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Something for the weekend!
The clips, quotes and links we like…
What they've said…
'I love major chords, there's a natural joy about them, but [tonal music] fills me with dread.'
Composer Jonathan Harvey reveals his secret fear
On this day…
… in 1951, the Russian composer and pianist Nikolai Medtner, whom Rachmaninov described as the greatest composer of their time, died in London, age 71. Despite being admired by his contemporaries, by the time of his death much of Medtner's music, including three late-Romantic piano concertos, was relatively unknown.
'The Romanticism of Rachmaninov and the mysticism of Scriabin caught on,' says pianist and Medtner champion, Yevgeny Sudbin, 'but no one could really place Medtner. He was just a great musician, composer and pianist.' We'll be talking to Yvegeny Sudbin about his latest Medtner recording next week on bbcmusicmagazine.com, and you can hear a clip of him performing the opening of Medtner's Second Piano Concerto above.
Questionable book covers:
In our mailbag this week: wrong sex, wrong instrument and, dare we say it, wrong cover?
On air
Opera on 3
Saturday 14 November, 6pm
Ligeti's 'anti-anti-opera' Le grand macabre comes to Radio 3 in this broadcast from Le Theatre de la Monnaie in Brussels. Set in a timeless dystopian 'Breughelland', the anarchic opera centres on a set of 'stock' characters, including a pair of young lovers, a cuckolded husband and domineering wife, a drunk, a pair of corrupt politicians and a corpulent prince. Death visits them, promising the end of the world but, through drink and incompetence, fails to deliver.
And finally… a talking piano
Click play to see Austrian composer Peter Ablinger's latest creation
- Article Type: | Article |
- Article Category: | World of Music |


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Doug Wilson makes unusual games, like this one that you have to play on all fours, with a PlayStation Move controller tethered to your rear end. It's called Dog the Wag.
It's goofy. It's not quite his best game, though it might be his wackiest.
His best game is probably the graphics-less Johann Sebastian Joust, which won the innovation award at this week's
Independent Games Festival Game Developer's Choice Awards. That one, also featured in the video above, is a game of subtle movement and sudden strikes. It's a game about making your opponent jolt their Move controller before they make you jolt yours. The game gets physical, as do all WIlson's games these days. He says they're really just an excuse for people to make physical contact.
WIlson's creations are strange, but they are silly fun. I didn't get on all fours for Dog the Wag, but I can vouch for Joust. You'd enjoy it, too.
Learn more about the upcoming J.S. Joust on the game's official page. For Dog the Wag, well, you've got this video!

subset: commoncrawl


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State asks residents to report Sandy damage
Maryland appeals Feds denial of individual assistance for Sandy
Maryland officials are asking residents of the lower Eastern Shore to report damage from superstorm Sandy, as the state appeals a denial of individual assistance by the federal government.
The state urged residents in Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties who sustained damage to their home or business to contact the Maryland Department of Human Resources Relief Hotline. The number is 888-756-7836.
The Maryland Emergency Management Agency says local, state and federal damage assessment teams are back on the lower Eastern Shore to make sure information about all damage is reported.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved federal funding for the state, local governments and certain nonprofits as part of a disaster declaration. The additional assistance sought by the state would support families and individuals.


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Will This Be The Year Android Topples Apple in Tablet Market?
Given the steady onslaught of challengers, it was only a matter for time before Apple's iPad ceded dominance of the market it created. And now it seems that time is nearly up.
A new report from IDC claims that tablets running Google's Android operating system will finally knock the iPad from its throne by year's end. The market research outfit expects global tablet shipments to rise to 190.9 million in 2013, up from an earlier forecast of 172.4 million. Of those, it predicts that 48.8 percent will be Android tablets. And it believes the iPad will relinquish a portion of the 51 percent market share it claimed last year, slipping to 46 percent. (Caveat 1: IDC's forecast is based on shipments into the channel, not sales; Apple sells pretty much every iPad it ships. The same cannot be said of Android tablet vendors.)
IDC says that trend of iPad ceding market share to rivals will continue in the ensuing years, with the tablet's share slipping to 43.5 percent by 2017. Android will have begun to see declines by this time, as well, with its share slipping a few percentage points to 46 percent, as tablets running Microsoft's Windows OS begin to gain traction (Caveat 2: The number of Android tablets on the market far, far outnumber the iPad of which there are essentially three models).
Of course, by 2017 global tablet shipments will be upward of 350 million, so while Apple may have a smaller share of the tablet market than it does today, it will be selling more tablets than ever before. Same thing for OEMs peddling Android tablets. At that point, what does it matter who's king of the mountain, when two players are nearly splitting a market of 350 million down the middle? (Caveat 3: Usage metrics — A, B, C, D — suggests Android's tablet ascendancy may not be all that meaningful)


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Stories by mendenbar [0] Series by mendenbar [0] Reviews by mendenbar [22] Challenges by mendenbar [0] Favorite Series [0] mendenbar's Favorites [12]
No results found.
|The authors own nothing. Joss, UPN, WB, etc. own Buffy, the show, the characters, the places, and the backstory. The authors own any original plots.


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Datia had formerly been a state in the bundelkhand region.The ruling family were Rajputs of the Bundela clan; they descended from a younger son of a former raja of Orchha. The state was administered as part of the Bundelkhand agency of Central India. It lay in the extreme north-west of Bundelkhand, near Gwalior, and was surrounded on all sides by other princely states of Central India, except on the east where it bordered upon the United Provinces. It was second highest in the rank of all the Bundela states after Orchha, with a 15-gun salute, and its Maharajas bore the hereditary title of Second of the Princes of Bundelkhand.
The state suffered from famine in 1896-97, and again to a lesser extent in 1899-1900. After India's independence in 1947, the Maharaja of Datia acceded unto the dominion of India; it later merged with the union of India.
Datia, together with the rest of the Bundelkhand agency, became part of the new state of Vindhya Pradesh in 1950. In 1956, Vindhya Pradesh state was merged with certain other areas to form the state of Madhya Pradesh within the Union of India.Datia is the District headquarter of the Datia District. It is an ancient town, mentioned in the Mahabharata as Daityavakra.
Best time to Visit
September to March.
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Editorial: Pageviews Trump Professional Responsibility In White Plains, N.Y.
By: Kristina Ackermann
Before I dive too far into this editorial, let's just agree to call a spade a spade: The Journal News' online map of every gun permit issued in New York's Westchester and Rockland counties — complete with permit holders' names and addresses — was a wildly successful attempt at boosting pageviews. Numerous other points are up for debate, and I'll get to those in a minute, but I hope we can all recognize that while the rest of us engage in privacy vs. freedom of speech holy wars, the Journal News executives are patting themselves on the back.
[UPDATE: the map has since been taken down from the Journal News' website.]
Now, on to the nitty-gritty.
Yes, it's true that the information in the database is public record, and the paper has a constitutionally protected freedom to publish such information. But a newspaper isn't dismissed of responsible behavior with a mere wave of a FOIA request. The fact is, those public records can be extraordinarily difficult to obtain, particularly for average citizens with no media affiliation. Newspapers themselves regularly engage in (and frequently lose) costly lawsuits to secure access to so-called public information. If the records listed were really as public as the Journal News has made them out to be, this wouldn't be much of a story.
What the Journal News did was secure those difficult-to-obtain public records and publish them in a comprehensive, easily navigated format that it knew would become the latest online viral sensation. Unlike viral gif blogs or YouTube videos, this particular Internet tome contained the home addresses of private citizens who had committed no crime.
The ability to publish personal details about law-abiding citizens carries great responsibility, whether or not the Constitution explicitly says so, and in this instance the Journal News acted irresponsibly and betrayed the trust of its readership at a time when readers truly need a trusted voice. There are a number of ways the same data could have been presented cumulatively, without outing individual community members in their own home. This approach also would have presented a more neutral, unbiased stance on the issue of gun control. As it stands, there is no question as to how the paper's publisher and editors feel about stricter gun control laws.
And the paper's reaction to the blowback hasn't exactly earned back the public trust. When a conservative blogger posted a similar map containing the home addresses of all Journal News employees (which they probably should have seen coming), the paper deployed armed guards to protect its offices and the homes of its senior executives, all the while dodging questions and declining to comment to anyone but The New York Times.
Given the current national sentiment over gun control and violence, the Journal News should have found a more sensitive way to share this data, a way that showed respect for all members of its community and promoted ideas and discussion on both sides of the argument. This is one situation where public data should not necessarily become widely available to the public.


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Sonic Retro
From Sonic Retro
|Sonic Retro
|Current owner(s): Scarred Sun, all editors
|URL: http://www.sonicretro.org
|Type of site: General/Wiki
|Created on: Sept. 14, 2004
|Current status: Online
Sonic Retro (formerly known as SSonicNET Database, Sonic the Hedgehog Information Treasury (SHIT) and the Sonic Retro Info Wiki) is a free content encyclopedia written collaboratively by contributors from around the world. It attempts to form a complete knowledge base for everything to do with Sonic the Hedgehog. The site is a wiki, which means that anyone can edit articles, simply by clicking on the "edit this page" link. It's the site you're looking at right now. The site currently has 6,202 articles.
In mid-2004, scener LocalH brought up the idea of having a scene database similar to the Commodore 64 Scene Database, but for the Sonic hacking and research scene, to the staff of Sonic Classic and SSonicNET. On September 14, 2004, the SSonicNET Database was founded by Alexbt as a possible test project for Local H's vision. At that point, MediaWiki sites were not as common as they are today, and there were few if any Sonic-related wikis. With the early effort of some Sonic Classic staff members, the site grew into "SHIT" (Sonic the Hedgehog Information Treasury).
In March 2005, newly adminned staffer Scarred Sun made an offer to Sonic McTails, then-head of SSonicNET to purchase SSonicNET because of a series of disputes the two had concerning the running of the SSonicNET Database. McTails declined the offer, and a plan to move the Sonic Classic forums and SHIT off McTails' server went ahead. On Friday, March 18, 2005, after hosting was finally granted, SClassic and SHIT made an impromptu switch to http://www.sclassic.net (now defunct.) SHIT was the first site on the new Sonic Classic to fully make the transition.
In May 2006, SHIT, Sonic Classic, and Sonic Hot Dimensions, the three main hostees of sclassic.net, were combined under the "Sonic Retro" moniker in order to help promote crosstraffic. After two months, due to infighting between the staffs of SClassic and SHD, the merger dissolved, and because of differing interests, Sonic Classic and SHIT went their separate ways in fall 2006. With that, SHIT absorbed the Sonic Retro name and became simply "Sonic Retro."
In July 2007, the whole of CulTNET went down, and The Sonic 2 Beta Page went with it. After a period of downtime, ScarredSun finally agreed to host the site on the Sonic Retro server. She and Tweaker got to talking, and realized that the two sites had remarkably similar userbases. It was therefore decided that they should be merged. Scarred Sun made the announcement in September. The S2Beta forums would replace the old Retro forums, while the main site would be copied over to the wiki (though all the old pages would still exist at their old locations). This decision was met with mixed views, with Nineko, Metal_Man88 and Guess_Who in particular being highly opposed to the merge. Guess_Who left the forums immediately after the merge was executed, although he returned almost a year afterwards. While Nineko seemed to no longer have any qualms about it, Metal_Man88 remained vaguely annoyed at the merger, at least until it began to benefit the forums directly. (Now that he is staff, it is quite obvious it does not persist.)
Awards and Accolades
In 2005, Sonic Retro was nominated for several Sonic Site Awards, winning the Most Evolved Website award. At the time of the awards, Sonic Retro had gone from non-existence to over 1,000 articles.
Current Staff
- ScarredSun - Owner
- Tweaker - Administrator
- Hivebrain - Administrator
- Xkeeper - Administrator
- Overlord - Forum moderator
- Aquaslash - Forum moderator
- Black Squirrel - Wiki sysop
- Frozen Nitrogen - Wiki sysop
- MathUser - Wiki sysop
- nineko - Wiki sysop
- GeneHF - Site staff
- Slingerland - Site staff
- Cinossu - Forum leader (Engineering and Reverse Engineering)
- jman2050 - Forum leader (Engineering and Reverse Engineering)
- drx - Forum leader (Prototype Discussion)
- Blue Streak - Forum leader (Sonic 2 HD)
- Canned Karma - Forum leader (Sonic 2 HD)
- Sciz - Forum leader (Sonic 2 HD)
- Vincent - Forum leader (Sonic 2 HD)
- FraGag - Forum leader (Community SVN Project)


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database_validations 0.9.0
ActiveRecord provides validations on app level but it won't guarantee the consistent. In some cases, like `validates_uniqueness_of` it executes additional SQL query to the database and that is not very efficient. The main goal of the gem is to provide compatibility between database constraints and ActiveRecord validations with better performance and consistency.


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LONDON (Reuters) - World shares are on course for their worst weekly performance since June, depressed by Europe's debt troubles and the looming "fiscal cliff" that could slash U.S. public spending.
Even better-than-expected Chinese economic data for October, which pointed to a modest rebound in the world's second largest economy, failed to stem the declines on Friday.
The MSCI world equity index .MIWD00000PUS was down 0.3 percent at around 322.5 points by 1230 GMT. It has lost over two percent since Monday and looked set to close on Friday with a decline steeper than any other week since June.
"Concerns about the U.S. fiscal cliff and the situation in Europe have been prompting investors to take some risk off the table," said James Butterfill, global equity strategist at London private bank Coutts.
U.S. stock futures signaled a third day of falls for Wall Street when trading resumes. Data due out later includes the Thomson-Reuters University of Michigan sentiment survey where a small pickup to 83 from 82.6 is forecast.
In a further sign of nervousness, the dollar fell to its lowest in three weeks against the yen, which is often a refuge in times of stress. The greenback hit 79.21 yen, its lowest level since October 19 and down 0.3 percent on the day.
"You've only got to look at what's happening in the gold market, and with the equity markets falling quite heavily, that is playing back into strong demand for the yen," said Adam Myers, senior currency strategist at Credit Agricole CIB.
Gold hit a three-week high of $1,737.60 an ounce.
Prices for safe-haven U.S. Treasuries extended their gains for the week after the U.S. elections on Tuesday raised fears that Washington's politicians may struggle to find a compromise to cut the budget deficit before nearly $600 billion of spending cuts and tax increases kick in early in 2013.
Markets are also watching the U.S. debt ceiling, which needs to be raised to avoid a government shutdown.
The price increase in the benchmark U.S. Treasury 10-year note pushed the yield down 3 basis points to 1.59 percent.
In Europe falling industrial output in France, Italy and Sweden and a warning from a German ministry that the country's economy - Europe's largest - was expected to slow further in the fourth quarter and the first three months of next year, rattled investors.
The FTSE Eurofirst 300 index .FTEU3 of top European shares was down 0.7 percent to 1090.20 as London's FTSE 100 .FTSE, Paris's CAC-40 .FCHI and Frankfurt's DAX .GDAXI fell between 0.5 and 1.3 percent. .L .EU
A worried German finance minister, Wolfgang Schaeuble, has asked a panel of economic advisers to look into reform proposals for France. Reported exclusively by Reuters, the unusual move reveals the depth of concern in Berlin at the weakness in the euro zone's second largest economy.
"Germany has benefited from the euro zone debt crisis in a way because a weaker euro helped its exports. But Germany appears to be starting to suffer from deterioration in the euro zone economy," said Mitsuru Saito, chief economist at Tokai Tokyo Securities in Tokyo.
A senior EU official also told Reuters it was unlikely ministers would reach agreement on Monday on whether to release Greece's next aid tranche and that another meeting would probably be needed.
"We still have the situation in Greece; the volatility indexes are showing that investors are not too worried at the moment - but that can change quickly so politicians need to act quickly," said Emile Cardon, a market economist at Rabobank.
German government bonds, favored by risk-averse investors, rose; Bund futures added 23 basis points on the day to reach 143.20, adding to gains of more than a full point since last Friday's close.
The euro hit a two-month low against the dollar, down 0.3 percent at $1.2714, and was seen vulnerable to further losses.
"There has been a rather poisonous cocktail that is dragging the euro down, with weak European numbers today, renewed fears of the euro zone crisis with Greece back on the agenda," said Arne Lohmann Rasmussen, head of currency research at Danske Bank.
In industrial commodity markets the better news from top consumer China only partially offset the worries over the U.S. and European economies.
The Chinese numbers showed factory output and retail sales for October rising by more than expected, while inflation dipped to its slowest pace in nearly three years, giving policymakers scope to further loosen monetary policy.
That came right on cue for the start of the week-long leadership changeover in the ruling Communist Party.
U.S. crude oil prices down 50 cents to $85.43 a barrel. Brent futures were down 40 cents to just below $107 a barrel <O/R>.
"Politics is going to take center-stage as far as commodity markets are concerned," said Natalie Rampono, a commodity strategist at ANZ.
In Asian trading, Thursday's losses in global stocks weighed on Japan's Nikkei stock average .N225 which closed 0.9 percent lower. .T
MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan .MIAPJ0000PUS eased 0.2 percent on top of the previous day's 1.3 percent slide, its biggest one-day percentage drop in two months, leaving it 0.4 percent down on the week.
Additional reporting by Atul Prakesh and Philip Baillie; Editing by Philippa Fletcher and Alastair Macdonald


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What you need to know about your pet's surgery at American Animal Care Center in Fremont
February 20, 2009
Many people have questions about various aspects of their pet's surgery and we hope this handout will help. Sometimes surgery is inevitable. The doctors and staff at American Animal Hospital take our responsibilities in surgery seriously and we take every safety precaution possible during all procedures. Our state of the art surgical suites provide us with advanced anesthesia and anesthesia monitoring, and a heated surgical table. We use equipments and supplies found at high quality human hospitals.
The Doctors of AAH are highly-trained professionals and are excellent surgeons. Surgical care and treatment begins upon admission to the hospital and does not end until the animal is fully recovered from his or her procedure. When necessary, a board certified specialist can be consulted or utilized for special or unusual cases.
Is The Anesthetic Safe?
Today's modern anesthetics and anesthesia monitors have made surgery much safer than in the past. We perform a thorough physical exam on your pet before administering anesthetics to ensure that a fever or other illness won't be a problem. We also adjust the amount and type of anesthetic used depending on the health of your pet. Pre-anesthetic blood testing, described below, is important in reducing the risk of anesthesia. Even apparently healthy animals can have serious organ system problems that cannot be detected without blood testing. Animals that have minor dysfunctions will handle the anesthetic better if they get IV fluids during surgery.
Pre Op Instructions
No food after 10pm the evening before surgery (except for rabbits who don't need to be fasted).
No water or any other liquids after 6.30am the morning of the surgery
Please bring your pet to the hospital between 7am – 10am the morning of the procedure.
You can call us after 3pm to check on his/her condition.
If your pet is to have stitches she will not be able to be bathed for at least 14 days. Therefore, we recommend a bath the day before surgery if this is of concern to you. This will also mean he/she is clean for surgery.
Hospital Admission
On arrival you will be asked to fill in a surgery consent form
The surgery consent form has questions relating to your pet's health and also explains options and estimated costs of the procedure. Please allow 20 minutes to discuss important information about your pet's surgery.
If your pet is to have stitches then the estimate will include purchase of an Elizabethan collar
Things to consider on Surgery admission
Pre-Anesethic Blood Testing
Blood tests prior to anesthesia and surgery allow us to assess internal organ function to help reduce anesthetic risks. Internal organ abnormalities can not always be picked up on physical examination.
Intravenous Fluids
Any anesthetic and surgery will reduce your pet's blood pressure. Intravenous fluids help maintain blood pressure and thereby support your pet's internal organs, including the kidneys. If you choose this option your pet is placed on fluids in the morning before the procedure and removed in the evening prior to going home.
Pain Relief Medication
Any surgical procedure may cause your pet some post operative pain. Pain relief is given in hospital. We also recommend ongoing pain relief for a few days once you take your pet home from hospital.
The surgery consent form includes an estimate of the cost of your pet's procedure and we ask you to leave a contact phone number (emergency number) where you can be reached on all day.
Hospital/Surgical Information
Preparation for surgery: Your pet will be given a thorough physical examination and a pre anesthetic pain relief and sedative injection before surgery. After anesthetic induction your pet is connected to monitors and the skin around the surgical area is clipped and scrubbed with antiseptic. All equipment is sterilized and surgery staff scrub with antiseptic and wear appropriate clothing and gloves throughout the operation.
Your pet may also have a small area of hair clipped from a front leg where the intravenous
anaesthetic was injected and where intravenous fluids are given.
Anesthesia: General anesthetic, sedation or both may be used. Some risk is involved depending on your pet's age and condition and any pre-existing problems.
These risks can be reduced by performing pre anesthetic blood work and putting the patient on IV fluids for the procedure.
Monitoring: Important monitoring of your pet's heart rate, breathing, temperature, oxygen levels and other parameters will occur throughout the operation and during recovery. Your pet will be connected to a respiratory monitor and pulse oximeter throughout all general anesthesia procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the stomach need to be empty?
If you have had a general anesthetic in the past you will know that a period of fasting is recommended. The same applies to our pets. This is because vomiting can sometimes occur during recovery and the vomitus may be inhaled leading to pneumonia. If the stomach is empty there is less chance of vomiting.
What happens when surgery is over?
Monitoring of your pet starts from the time they are admitted, to anesthetic induction, continues throughout the entire surgery, and goes right throughout the recovery period. After surgery is finished, pets are moved to a comfortable cage with appropriate comfortable bedding where they are supervised as they wake up. Vets and nurses observe your pet's vital signs closely.
What do I do when I take my pet home?
Your pet may still be a little groggy or sleepy when you get her home. A goods night rest is all that is usually needed so it is important she is kept quiet and comfortable. Do not allow children or other pets to excite her. You will be advised on discharge from hospital on food and water for your pet but you should ensure she doesn't overeat or drink for the first 24 hours.
We will discuss individual post operative needs on discharge.
These instructions will include recommendation of purchasing an elizabethan collar if your pet has stitches, drains, bandages or open wounds.
Please read and follow these instructions carefully so that your pet has the best chance of a smooth recovery from his/her procedure.
If you have any questions at all then please don't hesitate to call us on 510-791-0464
Routine Health Examinations & Physical examinations are necessary for the health of your pet says American Animal Care Center
January 31, 2009
Routine Health Examinations Are Necessary!!!
"An ounce of prevention…"
Remember the old saying, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"? That happens to be as true for the health of your pet as it is for any member of your family!
Annual health examinations will help determine the general well being of your pet and identify potential problems. Early detection ensures prompt action that may solve the problem before serious consequences occur and may prevent suffering.
The gradual onset of health problems in an apparently healthy pet often go unnoticed. Once symptoms appear, the condition may be too difficult or costly to diagnose and treat. Age is not a disease; however, there are many conditions, that if diagnosed early, can be completely reversed or controlled for extended periods of time.
At least once and perhaps twice a year, your pet needs a complete physical examination. Remember, your pet's lifespan is shorter than ours. A lot can happen in 12 months.
Due to the many recent discoveries and innovations in veterinary medicine, your pet can be protected from most major diseases. Today, many immunizations and preventive treatments are available that did not exist just a few years ago. The staff at American Animal Care Center can help you decide what preventive measures are necessary for your pet(s).
Vaccination Clinic all day Tuesday & Thursday (No Office Visit Fee) at American Animal Care Center
December 14, 2008
American Animal Care Center has a low cost vaccination clinic all day Tuesday or Thursday. There are no office visit fees if you have your pet vaccinated on these days. The highest quality vaccines are given at guaranteed lowest prices. There are no hidden fees that some competitors charge (biohazard fees, needle adminstration fees, handling fees, etc. etc.).
Vaccinations are very important for your pet. In Fremont, there has been a local outbreak of parvo and kennel cough. Rabies is required by state law. It is imperative that your pet be up to date on these most basic of vaccinations. Your best bet is consult the veterinary staff at American Animal Care Center to determine which vaccines your pet needs. By the way, if your pet is on a wellness plan at American Animal Care Center, the vaccines AND the examination are FREE for life!
Here is a link for more information about specific vaccinations if you like:


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Despite Lupus in the UK: Workshop and Book signing in Cambridge on August 4th!
Mark your calendars - it's an event!
Despite Lupus will be hosting a Living Well with Lupus workshop in the lovely town of Cambridge, England on August 4th, 2011. Thanks to the coordinating efforts of the Lupus UK contact in Cambridge, who has been oh-so-helpful, the details have been finalized and the event is booked. (Click on the poster at the right for specs!)
Not only will I be speaking, but I'll be joined by the talented Shaista Tayabali, local Cambridge poet, blogger, and lupus warrior. I've had the pleasure of collaborating with her on a publication in the past, and am honored that she'll be joining me for the workshop. Her poetry and prose can be found at Lupus in Flight and her readings of poetry and discussion of life with lupus can be heard from time to time on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire.
Want details? Have questions? Need to RSVP? Shoot me an email at firstname.lastname@example.com. I'd love to add you to the list of attendees!


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Canada's information and privacy commissioners have become advocates for open government, issuing a joint resolution to support open government ideals and a call for all levels of government across the country to follow their lead.
"Governments at all levels in Canada should embrace open government principles to enhance transparency and accountability," states the commissioners in a call released at the annual meeting of Canada's Access to Information and Privacy Commissioners in Whitehorse, Yukon.
The [[xref:http://www.ipc.on.ca/images/Resources/FPT_Whitehorse_-_Resolution_Final_EN.pdf]], issued by all federal, provincial and territorial commissioners in Canada, outlines basic tenets of a sound open government strategy and lists five points of resolve.
The commissioners "are advocates for open government and promote the paradigm shift from reactive to proactive disclosure, and ultimately to open government," states the document.
The resolution is the result of the work of all the commissioners across Canada, said Suzanne Legault, [[xref:http://www.oic-ci.gc.ca/eng/]]. And while commissioners themselves don't have the power to implement in government, they do have the power to persuade and influence government in these types of matters, she said.
"The resolution is important because we think that governments all across Canada should really take on open government and instill a culture shift in terms of how they deal with people's information and how they disclose this information on a pro-active basis," said Legault.
The Information Commissioner's office is adapting to open government standards with its own information holdings, she said. The initiative, which started this year, aims to proactively disclose the information that stakeholders are most interested in, she said.
And one type of information that people are very interested in is performance statistics, said Legault. "We used to publish them only once a year. We now publish them every month and they are now going to be in a format that is going to be reusable," she said.
One of the best ways to preserve freedom in a democratic society is to ensure there is openness and transparency in the activities of government, said Ann Cavoukian, information and privacy commissioner of Ontario.
The "twist" to the commissioners' call, she said, is the paradigm shift. "We are calling for proactive disclosure on the part of the government in terms of entire classes of information," she said.
Freedom of Information (FOI) laws currently exist in Ontario and other jurisdictions, she said, but they are reactive in nature. "They are predicated on a citizen applying for information, making what's called an FOI request," she said.
"What we are trying to do is change it to a push model where the government pushes out information that it has available," said Cavoukian.
But one of the biggest challenges for governments and organizations is translating the conceptual framework of open government into concrete steps, she said.
Governments seeking guidance on how to implement open government ideals can turn to [[xref:http://ipc.on.ca/english/annual%2Dreport/access%2Dby%2Ddesign/]] (AbD), a pragmatic model on accessible and accountable government developed by Cavoukian's office that outlines seven fundamental principals.
Access by Design, referenced in the Ontario privacy commissioner's last annual report, will be launched formally during [[xref:http://www.righttoknow.ca/|Right To Know - Droit a l'information]] (RTK) week later this month.
"You want to make the information accessible," said Cavoukian. Information should be easy to find, indexed properly and supplied in user-friendly formats, she said.
Open government activist [[xref:http://eaves.ca/|eaves.ca]], who hosted a panel discussion on open data and access to information at last year's RTK event, said the issue wasn't even on the radar at the time. "I can't think of a single person on the spectrum who shouldn't be excited about this," he said.
What's significant about the announcement is that the information and privacy commissioners recognize the importance of digital, he said. Paper-based communication does not suffice anymore for disclosure, he said.
"It is significant because it shows that the bodies that are designed to ensure citizens have access to information now understand that it's not just having access to the information that matters -- it's how you have access to that information," said Eaves.
And even "just being digital" isn't enough, he pointed out. "An image or a PDF that is not searchable is not disclosure, and if they are not saying that, they are definitely moving in that direction," he said.
Legault's office hosts RTK, an international event, in Canada every year. Scheduled to run from 27 September to 1 October, the week promotes gatherings in cities across the country to raise awareness about open government.
Archivists from the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration are among the speakers scheduled to talk this year on open government initiatives they are putting forward in the U.S., such as the de-classification of documents, she said.
The Open Government Resolution, available on both the Office of the Information Commissioner of Canada's Web site and the [[xref:http://www.priv.gc.ca/media/nr-c/2010/res_100901_e.cfm|Open Government - Resolution of Canada's Access to Information and Privacy Commissioners, September 1, 2010, Whitehorse, Yukon]], includes the following recommendations for government:
- Anchoring principles in laws and policies that provide "clear objectives, assign responsibility and accountability and prescribe specific timeframes."
- Building access mechanisms "into the design and implementation stages of all new programs and services."
- Conducting "ongoing, broad-based public consultations" to determine what information should become available
- "Routinely" identifying data sources.
- "Proactively" disclosing information "in open, accessible and reusable formats."
- Providing public access to information "free or at minimal cost."
- Implementing policies that give "due consideration to privacy, confidentiality, security, Crown copyright and all relevant laws."


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Emily Badger
Emily Badger is a former staff writer at CityLab. Her work has previously appeared in Pacific Standard, GOOD, The Christian Science Monitor, and The New York Times. She lives in the Washington, D.C. area.
Income inequality has been on the rise in America for several decades now (for complicated reasons that we'll let Richard Florida explain), and the trend has been starker in some regions of the country, and in some cities, relative to others. Now, however, we are also beginning to see – all the way down to the neighborhood level – that America's growing gap between the rich and poor is also affecting where (and with whom) we live.
A new report from the Pew Research Center documents that it's not just income inequality that's increasing. Residential segregation by income is, too.
"Growing income inequality does not automatically lead to growing residential segregation by income. Conceivably, we could still have a middle class hollowing out but people still living in mixed neighborhoods," says Paul Taylor, one of the report's authors. Turns out this is not, however, what is happening. As Americans are growing farther apart on the income scale, we are also effectively moving apart from each other within cities, into our own economic enclaves. So why is that? The answer, Taylor says, may lie more in human behavior than economic data.
"We know over the whole entirety of human history that people have a tremendous tendency to cluster among themselves, whether in tribes, whether in nations," Taylor says. "Like attracts like. That's not always the case for some people who value diversity. But it's sort of hardwired into human nature."
In 1980, the report found, 85 percent of census tracts in America were either predominantly middle-class or mixed-income (this is a pretty impressive number). As of 2010, that figure had fallen to 76 percent. Today, considerably more upper-income Americans live in neighborhoods where the majority of their neighbors are upper-income, too (18 percent, up from 8 percent in 1980). And lower-income households are increasingly clustered in the same neighborhoods, as well (28 percent, up from 23 percent in 1980).
Combine these two effects, and residential income segregation has been increasing in 27 of the 30 largest cities in the U.S. over the last three decades. Looking at census tracts from 2010, 41 percent of lower-income households in the New York metropolitan area were economically "segregated" in low-income communities. At the other end of the spectrum, Houston has the highest share of upper-income households – at 24 percent – living mostly among their own kind, too. From the report:
(To pause for a note on data: Pew is defining "upper-income" households as those earning more than $104,400 a year, or double the national median income. "Low-income" households are those earning less than $34,000, or two-thirds the national median. Pew also adjusted these thresholds for local cost of living).
Taylor and co-author Richard Fry have also combined these two metrics (the clustering of low-income and upper-income households) into their own Residential Income Segregation Index, which effectively adds the two numbers together. Looked at that way, the most economically segregated large cities in America are all in Texas: San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas top the list (see it in full below).
All three cities have experienced tremendous population growth over the last 30 years. Houston and Dallas have both nearly doubled in size since 1980. Taylor and Fry hesitate to explain why economic segregation varies so dramatically across cities (their metric allows us to say that there's more than twice as much of it in Dallas as in Orlando). But these Texas cities offer one explanation: Much of the population growth there has been fueled by low-income immigrants and upper-income retirees to the Sun Belt who have fundamentally changed the makeup of the city.
Pew has produced a series of interactive maps of the economic segregation in America's 10 largest cities. This is what Dallas looks like, with predominantly low-income census tracts in red and upper-income ones in green:
Here's Houston:
And Philadelphia:
Pew isn't in the business of coming right out and telling us that we should wring our hands over all this growing economic segregation (and for what it's worth, America is still more segregated by race than by income, even as those trends move in opposite directions). But it's hard to interpret this as anything other than bad news.
"I do think it's appropriate to observe that since the very beginning of our country, our quasi-official motto has been E pluribus unum – out of many, one," Taylor says. "One could make the argument that if increasingly we live among our own kind, whether we measure that by race or ethnicity, by income, by ideology or by partisanship, that may call into question the strength of the unum. We're doing great on the pluribus."
Here's the full ranking, and you can find more background on Pew's methodology here:
Two new studies have revived the long-running debate over how police respond to white criminal suspects versus African Americans.
A pioneering universal basic income pilot in the low-income California city was scheduled to expire soon. But the coronavirus crisis made the case to extend it.
A new report fleshes out the controversial demand to cut police department budgets and reallocate those funds into healthcare, housing, jobs, and schools. Will that make communities of color safer?
Despite new research on police brutality, we still have no idea whether violence toward African Americans is fueled by racial prejudice. That has consequences.
To stay protected from Covid-19 on buses, trains and planes, experts say to focus more on distance from fellow passengers than air ventilation or surfaces.


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Why buy property in istanbul Turkey
When considering a property purchase in the wonderful city of Istanbul, firstly you need to decide why you are buying and your budget, Is it for pure investment for capital appreciation or rental yields? or is it a lifestyle change or holiday home for you and your family?
Istanbul is like any other major city in the world, city centre and sea view properties come with a premium price tag, quite often with six-figure tags.
Scores of overseas investors have zoned in on the city over recent years purchasing properties all across the city, cashing in on both short and long term rentals. Keen-eyed investors are buying off plan properties at launch prices where property prices increase by at least 50% by the completion dates giving you guaranteed capital appreciation in very short space of time.
The are you choose is a very important factor along with your budget, home buyers with a high budget can purchase luxury Bosphorus properties, though low budget buyers should be looking in the new fashionable inner city areas of Beylikduzu, Esenyurt west of Ataturk International airport.
Property for sale in ISTANBUL Turkey
Istanbul's city centre spans a vast area though many people believe that the Taksim and Sultanahmet areas are the city centre, which are where many of the Istanbul's attractions are located, with the Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace and much more, all drawing crowds every day.
The centre stretches much further than these areas, to the north as far as the busy commerce and trade area of Maslak and even across the Bosphorus to the Kadikoy area which is the hub of the Asian side of the city, and across the Fatih area towards Zeytinburnu.
Nightlife in the centre of Istanbul is extremely lively, with many bars and nightclubs spread across the area, offering entertaining evenings, especially in Taksim Square where all the Turkish celebrities gather. City centre restaurants also offer a great nigh time scene, ranging from traditional Kebab houses, burger joints, right through to fine dining restaurants.
Istanbul City Centre Property for Sale
Real estate in Istanbul city centre comes with a premium price tag as you would expect from any large city in the world, as many of the cities workforce prefer living close to the centre to avoid the long commutes every day from other areas of Istanbul, and the city centre also attracts thousands of tourists looking for accommodation in Istanbul city centre, Turkey every day, as they like to be close to all the city's historical attractions.
Property in Istanbul city centre is focused mainly on apartments in areas such as Sisli, Nisantasi, and Levent etc, and can be found in older buildings that have undergone complete renovation or in new modern complexes with excellent hotel like facilities often in tall futuristic towers with excellent modern architecture.
Villa accommodation for sale in Istanbul city centre is found on or close the shores along the Bosphorus commanding some of the highest prices in the city next to those of the Yali style mansions.
Investing in Istanbul
If you are looking to buy property in Istanbul city centre, Turkey for pure investment you cannot go wrong as rental yields are high in every one of the central areas, attracting the professional high paid workforce, affluent families and tourists who are willing to pay the extra rental costs to be close to the office rather than making long commutes through the congested Istanbul traffic, or to be within a stone's throw from the historical sights.
With an ever increasing demand for homes in Istanbul's city centre, property prices are expected to continue to rise to meet the demand, giving investors and home buyers appreciation on their initial investment figure for the years to come.
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Istanbul City Centre , Istanbul 1 1
Istanbul City Centre , Istanbul 1 1
Istanbul City Centre , Istanbul 1 1
Istanbul City Centre , Istanbul 1 1
Istanbul City Centre , Istanbul 1 1
Istanbul City Centre , Istanbul 1 1


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Virginia's Secret Retreat
With first-rate inns and a hip shopping district, Irvington infuses Old Dominion shores with new life.
There's a stillness that permeates the streets―and the water―in Irvington, Virginia. The glasslike surface of Carter's Creek is so calm you can't help but touch it to see if you'll cause a ripple. The scent of warm, dry grass fills the air. Colors appear softer. It feels almost magical.
But wander around a bit and you'll discover something more: an energy beneath the quiet facade. A former steamboat port, Irvington is reestablishing itself as the hub of the state's Northern Neck. Just three hours from Washington, D.C., and 90 minutes from Richmond and Norfolk, the town that George Washington called the "Garden of Virginia" still serves as a quiet getaway from the city. But now it also offers two fine inns, several upscale restaurants, and trendy shops.
The Dandelion―once a church parsonage―fills its two floors with apparel, accessories, and gifts. Across the street, Avolon specializes in hip designer clothing, and, two doors down, Khakis offers way more than neutral slacks. River Cottage's 19th-century building is as captivating as its merchandise: Check out the wavy-glass windows and original flooring from Washington, D.C.'s historic Willard Hotel. Owner Paul Carlson welcomes clientele to browse his hodgepodge of Peacock Alley linens, Maine Cottage furniture, Zekiah stained glass, and Hobie kayaks.
At The Bay Window, Nancy Drake, Candy Terry, and Mary Ragland provide knitting supplies and classes. "It's so quiet here," Mary says. "This is truly country." She's right. Locals spend time outdoors. Nightlife consists of gazing at stars in the velvety sky.
It also consists of dining at Irvington's sophisticated but playful social mecca, Trick Dog Cafe. Many patrons return for homegrown dishes, prepared by chefs Jeffrey Johnson and Tony Filiberti and flavored with ingredients harvested within 10 to 15 miles of town.
Although still largely undiscovered, Irvington revels in its new identity as a destination―thanks in part to the Tides Inn. Renovated in 2002, the 480-acre resort features 106 rooms overlooking Carter's Creek and a 64-slip marina. Four on-site restaurants include the Chesapeake Club for local seafood and regional cuisine. Guests can golf, bike, play croquet, and take sailing lessons at the resort's Premier Sailing School.
For a more eclectic getaway, The Hope and Glory Inn's recently refreshed accommodations comprise seven rooms in an 1890 schoolhouse, plus six cottages. Owner Dudley Patteson says he encourages guests to "step away from what's going on in life and reconnect."
That's easy to do this time of year, when autumn brightens the town's trees, and straw-color mums decorate Victorian porches on King Carter Drive. Irvington, even with its metropolitan touches, offers its visitors a low-key respite from daily life. In this "Garden of Virginia," the harvest may just be peace and quiet.
Originally published September 2007


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Disqus Welcomes The Spruce!
September 26, 2018
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Chocolate Meringue:
3 large egg whites
½ cup plus 1 tbsp (110 grams) white granulated sugar
¼ cup (30 grams) confectioner's (icing) sugar
1/3 cup (30 grams) cocoa powder
- Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 200º F (95º C) degrees. Line two baking sheets with silpat or parchment and set aside.
- Put the egg whites in a bowl and whip until soft peaks form. Increase speed to high and gradually add granulated sugar about 1 tbsp at a time until stiff peaks form. (The whites should be firm but moist.)
- Sift the confectioner's sugar and cocoa powder over the egg whites and fold the dry ingredients into the white. (This looks like it will not happen. Fold gently and it will eventually come together.)
- Fill a pastry bag with the meringue. Pipe the meringue into whatever shapes you desire. Alternatively, you could just free form your shapes and level them a bit with the back of a spoon.
- Bake for 2-3 hours until the meringues become dry and crisp. Cool and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.


text:
By Kelly McKinnon, KF9, León, Nicaragua
It's not Christmas.
90 degree days and the glow of the Nicaraguan sunlight and my celebration of Thanksgiving in the reception of a medical clinic where I was diagnosed with a stomach bacteria, (Oh the irony!) somehow make the holiday season seem far away.
And yet, I didn't think it was Friday either. After checking my calendar, twice, I now recognize that my coworkers are not trying to trick me. And neither is the rest of Nicaragua.
Signs of the (rapidly) approaching holiday have been springing up around León and surprising me left and right.
On Thanksgiving, stomach bacteria having been dealt with, I stood in the refrigerated section of the supermercado. I was trying to decipher the difference between bags of milk.
Just behind me was a shrub that smelled suspiciously like a Christmas tree. Again, I was confused, but to reinforce the presence of the odorous shrub, on came the Christmas music.
A woman reached for one particular bag of milk, she seemed confident in her selection. I went for the same.
A few days earlier, I was teetering around on my Nicaraguan sidewalks, on my way home from picking up tacos for dinner, I found myself stepping around three women. Señoras! peering into an open door like giddy young girls.
Etiquette here dictates that, though doors and windows are always open, one passes by without intruding on the lives within. Maybe it is dictated by disinterest, but I, I am interested. I habitually peer vulgarly into the homes and stores and surprises that fill the voids on the other side of the high walls that line the sidewalks.
So, with these three Ladies peering into this home, I took a liberal gander as well. The object of their oooh-ing and ahh-ing was a Christmas tree, a perfect one, wrapped in a wide garland of dark purple satin.
The three Ladies pointed and chatted excitedly. I was just confused, because, as I said before, It's not Christmas.
Kelly is the grinch of Kiva Fellows working in León, Nicaragua, where she is actually really happy to be learning about holiday traditions.


text: Industrial fuses are required to protect cables. Only a determined amount of current can flow through a cable. If the current exceeds this amount, the industrial fuse serves as protection device to prevent dangerous situations like fire. DIN stands for 'Deutsche Industrie Norm' whereby the 00 series can handle up to 160 A and the 1 series up to 250 A.


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text:
An Artist Is Upset At Dame Dash & Ski For Jacking His Song For Mos Def "Is This Why Jay Stopped F*ckin With You" (Sorts To Drinkin Out The Bottle)
Artist claims Dame Dash & Ski robbed his track. This is how they are reporting it "DAME DASH AND SKI STEAL SONG FROM SMILEY FOR MOS DEF"
Please click the "Report" button below if the video on this page is not working properly.
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text:
Read all of our
Wedding Hair & Makeup Reviews at
We are a special occasion company that utilizes our expertise to create a perfect wedding day look while incorporating our clients own personal style. We operate in Southern New Jersey, and the surrounding Philadelphia areas. We specialize in hair, makeup, and fashion accessories. All Services are done at the comfort of your own home. Other services we offer include eyebrow shaping, airbrush and permanent makeup, and sunless tanning.
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3 max
|MPV minivan
|One way
416 €
|Round trip
832 €
822 €
(special round trip fare)
8 max
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|One way
461 €
|Round trip
922 €
912 €
(special round trip fare)
14 max
|One way
696 €
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1392 €
1382 €
(special round trip fare)
Rated 5 / 5 - Is my second trip in Lisbon this year arranged with this company and their service is just great. We took their taxi from the airport of Lisbon to Lagos and it was very well organized. The driver was on time, the vehicle was brand new and tidy and the customer service was very responsive to all our ...
Rated 5 / 5 - We traveled from Paris Orly to Disneyland and back after 3 days. We had a very polite driver who waited a lot at the airport for us, as the plane was late. On the return the motorway was very busy and he took some shortcuts that got us to the airport in time. Really good service!
Rated 5 / 5 - Very pleased with service. Will use them again. Professional and timely. They were patient and waited as we went through customs. They assisted us with our bags. Wonderful job!
Copyright 2005-2020 https://www.airportcitytransfer.com/


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South African journalists and civil society groups were uneasy this month amid rumors that the Protection of State Information Bill, commonly known as the Secrecy Bill, would pass the Upper House of parliament, the last step before a presidential signature. Since 2008, journalists and civil society have lobbied against the bill, which many fear would spell the end of investigative journalism. A number of these fears have been alleviated by nearly 200 amendments to the draft since its inception, according to the communications director of the ruling African National Congress's (ANC) parliamentary caucus, Moloto Mothapo.
Crucial concerns, however, remain. As the bill currently stands, the security minister could classify documents without any obligation to record the reasons for doing so. And ultimately the minister would control the classification review panel that would determine applications to declassify documents. "Our main concern is: who can classify, what you can classify and how you can appeal it," Alison Tilley, director of the Open Democracy Advice Centre, told me during a mission of press freedom groups to Cape Town last week. "We are not opposed to the law's function to classify documents but the burden of proof should be on the authorities to prove why they are doing it." (A press release from the groups who participated in the mission can be read here).
Fears of classification for reasons other than national security are not unfounded. Last year alone, roughly 350 documents were curiously classified by the Department of Higher Education, Murray Hunter, national coordinator of the free expression organization Right 2 Know, told me.
While the security minister would have an easy road to classifying information, journalists would have to navigate a confusing road map to access such documents. "There is no direct means to appeal the classification of documents," Tilley said. Further, any citizen who possesses, shares, or disseminates information the government deems classified could face lengthy prison sentences. As the bill stands, the state could prosecute anyone who downloaded secret South African cables from, say, Wikileaks, and impose a potential 25-year prison sentence. Worse, the ANC backtracked recently and re-instated to the bill minimum prison sentences of 15 years for such offenses. "The maximum sentences are far, far too severe and we want these minimum standards removed," opposition party Democratic Alliance MP Alfred Lees, a member of the committee reviewing the bill, told us.
Those who possess or disclose classified documents for purposes of exposing corruption "or other unlawful act or omission," would be exempt from prosecution, according to the ANC's chief whip, Nosipho Ntwanambi. But the key concession journalists are seeking--a clause that would exempt leaks in the name of safeguarding the public interest--was rejected because "you do not see it applied in other countries across the world," said ANC MP and Justice Chair Llewllyn Landers. (While it's true that public interest clauses are not widespread, observers in South Africa told me, other countries generally don't have such broad classification powers nor such harsh punishments for possessing and disseminating classified documents.)
Still, the ANC has made some concessions, such as modifying the original draft of the bill to minimize the number of offices in the security department allowed to classify information.
All sides of the debate agree that a new law is needed to classify state secrets and replace the apartheid-era 1996 Minimum Information Security Standards (MISS). Landers explained to the press freedom mission how a government delegation had visited East Germany and saw that declassifying information was a terrible experience for some who lived under the Stasi regime. "Finding that their own brothers and sisters had sometimes turned against them--it could cause so many family problems. We too have an ugly past, and have a large body of information [that] we could not simply say: here it is."
Opposition parties in the Upper House as well as some individuals within the ANC are determined to battle on until the bill is amended further. "There has been a group within the ANC who are really concerned over the bill and have made considerable efforts to ameliorate this legislation, but we are seeing pushback from the Department of State Security," Tilley said.
Some local observers suspect the ANC's effort to pass the bill may be due to the politicization of the intelligence services and their efforts to stop leakages of information. "We have seen in the last four years a systematic creeping of encroachment of politicization of institutions," Democratic Alliance MP Lees said. Preventing an over-reaching ANC party is one reason why opposition Inkatha Freedom Party MP Prince M. Zulu is also opposed to the secrecy bill, he said.
With so many critical voices in parliament, our fears of the bill passing this month seem unfounded. Mothapo agrees. "The Protection of State Information Bill is changing all the time. There's little chance it will pass this month at least," he said.
[Reporting from Cape Town, South Africa]


text:
List by Subfield
This listing is especially useful for determining which courses satisfy distribution requirements within the Political Science or the IPE majors. Topics courses, taught under the PS 203 number, normally do not count toward distribution requirements in the major. Students should consult advisers or the department chair about circumstances in which topics courses may count.
Catalog Descriptions
This is an excerpt of the college catalog for the Political Science Department. Students may find additional information about courses by consulting the collection of printed syllabi in the department.
2019-2020 Political Science Course Listings
Students may consult the course grid to determine which Political Science courses are being taught in any given block
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Cut a rug: Chasing the elusive two-step
Dürty Nelly's and Tragic Thieves
Friday, March 21, 2003
Dancing is dead. People don't dance no 'mo. Why is it that there is so much music, but so little dancing? I hear homophobes joke and whisper about how they won't go to Club 216, but at least you can find someone dancing there. If those same 'phobes were smart, they would know that where there is dancing, there is women...
...So, off I go on a mission to find some dancing. My first stop at the UVA Corner is a bust. From the street I could hear a private party throwing down at Michael's Bistro, but the music selection resembled Molly Ringwald's greatest movie moments.
Regretfully, I stood on the street just to hear what they would play next. It was cold, and I was stunned in a time warp.
When I came to, I checked the time, date, and year on my cell phone. Ahh, back to '03, and just enough time to catch the opening set of Kimystry at Dürty Nelly's.
Kimystry is blues/rock/soul with attitude and class. I was immediately reminded of my search for dancing when the music started. It didn't take long for the folks watching to get out of their seats.
Kimystry played an impressive selection of covers that I could see being released as a compilation called Down Home Gritty (or something of that nature). My point is they were bad asses who knew how to keep the roots thick and the edge sharp.
The front-woman, Kim, sang every word intensely. It seemed as if she could have been raised in the church, but this night Dürty Nelly's was her temple. I remember how people used to dance in my Baptist church when I was young. Gospel is powerful; when mixed with the blues it can move just about anyone to dance. I wanted to stay all night, but I also wanted to give the Corner another chance.
I ended up at Jaberwoke because the name of the band playing was Tragic Thieves. Kind of catchy. Tragic Thieves is a side project of the group Ki:Theory...the unplugged cover side project to be exact. While not the kind of music to inspire dancing, nonetheless inspirational playing.
The Tragic Thieves trio of two acoustic guitars and drums laid down mellow mood music for the rest of my evening. They are talented, without a doubt so talented that they even got two girls dancing to a near beatless tune.
Great music, people, dancing– mission accomplished.


text:
Homeowners who have arranged a free no-obligation home visit from Apollo Blinds will be forgiven for thinking that Ken Dodd has turned up on their doorstep, complete with tickling sticks.
As well as showcasing our stunning collections of window blinds, shutters and awnings, our franchise owners will also be carrying our new range of ostrich feather dusters on home appointments.
Our consultants aren't on a mission to tickle the orders out of prospective customers – although that would be an interesting new sales technique. They will be showcasing the ostrich feather dusters to show customers how to keep their blinds dust-free and in tip-top condition for years to come.
It's all very well having stunning blinds in any window which help to make homes beautiful, but we want to make sure they stay beautiful – which is why after sales is so important to us. As well as offering a minimum two-year guarantee on collections, offering ostrich feather dusters is another way Apollo Blinds franchise owners stand out from the crowd and leave customers tickled pink.


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Bible Believer's Christian College and Seminary presents its 12th Commencement Ceremonies on June 14 at 11 a.m., at the Carson Civic Center, 801 East Carson Street in Carson, said Chancellor Vera Milton. Graduates will receive doctoral, master's, bachelor's and associate degrees. Gospel legend, Kenneth Glover will receive an honorary Doctor of Sacred Music degree. For information, call (323) 779-2222 or visit bbccs.org.
St. Mark A.M.E. Church holds its Father's Day service on June 15 at 10 a.m., at 12923 South Avalon Boulevard in Los Angeles, said Pastor Rethis Murry. The Rev. Omarosa Menugualt will preach. Mason Burroughs, Michael Coylar, Aundrae Russell and Stinson Brown will be honored as 'Making A Difference Men.' For details, call (310) 329-3443.
Crenshaw United Methodist Church hosts the Save Our Sons Justice/Prison Ministry on June 15 at 2:30 p.m., at 3740 Don Felipe Drive in Los Angeles. The Rev. Derrick Noble is the pastor. The topic is 'Girls N Gangs.' Call (323) 292-0141 for information.
Holman United Methodist Church sponsors Free N One Drug and Alcohol Facilitator Training on June 16-20 at 6 p.m., at 3320 West Adams Boulevard in Los Angeles, said Pastor Kelvin Sauls. The classes offered are 'Working with the Alcoholic and Drug Addicted Person' and 'How to Help the Family Member Find Peace and Freedom While the Friend or Loved One is Affected by Drugs or Alcohol.' Certificates will be issued upon completion. To register, call (323) 295-0009. For a directory of churches hosting Free N One meetings, visit freenone.org.
Second Baptist Church plans 'Jazzy Fryday' on June 20 at 7 p.m., at 2412 Griffith Avenue in Los Angeles, said Pastor William S. Epps. Food and entertainment will be available. For details, call the church office at (213) 748-0318.
Pleasant Hill Baptist Church holds Vacation Bible School on June 16-20 at 6:15 p.m., at 2009 West Martin Luther King Boulevard in Los Angeles, said Pastor Sylvester Washington. Classes for youth include 'Say No to Sin,' 'Winners Pray,' 'Tell It Everywhere,' 'Available for Service' and 'True Blue.' The adult topic is 'Becoming More Like Christ.' The instructors are Pastor Washington, Karen Bullard, Brenda Henderson, Dr. John Williams, Pearl Kennard and the Rev. Terrence Brown. Shinisha Holiday is the principal and Deacon Alfred Henderson is the superintendent. Call (323) 293-6448 for details.


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Why Some Muscle Soreness is OK!
Why some muscle soreness is A-OK?!
This is a great question and I can't tell you how many times I've heard
"I am so sore from that last workout!"
I'm sure everyone has experienced muscle soreness after either a hard workout , long hike or even a day of picking up leaves in the yard and I understand why most folks don't look forward to it , but I know once you understand the actual process that's going on and all the anti- aging benefits that are related to and even triggered by this soreness technically called adaptive micro trauma you will look at that muscle soreness in a whole new light.
When we work out enzymes and proteins from the muscles leak into the blood stream and trigger inflammation drawing white blood cells to the area . These white blood cells are like a wrecking crew coming in and tearing down the place
this inflammatory reaction than actually triggers the good guys. The building proteins to come in like Master Carpenters and refurbish the muscles and make them even stronger than before.
All these proteins and enzymes are now coursing through your entire body including your organs like your heart and lungs so your entire body also reaps the benefits helping of all these anti-aging proteins and enzymes not just the muscles you trained the day before.
People who workout consistently are actually younger on a molecular level than their out-of-shape counterparts, according to a recent study led by Tim D. Spector, a professor of genetic epidemiology at King's College in London as reported by the Washington Post.
They found that exercise appears to slow the shriveling of the protective tips on bundles of genes inside cells (called telomeres), which means a slowing of the aging process.
"These data suggest that the act of exercising may actually protect the body against the aging process," said Professor Spector.
* Telomeres cap the ends of chromosomes and every time a cell divides, the telomeres get shorter.
* Once a telomere gets too short, that cell can no longer divide.
* Aging occurs as more and more cells reach the end of their telomeres and die. This results in weakened muscles, skin wrinkles, loss of eyesight and hearing, organ failure and slowed metal functioning.
* The study analyzed the telomeres from the white bloods cells of twins over a 10-year period. Telomere length was used as a marker for the rate of biological aging.
* It was found that the length of telomeres was directly related to that twin's activity level. "There was a gradient," Spector said. "As the amount of exercise increased, the telomere length increased."
* People who did 100 minutes of weekly exercise had telomeres that looked like those from someone about 5-6 years younger than those who did 16 minutes of exercise each week.
* People who did 3 hours of vigorous exercise each week had telomeres that looked like those from someone about 9 years younger.
What does this mean to you?
The fountain of youth is literally at your fingertips!
NOTE: were talking about muscle soreness in this article not a injury, an injury will only set you back on your FITNESS QUEST so be sure to use good form and train smart.
It's always a good idea to heat up any sore muscles before your workout with a light warm up and or moist heat and cool them down with ice when you finish , you want to avoid chronic inflammation.
Any questions please feel free to e-mail me and or check out my site at www.360personaltrainer.com
Stay Healthy!
Michael Brooks
Personal Trainer
e-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Temper Your Ego, Evolve Your Jiu Jitsu – Eddie Bravo
Eddie Bravo wraps up this seminar with some super common since tips about making sure you are progressing your jiu jitsu. Stop hiding behind your ego, your weight, your size and continue improving your game.
Superior technique defeats size and strength! This is common knowledge shared by all great Jiu Jistu teachers.
The Vaporizer Leg Lock – Eddie Bravo
Eddie Bravo covers a couple variations of The Vaporizer leg lock with Joanne from MMA Girls.
This submission is hard to escape, difficult to reverse, and places your body safe from the opponents strikes. Watch this video twice.
UFC on FuelTV 4: Mark Munoz vs. Chris Weidman (FULL FIGHT VIDEO)
UFC 148: Anderson Silva vs Chael Sonnen (FULL FIGHT VIDEO)
WATCH – ANDERSON SILVA vs CHAEL SONNEN
( Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 )


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Ghana Must Go is the story of an immigrant family of Ghanaian and Nigerian descent headed by a successful doctor living the American Dream in Boston with his wife and four children. But when he leaves his family for another woman, the family splits apart. Sixteen years later estranged family members meet again in Accra, reunited by the patriarch's funeral. In a starred review, Publishers Weekly calls it "gorgeous" and "driven by eloquent prose." You can read more about it here and listen to an interview with the author here.
Debut novelist Taiye Selasi is a protégée of Toni Morrison and author of the story "The Sex Lives of African Girls," which was included in The Best American Short Stories 2012. She has recently been included in Granta's newest list of the Best Young British Novelists. Selasi, the child of Ghanaian and Nigerian parents, was born in London, raised in Massachusetts and now lives in Rome.
I have one paperback advance copy of Ghana Must Go to give away to a lucky winner.
To enter:
1. Leave a comment below about a book you love to recommend to other readers.
2. Email me at firstname.lastname@example.com with a copy of your comment and contact information so I can reach you if I draw your name.
I'll draw a winner at random on Friday morning, May 3. Thanks for entering!
Posted on 4/26/2013 by Christy Thomas, Librarian, Main Library.


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Our footprint is one that breathes
At BlueAnt we care about the environment and endeavour to design our products in such a way as to lessen the environmental impact they have.
We use recyclable materials for packaging and components where practical to do so, and by making our products firmware upgradeable, we give them a longer lease on life.
We also stand by the warranty on our products and support them with friendly technical support to ensure our customers can utilise their BlueAnt product for at least the full term of the warranty period.
We also comply with the legal requirements with regards to RoHS*, CE* and WEEE*.
Every step of the way in product design, manufacturing and distribution we strive to lessen our environmental impact and make sure our footprint is one that breathes.


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Trainer acquitted in N.Y. child-rape case
PUTNAM COUNTY, N.Y. — Alexandru Hossu has been acquitted on all counts in a child-rape case in Putnam County.
Hossu was accused of twice raping the then-13-year-old girl one night in 2010 at her Brewster home. He was crying and smiling after the verdict was announced Wednesday morning.
Hossu, 36, is Putnam County District Attorney Adam Levy's former live-in personal trainer and was the boyfriend of the girl's mother's at the time.
He had faced two counts of first-degree rape, two counts of second-degree rape and endangering the welfare of a child.
"To anyone who watched this trial the verdict was a foregone conclusion," defense lawyer Daniel Mentzer said. He said after the judge announced the jury had reached a verdict, he whispered in Hossu's ear, "The right thing is going to happen here."
"To have to go through what that man went through is inhuman," Mentzer said. "Where does this man go to get his reputation back?"
The girl's aunt, who testified at the trial, said the teenager was called Thursday to her school guidance office, where she was told of the verdict by a school social worker who also had taken the stand at the trial. The aunt said the teen was likely "very upset" inside but was still processing the verdict.
"She's a mature, intelligent young lady," she said. "She understands the power of reasonable doubt, but it doesn't change her story."
The case had been handled by the Westchester District Attorney's office after Levy, son of television personality Judge Judy Sheindlin, recused his office from the case.
"We were confident in our prosecution of this case as evidenced by the length of the jury's deliberations and the fact that they were initially deadlocked," said Lucian Chalfen, a spokesman for Westchester District Attorney Janet DiFiore. "We respect their verdict and appreciate their service."
With no forensic evidence, the prosecution's case had depended heavily on the now-high school junior's testimony.
Juror Debbie Silmon, 57, of Carmel, said the jury was 10-2 in favor of acquittal Monday, then 11-1 since then. She said one male juror held out, saying he found the teenager credible and questioning why she would make up a story.
Silmon said jurors used a calendar and phone records to convince the holdout juror and rule out dates the attack could have happened.
"The man is innocent, period," she said. "I have no doubt whatsoever. He was 100% innocent. I thought she was a little liar. The sniffling, I think, was an act."
The girl had testified that Hossu "snapped" and grabbed her math homework from her lap, tossing it on the floor when she told him she didn't want his help. He choked her and raped her for three hours, she said, leaving her in excruciating pain, with blood all over her bed.
The defense, however, had contended the girl's account was implausible.
Mentzer, Levy's brother-in-law, said in closing arguments Monday that the girl admittedly hated Hossu, might blame him for her mother's subsequent fatal drug overdose and might have fabricated the rape to get out of having sex with her boyfriend.
In the end, he told the jury, Hossu should get "the benefit of the doubt."
Gwen Wilkinson, 32, of Brewster, a footwear buyer and juror, said male jurors were asked during deliberations if they ever had sex for roughly three hours straight.
"They said it's near impossible," she said.
As for the 17-minute controlled phone call the girl made to Hossu confronting him with the rape allegations, Wilkinson said, "I thought he showed he actually cared for the kids" by asking how the girl and brother had been doing since her mother's death "and seemed absolutely shocked" at her accusations.
Despite his acquittal, Hossu, a Romanian immigrant who was in the country illegally, remains in custody because he has a federal immigration detainer on him.
The girl's aunt asked for privacy, saying it had been "a really painful" time for the family.
"All I can say is the verdict does not change in any way how proud we are of our girl," she said. Now that the trial is behind her, it will help the girl move forward, her aunt said, but, "It's never going to change what happened."
The aunt thanked Westchester prosecutors.
"They've been exceptional," she said. "So thoughtful, so diligent, so dedicated. They allowed her to feel she was being respected and advocated for."
She also thanked Putnam County sheriff's investigators and jurors, who she said "seemed as though they were thoughtful, they were trying to do their best."


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Get DVD Talk Feeds
What makes the affair with Me and You and Everyone We Know even more profound is that the film is the debut from Miranda July, who wrote, starred and directed in the film. Miranda has her roots in performance art and experimental film but this is her first feature. I can't remember a bolder and more emotionally complex debut. Miranda infuses the film with so many things, draws from so many sources, and creates a world so unique and richly textured, it's like nothing you've seen before.
The core story of Me and You and Everyone We Know is the tale of two people who live in coincidentally parallel and somewhat unhappy lives. Richard Swersey, played exceptionally by John Hawkes (of Deadwood fame), insecure about his life, self, abilities to parent and place in the world tries a parlor trick he learned as a kid - lighting his hand on fire. The trick goes horribly wrong and he chars his hand. This seemingly small event takes on larger proportions as it parallels the charring of his relationship with his wife and the destruction of his family life. Moving into a small apartment with his two kids, Richard is thrust into a world where he must connect and interact with others, a journey paralleled by his two kids who begin the adolescent journey of discovery into the world of relationships and sexuality.
Christine Jesperson (played by Miranda July herself) locks herself in her room to create art about people and relationships but without involving any real people or relationships. She has hopes, dreams and aspirations and desperately wants to find someone to be with. Her pained desperation and need for connecting is contrasted with her complete inability to make those real connections. Her world is changed by her 'day job', shuttling around old people on their errands, which ultimately thrusts her into a world where she must connect and interact with others.
All this comes to a crossroads when Christine and Richard meet and connect. The apex of this is a scene which has them playing out their relationship while walking to their cars. This is one of the best-written scenes I've seen on screen in a very long time; it's jaw-droppingly good.
Although the core of the film is the relationship between Christine and Richard, it's only really part of a much larger whole, as an ensemble cast fill out a multitude of subplots and interwoven stories which play and build on the themes of connections and relationships.
I could write a very long list of all the moments and the scenes in this film that I simply adore. There's so much going on in this film - it's just immense. This is one of those films that you absolutely need to see more than once to get all that it has to offer.
I see an enormous number of films every year, many I enjoy, some I really like, few I fall in love with. I fell hard for Me and You and Everyone We Know. It's one of those rare films I can honestly add to my short list of "Favorite Films of All Time". It's just that good.
Me and You and Everyone We Know is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 audio, English only. There are no other audio options. The audio sounds clear and crisp and the audio is well balanced between the dialogue and the music. One of the great aspects of Me and You and Everyone You Know is the soundtrack, it really helps set the tone and the mood of the film.
Me and You and Everyone We Know is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen. The transfer is solid, skin tones look very true. There is a slight amount of edge enhancement apparent on some of the scenes showing instant messaging on a computer, but it's extremely slight.
Special Features
It's a real shame that there aren't more supporting features on this DVD. After interviewing Miranda July and hearing her thoughts about the film I think it's a huge missed opportunity to not have her do an audio commentary. Also the film has an interesting history, having made its way through both the Sundance Filmmakers Lab and The Sundance Film Festival. At a minimum, it would have been nice to have the Q&A from the Sundance screenings on the DVD.
What we do get on the DVD are 6 Deleted scenes from the film. Most of them revolve around the kids in the film (Peter, Robby and Sylvie). The scenes obviously were cut from the film to keep the pace and tone right and while they're interesting it's easy to see why they're deleted.
Final Thoughts:
As a film critic one of the most satisfying aspects of the job is getting to discover and see truly great films. Me and You and Everyone We Know is a truly great film, and the only thing more gratifying than discovering it is letting people know about this fantastic film. While the special features on the DVD leave something to be desired, the film is so good I'm going to give it our highest rating: DVD Talk Collector's Series.


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We've all used an emulator at one stage in our lives. Whether to replay some classic old arcade games or play an obscure console title you missed first time around, they're a dime a dozen.
But have you ever considered how accurate they are?
While emulators exist to, well, emulate the experience of playing a game from one system on another system, they're often far from authentic experiences. They might play too fast, or too slow, or the sound might screw up, or in some cases (like the Dolphin) look better than the original!
They can also be messy to program and, strangest of all, take up enormous amounts of processing power. It's a quirk of the trade that a PC that can handle Crysis may struggle playing a PS2 game.
Coder Byuu, the man behind the popular Super Nintendo emulator bsnes, has posted a great feature on Ars Technica that goes into excruciating detail on the challenges he faces balancing the need for authenticity in an emulator with the need to keep a PC from dying.
Accuracy takes power: one man's 3GHz quest to build a perfect SNES emulator [Ars Technica]
You can contact Luke Plunkett, the author of this post, at firstname.lastname@example.com. You can also find him on Twitter, Facebook, and lurking around our #tips page.


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Century Housing finances affordable housing developments throughout California. From acquisition loans to bridge and construction loans, Century has worked for more than 20 years to provide tax-credit developers and infill developers with innovative loan solutions and responsive service.
Although we do not offer housing directly, those looking for an affordable home can visit the resource page at Century Villages at Cabrillo for helpful links. Copyright © 2019 Century Housing | PRIVACY POLICY


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(This offer does not include Yonex products)
Head Reflex MLT (Natural) 200m Reel
Head Reflex MLT
Construction: Polyurethane Multifilament
Gauges: 1.30mm
Colour: Natural
Length: 200m Reel
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By creating unique variations in the molecular structure within the cross-section of monofilament strings, HEAD?s CRYSTAL CORE technology opens the door to a new era of polyester strings with unique combinations of ultimate power and feel.
CRYSTAL CORE technology is introduced with the new HEAD HawkTM Tour String. It combines highest possible energy efficiency for explosive power with optimized control and touch in every shot.


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You Might Be a Redhead If
If your SPF is higher than your pants size, you might just be a redhead.
Now that a hack premise is out of the way, let me explain what it really means to be redheaded.
People assume that because the cartoon coloring of our hair is the same as the cartoon coloring of fire, redheads must be fiery. That's ridiculous. Not all brunettes have dark sides, and not all blondes are cowards. But evolution has made redheads fiery. If you spent your entire life getting your cheeks pinched and asked "where'd you get your hair?" you would be fiery, too.
I love the question, "where'd you get your hair?" The same place you got yours: from your parents. Even if someone has never studied bio, I think our society has come far enough to understand that the stork is a myth.
My parents don't have red hair, but two of the three children my mother gave birth to do. There are actually four kids in my family, but I don't think you can count my adopted sister in this equation. When two parents have a recessive red-headed gene, odds are that one in four of their kids will be redheaded. But my folks have two of three.
People jokingly suggest that perhaps I'm the product of a different father, that maybe my mother was cheating on my father with Ron Howard. But if the assumption is that I need redheaded parents to have red hair, then wouldn't I need to have a different mother, too? Yes, I am the love child of Lucile Ball and Archie Andrews, dropped off in Jamaica, Queens for my parents to raise. That's why I often hatch hair-brained schemes and have a grid drawn on the side of my head.
I am constantly told I look like this person's red-headed acquaintance or asked if I'm related to that person's redheaded friend. Yes, all redheads look the same and are related. And we all go to meetings, where we discuss how much we dislike Professor Flutesnoot and Principal Weatherbee. And the reason you think I look like your redheaded friend is because you have no idea what either of us actually looks like. You don't need to - you can spot us right away with no recognition of facial features. I had a goatee for two years. And when I shaved it, maybe four people noticed. Two of them were other redheads.
Apparently, I look like Conan O'Brien and Craig Kilborn and that guy in your 7th grade English class because he was tall with red hair, too. The one redhead I never hear that I look like is Mark McGwire. And not because his forearms are the size of my chest, but because he wears a hat.
Having red hair also doesn't mean I'm Irish. I do jokes about how there are Jewish redheads and no one believe it because there are so few Irish Jews. Harrison Ford is one of them. But I don't look like him, either. See? He's Irish without red hair. You might already know that if he wore a hat less frequently.
My oldest sister and I don't always see eye to eye, though that could be because I'm a foot taller than her. But when it comes to responding to people about her hair, she couldn't be more on point. Whenever anyone asks about where she got her hair, she says, "my little brother." If that wasn't enough, a man came up to her and my mother at a super market when she was a toddler. When my sister was a toddler, not my mom. That'd be bizarre if my mother was a toddler and she already had a kid.
Anyway, a man came up to the two of them and said, "hiya red!" My sister responded with an emphatic, "hiya gray!"
And we all congratulated her at the next meeting.