still has its perks.
Daniel Miller, captain of Ringling College of Art and Design's Quidditch team, started playing the game as a freshman.
"I grew up reading Harry Potter like just about everyone my age, but the great thing about Quidditch is that you don't have to know the books to play," Miller says. "We started out as kind of a ragtag club because we wanted to bring the sport to campus, and now we compete on a national level with other teams from around the world and have become the official sport on campus."
On Saturday, Sept. 10, the Florida Quidditch Conference held daylong matches during which several Florida college Quidditch teams competed at the 17th Street Park. The Ringling team caught three golden snitches during their five matches.
Miller has played basketball and football for the majority of his life, but he says Quidditch is out-of-this-world.
"It's more fun than any other sport I've tried," Miller says.
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I've been a member of CA for ages, I had a sketchbook way too long ago, and I just started work on illustration for a story by Philip K Dick called The Crystal Crypt for the digital publishers Pictorical.com. I though I would post up my process as a kind of sketchbook.
My style has changed a lot over the years, and I guess its a little different to most of the other SBs around here, hope its still acceptable! Plus I've working in a kind of 50's book cover rip-off to suit the dated story writing style and theme. Anyway, here's the process so far
Spaceship designs
For more detail on the process etc, hit up my blog http://crystalprocess.wordpress.com/


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Author: Carol Lynch Williams
Release Date: March 15, 2011 (hardcover)
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Pages: 208
Source: ARC received from publisher
Overall: 3.5 Stars
"Imagine Anna Quindlen or Sue Miller turning her attention to writing a young adult novel, and you have an idea what [Williams] has done for early teen readers…" —Audrey Couloumbis, author of the Newbery Honor Book Getting Close to Baby
Thirteen-year-old Lacey wakes to a beautiful summer morning excited to begin her new job at the library, just as her mother is supposed to start work at the grocery store. Lacey hopes that her mother's ghosts have finally been laid to rest; after all, she seems so much better these days, and they really do need the money. But as the hours tick by and memories come flooding back, a day full of hope spins terrifyingly out of control....
"No one can get inside the head and heart of a 13-year-old girl better than Carol Lynch Williams, and I mean no one," said James S. Jacobs, Professor of Children's Literature at Brigham Young University, of her breakout novel, The Chosen One. Now this award-winning YA author brings us an equally gripping story of a girl who loves her mother, but must face the truth of what life with that mother means for both of them.
My Thoughts:
I truly think it was the cover that first attracted me to Miles From Ordinary. There's just something about it makes it difficult for me to tear my eyes away... from the tendrils of hair slightly falling into Lacey's face to the way her mouth is slightly agape. It left me to ponder what the girl was facing and even after reading the short plot summary, I was still incredibly intrigued to learn more about the girl behind the face so to speak!
It was supposed to be a summer day full of promise. Lacey's mother had seemed to somewhat to put her aside her ghosts to be coherent enough to begin her day working at the grocery store, earning money the pair of them so very much needed. As for Lacey herself, she was ready for the chance to spend a few hours away from her mother volunteering at the local public library where her Aunt Linda used to work. But soon, what started out as a day full of so much hope begins to spiral out of control...
The novel is a quick, short read yet it still felt like it was the right length. Within a short span of time, we learn so much about Lacey, her mother and the aunt who's no longer a dominant part of their lives anymore. The pacing is easy to follow along and Carol Lynch Williams does a wonderful subtle job switching to flashback scenes of moments in their past. It's during these times that we learn the full extent of just how long Lacey's mother has been sick and how compared to the past, it really does seem that her mother is finally beginning to show some signs of improving. When I found myself drawing closer and closer to the end, I grew nervous because I still had no idea what I could expect!
Lacey shows more strength and perseverance than I could ever expect from a thirteen year-old girl. She's the sole caregiver of her mentally ill mother, taking care of her constantly day and night. Although it stings for her to not have a friend she can confide in since she spends so much time watching her, she loves her mom with every bone in her body and would do anything for her. So even though she knows something is obviously wrong, she's afraid to actually on it and get help... preferring to pretend that everything is alright. She feels both guilty and excited about her new volunteering job at the library because it may finally give her a few hours of peace and time for herself to simply act as a normal teenager.
Miles From Ordinary may be a short contemporary read but within its pages is a story that will instantly reach out to your heart. Carol Lynch Williams has beautifully written a novel full of tension and the struggles of a young girl doing everything she possibly can to look after her mother... leaving off on a climatic ending that I'm sure will leave some gasping. I know I sure did!
Thanks so much to St. Martin's Press for sending me this copy!


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ZDF History is germanys most renowned history documentary show. They trusted us with the rebranding of this german institution asking for everything from an intro animation over lower thirds, corner bugs to the outro credit role. Set in an all CGI environment we lit up and assebled their logo, creating the mood for this series.
A sculpted crystal, fluids and particles make up the logo animation for games studio Deepsilver.
After pitching two weeks with creative madness Maxon commissioned Aixsponza 2010 for the logo redesign of their leading 3D software Cinema 4D.
For the redesign of the VIVA "Game One" computer games show Aixsponza created the whole package. This is the opener for each show. It's covering the history of computer games starting from Pong over Jump and Run to First Person Shooters in a more abstract style.


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Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013 | 7:00 a.m.
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Posted: 12:11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2010
By Jamie Dupree
This is a big day for the Congress, as the results of the Census being released today will determine which states gain seats in the U.S. House and which states lose.
The biggest change is expected to be in Texas, which is forecast to get three or maybe four extra seats in the House.
"They're going to be the big winners," said Kimball Brace of Election Data Services, a company that specializes in how the Census will change the makeup of Congress.
The big losers could be Ohio and New York, which could both see a loss of two seats, more evidence of the American transition away from the Rust Belt and into the Sun Belt.
But there was also another reason.
"Part of it was Katrina," said Brace, referring to the giant hurricane that ravaged the Gulf Coast, especially New Orleans.
"Louisiana is losing a seat, basically almost a whole Congressional seat moved to Texas," said Brace.
As you can imagine, one extra seat or one less can have a major impact on the actual redistricting in those states, one reason Republican gains in state legislatures in the last election could be very important when the district lines are being drawn.
Often times, one party will force two incumbents of another party to run against each other, while creating safer districts for their members.
Other big states gaining population this time include Florida, which could get one or two new seats in the House.
"That second seat is kinda iffy," said Brace, who has run the numbers repeatedly, and says Florida is "on the bubble."
Also getting another seat in the South should be Georgia, and maybe both Carolinas.
One surprise may be out West, where California will not be expanding its Congressional delegation - in fact, it may shrink.
"California had been gaining seats for a number of years, eight seats one decade, seven seats another," said Brace.
"Now for the very first time, we may see California not only not gaining a seat, but maybe losing a seat."
Back East, the focus is also on losing seats, and Ohio might be hit hardest.
"All indications are it would be losing two seats," said Brace.
Oddly enough, that might hurt the Republicans more, because the GOP advantage in the Ohio delegation will be very strong next year, though the GOP will be in charge of the legislature and redistricting.
Also expected to lose a seat is Pennsylvania and New York could lose one or two.
Not only does this change the makeup of Congress, but it also means fewer Electoral Votes in key battleground states that have tended to swing to the Democrats, as more of the nation's population heads to the Sun Belt.
Texas would be a good example - it's a state that Democrats have not won in years.
We'll see what the figures show us today.
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Category Archives: blog
03/16/2012 | IOTA (Arlington, VA) on March 24th | You pick'm We Play'm!
It seems we have a reputation for having the best fans around. IOTA had a snafu in their schedule and they knew only MELODIME fans would pack the place on such short notice. So let's do this…
With a touring schedule that's busier than ever and workin on some new recordings, we weren't really planning on squeezing in a hometown show anytime soon. So we were thinkin maybe you can help us out with this one…
Have you been bummed after a concert 'cause the band didn't play your favorite song? Ever wish you could put together your ultimate setlist? Now you can. Between now and the day of the show, submit a 17-SONG SETLIST that you want us to play at the show ON OUR FACEBOOK WALL. Whoever's setlist has the MOST AMOUNT OF "LIKES" AN HOUR BEFORE DOORS OPEN, that's the set we'll play! The winner will also get 2 FREE TICKETS to the show. (PS. getting your non-melodime fan friends to like your set helps us both out.)
Eligible songs include:
Any MELODIME song off of any album.
Any unrecorded MELODIME song you know of.
Any cover song you've heard (or heard of) us playing.
Or if you like surprises, just write "new song" (we got over 40 of them)
Sound fun? It'll be fun for us too… A lil scary. But fun. Let the games begin and we'll see ya at the show!
02/10/2012 | Rhode Diaries Part 1: A Certain Smile
I took the first driving shift at 9am. Sam and Tyg hopped onto their newly constructed bunks that had been completed just 2 hours before departure. I couldn't tell whether it was sleep deprivation or a genuine feeling of contentment, but I spent the first 2 hours behind the wheel looking in the rear view mirror with a certain smile on my face. It wasn't the normal kind of smile that you can see, but one you can feel real deep down in your chest. At the risk of sounding extremely corny, I kept thinking:
"we're doing it"
We had the trailer packed with gear; bus stocked with cheap food; almost no money in our pockets; and that nervous, excited, hopeful feeling I used to get before little league baseball games. It was a dream… and we were living it.
It's funny how those dreams change as you get older. I used to black out my bedroom and shine my reading light towards my make-shift stage while I belted karaoke as loud as I could for hours and hours on end. I started writing when I was 10 years old so that I could put on pretend concerts for thousands of invisible people until my mom called me downstairs for dinner. I never dreamed of ramen noodles for breakfast and pb&j for dinner. I never dreamed of living in the close quarters of a remodeled shuttle bus. And… I never dreamed of playing for tips in a podunk southern city for an audience of 20 or so, but that's the dream I'm living now and I wouldn't have it any other way. An arena audience of thousands means nothin' without the miles put in to get there. Nowadays, I dream for the miles because then everyday feels like a victory. In the past two weeks we've slept on the bus; eaten the same cheap foods; been robbed; been rewarded; and as we make our way to the last show of the tour, I still have that same smile deep down in my chest. The smile that assures me we're doing the right thing.
"I have done away with the false parades for the never coming trophy day…'cause smiles are born on days like today."
01/13/2012 |
It was such an amazing experience getting to share the bill with one of our favorite bands, DecembeRadio last Saturday at the State Theatre. Thanks so much to everyone who made it out! Watching the crowd of these hometown shows continue to grow is truly gratifying for us so from the bottom of my heart, thanks for spreading the word and continuing with us on the journey. Here's to the best fans in the DC area. We'll see ya next time.
08/2/2011 | "The Inspired Love Song" by Brad
Let's talk about love songs. I feel like I have a lot to say on this matter at this point in time…
For me, the inspired love song is the easiest and most rewarding song to write. You take a guitar, a voice, a plethora of emotions that you haven't had a chance to sort through–and the outcome is 3 to 5 minutes of lyrics that you have trouble taking credit for accompanied by chord progressions that just happened to fall from your hands in the urgent need to get the words out. The melody follows suit.
There's only a handful of these inspired love songs that I've written and can list off the top of my head. "Portrait" being the first that comes to mind. I'll do everyone a favor and bypass all the little details that led to the writing of this song. Just know that the life experience inspiration consisted of a 4 hour (completely unromantic) group hangout in Knoxville, Tennessee where a certain gal was present. There was no eye gazing, no one on one conversation, no kiss, no nothin'. Instead, there was a 20 year old kid who was in the rebuilding phase over the break up of his high school sweetheart that was thrown into a large group of strangers that unintentionally forced him into a box of shy silence. Yes, that kid was me. But there was a song. Thank God. Something I'm comfortable with. It wasn't the love song that I later wrote, but a song I sang later that evening with that mysterious girl from Knoxville who was unknowingly lending me a hand to stand up again. Yup, she was a singer too–an amazing one at that. There was something extremely powerful about marrying my passion for music with a complete stranger at a time when all I wanted to do is hop back on my feet. And for the record, you always hop back on your feet. Life isn't the Titanic movie and your high school sweetheart isn't Kate Winslet (or Leo for the ladies). That can be tough to realize in the valleys of young love heartbreak.
ANYWAY, Sunday came and I made the 7 hour drive back home. I didn't write a word in the car but that doesn't mean the song wasn't being written. I think the best ones require some time in silence before an instrument is picked up. That's why route I-81 has become the best co-writer I've come across. When I had the chance to pick up a guitar, the song was born in a thoughtless 30 minutes. I had no control—and that's exactly what it takes for me to write. I can't do it when I try.
It's validating experiences like those that keep me writing music. This whole "love" phenomenon is a pretty powerful thing. There's no secret as to why an outstanding majority of songs written are inspired by love. The second you sit down and say, "I think I'm going to work on a love song," you've lost in my opinion. You've already over-thought it before the first chord is even played. The true inspired love song comes from a place that you can't put into words UNTIL it's sung in song. Not the other way around.
I came across what I envisioned to be the "portrait" girl and because I had the opportunity to funnel all those "love" feelings that we have trouble articulating into the bars of a song, it actually changed the way I live my life. As heavy as that sounds—it's very true.
"I think my happiness is from learning that you exist
Now I can take the risk on my mind
Instead of wasting my time."
06/6/2011 | MELODIME Newsletter
Thank you so much to everyone that came out to the State Theatre for the packed out release of 3 Reasons For Fighting! We had a blast and it will surely be a show we remember forever. Your constant support and interest in the music we're making makes all the work, trials, disappointments and victories alike TOTALLY worth fighting for! The event was professionally recorded, filmed and photographed so for those of you that weren't able to make it we'll be sharing glimpses of the night with you over the next few weeks.
Do you have the album yet?!?!? It's on iTunes, ya know! :)
What's Next:
You'd think this might be a good time for a lil MELODIME vacation, wouldn't ya? Nah… we're the band that never sleeps. 3 shows are happening this weekend including Celebrate Fairfax with Third Eye Blind! We take the stage at 6:15pm on Friday. We're pulling double duty on Saturday starting with a grad party then heading back to Lion & Bull for a fun night of music, good people, and soda pop.
The rest of June is full of dates, including Roanoke and NYC so don't be a stranger!
Again, thank you so much for making this weekend incredibly special to us. We love you guys!
God Bless,
MELODIME - Bradley, Sammy, & Tyg
Help spread the word and become a fan on Facebook to share our links with your friends! You can also tweet us @MELODIME! Thank you all so much for this continued support. We couldn't do any of this without you!
05/30/2011 | Brad's first blog- "Voice-less on Memorial Day"
So, I'm spending Memorial Day locked in my house because a singing-filled weekend mixed with lack of sleep has left me with a completely pwned voice. I love the word "pwned." I wish Microsoft Word wouldn't underline it in red when I type it.
The whole "vocal rest" thing has a tendency to bum me out a bit. I can't sing which makes it tough to write songs, I cant eat or drink a bunch of stuff…but the main disappointment is that I can't talk–which further means that I can't be around people because I'm in no way disciplined enough to keep my mouth shut in company. Which leaves me where I am now–un-showered in the early afternoon listening to Bob Dylan records and watching a swarm of Falls Church folk walk to the Memorial Day parade outside my window. However, I never look at this happening as coincidence. Here we are, 5 days away from our biggest show to date–the release of our coveted new album, "3 Reasons For Fighting" at The State Theatre. Everyone is thrilled for the release and feeling good about the future then God says, "Guess what, buddy? You can't control everything…and you're gonna sit in your house in complete silence until you realize that." That's unfortunately what it takes for me sometimes. That's sometimes the only way He can get through to me. It's the second that I feel like I have an ounce of control that the one thing that I use most in my life is taken away.
So if I was a completely saintly, unselfish human being I would probably say something along the lines of, "This form of conviction never ceases to put a smile on my face because I know that my future will benefit from embracing this silence and understanding my lack of control." Don't get me wrong, I believe all of that…but frankly, perfect concluding statements like that sometimes make we want to barf. The fact of the matter is I spend a lot of time on vocal rest feeling lonely and extremely annoyed, then go back to remembering why this happens, then go back to feeling lonely and extremely annoyed, and so on and so on. I learn the hard way or I don't learn much at all. This life is a constant battle and it's tough to take a step forward without taking a few steps back and sometimes being knocked on your voiceless rump. So, here I am on my voiceless rump coming to grips (again) with the fact that I have no control what-so-ever. The music is only as powerful as The One who creates it inside me…and my future with MELODIME won't mean crap unless I'm constantly reminded of that. How's that for a perfect concluding statement?
05/3/2011 | Introducing our new album – 3 Reasons For Fighting
We're thrilled to finally unveil the title and artwork for our long-awaited album! The 13 song record has been titled "3 Reasons For Fighting." It was an obvious title for us due to the re-occuring theme of various forms of fighting that are represented in each song. These types of fighting include fighting for love, truth, a voice, belief and many other stuggles we all encounter at different times in our lives. It wasn't contrived subject matter, but rather the outcome of our own individual and collective struggles that we feel are a beneficial story to tell. Moreover, the record concludes with the song "Reasons" which summarizes these types of struggles through a story of a girl that retreats from life to discover her (3) reasons for fighting. She leaves town so that she may return rejuvenated and confident in her ability to face everything the world has to throw at her.
We've put together a preview track highlighting a few of the songs on the ablum along with a short background story for each. You can stream and download the track from our reverbnation or facebook page straight to your ipod until the album is released on June 3rd!
Tickets are NOW FOR SALE for our CD release show through The State Theatre website. Also on the bill is The Dirty Guv'nahs from Knoxville, TN and the newly formed duo Caroline County (DC area's Matthew McGinn and YouTube sensation Julia Sheer). It's SUPER important that you get your tickets NOW because the show WILL SELL OUT quickly due to the high profile of the acts on this bill, and we want the place filled with MELODIME fans!
In other news:
This past week we appeared on WGMU radio for an interview and a couple live performances of songs off the new album. If you missed the show, worry not. It will be downloadable from the station's website shortly and we will announce when it is ready.
We also made out Philly debut this past Friday at the Legendary Dobbs. It was a great introduction to a new city and should be the start of a MELODIME trend! So rally your friends if you're in the area next time!
That's all for now, be sure to get your pre-sale tickets for the CD Release Show and we'll keep you updated on more exciting things to come soon!!!
God Bless,
Bradley, Sammy, Tyg – MELODIME
04/7/2011 | CD RELEASE SHOW! – JUNE 3rd 2011
We have never been more excited than to announce our CD Release Show on JUNE 3rd 2011 @ The State Theatre in Falls Church, VA. We've been working hard on this album for over a year and the results are panning out to be incredible. We've spent many hours in the studio alongside Producer Jim Ebert and Studio Engineer Sean Russell, as well as Mixing Extraordinaire Micah Wilshire to create an album that tells an incredible story. If releasing this album is not enough for you, than let me also offer this… We'll be playing with two VERY talented bands at the release party that you WILL NOT want to miss. The Dirty Guv'nahs from Knoxville, TN and Matthew McGinn will be performing! So mark those calendars or better yet, click HERE to get your pre-sale tickets at a discounted price.
04/6/2011 | MELODIME Mondays!
Each Monday we'll be bringing you the latest news, releases, pictures, videos, weekend recaps, and all things MELODIME in our weekly newsletter. Help spread the word by getting your friends to join our mailing list.
What's been happening:
We had a blast being a featured artist in this year's Texas Rock Fest, an annual festival alongside SXSW. We had a great time slot on a big outdoor stage on Saturday evening. Despite being sandwiched between metal bands and introducing the crowd to this crazy instrument called a "piano," it was a cool experience and there was a significant growth in crowd size by the end of our set. Immediately after our set we had to carry all our gear 8 crowded blocks (see picture to right) to our 2nd gig of the night in a club called "The Dorm Room." Needless to say we were pretty worn out when it was all said and done, but thankfully Torchy's Tacos was waiting for us when we finished.
Splitting up the long drive from D.C. to Austin, we played a house concert for some awesome folks in Kingsport, TN, stayed with friends in Knoxville, had amazing pancakes in Nashville, St Patty's party in Memphis, a quick laugh at Hope, Arkansas (birthplace of President Clinton), a cool show in Knoxville on the way back, and a repertoire straight outta the hymnal for Granny B. (Dave's great grandma). All in all it was a great trip. Thanks to all those who followed us on our travels and for encouraging us along the way!
We didn't skip a beat after the trip and followed it up with 2 final days in the studio. It feels great to be finished, after 2 years, with something we're extremely proud of and feel confident people are really going to enjoy. Right now the record is in Charlottesville being mixed by the very talented Micah Wilshire. June 3rd is right around the corner and we can't wait for you all to hear this!
This weekend we joined Carbon Leaf, Honor by August and Lloyd Dobler Effect for VaTech's annual SUDFLOOD fundraiser. Playing in Blacksburg is always a good time because the crowd gets really into the music. Reuniting with Carbon Leaf was also cool and should be some more dates with them to report soon.
What's Next:
This Saturday we're heading back down to Roanoke to play at Corned Beef and Co. If you're nearby, come on out. The place is way cooler than the name suggests! Also, in April we have a performance on WGMU radio, Shanandoah University, Lion 'n Bull, and a trip up to Philly while finalizing mixes, mastering, artwork and duplication of the album (title to be announced soon!).
By the way, have you gotten the latest MELODIME apparel? Bracelets and new t-shirt designs for men and women are available now!
That's it for this week of MELODIME Mondays. We'll be back next week with a new set of updates for you. Hope to see you at the upcoming shows!
God Bless,
MELODIME – Bradley, Sam, & Tyg
Help spread the word and become a fan on Facebook to share our links with your friends! You can also tweet us @MELODIME! Thank you all so much for this continued support. We couldn't do any of this without you!


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Posted: Feb 5, 2013 6:20 PM by Cameron Polom, KSBY News
Updated: Feb 5, 2013 10:44 PM
"My first experience with addiction was with my dad, he sold and used cocaine throughout my childhood," said Dixie Howell, an inmate in San Luis Obispo County, "The way a I grew up, drug raids, fights, and extreme violence was a common occurrence."
Templeton high school students get a hard dose of reality from a few doing hard time.
The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office visited Templeton high school Tuesday as part of its teen outreach program.
It allows inmates to share their stories with students in hopes of preventing them from making the same mistakes.
"I remember sitting in your chairs my senior year in high school, thinking that this could not happen to me," said Erin Soqui.
It's a popular phrase among teens, but today inmates from the San Luis Obispo county jail helped Templeton high students realize, it can happen to them.
"As time went on my addiction progressed," said Howell, "I went from doing a line on the weekend with my friends to doing a line every morning by myself just to get out of bed."
This is not a scared straight program; these teens are getting to hear firsthand what it means to face addiction and a life of regret.
"You would think my friend's death would make me want to get clean but instead I spun out of control," said Howell, "It didn't matter how high I got, I couldn't numb the pain and within a few weeks I found myself in jail again."
This is the harsh reality of substance abuse, crime and the consequences that follow. The young people in attendance today heard them loud and clear.
"Makes me think about what could happen to me and I know that I really don't want to get into that," said one student.
"I just can't believe it only takes that little bit," said a freshman in attendance, "It just takes those first few times and then it becomes really big."
"We're coming here because we want to be here and we don't want to see you make the same mistakes we did," said Howell.
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December 13, 2013
Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus is up for re-election
Priebus will ask R-N-C members to elect him to another two-year term on Friday.
During his tenure as chairman, Priebus is credited with turning around the committee's finances.
Friday's re-election is considered mostly a formality because Priebus has locked down enough support to maintain his role as chairman.
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Spanish Conversation and Tutoring Class | |
Event Type: Oxford Age Group(s): Teen Date: 4/17/2013 Start Time: 6:00 PM End Time: 7:30 PM Description: Ages 13 - 18
Library: Oxford Lane LibrarySign up for our free Spanish tutoring service! Learn more about our collection of foreign materials and the Mango database. Status: Closed |
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Proof that God favors North America and created all those other folks just so He could send them to Hell; right Joshua?
One of the early insights I had that soured me on my Christianity as a teenager. In addition, I always wondered about the millions of people living in the rest of the world outside the Middle East in the thousands of years before Jesus who had no clue about a random deity called Yahweh who was in charge of the universe and sending them to hell when they died. How quickly the whole idea can be made absurd.
and if you were born on planet Earth, you're probably an atheist
I don't know what there is to contradict the point made by the graphic. It's obvious.
The above graphic illustrates what is known as "Cultural Relativism. " i.e., Cultural norms and values derive their meaning within a specific social context, and this applies to everything from religion, to food to how we treat each other etc. In Hindu society for example, less than 200 yrs ago widows were burned alive on their husband's funeral pyre because it was culturally acceptable. Not today however. We can only hope that Christianity too will eventually stop being practiced because it too brings about negative consequences.
Started by Diane in Church & State. Last reply by SteveInCO 31 minutes ago. 32 Replies 2 Likes
Posted by Owen Hayes on December 10, 2013 at 12:20am 3 Comments 0 Likes
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© 2013 Created by Morgan Matthew.


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Brandon Jennings, Kyle Singler, and Others Talk About Playing Basketball Overseas
By Max Blau atAs someone who's lived in Atlanta for the past six years, I distinctly remember the shocking announcement that Josh Childress had decided to leave the Hawks. He passed up on the team's $36 million offer, which would've paid him a respectable $5.6 million in his first year. Instead, the forward accepted a more lucrative three-year offer from Olympiacos, a Greek basketball team. At the time, it made him the "the highest-paid basketball player in the world outside of the N.B.A.," but he's since spoken out against his decision. If you read his interviews from before and after his stint in Greece, it seems as if he didn't quite consider all the tradeoffs of leaving the NBA before he crossed the Atlantic.
In recent years, a growing number of American players have decided to take their talents abroad and play outside of the United States. Veterans like Tracy McGrady, Stephon Marbury, and Jordan Farmar have headed overseas this year for a variety of reasons, whether it be money, searching for playing time they can't find in the NBA, or a longing for different cultural experiences.


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The Avengers return! Earth's Mightiest Heroes reunite with their biggest guns at the forefront to take on familiar enemies and new threats alike! Featuring the work of Kurt Busiek, George Perez and other quintessential Avengers creators!
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Renal Artery Stenosis (cont.)Medical Author:
Siamak T. Nabili, MD, MPH
Siamak T. Nabili, MD, MPHDr. Nabili received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), majoring in chemistry and biochemistry. He then completed his graduate degree at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). His graduate training included a specialized fellowship in public health where his research focused on environmental health and health-care delivery and management. Medical Editor:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MDMelissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology. In this Article
What are the symptoms of renal artery stenosis?In general, renal artery stenosis is not associated with any obvious or specific symptoms. Suspicious signs for renal artery stenosis include:
Typically, unilateral (one-sided) renal artery stenosis may be related to high blood pressure whereas bilateral (two-sided) renal artery stenosis is more often related to diminished kidney function. What problems does renal artery stenosis cause?When the circulating blood volume becomes depleted as a result of, for example, dehydration or bleeding, the blood flow to the kidneys is likewise reduced. The normal physiologic reaction to a decrease in blood flow to the kidneys is a complex hormonal response by the kidneys, called the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. This hormonal system is activated as a defense against low blood pressure and low circulating blood volume. The kidney senses a possible decrease in the circulating blood when blood flow through these vessels is reduced. As a result, there are increased blood levels of the hormone angiotensin 2, which causes narrowing of the small blood vessels in the kidneys. This, together with increased blood aldosterone levels (another hormone), promotes salt retention by the kidneys, and works to maintain blood pressure and restore blood volume. Accordingly, this hormonal system is protective in response to reduced circulation of blood to the kidneys that is caused either by volume depletion, as described, or by reduced blood pressure. This otherwise normal hormonal response can become abnormal (pathologic) when the decreased blood flow to the kidneys results from a narrowing of diseased renal arteries. In this situation, the kidneys receive less blood flow, which then signals a sense of depletion of the circulating blood volume, despite the fact that the blood volume is actually normal. So, the diminished renal blood flow, by stimulating the production of angiotensin 2 and aldosterone, can lead to an abnormal increase of blood pressure (renovascular hypertension). Patient CommentsViewers share their comments
Renal Artery Stenosis - Cause
Question: What was the cause of your renal artery stenosis?
Renal Artery Stenosis - Diagnosis
Question: How was your renal artery stenosis diagnosed?
Renal Artery Stenosis - Treatment
Question: What types of treatment, including medication, have you received for renal artery stenosis?
Renal Artery Stenosis - Surgery
Question: Have you had surgery for renal artery stenosis? Please describe your experience.


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Police arrested James Allan Christians at a southwest gas station on Friday afternoon, ending a three-day manhunt for the suspected killer.
Christians, 65, was at large since Wednesday morning when his estranged wife Carmel Christians and her friend Delores McMartin were stabbed outside McMartin's Chaparral home.
Carmel died at the scene.
Two uniformed police officers who were on patrol near a gas station at 37th Street and Richmond Road S.W. recognized Christians' grey 2013 GMC pickup truck around 1:15 p.m. on Friday, said Staff Sgt. Grant Miller with the homicide unit.
They approached the vehicle and arrested Christians without incident as he was getting out of it.
"He did not resist, was not combative. He was approached by our officers and taken into custody," Miller said.
Glamorgan Shell worker Balpreet Tehri was working alone and serving a customer when Christians was arrested.
"The police were holding that guy and handcuffing him," said Tehri.
Christians, who was wearing a baseball cap, was not struggling as officers held his arms behind his back at the gas pump, Tehri said.
"There was no big drama, it was very quiet."
Tehri said he was shocked that the fugitive police called "a threat to himself and others" was arrested peacefully in front of his eyes.
"I just read about it yesterday and saw the picture of him today because police were looking for him. I was happy they caught that guy," said Tehri.
Police towed Christians' pickup truck away to be searched for evidence.
Miller said police are working to determine where Christians spent the past few days.
Police received dozens of potential sightings of Christians from around the city and the province. They're asking anyone with information on where he was since Wednesday to contact them.
Christians is charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a weapon.
His estranged wife, Carmel, 55, died after being stabbed outside a friend's Chaparral home Wednesday morning as she was leaving for work.
Her friend, McMartin, is recovering in hospital after being wounded while trying to intervene in the attack.
Neighbours heard screaming and rushed to see the two women being attacked by a man. As neighbours came to the women's aid, they say McMartin told them "that was her ex-husband."
At the time of her death, Carmel had been living with McMartin. She feared an emergency protection order would not protect her from her estranged husband following an assault Sept. 2.
"Even with a restraining order, I still fear for my life," Carmel told a provincial family and youth court hearing on Sept. 3.
The woman told court she did not want to return to her Queensland home because her husband of more than 20 years would then have no place to go.
Christians was charged with assault and uttering a death threat after arguing with his wife, who wanted to go to a football game, court heard. Christians had been drinking that morning and didn't want her to go because he would be left alone, the woman said.
She told the hearing Christians punched her in the face and threatened to burn down the house.
She told the hearing it was the first time he had ever been physically abusive.
The couple's 23-year-old son called 911.


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The pre-festival buzz on South by Southwest 2002 was all about Journeys with George, journalist Alexandra
Pelosi's home movie of the 2000 presidential campaign.
Shot on a handheld camcorder over the course of several months, Journeys plunges into the midst of the traveling
press corps as they follow George W. Bush down the primary trail. Pelosi, an NBC news producer at the time,
captures the candidate in any number of revealing modes, from Cheeto-chomping prankster to
thin-skinned blueblood to surprisingly intimate confidant.
It's an eye-opener for anyone who ever scoffed at the notion of Bush as a
charismatic figure or effective one-on-one campaigner.
It's no whitewash, though; the members of the press are on hand to get in
their digs, and there's never much doubt on which end of the political spectrum most of
them reside.
It seemed only appropriate that the film had its world premiere at the
Paramount Theater in Austin, Texas, only a few short blocks down Congress Avenue from the
capitol building where Bush's political career was launched. But while Journeys
with George kicked off the festival with a bang, it was only the beginning of the
story. As usual, SXSW presented a mix of
world premieres (Ethan Hawke's directorial debut Chelsea Walls), homegrown features (Jeff
Stolhand's Master of the Game, the omnibus Six in Austin), and the tried and true (John Sayles
and Troma Films retrospectives, a digitally spiffed-up reissue of Martin Scorsese's The Last Waltz). Here is a sample of the best and worst this
year's festival had to offer.
Home Movie
Chris Smith's American Movie was one of the best
documentaries of recent years, and also one of the most misunderstood. Audiences who felt Smith was mocking his
unsophisticated small town subjects rather than celebrating them may have their minds
changed by Home Movie, in which Smith takes his
cameras into five unusual American homes. There's
a houseboat on the Louisiana bayou, a home constructed in an abandoned missile silo, and a
fortress of gadgetry that could pass for the residence of a second-rate Batman villain,
among others. Of course, Smith is less
interested in the houses themselves than the people who choose to live in them. His delight in getting to spend time with these
offbeat personalities is infectious, and makes Home
Movie a true pleasure.
Six in Austin
It must have seemed like a good idea at the time. Inspired by 1965's Six in Paris, a compilation
film bringing together top talents of the French New Wave like Eric Rohmer and Jean-Luc
Godard, filmmakers Zack and Wyatt Phillips recruited a handful of fellow Austinites for
this collection of shorts. Shot on digital
video ranging in quality from barely adequate to barely watchable, Six in Austin is an interminable exercise in
self-indulgence. The kickoff segment, David
and Nathan Zellner's "Rummy," is slight but amusing, and it's all downhill from
there. Six in Austin concludes with the Phillips
brothers' unbearable "Carlos," a shaggy dog story that takes viewers on a tour
of the Austin public transit system in what feels like real time. While SXSW's commitment to local talent is to be
applauded, one has to wonder if this homegrown effort could have possibly made it into the
festival on its own merit. The overlap
between members of the SXSW staff and the Six in
Austin crew does nothing to assuage those doubts.
- Scott Von Doviak


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Heidi Montag From The Hill's Has Pleaded Via Twitter For A Role In Transformers 3 She Said
"Michael Bay I love your work! I know what a artistic brilliant genius you are! Cast me in the next Transformers."
Micheal Bay An Artistic Brilliant Genius?
So This Is The Girl Who Got 10+ Plastic Surgery's
So Yeah Pretty Sure They Already Have Enough Scary Plastic Robots (Prop's To Caprice)
And Dont Yah,Need Facial Expression To Be An Actress ?
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I'm going to take a moment here to point out that we have a few russian speaking users who make very professional looking crafts. (jamaika_ and bob_basset for example)
Just because this community tends to be mostly english speaking does not mean that other languages are not welcome here.
It also does not mean that posts in something other than English are spam.
Next time if any of you have a problem with a post before you are nasty to someone PLEASE email or PM myself or one of the other mods. Our info is listed in the user info along with the rules.


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Eagles transfer latest - Boyd turns down move to Selhurst Park (From Croydon Guardian)
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Eagles transfer latest - Banton off to Pymouth on loan, Boyd chooses Forest
11:12am Thursday 31st January 2013 in Sport By Tim Ashton
Crystal Palace transfer target George Boyd has elected to join Championship rivals Nottingham Forest.
The Croydon Guardian understands that Crystal Palace offered to match the transfer fee and the player's wages for the Peterborough midfielder, but the supposed die hard Palace fan has chosen to go to Forest.
Meanwhile, Palace midfielder Jason Banton has joined Plymouth Argyle on a youth loan until March 2.
Banton made his Palace debut against Stoke City in the FA Cup third round tie early this month.
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