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This Might Be My Last Article for Wikinut
By ppruel, 10th Apr 2012 | Follow this author
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Posted in WikinutWritingPersonal Experiences
From July 28, 2010 to March 31, 2012, there are about 234 articles I published already at Wikinut. Those articles were written in between my working hours in Saudi Arabia during the normal working days from Saturday and Thursday. And this year 2012, my first quarter at Wikinut was awesome in terms of views and earnings.
- My status reports as of March 31, 2012
- My Wikinut status for the first quarter of 2012
- The articles I published at Wikinut in March 2012
- In February 2012, I published eleven articles
- Twenty articles I published in January 2012
- This might be my last article for April 2012
My status reports as of March 31, 2012
As of March 31, 2012, my Wikinut overall standings are as follows:
- My Wikinut article pages received a total of 244,072 views
- My Wikinut total earnings has reached so far to 12.325 Sterling pounds
- And I already received payments of 9.56 Sterling pounds
- My total referred new Wikinut writers has reached to 40
- I already published 234 articles
- My total followers has reached to 245
- And my total nutpoints recorded were 8,979
My Wikinut status for the first quarter of 2012
For the month of January 2012:
- Total views received - 25,246
- Total earnings - 1.285 Sterling pounds
- Total referred new Wikinut writers - 3
- Total published articles - 20
For the month of February 2012:
- Total views received - 24,683
- Total earnings - 1.129 Sterling pounds
- Total referred new Wikinut writer - 1
- Total published articles - 11
For the month of March 2012:
- Total views received - 23,682
- Total Earnings - 1.293 Sterling pounds
- Total published articles - 3
From January to March 2012, the total views my Wikinut pages received has reached so far to 73,611. My total earnings were 3.707 Sterling pounds. My total referred new Wikinut writers were 4 and thirty-four published articles.
The articles I published at Wikinut in March 2012
There are only three articles I published at Wikinut in March 2012. They are:
- The world would become rough and wild...
- Wikinut vs Triond vs ExpertsColumn and
- The fat-burning beverage...
In February 2012, I published eleven articles
I am happy at least I published eleven articles in February 2012. They are as follows:
- An awesome letter from ExpertsColumn
- Without such love we are as nothing
- Why twitter blocked RedGage
- RedGage is a perfect social network...
- Are you doubtful about Bible records
- Constructive guidelines for migrant workers part-4
- Hail the major factor in producing lightning
- Creative ways to kick off puppy and eye bags
- Another way to promote Wikinut pages...
- Ten most populated countries...
- and Sip of Inspiration...
Twenty articles I published in January 2012
During the month of January 2012, my target articles to write were actually 31 but I failed. Of course, I am still happy because these twenty articles are still attracting crawlers for traffic and views - they are:
- Letter from PhilHealth...
- Mar Roxas of Philippines...
- Constructive guideline for migrant workers part 3
- Constructive guidelines for migrant workers part 2
- Constructive guidelines for migrant workers part 1
- Betting company sweats...
- PhilHealth circular no.022...
- Why rat and cat are enemies...
- A non-profit organization (FCHAR)...
- Origin and traditions of Valentine's Day
- My youth and strength are deteriorating...
- Media can influence any Governments...
- Unique exercise for neck
- Use Youtube for your writing hobby
- Facebook has the potential to...
- Facebook contest...
- The concept of VMobile...
- My hard works were compensated...
- The aftermath of 2011 backlinks...
- and Things I achieved from the first 522 days at Wikinut
This might be my last article for April 2012
I said that because at this moments I am preparing and reconditioning myself for my vacation which is due on May 1, 2012. So this is the reason why I digested facts from my previous articles and put together into one article as my overall status at this site - this is also another way to promote the site and my Wikinut pages.
In addition to it, I also included my latest published articles for April 2012 as follows:
- The Evidence Tells that Triond Possibly...
- Every Writer Can Be Charged as Plagiarist
- Easter Eggs Hunting and The Funny Side of It is History
Even if I am away, if someone visited my Wikinut pages, he/she will be redirected to some of my previous published articles. And as I always said, there are many ways to expose those old published articles across the Internet which are legal and no spamming. Also often use your Blog sites to promote your articles published at Wikinut and from other publishing sites.
If you wanted to write and earn Join Wikinut Community. It is one of the best publishing sites for your online writing.
My favorite Saying: "Dream Big and don't stop without giving it a chance to come true." I am a father of 3 for 25 years, OFW for 17 years, a Blogger, sometimes a Poet, Self-motivated and Professional by experience. You can call me Paul or Pruel. I am friendly animal but can kick you off when it is needed. LOL. I have no specific areas where my writing will focus on. I write any subject that interests me under the merciless sun.


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Hope Island, the sprawling estate of once-controversial developer John Cacoulidis, is on the market for $7.95 million.
The online listing for the 86-acre island property by Christie's International Real Estate calls it "one of Maine's most extraordinary estates" and "a unique world unto itself," complete with a nearly 12,000-square-foot residence, as well as "numerous guest/staff dwellings, a boathouse with deepwater pier, numerous barns and storage buildings and a tavern."
The listing goes on to state that the island, technically part of the town of Chebeague Island, is about 25 minutes by boat from Portland.
"The sweeping and elevated views are everchanging from vistas over the Atlantic Ocean to passing boats of every description," the listing gushes. "During the past 24 years, no expense was spared in creating this magical island kingdom."
According to The Forecaster, Cacoulidis and his late wife, Phyllis, bought the island in 1993 for $1.3 million. But real estate broker John Saint-Amour told the newspaper the Cacoulidis family doesn't use the property as much as it previously did, and are now deciding to sell it.
Cacoulidis, a wealthy New York developer, has grabbed headlines in Maine on multiple occasions over the years. In 2001, The Forecaster reported, he tried and failed to secede his island from the town of Cumberland, which had jurisdiction over it at the time, and three years later, local residents complained that a large George W. Bush campaign sign on the Hope Island boat house defied town ordinances.
In 2005, he proposed twin developments in Portland and South Portland that would be connected by a tramway across Portland Harbor, although the projects were never approved or permitted, and less than a decade later, then under Chebeague Island, Cacoulidis got in a dispute with the town over the construction of additional island pathways that were reportedly never permitted.
Finally, around 2014, the developer proposed a 10,000-person capacity outdoor concert venue to be built near Bug Light Park in South Portland, but ultimately backed off the plan.

subset: commoncrawl


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Good morning Ted! Would be great to meet up in Arles and paint together there.. like Van Gogh and Gauguin... but who is Van Gogh, who is Gauguin? :-) I was there already, but it is many years ago, and it as for a short time and I hadn't time to paint... Anyway, ofc ourse we keep in contact and let us see where our roads will cross again. But as I said, you are always welcome to come to our home here in Turre, we have a nice room for you!
Ted Hebbler
Hi Miki...nice work on Obama,very beautiful.....as fall approaches,I will stay in touch with you and Kev..I always wanted to do 4 or 5 paintings in Arles in honor of Van Gogh....I will probably do 1 week in Paris then go down to Arles for a week,then back to Paris then fly back to America...perhaps we can coordinate dates down the road...would be fun to hang out together....Ted
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This bag is great quality fabric. It's durable. But the best part is the Design. I love the creative colors and the artist captures the freedom, Peace and Love. Deborah Stanley is a wonderful artist and I look forward to purchasing more of her work in the future. thank you
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March 30th, 2020
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(Based on a photo by Bill Burke, pageonephoto.com) So, my first Barack Obama portrait is finished. I think it is quite different from the portraits I have seen from him on the net. On most of them the artists emphasize only one aspect of his personality. This is not what I wanted. I wanted to paint Obama as a human being, with all his facets: his humanity, his leadership, his honesty, his hopes, his decisiveness� Of course I never met him personally, so it can only be the Barack Obama I perceive through the TV and the photos I have seen from him. And I saw all of these qualities on his face. I can only hope that I have caught a little bit of his soul� And if you are wondering what he is counting�. words of course: �Yes We Can!� My special thanks go to Bill, from pageonephoto.com, who allowed me to use one of his photos to make this portrait.
Miki, a long short story... Miki is a professional French artist, born in the Pyrenees, Her works have been sold and published worldwide. Her painting is a reflection of her life: a permanent oscillation between light and shadow, lines and shapes, times and places, always looking for that equilibrium which she can only find in continuous movement, in the mysterious and the unknown. A life divided between two passions: mathematics and painting. The first as a supreme form of abstract art ruling her universe... The second as a way of cementing the beauty of that art. Miki, about herself: "... Passionate. Impatient. Unappeasable, uncontrollable! I prefer dancing on a volcano rather than to sit at home! I love the...
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Originally written by Erik Thomas
Here's something a little unexpected after The Novella Reservoir and Into Night's Requiem Infernal…
After 2 albums that saw the band enter more direct, aggressive and pure death metal pastures, Chicago's Novembers Doom has appeared to return a little more to the doom/death of their first 4 albums. Not a full reversal mind you, as the band is still more aggressive than anything on Of Sculptured Ivy and Stone Flowers or The Knowing, but there are more somber strains and clean vocals, reminding more of the band's earlier releases.
Maybe due to side project These Are They fulfilling the band's more aggressive desires and being a more appropriate outlet, November's Doom has released a CD much more befitting of their respected, evocative moniker, and despite the album's title, there is some light tucked away in here. And something special and beautiful has grown in the darkness.
After a My Dying Bride electric violin opening (shades of the Symphonaire Infernus EP?), "Dark Host" actually provides the album's sternest death metal moments akin to the last two releases. But even within the burly blasts and Paul Kuhr's distinctly enunciated growls, there are tangible threads of a more despondent mood, and the chorus is the first of many of Kuhr's heartfelt clean purrs that arise on virtually all the albums tracks.
But from there on, the album is much more restrained, melancholic and refined. That's not to say that it's any worse than the last two albums, and I for one enjoyed the band's more tenacious forays, but to be honest, this tone and mood just seems…..right. "Harvest Scythe" initially hints at yet more burly death metal, but the song ends up being a steady, mostly clean song trot with a catchy little chorus. But it's "Burial" and beyond where the band really starts to deliver their earlier doom vibe with haunting acoustics and a slow and somber but still menacing march, with Kuhr really showing his range with some very powerful growls and soft, emotive croons.
Then the real cementing track of Novembers Doom's return to their past is the ballad "What Could have Been" featuring Anneke van Giersbergen of The Gathering fame singing with Kuhr atop a backdrop of nothing but delicate acoustics and a violin. Of course, such ballads have always been part of Novembers Doom's repertoire, even on their last two heavier releases (i.e. "The Fifth Day of March" and "Twilight of Innocence"), but this isn't just a ballad amid an album of metal, it's a detailed glimpse of what Novembers Doom actually does best and has done best for over 15 years and 8 albums now.
As if to offset the prior track's beauty, Dan Swano (who mixed and mastered the album) lends his voice to Part One of the two-part "Of Age and Origin". The aptly named "A Violent Day" has a mostly stern chug; it's still a steady, largely cleanly-sung number dripping with doomy structures and layering. As expected, Part Two, "A Day of Joy" counter-balances Part One with more soft acoustics and some simply killer crooning from Kuhr.
"Six Sides" delivers a great and sturdy opening riff, reminiscent of My Dying Bride's best mid-era moments, but again even with a death metal gloss over the superbly produced guitars and drums, the underlying current of sadness and despondency is simply much more palpable than on the last two records with the doom and the death interplaying perfectly rather than the death metal shift being forced in our face after 12 years of doom.
"Shadow Play" closes the album by perfectly cementing the balance of the band's past and present, with a first half of soft acoustics and singing. But about halfway through, there's a brooding build in the distance that climaxes into a huge death metal riff and sumptuous solo that closes the album with superbly placed emotion and weight.
As expected the performances are top-notch, and the production is simply huge, though I do get the impression fellow scribe and drummer Sasha Horn is a bit tethered by the reduction in pure death metal, as you can feel him straining to just let loose — but that's why he has These Are They. But it shows how talented and skilled the core of the band is to be able to not simply stick with a style, but continually morph and subtly change their style while still remaining one of the US's most underrated but consistent acts.


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The newly-opened Hand and Foot Spa on the Fulham Road, presents American Girl with the perfect opportunity to redeem the less groomed amongst us.
via LAUNCH: THE HAND AND FOOT SPA.
August 7, 2011
The newly-opened Hand and Foot Spa on the Fulham Road, presents American Girl with the perfect opportunity to redeem the less groomed amongst us.
via LAUNCH: THE HAND AND FOOT SPA.
March 20, 2011
Punchy colors and bold stripes are right on target for spring! Detox those darks and step into fresh and fun with my fashion inspiration for today's spa interior!
I don't know about you but these happy colors have put me in a very good mood. Welcome to spring!
February 26, 2011
I can't help it… I am a huge fan of luxury vinyl flooring for spas and salons. It's my all time favorite go-to flooring product when I am creating a salon and spa environment. The reasons are simple: exceptional peformance and beauty.
A high quality luxury vinyl is quiet and comfortable to walk on. It doesn' t chip, crack, splinter or fade. It is impervious to water and highly resistant to tints, bleaches and perms. It is mildew and odor resistant, easy to install and easy to maintain. Need I say more? Check out Amtico brand's awesome products (my fav):
You can use a luxury vinyl floor in the retail/reception area, treatment room, hallway and lounge area because of the exceptional performance these products offer.
Luxury vinyl flooring is available in an amazing amount of colors and collections from classic to contemporary with varying finishes and textures.
Another benefit? Amtico brand's flooring products are sustainable and are an eco-friendly choice for a "green" interior.
The wood vinyls are very authentic looking and come in a huge variety of wood types from Wenge to Oak. This treatment room features a luxury vinyl maple flooring product.
So check it out! www.Amtico.com
June 10, 2010
When it comes to design, you may have heard the adage "lighting is everything". In a spa, this couldn't be more relevant. Here we are featuring our most intriguing line of lighting – the natural materials and soft diffused glow makes it seem as though each piece was made for the spa environment. Not only do these precious gems add warmth and beauty, they also add ambiance, cast an enchanting glow, make an artistic statement, and forge a lasting impression.
Artistry, warmth , and beauty are reflected in the stunning design of these pieces. Each unique fixture is woven of natural material and hand-painted.
The Nala wall sconce has a handcrafted natural fiber shade with a swirling organic pattern. At 24 inches round, this generously size wall sconce can hold it's own in larger rooms and corridors.
The undulating shape of these natural fiber tables lamps is accented with a pop of brightly painted floral vines. Lovely!
Sophisticated and stunning! Make a statement with bold black and white patterned lamps.
Our new Airbrush lamps cast a soothing glow through intricately woven grass shades.
Organic shape meets artful illumination. The Serilia counter lamp balances art and light. The subtle flower pattern creates a unique effect and adds an organic element your your spa's interior.
May 16, 2010
Help your guests sink into a deeper state of relaxation with details that inspire comfort and transformation. Accessorizing is one of the most important elements in a treatment room. Simple or even elaborate, meaningful pieces will help your guests connect to the space.
Tip #1. Find an empty corner. An oversized urn next to a plentiful plant will fill in the space. Drape a beautiful fabric to add warmth and comfort. Plug-in an up-light behind the arrangment for maximum effect.
Tip #2. Don't be afraid to overdo it. Add some shelving for displaying varying shapes of full-neck bottles, tall vases and an oblong container. An exotic floral detail takes center stage when it is placed in one of the pieces.
Tip #3. Add color. The best place to commit to color is in your accessorizies. As seasons come and go and trends change, update your space with new color to keep your guests interested and engaged for a big return on little investment.
Tip #4. Decorate your walls. Guests will appreciate the extra touch and thoughtfulness. Use various mediums to adorn your walls such as this sculptural piece of nature for depth and character.
Tip #5. Rock a cool counter lamp! Your best bet for creating ambience and adding warmth. We love this line for it's handmade qualities of natural fibers. It combines art with light for a unique and beautiful glow, perfect for any treatment room.
April 1, 2010
I am ready for a bright spring polish on my toes and comfy sandals on my feet. It is 80 degrees in Chicago today! I cannot think of a better time than now to blog about pedicure areas. Our company has designed hundreds of pedicure units and pedicure departments. There area so many options. Jets, no jets. Massage ? Bench vs. throne. What to do? Most important is to brand your image with a look that fits your clientele and your environment. Competition is fierce in the toe department so comfort is key.
This custom pedicure bench was designed to capture the views of the city and is located in a highrise building overlooking the skyline and Lake Michigan. Mosaic glass tiles surround a drop-in pedicure sink that is self-cleaning with air jets.
Comfort is key to a great pedicure experience and comfort does not stop with the unit itself. Interesting artwork in guest site lines, pillows and fabric panels soften the room and add interest.
Give your pedicure unit personality. A great color, a high back, mosaic tiles. Attract guests with a sense of fashion and style.
More personality! Stone walls, great chandelier and posh seating. Here, vessel sink units without jets were used.
Indirect lighting, solid surface materials, wing back seating. These sophisticated units are easy to get in and out of and provide privacy without closing off the area.
Proportion is also crucial on a custom pedicure unit. The distance from the seat to the bowl, the location and depth of the bowl and the depth of the seat should all be considered.
For unique pedicure units and pedicure design services please contact us at 1-866-990-7750. Or visit our website at www.pedicurebenches.com.
March 17, 2010
Dress to impress with unique spa fashions for today's spa interior. Be chic with exotic woods, classic details and that one shiny statement piece.
Embellish the look with copper taffeta and floral flocking.
Label lovers rejoice! Kashwere's throw is heavenly soft with stylish good looks.
Remember, tailoring is everything: combine upholstered pieces with fine fabrics for a perfect fit.
A stunning center-piece adorned with jewels is a girl's best friend. Simply fabulous darling!


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Men's 4.3 oz. 100% cotton non-iron plaid dress shirt. Features fine 50-singles yarn specially treated to resist wrinkles, while maintaining an extremely soft hand feel. Medium-spread collar with collar stays, single-needle tailoring and yoke back. Left chest pocket, 2-button cuff and pearl buttons.
Expect a two-week production period plus ship time on all special orders. All special order products will be embroidered with the logo of your choice.
Logo options are listed in the product picture above.
During checkout specify "Product " (When Purchasing More Than 1 Special Order Item) and "Logo Number" in the Shipping Instructions Box as part of the
"Payment and Shipping" Checkout proceedures.


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Posts Tagged 'celebrity news'
Election fever refuses to die. Lindsay Lohan continues to support Barack Obama.
New York, NY, November 12th, 2008, (Reuters).- Even after the election ended with a certain victory of
Democratic Barack Obama, people with little or no life continue the election fever, supporting either president-elect Obama, or Governor Sarah Palin.
Lindsay Lohan continues to make declarations about her support for Barack Obamahim, much to the dismay of the president-elect, who would rather not be associated with her. "It's worse than being linked with Ayers," said the president-elect according to a source close to him who asked to remain anonymous (Michelle told us).
In her latest gaffe, Lindsay Lohan spoke in an interview with Maria Menounos in "Access Hollywood," about her experience during Election Day. "It was really exiting, all the boys and the booze and the girls. It was an amazing feeling. It's our first colored president."
In other news, Sarah Palin was offered 2 million dollars for starring on a porn movie. Porn film director Cezar Capone included an extra $100,000 dollars and a brand new snowmobile if Todd is willing to co-start the picture.
Palin declined the offer, "Thanks but no thanks. It's unethical, immoral, opportunistic, indecent and against all the values and things I believe in. Besides, I save more than that in the lawyer and the trips that the state of Alaska pays for me and my family."
Mama Africa dies after singing Pata Pata in a concert in Italy.
Castel Volturno, Italy, November 10th, 2008, (Reuters).- Mama Africa, also known as Miram Makeba
died shortly of a heart attack, after singing her famous song Pata Pata in a concert in Italy.
She was banished from South Africa in the 60's for speaking against the apartheid system in South Africa, and lived and performed in Europe, the USA, Latin America and some African countries, specially Guinea, before being allowed to return 30 years later, when Mandela came to power and the racist white regime crumbled.
We repost one of her rare interviews that she gave in 1970.
Q: Why did you visit Guinea's president Ahmed Sekou Toure in Conakry?
A: African convention.
Q: What will you do now that you've been banished from South Africa?
A: I shall sing.
Q: What does your success in the US mean?
A: Goodbye poverty.
Q: What is your opinion of Hendrik Frensch Verwoerd?
A: Chicken.
Q: What do you think should be done about apartheid?
A: Quit it.
Q: Do you think black Africans can make such a change?
A: We got to make it.
Waitress-Model Kelly Bundy fighting cancer
Los Angeles, CA, August 2nd, 2008, (Reuters).- Waitress-Model Kelly Bundy, eternally 18 and famous for being hot, but not so much for being smart, was diagnosed with cancer during a regular MRI, said in an e-mail, spokesbrother Bud Bundy, who is entitled to 80% of her earnings.
"Pumkin is following the recommended treatment of her doctors and will have a full recovery," her father Al Bundy said.
Kelly Bundy, whose mother, Peggy Bundy, battled both breast cancer and Al's refusals for sex, has been an advocate for breast cancer research.
Bundy's cancer diagnosis was reported earlier by the Hollywood gossip TV show Extra, allegedly, being caused by the constant use of the chemical hair bleach that she uses to dye her hair, whose original color she can't remember.
When asked for comments on Actress Christina Applegate, who has also been diagnosed with breast cancer, Miss Bundy asked, "Christina who?"
Lindsay Lohan fires back at police 'gay' remark
LOS ANGELES, CA, August 1st, 2008 (Reuters).- Linsday Lohan said Friday that police have no business getting involved in her personal life.
The day before, Chief William Bratton said the paparazzi have become less of a problem thanks to Britney Spears, Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan leading more moderate lifestyles.
"If you notice, since Britney started wearing panties and closing her legs; Paris got the hell out of town not bothering anybody anymore, thank God, and evidently, Lindsay Lohan has gone gay, we don't seem to have much of an issue," he told Channel 4 News.
On Friday, Miss Lohan was the only one of the three celebrities sober enough to speak to the media. "Police chiefs shouldn't get involved in everyone else's business when it comes to their personal life. It's inappropriate," Lohan said in a video shot by paparazzi Friday and posted on TMZ.com. In the footage, Lohan and gal pal Samantha Ronson are shopping at Sport Mart (they don't like Dicks).
Bratton later called a news conference outside police headquarters to clarify his position on the paparazzi. When asked about the Lohan remark, Bratton said his sister is also gay and that he "doesn't discriminate that bitch either."
McCain camp compares Obama to Spears, Hilton
AURORA, CO, July 31st, 2008 (Reuters). – John McCain's presidential campaign on Wednesday released a withering television ad comparing Barack Obama to Britney Spears and Paris Hilton, suggesting the Democratic contender is little more than a vapid but widely recognized media concoction.
McCain's ad, titled "Celeb" and set to air in 11 battleground states, intercuts images of Obama on his trip to Europe last week with video of twenty-something pop stars Spears and Hilton, both better known for their childish off-screen antics, while the narrator goes:
(Sang to the tune of Briney Spears' Lucky)
"This is a story about a candidate named Obama…
Early morning, he wakes up.
Knock, knock, knock on the door.
It's time for make up, perfect smile.
It's him they're all waiting for.
They go…
Isn't he lovely, this Hawaiian guy?
And they say…
He's so lucky, He's a star,
but he lies, lies, lies about the war, thinking
if there's nothing missing in Iraq,
then why do these calls come at night?
He's a lost image, in a screen,
But there's no one there to make him stop.
And Clinton's billing, and he keeps on winning,
but tell me what happens when it stops?
They go…
Isn't she lovely, this Hawaiian guy?
And they say…
He's so lucky, He's Obama.
But he tries, tries, tries, tries to raise your tax, thinking,
if there's no Clinton sitting in my camp,
then why do these girls come at night?
(Spoken) Best Democrat, and the winner is…Obama!
(Spoken)I'm Ron Burgundy from Channel 4 News standing outside the arena waiting for Obama. Oh my god…here he comes!
Isn't she lucky, this Hawaiian guy?
He is so lucky, but why does he lie?
If there's no experience worthwhile in his life,
then why does he go to Afghanistan?"
At the end of the song, an image of the Republican candidate appears, speaking to the audience. "This ad is just the start, I've just begun. It's clear that even though I can't make you love me, I'm stronger and born to make you happy. I promise I will be there, I will keep you overprotected and deep in my heart. Whereas my rival is just plain crazy, toxic, intimidated and outrageous and leads a simple life. I tell you this from the bottom of my heart. Vote for me, that's my only wish this year," says the candidate in the last seconds of the commecial.
Obama's campaign quickly responded with a commercial of its own, dismissing McCain's complaints as "baloney" and "baseless." Unlike McCain's commercial, Obama's focuses on how McCain's campain bases itself on continuing attacks on his person. It has images of McCain and George Bush in coctkails parties while the narrator sings:
(Sung to the tune of Britney Spears' Oops, I did it again)
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
I think he did it again.
He made you believe they are not such close friends.
Oh baby, it might seem like it's not Bush,
but it doesn't mean that it's not serious.
'Cause to lose all his tenses,
That is just so typically his.
Oh baby, baby.
Oops!…He did it again.
He played with your tax, got lost in war games.
Oh baby, baby
Oops!…You think he's hero.
That he's right for the post.
He's not that innocent.
You see my problem is this,
He spills my campain,
wishing my flaws, they truly exist.
I cry, hearing the waves,
Coz he says I'm a fool in so many ways.
But to lose all his lenses,
that is just so typically his.
Baby, oh
Oops!…He did it again.
He insulted my plans, too green for the game.
Oh baby, baby.
Oops!…He thinks I'm too young,
that I'm a lame senator.
I'm not that innocent.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
(spoken) All aboard.
(spoken) Johny, before you go, there's something I want you to have.
(spoken) George, it's beautiful, but wait a minute, isn't this…?
(spoken) Yeah, yes it is.
(spoken) But I thought that Katherine Harris had dropped it into the Florida ocean in the end.
(spoken) Well baby, I went down and got it for you.
(spoken) Oh, you shouldn't have.
Oops!…He did it again to your vote.
Got lost in Vietnam, oh baby.
Oops!…You know that he's sent from G. Bush.
He's not that innocent.
Oops!…He did it again.
He played with the hawks, got too old for the game.
Oh baby, baby.
Oops!…You know he's so nuts,
that he forgets what he posts.
You're not that innocent"
When contacted for comments on both ads, Miss Hilton's spokesdog Tinkerbell replied. "Miss Hilton has already contributed to both campains and already has someone to clean the bathroom. No further comment except that Miss Hilton thinks senator Obama is the iconic blonde of the decade."
On a related note, both Nicole Ritchie and Lindsay Lohan were reported to have started bitching from their LA County Sheriff's department cell and Wonderland Center rehabilitation facility room in West Hollywood respectively because they weren't mentioned like Hilton and Spears in the commercials.
"Like, I'm a much bigger biotch than her, you know. I mean, hellooooo, what was he thinking when he chose to ignore me? I mean, everybody knows I'm more famous than Paris and shit," commented Miss Richie.
Miss Lohan's statements were not understandable due to her constant puking. Her nurse said she will issue a statement as soon as her hand is steady enough to type.


text:
From a long time ago, we had dragons everywhere,
Spread throughout the world, in every nook and corner !!
People who give lectures, on lessons of life,
Themselves do not know, the meaning of struggle and strife !!
People who make the innocent fools,
Taking for granted, the harmless, as lifeless tools !!
People who ruthlessly interfere and mingle,
Accompanied by their ugly, sly giggle !!
People who boast, about social justice,
Absolutely missing, at the time of crisis !!
Monsters who come out at night, recording the dirtiest things on tape,
Always believing, in the policy of give and take !!
People who attain their religious satisfaction,
By hacking people to death, causing mass destruction !!
People who wilfully spread communal tension,
In the name of showing their latent passion !!
People who give lectures, on the fate of the corrupt,
Themselves being thieves in mask, totally bankrupt !!
And even in the presence of these indirect fascists,
You thought, that dragons do not exist ?


text:
Making sense of Web services security standards
Several industry-standard initiatives on Web services security standards are in progress. Expert Ramesh Nagappan reviews some of the most prominent ones and explains their value.
Because Web-services solutions are implemented using standards-based technologies, it is important to adopt standards-based security mechanisms that facilitate and support interoperability and remain independent of operating systems, application infrastructures and programming languages.
With participation from leading technology companies, several industry-standard initiatives on Web services security standards are in progress. Let's explore the role and motivation of some of the most prominent XML standards and specifications that contribute to Web services security.
XML Signature (XML DSIG)
The XML Signature specification forms the basis for securely exchanging XML documents and conducting secure business transactions. The goal of XML Signature is to ensure data integrity, message authentication and non-repudiation of services. It is an evolving standard for creating and representing digital signatures using XML syntax and processing for XML-based data communication.
XML Signature evolved from the joint effort by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) working groups. In a business scenario involving multiple parties, applying a digital signature to a complete document restricts the document to one party, and adding any further modifications by that party invalidates the originally signed document. To meet those requirements, XML-based digital signature mechanisms are designed to facilitate data integrity in secure XML communication and to provide support for multiple parties.
XML Signature defines the syntax and processing rules that provide the flexibility to add multiple signatures to the different fragments of an XML document. Signatures intended for multiple parties associated with the content of the document can thus be preserved.
To find out the current status of XML Signature specifications from the W3C working group, refer to the W3C Web site.
XML Encryption (XML ENC)
XML Encryption specifications form the basis of securing the data and communication in order to conduct secure business transactions between partners. It is an evolving standard for encrypting and decrypting data and then representing that data using XML.
XML Encryption has emerged from the W3C as an industry-standard initiative for expressing encryption and decryption of digital content in XML. Traditionally SSL/TLS provides encryption for point-to-point communication, and during communication it facilitates encryption of the complete message or document in its entirety. SSL/TLS falls short of key mechanisms intended for XML-based business transactions, which require applying encryption for portions of a message, applying multiple encryptions to different parts of a message and then leaving selected portions of message unencrypted.
This mandates an XML-based digital encryption mechanism that meets the requirements of secure XML communication. These include message-level encryption and multiple encryptions to a message meant for multiple parties, a workflow, or a multi-hop communication.
XML Encryption defines the syntax and processing rules that provide the flexibility of applying encryption or decryption to different fragments or a complete XML document while preserving the encrypted data intended for multiple parties in a workflow or a multi-hop communication involving intermediaries.
To find out the current status of XML Encryption specifications from the W3C working group, refer to the W3C Web site.
XML Key Management Service (XKMS)
XML Key Management Service (XKMS) specifications form the basis for registration, subscription and management of keys in XML Web services. XKMS facilitates PKI Key management functionality and services such as certificate issuance, processing, validation, revocation, status checking and so forth. These services are suitable for use with XML Signature and XML Encryption. XKMS enables offloading of PKI functionalities to remote trust service providers. XML Web services developers need to know only how to invoke these remote services by locating, registering and subscribing to the services.
In the case of Web services, using PKI solutions from multiple vendors mandates interoperability. XKMS introduces an easy solution for managing PKI-related functionalities by offloading PKI from applications to a trusted service provider. The trusted service provider facilitating XKMS service "under the hood" provides a PKI solution. That means client applications and Web services relying on XKMS do not require a PKI solution. Instead, they delegate all PKI-related responsibilities to an XKMS provider (trusted service) and issue XML-based requests for obtaining PKI services from them.
To find out the current status of XKMS specifications from the W3C working group, refer to the W3C Web site.
Web Services Security (WS-Security)
The WS-Security specification (also referred to as OASIS WSS or SOAP Message Security) is an industry-standard effort to secure Web services by collectively supporting and integrating multiple security standards and technologies.
WS-Security forms the basis for building interoperable Web services security infrastructure by defining end-to-end message-level security mechanisms for SOAP messages. With industry support, WS-Security is emerging as the de facto standard for securing Web services and promoting security interoperability in Web services.
In Web services communication, SOAP defines the structure of an XML document and the rules and mechanisms that can be used to enable communication between applications. SOAP does not define or address any specific security mechanisms. Using SOAP headers provides a way to define and add features, enabling application-specific security mechanisms such as digital signature and encryption.
The WS-Security specification incorporates a standard set of SOAP extensions required for securing Web services and implementing message authentication, message integrity, message confidentiality and security token propagation. WS-Security defines mechanisms for defining security tokens that include representing username and password combination, binary security tokens (e.g., X.509 certificate, Kerberos v5 ticket) and XML security tokens (e.g., SAML, REL). WS-Security also adopts signature and encryption mechanisms by building on the W3C XML Signature and XML Encryption specifications for defining the usage of various elements and a processing model for signing and encrypting messages.
To find out the current status of WS-Security specifications from the OASIS working group, refer to the OASIS Web site.
WS-I Basic Security Profile
The Web Services Interoperability Organization (WS-I) started as an industry initiative by leading technology vendors and organizations. Its ultimate goal is to promote interoperability in Web services implementations across platforms, applications, programming languages and devices. As part of its deliverables plan, WS-I introduced the notion of WS-I profiles to address the interoperability issues due to specification versions, dependencies, requirements and vendor interpretations.
The WS-I Basic Security Profile Version 1.x provides a set of requirements and guidelines to promote interoperability by adhering to standards and specifications that contribute to Web services security.
To find out the current status of WS-I Basic Security Profile from the WS-I working group, refer to the WS-I Web site.
Security Assertions Markup Language (SAML)
SAML is an XML–based framework for exchanging security assertion information about subjects. Subjects are entities that have identity-related information specific to a security domain.
SAML plays a vital role in delivering standards-based infrastructure for enabling single sign-on for heterogeneous applications without requiring the use of a single vendor's security architecture. However, SAML does not provide the underlying user authentication mechanism. In addition, SAML provides benefits in terms of interoperability among security providers, enabling remote authorization to support multiple applications under a domain or multiple domains and without duplicating user directory information associated with target applications.
SAML is also designed to be used with other standards. The Liberty Alliance Project, the Shibboleth project and the OASIS WS-Security standards have all adopted SAML as a technological underpinning to support identity management.
To find out the current status of SAML specifications from the OASIS working group, refer to the OASIS Web site.
XML Access Control Markup Language (XACML)
XACML defines a standard format for the expression of authorization rules and polices along with a standard way of evaluating rules and policies to produce authorization decisions. XACML also defines an optional format for making authorization decision requests and responses.
XACML can handle both XML documents and non-XML systems, though it can also handle non-XML objects using a custom context handler. It uses a declarative data model similar to CIM policy. It is generic to all industry sectors, but it is flexible enough to include new functionalities. In some ways, XACML complements SAML 2.0 by providing functionality that handles complex policy sets and rules.
To find out the current status of XACML specifications from the OASIS working group, refer to the OASIS Web site.
About the author: Ramesh Nagappan, CISSP, is a Java Technology Architect at Sun Microsystems who specializes in Java distributed computing architectures for mission-critical enterprise applications, Identity assurance and Access Management. Ramesh is the co-author of Core Security Patterns and also three other books on topics related to J2EE, EAI and Web Services. He frequently speaks at industry conferences related to Java, XML and Security. His current technology focus is on Web services security, identity assurance and strong authentication technologies using PKI, smart cards and biometrics.


text:
- Autoimmune Disorders in Women Possibly Triggered by Seafood
- FDA Approves Noninvasive Colorrectal Cancer Test
- FDA Approves Limited Use of Drug for Ebola
- FDA Approves Edwards Lifesciences Corporation's Sapien XT
- Lymphoseek Injections Approved by FDA for Prolonged Extended Use
- Orexigen Therapeutics' Contrave Awaits FDA's Nod
- FDA Expressed Concern on E-Cigarette Smoking after Increase in Complaint Rate
- E-Cigarette Marketing to Be Regulated by FDA Appealed As They Pose Serious Threat to the Youth
- FDA Goes Tough on Honey with Added Sweeteners
- Is Your Honey Adulterated?
Self-Taking Portraits Can Be a Sign of Mental Illness
- Updated: April 14, 2014
The modern world is gadget freaked and technology driven. Social networking sites are largely accepted platform of interaction these days. Keeping one's profile updated is a huge demand of these sites. Starting from checking in places visited or events attended to recent pictures updated are a few lists of requirements for social media networking portals.
We often indulge in taking self portraits regularly and post them online. Researchers believe that this can be harmful. Psychologists warn that as earlier opposed forms of addictions, taking numerous portraits is not addiction. A symptom known as Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) has affected many of us without our slightest knowledge.
A London based Psychiatrist; Dr. David Veale, based at the Priory Hospital, has revealed that two out of three patients, who visit him for counseling, suffer from Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). The increase of camera phones triggers the compulsive disorder to take self pictures again and again throughout the day. People usually look for the perfect angle to take pictures to hide some flaw in their appearances that they are worried about. We all have imperfections but people with sound mental health do not spend hours in taking self portraits and do not think about physical appearances. People with BDD usually pick up defects which are negligible for others. It is important to pick up the early signs and counsel such patients. Family and friends, coworkers and well wishers should talk it out and help them understand the sensitivity of the issue.
Patients with BDD, suffer from anxiety and depression. This distress is sometimes severe and affects their routine functioning. The other related problems that people can suffer from are obsessive compulsive disorders, social anxiety disorders, acute depression and eating disorders. Treatment is tailored according to the participants need, and a psychiatric counselor addresses each patient differently.


text:
I remember Scoonie Penn cutting down the net. It was still light out, but Ohio State had just become the first team to punch their ticket to the 1999 Final Four. I was 11 years old, sprawled out on the couch, and I couldn't believe it. Not that the Buckeyes were advancing, but that it was almost over.
I've recently begun describing myself as an optimistic pessimist, but I can never decide if a pessimistic optimist would be superior terminology. For example, on Wednesday I start getting excited for the weekend. On Saturday morning? The weekend is basically over, I think, and I'm inconsolable. If you tell me I get paid tomorrow, I start worrying about the two weeks after that. And when the Elite Eight rolls around, I start getting scared that the NCAA Tournament is already over.
I used to watch all the games I could. Sometimes I credit my love for college basketball to the fact that CBS was the only channel we got growing up, as it was piped through an old antenna that was attached to the back of our house. Sometimes CBS would be scratchy, and my brother or I would run out into the yard and start slowly rotating the antenna as the other shouted, "more! More! Good! Stop!" I can still feel the weight of the metal antenna in my hands, about the width of a broomstick, creaking as it easily rotated. When I would look up at the important part, suspended 20 feet in the air, it made me slightly queasy. Maybe I was afraid of heights, but in the opposite sense.
In high school we made brackets in Barb Sorenson's classroom. We would tape them to the wall and every Monday we would cross out the wrong picks and circle the correct ones. I badly wanted to get all of my picks circled so that people would know how much time I poured into college basketball throughout the year. These teams they were hearing about for the first time I'd known about in November, I'd followed their every win, loss, shot, dunk, charge, rebound, and steal. Most of my classmates didn't know Scoonie Penn from Penn State, and it irked me when their picks were better than mine, as they always seemed to be.
It was a stupid idea, that the time I wasted all season would somehow turn out to be useful in March. But it's still an emotion I feel to this day.
For the greatest game in Vermont basketball history, I was in a most unusual place. As the entire state – nay, country – watched the #13 UVM Catamounts go toe-to-toe with Jim Boeheim's #4 Syracuse Orangemen, I was in the green room of a high school theater production of a little-known play named "Don't Look Down." My part already done, the game went into overtime as I repeatedly called my best friend Tate from a landline phone in the science room that served as our "green room," and Tate excitedly narrated the game over the phone. This was years before you could watch the games on a computer or phone. Hell, it was 2005, and years before our high school got high-speed internet.
As the biggest shot in the biggest game the Catamounts ever won went up, Tate went silent on the other end. Point guard TJ Sorrentine was letting it go "From the Parking Lot," 28-feet deep with a one-point lead and the shot clock running down with just over a minute remaining in overtime. Tate screamed so loud the phone started going in and out.
"What happened?!" I whispered, desperate. It was hard to tell if it was a good or bad development. It sounded like someone had gotten murdered.
Tate got back on the phone what felt like minutes later, yelling things at me in a frenzy. "HE SHOT THE SHOT, IT WENT IN, OH MY GOD, IT WENT IN, CHARLIE IT WENT IN."
"Tate, slow down, what the fuck happened?"
Later we watched the game as a large group, Tate having video-recorded it for me, and for posterity. Honestly, it was bittersweet. I couldn't believe I had missed it. 13 years later, I still can't believe it.
On Monday I went into Barb's classroom and crossed out my Syracuse pick. Again, it was bittersweet.
I went to college at a small liberal arts school where hipsterdom prevailed. Basketball wasn't cool. I faked it pretty good my freshman year, acting like I was more into music than sports. But as the year went on, I was increasingly found out, and I kept coming back to sports like a moth to the flame. By sophomore year I'd befriended some guys a year above me that seemed to love the tournament as much as I did. We watched just about every minute of that tournament, the 2008 one, together. We ran into the dorm's parking lot screaming after a deep Western Kentucky buzzer beater downed Drake in the first round. Our RA – her dorm room sharing a wall with the room we watched all the games in – was emotionally done with the tournament the first night it happened. We didn't have the heart to tell her there would be nine more nights like it, and that we didn't plan on watching the games elsewhere.
My bracket was on track that year, too. I had picked Memphis to win the whole thing, and as it went into the National Championship, the Tigers just needed to win and I'd be the champion and have pocketed $90 ever so briefly, prior to buying a bag of weed with all of the proceeds.
It looked good, too. Memphis was up by 10 with under two minutes remaining. But then they stopped making free throws. Mario Chalmers hit a three that sent it to overtime, and I tried to act like I didn't care. There was no fooling anyone. I was near tears as Kansas salted away a national championship victory, I'm pretty sure.
Not just because I lost, though that was 90% of it. But that it was over again.
I moved to Chapel Hill two and a half years ago, when I was 28. I thought it'd be kinda cool to live in a town that is so passionate about college basketball, and it is. I never dreamed that I'd land a job writing for a newspaper, and that I'd cover NC State games, Carolina games, and Duke games as a reporter. That I'd go to NCAA Tournament games in Raleigh one year, and shrug off the chance to cover NCAA Tournament games in Charlotte this year. A decision like that would have made the 11-year-old version of myself sick.
I cheered the Tar Heels on as they beat Gonzaga, redeeming the loss in the final to Villanova the year before. I ran onto Franklin Street with my friend Charlotte, a co-worker and new friend, and we partied with the Heels fans like there was never a doubt that they were supposed to win, and that we were supposed to be there.
But one thing I still have in common with that 11-year-old lounging on the couch, worried about whether or not he had to run outside and move the antenna around again just to see the games more clearly, is that anything beyond the Elite Eight still makes my heart sink.
I think of Scoonie Penn, who cut the nets down 19 years ago now. He enjoyed a professional career overseas in relative obscurity as hundreds of players made their name in March, only to be largely forgotten to time moments later. I wonder if he thought it'd be over so soon. I wonder if Scoonie Penn hates the Elite Eight as much as I do.


text:
My Town Monday: Sofie Zamchick
My Town Monday is all about great local artists that I know personally/ have interacted with in a meaningful way.
Way back in November of 2012, my residence hall was putting on our preliminaries for the university-wide talent show UVL. To give you an idea of the scale of these things at NYU, Lady Gaga won my building's prelim and came in second overall while she was a freshman. As a member of building council, I had the privilege of not only helping to organize the show and constructing the venue in our mini theater, but hosting as well. It was a great day for my ego and a great day for music.
The second place winner of the show was Sofie Zamchick, a singer/songwriter who played an original marimba piece and dazzled the audience with her adorable headband. I still remember tabling for the show months earlier, trying to get acts when she decided to sign up on a whim. It was a good choice on her part, because her performance was one of the best of the night in the minds of judges and audience members.
Sofie's music is as sweet as she is, and her marimba playing is beautifully layered, and a fresh sound where acoustic guitars have become cliches.
Sofie recently performed at the Living Room in New York, and if you're interested in seeing her perform or hearing more of her music, check out her facebook page.
Leave a Reply.
Emily Becker
November 2016


text: Relocated to New York during the late '40s, Johnny Pacheco learned to play sax, percussion and flute in high school. In September 1959, he left Charlie Palmieri's flute and strings orchestra to organize his own. With his first recording, Pacheco y su Charanga, released by Alegre Records in 1961, Pacheco changed the sound of music throughout Latin America and ushered in the "Pachanga" (a strenous dance) era which faded out in 1964. Pacheco and attorney Gerald Masucci founde the Fania label in 1964 and with its first album, LP #325 (Pacheco's birthdate) kicked off the yet unborn salsa era in New York City. ~ Max Salazar


text:
Julie and Cecilia Take on Paris Fashion Week
Every six months Fashion Week is upon us, and yet, we are never truly ready for the week of madness that ensues. No matter how earnestly we plot our schedule we end up wanting to be in multiple places at once, to get the most out of the non-stop action. We were in Paris this week, attending shows and preparing Le Mill's Fall/Winter edit. In between? Lunch on the run, a quick coffee in the Marais and a quick stop to smell the roses. Here's a look at a day in our life:
See you soon, Chanel
7:30 am: Love waking up in my mother's Paris flat – serious upside of Paris Fashion Week! – Cecilia
11 am: The Grand Palais is converted into a Chanel Shopping Centre, a hypermarket of over 500 Chanel 'products'. The models finish their turn and grab a cart, shopping, chatting and comparing products.
Karl Lagerfeld, with another stroke of genius, gave us all a reason to stay a little longer, allowing us to shop ourselves. One can expect the unexpected with Chanel these days.
12 noon: Appointments, Colette… here's where we spend a chunk of our time during fashion week!
1 pm: A working lunch while we meet with the team from The Row to take a closer look at the collection.
THIS bag is even better IRL!
"Which one?" – at Mary Katrantzou
4 pm: Customised clutches for a bride on her special day and a Rainbow collection from Edie Parker – we're sold.
Necessary fashion week accessory – Band-Aid for damaged feet!
5 pm: Last stop for the day – the Acne store, at Le Marais. The merchandise is always so sharp and on-point, it's impossible to leave.
Green flowers to thank our friends for a lovely time! À bientôt Paris!


text:
Until Kyton started teething at 7 month old it was easy. We laid him down like this….
Plug him up once or twice….
and a few minutes later we have this….
He always wakes up a happy boy.
He plays with his guitar, and eats his blanket while calling us to get him out of bed.
Did you notice all of the fuzzies around his bed? He likes to eat his blanket!
This is how it used to be… It's not that easy now.


text:
Power - Power Delivery
Stantec transmission & distribution experts share their knowledge on trends, innovations, and challenges with grid resiliency, aging infrastructure, integrating distributed energy resources, and more facing power grid development.
From Stantec ERA: 5 ways 3D modeling is changing the way we design power projects
Designing substations using 3D models simplifies the engineering process by leveraging software for an integrated design approach
Stantec ERA Issue 02 | The Digital Issue
How is technology changing the energy and resources market?
Stantec ERA Issue 01 | The Energy Remix
What is the future of the energy market?
How to plan for the future of electric vehicles
Incorporating smart technologies to future-proof your charging infrastructure investments
A Day in the Life of Jaclyn
From a young age Jaclyn has always been a problem solver. As an electrical engineer at Stantec, she solves some of New Brunswick's biggest energy challenges every day.
Published in Engineering Inc: Power Transmission Sector Exhibiting Strong, Durable Growth
Stantec's Bill Shelley is featured in an article that focuses on the strong and growing transmission market
Published in Ontario Technologist Magazine: Wood Pole Design for Overhead Power Lines
Daniel Petahtegoose discusses how we can use continue to refine wood pole designs for overhead power lines.
How to not be caught in the dark after the next big storm
3 steps utilities can take to ensure their communities are prepared for the next natural disaster
Mehrdad Rostami published in IEEE Smart Grid white paper: Battery Storage System
This white paper provides solid insight into the role of energy storage, especially as it relates to the Smart Grid.
Microgrids: An energy solution for small towns with big aspirations
A solution for the "chicken and egg" conundrum of smaller municipalities that lack the grid capacity to attract more industry
How can utilities help solve the pollinator crisis?
Utilities should ask themselves three questions before committing to enhancing pollinator habitats: Why? What? Where?
A powerful lesson: Selecting a consultant based on price alone is a risky decision
Building on past client-consultant relationships optimizes project budget and schedule, and promotes innovation in the power industry
What utilities can do now to prepare for a major storm event—4 key initiatives
In hurricane-prone Florida, preparing power delivery systems for resiliency in advance of storms can reduce restoration time and costs
Electrical vehicle charging best practices
Helping clients select suitable electric vehicle charging stations in Canada and other cold climates.
Can Caribbean islands modernize their way to affordable, resilient energy grids?
Storms like Irma and Maria expose the cost and vulnerability of diesel-based energy; renewables and battery storage will change the game
BESS connection impact assessment, considerations, modeling and case study
Mehrdad Boloorchi, Mehrdad Rostami and Vince Green published a paper in IEEE about the considerations required to study and assess the connection impact BESS onto utility grids.
Smart grid technologies for the workplace and community
An overview of the impacts of a "Smart Grid" to our electrical grid, and to our communities and homes.
Mehrdad Rostami co-authors article in Canadian Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Mehrdad Rostami published a paper "Inrush current limiting of transformer primary winding with grounded Y-Connection using diode-bridges" for IEEE's CJECE.
Interconnected smart grids
In IEEE's September 2017 special issue on transmission, Mehrdad Boloorchi's article "Interconnected Smart Grids" was featured.
Classification of external faults, incipient faults, inrush currents and internal faults in power transformers
Mehrdad Rostami co-authored an article in IEEE's Generation, Transmission & Distribution Journal.
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Are You Missing Out on These Educator Tax Deductions?
Legislation passed late in 2015 made many "tax extenders" semi-permanent, but there are still a few esoteric items that keep everyone on tenterhooks when, as once again this year, Congress fails to pass the tax bill by the end of the year. The new Congress is likely to make them retroactive once they finally do pass the bill in 2019.
In addition, 2018 is the first tax year that most of the new provisions of last year's tax reform apply, so there are a lot of changes.
The tax reform does keep the $250 above-the-line deduction for classroom supplies. The $250 deduction is particularly advantageous because it is an above-the-line deduction on Schedule A, which means you don't have to itemize to take it and it reduces your overall adjusted gross income (AGI). This becomes even more important under the tax reform because it virtually doubles the standard deduction, setting the threshold even higher for choosing to itemize. The 2015 legislation indexed the amount to inflation—though it is unchanged at $250 for 2018—and allows professional development expenses to be included in the deduction.
However, the tax reform, officially known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, eliminates itemized deductions for employee business expenses starting in 2018 for the 10-year life of the act. This allowed educators to itemize expenses beyond the $250 as deductions, subject to the 2% threshold of AGI for miscellaneous deductions.
Educators may still benefit from the state and local sales tax deduction (an alternative for states with no state income tax to deduct from federal taxes) even though those breaks don't target them specifically. However, you must itemize in order to claim these deductions. For 2018 and beyond, the deduction for state and local taxes, including property taxes, will be capped at $10,000 and the threshold for choosing to itemize will be much higher with the increased standard deduction.
Many provisions of the tax code have income caps and phase-outs and other wrinkles that may affect your actual tax liability. Be sure to work with a tax advisor or reliable tax software that clearly addresses your situation, especially if you are in the higher income brackets. And keeping receipts or a careful log is critical for the classroom supplies deduction and other tax benefits.
Other situations faced by educators preparing their taxes include:
Income from outside work, such as a summer job or tutoring
If there is no additional withholding on this outside work, you want to be sure to avoid a penalty for under-withholding—i.e., when your overall tax liability exceeds the amount of tax you had withheld by certain margins.
If this is the first year you have had extra income, there won't be any penalty, because your withholding at work will cover 100% of your previous year's income. If you regularly have extra income, your best option is to specify a certain additional amount on your W-4 to be withheld. (Previously, it was possible to adjust your withholding by reducing the number of personal exemptions but these have now been removed in the tax reform.) The other remaining option is make quarterly payments of estimated tax on the additional income.
The outside income should be reported on a Schedule C, where you can also deduct any expenses associated with the outside job. You are also liable for "payroll" taxes (these are the contributions to Social Security and Medicare) on the extra income, which is calculated on a Schedule SE.
Other unreimbursed employment expenses
As noted above, the itemized deductions for employee expenses beyond the $250 have been eliminated in the tax reform, so that deduction is no longer available.
Rules for deducting expenses for a home office are fairly strict (as well as for equipment such as computers). The home office space must be used exclusively for work purposes, which is a tough criterion.
Continuing education
Congress eventually renewed the deduction for college tuition and fees retroactively for 2017, restoring one of the options for a tax break if you take courses that you pay for yourself, whether or not they are required for certification. This allows you to deduct up to $4,000 above the line, so you don't have to itemize to claim it. Whether it will be extended through 2018 is uncertain. The remaining option, which is a permanent part of the tax code, is the Lifetime Learning Credit for 20% of education expenses up to $2,000. This is a credit, so it is taken off your tax liability dollar for dollar. However, it is nonrefundable, which means you have to have some tax liability for it to count against. The American Opportunity Credit, which can apply to the first four years of higher education, is not usually an option for educators.
NOTE: All of the information in this article is accurate as of January 11, 2019.


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From quiet homes and first beginnings,out to the undiscovered ends,there's nothing definitely worth the wear of successful,however laughter and the love of pals.
Stability – Until your new home is sitting on a basis, which most older mobile homes aren't, it is going to likely be up on cinder blocks or other buildings to make it secure. This is not a nasty thing, however it does make for an attention-grabbing thunderstorm expertise – these things can shake pretty good. Also, someone jumping up and down on the ground on one finish of the house might bounce you right away from bed!
Pulling double-obligation: Be cautious of overt solicitation. Content shouldn't be simply an opportunity for self promotion. The primary objective of content marketing is to ship trustworthy and valued info. With that established, alternatives would possibly exist to advertise items and providers. This needs to be accomplished judiciously and inside the context of the content itself. Most people will know when they are being snowed and when something would not smell fairly proper, they may depart.
For single mothers life is a completely different ball recreation. Leading a normal life involves a lot of wrestle and hardships as typically they drop out from their education or fail to find a respectable job to help their families. The US Authorities in this regard offers free grants and far wanted monetary assistance to those girls by means of varied nonprofit organizations, non-public companies, native or state authorities and neighborhood businesses. Regardless of, getting a secured roof over the pinnacle stays the utmost necessity within the lives of those struggling ladies.
Apparently these grants can be found to the native and state authorities which are primarily HUD associates. Single women who are struggling to make restore their homes and need to get regular weatherization providers to keep away from any sort of well being hazards and safety problems. Contact your local authorities, community action businesses, and other nonprofits to get your own home improvement grants.


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Cheerios have long been a popular first finger food for babies; their size and shape make them a perfect snack for new eaters eager to practice the emerging pincer grasp. Sometime around the beginning of the twenty-first century, some genius invented the "baby puff" and boom: a whole generation of toddlers will never hold a Cheerio between dimpled thumb and forefinger. In my own extended family, these snacks have become so popular that my nephew's first word was…you guessed it…"puff!"
While most of us probably know that Cheerios aren't nearly as healthful as they claim to be, we are hopeful about puffs. Might they be the miracle food all parents yearn for—portable and mess-free, appealing to young eaters, AND full of vegetables, whole grains, and nutrients? Like most convenient parenting choices, puffs are, heartbreakingly, too good to be true.
What's Wrong with Puffs?
- Extrusion. All puffs on the market are produced through a process called extrusion, which involves mixing grains with water and–through high temperatures and pressure–forcing them through a tiny hole to give them their desired shape, be it a cornflake or a puff. This process compromises the integrity of the grains' nutrients, breaks the bonds of fatty acids, inactivates enzymes, increases the glycemic index of the food, and often lowers the vitamin and mineral content. If you want to know more about the problem with extruded grains, check out Sally Fallon's illuminating article, "Dirty Secrets of the Food Processing Industry."
- White grains. Many puffs are made of mostly white rice or other non-whole grains. If you're buying puffs for your baby, opt for varieties whose first few ingredients are whole grain flours or at least brown rice flour, although brown rice often contains high levels arsenic so should also be limited.
- The myth of the "green puff." Yes, the puffs your baby is enjoying are a lovely emerald color, bringing to mind broccoli, kale, and spinach. And indeed, veggie puffs do contain powdered broccoli, powdered kale, and/or powdered spinach. Unfortunately, these powders lack all the fibers of real veggies, and the nutrients from powdered vegetables may not be absorbed by the body the same way nutrients from whole vegetables are. Plus, as we've just established, the puff is comprised mostly of grains, often white ones, so the nutritional punch of the veggie powder is probably negligible.
- Lecithin. Puffs often contain lecithin made from either soy or sunflower seeds. Hexane, a petroleum-based neurotoxin and air pollutant, is commonly used to separate vegetable oil from seeds. Lecithin of all kinds should be avoided unless it is organic, which means it is entirely free of hexane residue. For this and other obvious reasons, always choose organic puffs.
- Sugar. Don't just watch for the actual S-word–you'll more likely see "evaporated cane syrup" or some such euphemism. Even "fruit juice concentrate," a popular puff-sweetener, is only marginally better than regular old white sugar.
- Packaging. While puffs all now come in BPA-free canisters, all plastic potentially contains hormone-disrupting chemicals.
The Bottom Line on Puffs
Ideally, babies would eat only whole foods when they are learning to enjoy finger snacks–raspberries, small hunks of baked squash or banana, or cubes of avocado would all make good choices. Unfortunately, these foods are messy and not nearly as convenient as puffs, making them a lousy substitute when you need snacks for the car or park. My kids don't like them, but freeze-dried fruits are a convenient and more healthful alternative to puffs, so give them a try. Also check out my company's Chief Health Officer's ever-popular blog post, 10 Ways to Get Your Kids Off Junk Food and Demanding Vegetables for inventive but easy healthful snack ideas. As for puffs, I'm not going to promise my babies won't ever eat them, but I'll no longer be fooled into thinking that a tube of extruded, mostly white grains tossed with sugar and a bit of kale powder, is as good for my 6-month-old as a nice steaming bowl of kale (was I the only one hoping that was the case?).


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Bridget Gleason is VP of Sales for Logz.io and my regular partner on Front Line Fridays.
- Black Panther is compelling and well-done!
- Andy would like to see more conversations about the fun of sales — meeting people, building relationships, humorous situations, etc. Bridget says that more and more, sales today lacks face-to-face interaction.
- Hitting a number is fun. Having a goal and achieving it is fun. Team dynamics are fun.
- Andy looks back at his sales time. Over 90% of his sales interactions were by phone, supplemented with meeting an international customer once or twice a year. Getting a customer to a good decision for them was fun.
- For Bridget, most deals were done face-to-face. Today, that is not true for her team, even though there are face-to-face meetings along with phone, email, text, and Zoom videos. The composition of deals has changed.
- Bridget agrees that fun is really important at work. Sales can be very, very stressful.
- Andy wrote in his newsletter that we take sales too seriously (compared to other things in this world). Having fun correlates with better outcomes and success.
- Jerry Seinfeld on a late-night show talked about his father's career in sales. His father would play a game he called "Break that Face," where he got the customer to laugh, even if there wasn't a likely sale.
- Andy and Bridget also tried to get people to break out of their hard, difficult personas in their interactions. The attitude that we bring every day to the office matters. It affects our success.
- Sales is not typically a matter of life and death. If you project a sense of enjoyment in your work, it's contagious and it can help you overcome some buyer hurdles. Creating human connections can lead to business.
- Bridget talks about a hiring interview she had with someone who maintained a flat, emotionless appearance. She was determined to have some fun with that person. Who do you want to be around? Make things interesting.
- Be authentic; be yourself. Don't mirror a dull expression. The worst that can happen is that they won't connect with you. At least you can have fun trying. Enjoy yourself. Others will be more inspired.


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Upcoming Concerts
Reformation 500: A Celebration
29 October 2017, Sunday, 10 AM
St. David's Episcopal Church
4700 Roland Ave., Baltimore, MD 21210
Bach: Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott
This is a free event!
Peabody String Sinfonia
7 November 2017, Tuesday, 8 PM
Peabody Institute, 1 E. Mt. Vernon Pl., Baltimore, MD 21202
Griswold Hall
Peabody String Sinfonia performs works by Bach, Elgar, Mozart, Tchaikovsky and other stunning music for full string ensemble.
For more concerts, view my calendar page here.
Recent Projects


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We are extremely proud to now represent the Bernina Brand in our store. Bernina is synonymous with quality and expertise and we will do our best to assist you with your Bernina queries. Keep a look out for out Bernina dedicated classes in the new year. "BERNINA Australia prides itself on providing exceptional levels of… [Continue Reading]
Welcome BERNINA!
Categorized in QLD Shops – Brisbane Quilt Shops
Tags: A Front Page Feature, Bernina, Brisbane Patchwork Shop, Brisbane Quilt Shop, caboolture sewing machines, Morayfield Sewing Machines, Queensland Patchwork Quilting, Sewing & Embroidery Machines


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Water softeners are a very important feature of your plumbing system for they determine the water quality in your Meridian, ID home. If you think you have poor water quality, get in touch with Proficient Plumbing Service LLC right now. We provide water softener installation and repair services.
Water softeners filter out what's called "hard water." "Hard water" is water that is a little too mineral heavy. When you have too much calcium or magnesium in your water, it can affect the water quality significantly. Water softeners use specialized salts to filter these minerals out so that you can enjoy clean, pure water in your home.
To learn more about water softeners, call the experts at Proficient Plumbing Service today.
Your water softener plays a crucial role in water quality. Ensure high water quality for your home or business in Meridian, ID by calling Proficient Plumbing Service for water softener installation.
If you already have a water softener, here are five common warning signs that you need a repair or a replacement:


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My mentor told me to watch the movie, but I couldn't find a good version. However, I found this fantastic dramatic reading of the book.
I read this book a long time ago in the '70's when it came out. Sure wish I had listened to it then. Would have saved me a lot of years of going nowhere. Now, I am on the spiritual path again. Let's all make this our New Year's resolution. That this will be the year that we change ourselves. Blessings and peace to you all. Enjoy.
Here is a Neil Diamond song from the movie
Now here is a great dramatic reading of the book. It isn't long. Make a resolution to read it before New Year's day. Plan your life around your spirituality, not your spirituality around your life and all will be well with you.
Peace again and blessings for a great New Year and a great New Beginning.
Hear is part 2:


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Qompendium is an evolving and ever-changing platform for philosophy, art, culture and science, represented by a series of print publications: magazines, books and monographs. Furthermore, it is enriched by a gallery concept, a work shop and a fast-moving online portal.
Known as the "the father of modern sculpture", Constantin Brâncuși was a painter, architect and a master of "abstract art". Through his original work he became one of the most well-known sculptors of the 20th century and Romania's most famous international artist.
Brancusi's Prométhée sculpture, a gilded bronze head, was sold at a Sotheby's auction in New York for some 12.6 million USD on May 2nd, 2012. The work of art was conceived and cast in an edition of four in 1911.
Wikipedia on Constantin_Brâncuși
Monday, 17.03.2014
07:15 (Cet)


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Saturday, August 7, 2010
Romer Post-mortem
Romer deserves props for arguing for a larger stimulus, but she backed up her arguments with economic projections which suggested the downturn would be short and one of the lightest recessions in the post-war period, despite this being the worst financial crisis. The moment that projection was made, we here at the Economists for Firing Larry Summers pointed out that her forecasts were nonsense.
Secondly, I suspect she supported the reconfirmation of Ben Bernanke, which was a horrendous mistake. If she disagreed with it, she should have resigned then.
Thirdly, the administration waited over a year to make a Fed Board appointment. I suspect that had she really been pushing this as a priority, it would have gotten done sooner. This was a clear administration mistake, and its importance is not to be understated. The more I think about it, the more foolish I think it was.
Fourthly, she didn't "work the refs" at all. I don't get the sense that she's been out there persuading reporters and economists to attack Bernanke's patently wrong policies like we have here at "Economists for Firing Larry Summers". I suspect the reason is she doesn't grasp what the Fed's been doing (or hasn't been doing), and that she actually believes Ben Bernanke is doing just fine.
But, alas, I suspect the voters this fall will send a message to the Democrats how well they think Ben Bernanke is doing.
3 comments:
- AnonymousAugust 8, 2010 at 9:10 PM
What is the value added of an economist? You sound as if there are good ones and bad ones.ReplyDelete
I mean, seriously, how many of them correctly foresaw the crash and the recession that followed? These guys know about as much about what to do at this point as you or me.
- AnonymousAugust 9, 2010 at 1:08 PM
Not true, exactly. Many economists saw that there was a housing bubble, and that the Fed should have deflated it sooner. Many economists called for a larger stimulus, many economists noticed that Romer's economic projections in the beginning of 2009 were overly optimistic, and the question of what to do now is really quite simple. The Fed should be doing more QE, and Congress should pass another stimulus.ReplyDelete
Nevertheless, I certainly share your sense of pessimism toward the Economics profession as a whole.
- AnonymousAugust 10, 2010 at 3:29 AM
The larger stimulus call in complete and total Keynesian nonsense. It is an economics canard. The problem with the stimulus, and any stimulus that our horrible govt. would do is that it is not a stimulus at all but a handout to their buddies. The stimulus money and all future stimulus monies are just wasted on inefficient corporatist crap. How about a payroll tax cut for everyone? How about giving every mortgage holder a capital reduction. I have heard some good economists and pundits call for appropriate stimulus that will actually stimulate but instead what we get are bad policy that pull forward demand (cash for clunkers, home purchase subsidy, etc.). Garbage economics and Garbage politics go hand in hand over the cliff.ReplyDelete


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In late June, StubHub engineers attended the Bot Hackathon at Skype's offices in Palo Alto, and ended up celebrating a win for StubHub engineers Pablo Flores and Carlos Lopez.
Pablo and Carlos entered the developer hack-a-thon at the event and took first place in the "productivity bot" category.
The inaugural event was sponsored by Skype and Microsoft to evangelize a new framework that allows developers to build cross-platform bots that work on Skype and also run on KIK, Facebook Messenger, SMS and more.
The first-place StubHub bot was leveraged from a KIK-based proof of concept that Pablo created. It uses a text messaging interface to dialog with users and help them find events in their local areas, ultimately sending users to StubHub to buy tickets.
Today, Skype announced a series of new chatbots for the messaging platform, including the new StubHub chatbot, a fun, simple way to find your tickets out to an amazing event. Read more on the Skype blog, and add the StubHub Bot to find tickets to some of life's most memorable artists, athletes, performers and experiences in the U.S. and Canada.


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Race and Ethnicity
The persistence of substantial racial and ethnic disparities in economic outcomes is an especially visible reminder that opportunities to get ahead remain starkly unequal. For scholars of race and ethnicity, the main research tasks are to document how racial disparities in education, marriage, and labor market outcomes are changing, how they are generated, and how they might be reduced.
Are racial and ethnic differences in grades, high school graduation, college attendance, and college completion growing smaller or larger? What types of policy interventions might close racial and ethnic gaps in educational attainment?
Marriage and friendship
Why are interracial marriages becoming more common? Does this increase in interracial marriages serve to reduce racial and ethnic prejudices?
Labor market
What accounts for racial and ethnic differences in hiring, promotion, and pay? How important is discrimination in accounting for these differences? Are such differences growing larger or smaller?
"When the rich wage war it is the poor who die." - Jean-Paul Sartre
Featured Examples
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Click on the active buttons for a full listing of all the important policy analysis, basic research, or journalism addressing this key issue. Also explore our working papers addressing this key issue and our affiliates with expertise in this key issue.


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Winter X-Games teaser
Be ready to live a unique, interactive and energizing Winter X Games 2012 experience!
- Snowboard Slopestyle: Ulrik Badertscher and Stale Sandbech
- Snowboard Superpipe: Mathieu Crepel and Arthur Longo
- Real Snow: Gigi Ruf and Mathieu Crepel
Wednesday 14 March @ 13:00 – 14:00 Burn Rider Signing Session @ Burn Zone, X-Fest
Gigi Ruf powers through powder
8 professional snowboarders have submitted a 90 second backcountry video. These will be judged by an expert panel and the top 3 athletes awarded X Games medals. First prize is $50,000!! Burn Riders Gigi Ruf and Mathieu Crepel are in the running alongside other world class snowboarders such as Nicolas Muller & Jussi Oksanen. Find out who wins….
One film will be awarded $10,000 as the Fan's Choice. Check out the Fan's Choice final and cast your vote:
Open Every Day | 10:00 – 18:00 @ X Park
Burn gives riders of all abilities the chance to test out their acrobatic skills on the Burn Airbag. No crashes, just good times and soft landings! Each jump will be filmed and uploaded to the users' facebook.
Open Every Day from 10:00
Come watch all the X Games action on the big screen from the comfort of a burn deckchair at the Burn Zone.
Fancy a bit more action? Play our Human/Machines interactive facebook game and become a pro rider.
Burn will fuel the official X Games parties: The Backyard Sessions @ Bluegirl, Val Claret from 23:00 – 05:00
- Wednesday 14 March| Opening Party | PARA ONE / SURKIN / BOBMO & DAS GLOW (Marble)
- Thursday 15 March | Real Snow Party | KITO (Mad Decent) & DJ FEADZ (Ed Banger) / DOUSTER (Mad Decent)
- Friday 16 March | Closing Party | TREVOR ANDREW (NYC –live DJ set) / CANBLASTER & PANTEROS666 / MANARE
Tickets are available on the door from 23:00 at 15€
You can see some of the highlights of the 2011 X-games, by following the link.


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|Home > North-East Asia >> North Korea
Annual Report North Korea
Amnesty International - May 24, 2012
The year ended with Kim Jong-un succeeding his father as absolute ruler of the country on 17 December, but there were no indications of an improvement in the country's dismal human rights record. North Koreans continued to suffer violations of nearly the entire spectrum of their human rights. Six million North Koreans urgently needed food aid and a UN report found that the country could not feed its people in the immediate future. There were reports of the existence of numerous prison camps where arbitrary detention, forced labour, and torture and other ill-treatment were rife. Executions, including public executions, persisted. Collective punishment was common. Violations of freedom of expression and assembly were widespread.
Kim Jong-il died, reportedly of a heart attack, in December, ending his 17-year tenure as state leader, a position he inherited from his father, Kim Il-sung. Kim Jong-un, Kim Jong-il's son, was appointed his successor.
In June, the UN Security Council extended for a third term the mandate of the expert body dealing with UN sanctions imposed on North Korea for nuclear arms testing.
Flooding caused by heavy rains beginning in June was compounded by a typhoon in August, causing widespread damage, especially in north and south Hwanghae provinces. A total of 68 people were reportedly killed or missing and more than 25,000 left homeless as a consequence.
Food crisis
Deaths from starvation were reported in South Pyongan province in January, and in North and South Hamkyung provinces since April 2010. In April, the World Food Programme, Food and Agricultural Organization and UNICEF launched an emergency operation to reach 3.5 million of the most vulnerable children, women and elderly.
A report, released in November by the Food and Agricultural Organization and the World Food Programme, found that much of the population suffered prolonged food deprivation from May to September as the Public Distribution System ration of cereals was reduced to 200g or less per person per day. This amounted to just one third of a person's minimum daily energy requirements. The report indicated that malnutrition affected one in four women aged 15 to 49, while just over a third of all infants suffered from stunting and nearly a fifth were underweight. The report further cited a 50 to 100 per cent increase in the admissions of malnourished children into paediatric wards compared with the previous year.
Despite the crisis, international food aid remained dependent on geopolitics. Reports in February suggested that the government had ordered its embassies to appeal to foreign governments for food aid. Following an aid-monitoring visit, the European Commission decided in June to provide €10 million in emergency food aid. The USA did not send food aid to North Korea, reflecting concerns over the monitoring of its distribution.
Arbitrary arrests and detention
In apparent preparation for a succession of power, unconfirmed reports suggested that, in January, the State Security Agency detained over 200 officials, some of whom were feared executed, while others were sent to political prison camps. Credible reports estimated that up to 200,000 prisoners were held in horrific conditions in six sprawling political prison camps, including the notorious Yodok facility. Thousands were imprisoned in at least 180 other detention facilities. Most were imprisoned without trial or following grossly unfair trials and on the basis of forced confessions.
Torture and other ill-treatment
Men, women and children in the camps were tortured and ill-treated, including by being forced to work in dangerous conditions. The combination of hazardous forced labour, inadequate food, beatings, totally inadequate medical care and unhygienic living conditions, resulted in prisoners falling ill, and a large number died in custody or soon after release. The government continued to deny the existence of political prison camps.
Death penalty
In July, there were unconfirmed reports that the authorities had either executed by firing squad or killed in staged traffic accidents 30 officials who had participated in inter-Korean talks or supervised bilateral dialogue. On 10 March, the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions wrote to the government regarding 37 reported cases of executions between 2007 and 2010 for "financial crimes".
Freedom of expression
In June, the authorities allowed the Associated Press to establish a news bureau in Pyongyang. Reuters news agency announced that it had received permission to operate a satellite dish in Pyongyang. Nevertheless, there were no independent domestic media, no known independent opposition political parties and no independent civil society. Criticism of the government and its leaders was strictly curtailed, and punishable by arrest and incarceration in a prison camp. Only a select few people had internet access, mostly through a closely monitored intranet network. Officials clamped down on users of Chinese mobile phones, and phone connections were blocked in Sinuiju, the border city near Dandong in China.
Freedom of movement
North Korean citizens faced severe restrictions on travel both within the country and abroad. Thousands of North Koreans who fled to China in search of food and employment were often forcibly repatriated to North Korea by the Chinese authorities. They were routinely beaten and detained upon return. Those suspected of being in touch with South Korean NGOs or attempting to escape to the Republic of Korea (South Korea) were more severely punished. Reports in July suggested that North Korean authorities ordered a crackdown on people leaving the country without permission. In October, unconfirmed reports indicated that the National Security Agency had arrested at least 20 North Koreans in September in Shenyang, China. The 20 were forcibly returned to North Korea and detained at a National Security Agency facility in North Hamkyung province.
Refugees and asylum-seekers
More than 23,500 North Koreans were granted nationality in South Korea; hundreds were in Japan. According to figures released in 2011 by UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, there were 917 North Korean asylum-seekers in "refugee-like situations" in 2010 in countries including Australia, Germany, Netherlands, UK and USA.
International scrutiny
In March, 27 North Koreans were handed over to the North Korean navy. They were part of a 31-member group (20 women, 11 men) whose fishing boat had drifted into South Korean waters in thick fog in February. Four of this group decided to remain in South Korea and were given nationality. In June, nine North Koreans reached South Korea by boat. Following this, the North Korean authorities reportedly restricted travel of its citizens to border areas and banned small boats along its west coast. In September, nine North Koreans, including three children, were discovered off the coast of Japan's Ishikawa Prefecture aboard a small wooden fishing boat. They were initially detained in Nagasaki and were later allowed to leave for South Korea.
The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in North Korea was denied permission to visit the country. In September, 40 NGOs, including Amnesty International, inaugurated an international coalition in Tokyo, calling for a Commission of Inquiry to investigate crimes against humanity committed by the North Korean government. In May, Robert King, the US Ambassador for North Korean human rights and humanitarian affairs, made an unprecedented visit to the country, leading a delegation to gauge the seriousness of the food crisis. On his departure, he was accompanied by newly released Korean-American missionary Jun Eddie Yong-su, who had been detained for six months for "inappropriate or illegal religious activity".
Country Reports
Country Visits
North Korea: Political prison camps
No information on visits available
See also:


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I found this NetApp Buying Guide by Drew Robb at https://www.enterprisestorageforum.com/storage-hardware/netapp-storage-buyers-guide.html
No pricing in this article, just marketing info.
NetApp (formerly Network Appliance) is one of the big players in the world of storage hardware. It pioneered the network attached storage (NAS) market in the 1990s, and since that time it has been locked in an eternal struggle with EMC in several storage hardware markets. In particular, NetApp (NASDAQ: NTAP) is now a major advocate of unified storage.
"NetApp believes that storage will evolve from shared virtualized storage and scale-out NAS today to a unified architecture at scale, which means the ability of unified storage (SAN plus NAS) to work effectively without having an upper boundary on performance or capacity," said David Hill, an analyst at Mesabi Group.
The company offers an extensive range of products that are arranged in four primary categories:


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Connector Program
What is The Valley Connector Program?
The Valley Connector Program is not an employment program.
How do I qualify?
There are two roles within the Valley Connector Program: Connectors and Connectees.
Connectors are business and community leaders with wide ranging networks. To be a Connector, you must be willing to meet with a Connectee for 30 minutes to an hour and provide them with three contacts following your meeting.
Connectees can be migrants or immigrants, as well as soon-to-be and recent graduates. If you are new to the Annapolis Valley Region, consider yourself under- or unemployed, speak French and/or English, and have a post-secondary education, you meet the requirements of the Valley Connector Program.
How do I sign up?
If you, or someone you know, fits the criteria of either a Connector or Connectee, contact the Program Coordinator at firstname.lastname@example.com to find out more!
35 Webster Street, Suite 102, Kentville, Nova Scotia B4N 1H4
Phone: 902 678 2200
E-mail: email@example.com
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