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Use of the Internet to Counter the Appeal of Extremist Violence. Conference Summary & Follow-up/ Recommendations
by the United Nations Counterterrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF), Working Group on Use of the Internet for Terrorist Purposes Riyadh, 24 - 26 January 2011.
The Internet is a key way for violent extremists to encourage others to adopt their views. In their messaging to potential supporters and vulnerable audiences, extremists use simplistic analysis and offer violent solutions to problems that span a range of complex social, economic and political issues at both a local and global level.
Finding effective ways to counter such messages was at the heart of discussions at the Riyadh Conference on the "Use of the Internet to Counter the Appeal of Extremist Violence." Co-hosted by the United Nations Counterterrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF) and the Naif Arab University for Security Sciences in Riyadh in partnership with the Center on Global Counterterrorism Cooperation, and supported by the Governments of Germany and Saudi Arabia, the Riyadh conference followed two previous meetings of the CTITF Internet Working Group, one on legal aspects of the use of the Internet for terrorist purposes, and the other on technical aspects.[1] The conference brought together around 150 policy-makers, experts and practitioners from the public sector, international organisations, industry, academia and the media. Several States participated at ministerial or ambassadorial level. The choice of Saudi Arabia as a venue reflected its considerable effort to identify effective counter-terrorism measures, including in combating terrorist use of the Internet and in constructing and delivering effective counter-narratives.
The conference focused on identifying good practices in using the Internet to undermine the appeal of terrorism, to expose its lack of legitimacy and its negative impact, and to undermine the credibility of its messengers. Key themes included the importance of identifying the target audience, crafting effective messages, identifying credible messengers, and using appropriate media to reach vulnerable communities. The Conference agreed that Governments might not always be best placed to lead this work and needed the cooperation of civil society, the private sector, academia, the media and victims of terrorism. Given the global nature of terrorist narratives and the need to counter them in the same space, there was a special role for the United Nations in facilitating discussion and action.
This report includes a list of possible follow-up projects, further recommendations, and a summary of the discussion.
Action Points/Possible Follow-on Projects:
1. Collect examples of extremist messages on the Internet and identify the strengths and weaknesses of both their content and delivery through web-stats analysis and user reactions so as to be able to undermine strengths and exploit weaknesses in constructing and delivering counter-narratives. Analyze themes and discussion threads on extremist websites.
2. Collect and analyze examples of counter-narratives on the Internet so as to build a picture of what works and what does not, both in terms of content and delivery.
3. Build a hub for deconstructing extremist narratives on the Internet, providing counter narratives and training workshops for practitioners, students, journalists, etc.
4. Identify the types/groups of users who access extremist messages so as to be able to reach them through the same portals with counter-narratives that play to their specific concerns and cultural influences.
5. Draw up a register of potential messengers both by category/geography and as individuals and create a platform for interaction. Messengers might include victims and former extremists.
6. Provide journalists with an easily accessible roster of experts on extremism and counter-extremism that they can turn to for substantive comment (i.e. by building on efforts such as the Global Expert Finder of the Alliance of Civilizations). Identify and draw up a list of media partners.
7. In consultation with the Organization of the Islamic Conference establish a project to offer analysis of radical messages and training for all interested stakeholders on the design and delivery of counter-narratives in order to avoid legitimizing extremist messaging and wherever possible expose its illegitimacy (in partnership with the Alliance of Civilizations).
8. Discuss with industry partners (incl. search-engine hosts) the technical possibilities of ensuring counter-narratives appear at or near the top of results pages for specific search criteria.
1. Promote counter-narratives through all relevant media channels (online, print, TV/Radio).
2. Make available in the same space a counter-narrative whenever a new extremist message appears on Facebook, YouTube or similar outlets.
3. Offer rapid counter-narratives to political developments (e.g. highlight the absence of Al-Qaida and other extremist groups from popular protests).
4. Consider selective take-down of extremist narratives that have the elements of success.
5. Ensure that counter-narratives include messages of empathy/understanding of political and social conditions facing the target audience, rather than limiting the counter-narrative to lecturing or retribution.
6. Offer an opportunity for engagement in crafting and delivering counter-narratives to young people who mirror the 'Internet Brigade' members of Al-Qaida.
7. Support the establishment of civil society networks of interested groups, such as women against violent extremism, parents against suicide bombers or schools against extremism.
Session I: Framing the Issue – The Spread of Violent Extremism through the Internet
The Internet, though a neutral medium, can play a key role in spreading violent extremist messages to individuals who might otherwise remain immune. The Internet empowers the shy and allows alienated people with extremist views to find others who agree with them. This can lead to mutual reinforcement of beliefs and validation of a world view that is otherwise hard to sustain. Forums that promote a radical philosophy however, often contain many different ideological strands. Audiences often approach forums in a state of confusion which then clarifies as they gravitate towards other members and harden their outlook. While it can and does happen, people do not always approach a forum with the intention of joining a terrorist group or even of becoming members of the ideological ghettos that exist on the Internet. The effectiveness of networks depends on their success on several levels: organizational (binding members together), narrative (strengthening self-definition); doctrinal (hardening beliefs and objectives); technological (improving capacity), and social (building trust and loyalty). Opportunities to break down networks also exist in all these categories.
The Internet has enabled the collection of extremist ideas and materials that may lead a vulnerable individual to recruit himself, sometimes unaided by any intermediary. Such self-recruited extremists can join a community of like-minded individuals which then develops its own ideology. These networks are resilient and adaptive, despite growing law enforcement efforts to take them down. Online extremist forums can play a key role in the radicalization process of an individual or a group. Often identified with religious symbolism and rituals, and a rejection of western cultures, these forums provide individuals that feel emotional outrage with a sense of identity and purpose which may lead them to consider it a personal duty to take action as soldiers in a war to protect their community. The problem of radicalization however is not limited to Al-Qaida-related terrorism. Extremism can grow out of the domestic conditions of any country, and the Internet can play a facilitating role in radicalizing any set of vulnerable individuals in the same way that it does for Al-Qaida-related extremists.
In this respect, participants cautioned against using misleading terminology, in particular as relates to deviations from Islam and the actions of violent Muslims; terms such as jihad or neo-jihad are unhelpful and counter-productive. There was complete agreement that Al-Qaida represents neither the Muslim community nor Islamic belief.
Session I: Framing the Issue II – the Terrorist Narrative (Objective and Success)
A speaker presented a comprehensive study of terrorist web forums and the ways they have been used to develop terrorist ideas and activities. These web forums provide relative anonymity; wide availability; resilient infrastructure; interactivity, and comprehensive pools of information, as well as links between armed extremists and their support bases and among themselves. It was noted that even though many Al-Qaida web forums are weakening and some have not recovered from take-down actions, they should not be underestimated, as at least three or four principal forums are fully active and in direct contact with the Al-Qaida leadership. Most Al-Qaida web forums are now password-protected, allowing access only to established members.
Another speaker examined the types of Internet content terrorists access, using the example of the Madrid bombers. The terrorists had used the Internet for communication within and beyond the terrorist network, to share information on current events, as a tool for indoctrination and to maintain ideological group cohesion, and to share operational knowledge on violent tactics and on targets. The computers recovered from the bombers contained propaganda and proselytizing texts and audio/video clips from key leaders as well as from unidentified preachers, all reinforcing the legitimacy of terrorism.
As much as the Internet is a complementary tool for individual radicalization, in many cases the key radicalization channel still remains face-to-face interaction. Often a surprisingly short time elapses between a person becoming interested in radical ideas on the Internet and meeting someone in real life who reinforces those ideas.
The main objectives of the terrorist message are to build a sense of community, instill a sense of responsibility to defend it and promote the idea that it is under attack from a specific enemy.
Session II. The Message: Crafting a Counter Narrative
Participants made the point that extremists often get things wrong and that the web allows an opportunity for an aggressive exploitation of their mistakes. One example was the intimidating messages sent to imams and others in Afghanistan which in fact exposed the violence and intolerance of the terrorist approach. A counter-narrative was likely to succeed better if it was aggressive rather than defensive. It was also useful to underline the lack of success enjoyed by terrorist groups, the counterproductive consequences for the communities that terrorists claim to defend and the lack of legitimacy for terrorist action. However, while terrorist argumentation often shows weaknesses in content and logic, the counter-narrative that points these out needs more substance to sustain itself. Counter narratives should contain facts and have a transparency that undermines any criticism of them as information operations.
Participants emphasized the importance of finding voices that resonate with the audiences that counter narratives aim to reach, for example those of former terrorists. It was important to highlight the arguments that had led them to denounce violence. Similarly, it was useful to examine the content of internal critiques that are known to have had an impact on extremist thought. In the case of Indonesia, messages by people still involved in the movement had more impact than arguments against bombings made by former militants, in part because they went beyond the usual point-counterpoint of most arguments. Their impact suggested that an effective Internet counter-narrative requires a thorough familiarity with ongoing debates. If extremist movements are constantly evolving, then counter-strategies aimed at an Internet audience will need to do the same, showing flexibility and an ability to adapt to changing events.
A successful counter narrative should not necessarily be limited to renouncing violence but also point out that violence does not achieve the desired outcomes, while showing understanding of the political and social conditions that face target audiences. The audience that a counter-narrative should aim to persuade does not comprise foot-soldiers, but rather reasonably well-educated computer-literate members of religious discussion groups, the intellectuals who are or might become recruiters and trainers in terrorist circles, and university students who might be tempted to provide moral, logistical or financial support. An effective message should urge them to act in a different, more effective and positive capacity. An empathetic message that demonstrates understanding of the issues that may push an individual to extremism is likely to have greater effect than one that simply says he is wrong.
A discussant gave the example of Abu Muhammad al-Maqdisi's criticism of his former pupil, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi which was translated into Indonesian as They are Mujahidin But They Made Mistakes (Mereka Mujahid Tapi Salah Langkah). The success of such counter-narrative efforts is largely dependent on the timing of their release, especially in the immediate aftermath of incidents that have dealt major setbacks to the movement.
Participants also discussed the importance of exploiting terrorist groups' strategic and doctrinal vulnerabilities. According to a discussant, this would mean that counter narrative messages need to compete in a space where undecided young people are trying to decide what activity they should support. Therefore, deploying sustained messaging to key audiences is essential. In doing so, counter narrative messages can also highlight the collateral damage of terrorist acts (Al-Qaida is killing the Ummah), challenge Al-Qaida's doctrinal vulnerabilities, undermine the authority of the messenger ('Who made you the leader, anyway?') and attack the terrorist brand image ('This isn't what I signed up for!').
Similarly, counter-narrative efforts need to focus on deconstructing religious extremist propaganda in the media where images and videos provoke emotional outrage. It is necessary to deconstruct such content by analyzing the religious sources in their original context, demonstrate the terrorist intention and replace the terrorist interpretation with a mainstream moderate perspective.
An aspect that could also be exploited is the way that web forums allow for top-down authority, and so can shape the debate towards peaceful protest, albeit radical, rather than violent protest.
Session III. The Messengers and the Media: Delivering the Narrative
The importance of the role of the messenger was highlighted repeatedly, given that the messenger is as important as the message itself. Participants discussed the critical damage that may be done if a messenger communicates the wrong message or is not knowledgeable about the topic. Individuals who have been victims of terrorism form possibly the most powerful group of messengers as they can promote a counter-narrative through personal stories and so 'speak truth to terror'. A representative of a terrorism victims' network argued that instead of terrorists getting all the attention from the media, the victims of terrorism should be allowed the same platform to challenge the terrorist narrative.
Participants discussed the routes to radicalization, and whether conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism have less to do with ideology than with personal experience of social exclusion and marginalization. In radicalisation there was often a degree of accidental contact in an hour of need rather than a deliberate path. While there was no agreement as to the specifics of what "causes" terrorism, discussants agreed that effective counter-narratives had to focus in particular on vulnerable and marginalized communities, with an aim to empowering young people. Research from across different regions - including the Middle East, Europe, and South America - seemed to indicate that radical movements were often most successful in recruiting new followers when offering some form of identity/sense of belonging. In this context, one participant highlighted the similarities in the recruitment approach of terrorist groups and criminal gangs, pointing out that a common factor was the focus on young people. Comparing a group like Al-Qaida to a street gang could be part of an effective counter-narrative, but an effective strategy had to offer more than words or remote role models. It had to provide the emotional and physical support that individuals sought by joining terrorist or criminal gangs. It was further agreed that developing and implementing coherent youth programs was potentially one of the more effective ways to counter the extremist narrative.
Credible Messengers as Important as the Message
While it was important to craft effective messages focused on particular target audiences, participants agreed that having credible messengers deliver the message was as important as the message itself. One participant pointed out that the image presented by Usama bin Laden was extremely persuasive to devout Muslims, regardless of what he said and did, and the counter narrative should hesitate to attack such iconic figures head on. There was broad agreement about the significance of former extremists who generally have greater credibility within their communities than governments or international organizations. The problem, however, was that there was a high demand but low supply of such voices.
Furthermore, engaging with former extremists posed two significant challenges:
1) most are not part of any organized structure (i.e. NGOs/civil society organizations) so it is difficult to reach out to them; and 2) many of them often do not have the tools (facts, religious understanding, etc) to be effective in engaging other members of their communities susceptible to extremist ideologies. One way to address this was to build networks of credible voices, across terrorist groups, gangs, cults and other sectors of society (for example sports stars), and provide an institutional home such as a NGO which could coordinate their activities and provide them a platform.
Noteworthy Initiatives: The Power of Peace Network
Participants highlighted the important role technology can play in both crafting and delivering counter-narratives. One participant highlighted a UNESCO-led Initiative entitled the "Power of Peace Network" which strives to become a worldwide social networking community in pursuit of peace. The Network aims to engage and inspire young people by harnessing the power of media and information technology to support diverse social and cultural self-expression. In doing so, the initiative aims to self-generate effective counter-narratives as well as provide avenues for dissemination of those messages. It also aims to be a clearinghouse for audio-visual content for schools and universities as well as endorse university curricula.
Role of the Media
Participants also discussed the role of the media both in reporting on terrorism and in spreading counter-narratives. As with governments, mainstream media outlets could not easily disseminate counter-narratives. While mainstream media may generally cover terrorism objectively, it was unlikely that professional journalists would intentionally spread counter-narratives. Furthermore, language could sometimes be a barrier for foreign media. One participant highlighted several cases in which interesting repudiations of terrorism by repentant extremists, which could serve as highly effective counter-narratives if disseminated to a broader audience, simply did not get picked up by mainstream media due to a lack of language ability or a lack of appreciation of the source's credibility and impact. Some of these challenges could be offset by providing journalists with specific training or an online guide, or by linking them with a group of experts whom they can easily turn to for substantive knowledge and additional context, similar to the Global Expert Finder (GEF) program of the UN Alliance of Civilizations (see: < http://www.theglobalexperts.org/ > ).
On the upside, participants pointed out that mainstream media did have significant reach, often also into vulnerable communities and relevant audiences. And while not being co-opted as propaganda instruments, professional journalists did have the responsibility to "dig deeper" – with solid reporting going beyond mere news coverage, and ideally focusing on uncovering the truth behind a story, including going beyond the terrorist narrative, discounting prevailing myths, and establishing transparency. One of the effective ways to leverage media reporting was to encourage and disseminate articles/stories about the debates and arguments inside terrorist organizations. Exposure of these fault lines – while being sound reporting – could also be used by credible messengers to pinpoint the weaknesses and illegitimacy of the terrorist narrative. Indeed, such topics could provide the strongest counter-narratives. One participant highlighted the current debate among Al-Qaida strategists on the justifications for killing Muslims. In this regard, studies had shown that Al-Qaida-related terror attacks had killed eight times more Muslims than non-Muslims. It was agreed that mainstream media could and should report this type of information while preserving necessary objectivity and transparency and ensuring proper sourcing.
Session IV: What Has Been Done, What Should Be Done – National, Regional, Global Initiatives
Participants learnt about one country's efforts to harness the internet to spread counter-terrorist narratives as well as to limit/filter its content in order to prevent vulnerable groups from being exposed to radical websites and chatrooms. While internet filtering is not without debate, representatives of that government explained how the internet had become in that country the main source of motivation for people travelling to conflict zones. Terrorist websites had grown from about 15 in 1998 to several thousand in 2010, many of them, however, were not accessible from within that particular country. At the same time, positive messages, including images and videos, were effective tools in engaging vulnerable groups, especially the country's youth. Government initiatives included a cadre of about 200 volunteers who engaged participants in radical chatrooms to challenge the ideologies and extremist ideas spread through online discussions and websites. One of the key successes in countering the influence and ideology of terrorist groups was an independent campaign (supported by a Government Ministry) to counter online radicalization and recruitment. Focusing on a significant group of violent extremists, the campaign uses Islamic scholars to interact online with individuals looking for religious knowledge with the aim of steering them away from extremist sources, leading about 1500 out of 3250 participants to renounce their extremist beliefs. The government also promoted the role of the family in monitoring the use of the Internet in the home.
Many participants acknowledged that while governments had become relatively successful on the repressive side of counter-terrorism, it was imperative to focus more energy on the preventive side. The move of some governments from monitoring websites that incited to violence to shutting them down was noted as a countervailing current. However, while counter-terrorism policies should continue to evolve, there was also a danger in "securitizing" counter-terrorism-related policies (i.e. socio-economic development programs, integration policies, human rights campaigns, etc), which had a merit of their own. Governments needed to walk a fine line between utilizing such programs as part of an effective counter-narrative and tainting particular programs/institutions with a counter-terrorism label. Furthermore, effective counter-narratives – and effective counter-terrorism in general – needed to be grounded in the rule-of-law and in a respect for human rights. Similarly, the debate around monitoring terrorist websites vs. shutting them down needed to take into account privacy and freedom of expression concerns. Several participants called for increased international cooperation in this area where many felt too little had been achieved to date.
One key recommendation was for governments to increase their support for translation and dissemination of messages by repentant radicals. Those messages, while often very specific to a particular context, frequently contained very effective material for counter-narratives but were only available in one language. In order to reach local audiences more efficiently, the messages/stories needed to be translated and disseminated (though not necessarily by governments). It was noted that terrorist organizations had become very adept at spreading propaganda through the internet in numerous languages. Several participants stated that Al-Qaida's online/media activity had become as important to the group's global reach as its real-world activity.
Participants discussed how governments could more effectively counter the challenge of internet/media-savvy terrorist groups. One approach entailed working more closely with the private sector/industry, for example with regards to search engines, in order to ensure that radical content does not appear among the top search results. Furthermore, private sector companies can play a critical role in designing and disseminating effective counter-narratives as government efforts (online and offline) are often poorly designed and not very attractive to target audiences. Participants also recommended that the United Nations, through the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force, could create both a library of effective counter-narratives and build a platform for credible messengers.
One of the challenges, according to some participants, was that Western audiences often only learned about Islam through translated statements by extremists which caught the attention of the media. Instead, some argued, governments as well as NGOs and religious leaders should ensure that knowledge of mainstream Islam is enhanced in the Western world – also with a view to reaching vulnerable communities – to highlight how religion is being distorted by terrorist organizations such as Al-Qaida. This was as easily achieved through the general exposure of the population to the reality of other religions and cultures, for example through TV shows, as it was through a deliberate counter-narrative. A further problem was the lack of a coordinated plan to react to the exploitation of issues by radical extremists, such as the publication of cartoons disrespectful to Islam in Europe in 2005.
Session IV: Ideas for New Initiatives; the Role of the UN and other Mechanisms for Cooperation
Role of social media and search engines
Participants stated that one of the major challenges for countering radicalization online was to identify the right target audience, and then design the message in a way that resonated with it. News environments were becoming increasingly insular and balkanized and people had begun to gravitate toward news sources that simply validated their opinions, thus making it more difficult to challenge their views. Social-networking such as Facebook and Twitter was increasingly used by terrorist organizations without any sustained/credible counter-effort in those forums. One participant highlighted the need to increase positive messaging and "anti-Al-Qaida" information which was very hard to find on the internet, so as to drive out the bad with the good. When searching for statements about Al-Qaida or similar extremist groups, search results were more likely to turn up extremist content then counter-narratives – and with about 75% of users never going beyond the first page of search results, this presented a major challenge. Such search-engine-optimization should become a critical component of government dialogue with the private sector.
A One-Stop-Shop for Counter-Narratives
Participants agreed that there was a need to develop a one-stop-shop for counter-narratives, for example by building an online library which could contain texts and other material arguing for moderation and non-violence, a CVE (countering violent extremism) news hub, victims' statements, and exposés of false statements made by terrorist organizations. Another idea was to promote citizen journalism, including videos made by youth groups and NGOs. Governments should encourage the private sector to do more on this front, such as through crowd sourcing. At the same time, governments themselves should engage more in positive messaging, particularly through social-networking forums. Participants acknowledged that there could be authenticity issues with some government-driven initiatives. Experience has shown, however, that target audiences will look at such messages if they are well designed. Furthermore, the internet can be leveraged to provide platforms and venues for people coming together to solve radicalization problems, to exchange experiences from different national contexts, and to discuss what worked and what did not. Some of these efforts could be led by the United Nations; others could be led by regional organizations or national governments. One national experience highlighted the recent institutionalization of a Center for Strategic Counterterrorism Communications which tried to leverage information technology in countering terrorist narratives.
The meeting agreed that there should be a baseline for a counter-narrative that was as simple as the terrorist message that the West was at war with Islam. This could centre on the actual consequences of terrorism. It was important to be able to react with a counter narrative to actions by terrorists as quickly as terrorists reacted to actions by States. Often terrorists were able to cover up or 'justify' their mistakes before States took any action. It was pointed out that even in the war paradigm there was a difference between fighting and killing.
Understanding the Target Audience & Encouraging Former Extremists
Other participants gave examples of how counter-narratives had become a major part of counterterrorism, even on the operational level, for example in defeating the Taliban in the Pakistani Swat valley, during which targeted messages on the internet (as well as through traditional media) had played a major role. Yet nothing had been more powerful than a video of the Taliban flogging a young woman, or a recording of a Taliban leader claiming to be the only true Muslim, and every advantage should be taken of such self-inflicted setbacks. There was still an insufficient understanding of target audiences which could vary even within a particular country – here, too, former extremists could be the key to a more effective outreach, using their knowledge of local languages and local circumstances. It was thus important for governments to do a lot more to win over and encourage such ex-militants. The importance of political will to unite and sustain any effort to promote counter narratives on a regional or international basis was self-evident, but it often failed at the first hurdle because there was no clarity in many States as to who was in charge of such initiatives.
Many participants emphasized the importance of working with community leaders, including religious leaders and recognized figures from the sports and entertainment world. Counter-narrative work was a "slow-burn" activity and finding partners in communities, as well as seeing what messages resonate, took time. And while the terrorists were increasingly relying on the Internet to spread their ideology, several participants recalled that there was still limited access to the Internet in many parts of the world, particularly in communities governments would like to reach. This, in turn, meant that counter-narrative work could not be limited to new technologies but should encompass traditional media as well.
While extremists might exploit vulnerable people to recruit them to terrorism, most radicals were self-selecting and they needed to be able to access counter arguments to violence. It was unclear what role governments could play in this process, whether facilitation, initiation, inspiration or some other role. Civil society was clearly an essential force-multiplier that could promote positive messages about alternatives to terrorism that would have a more powerful impact than the negative messages distributed by violent extremists. The key was to operate in the same milieus as the extremists, for example within diaspora groups.
Conference Roundtable "The Path to Rejecting Violent Extremism"
The conference also featured a roundtable discussion between two former extremists who explained what had led them down the path of radicalization towards violent extremism. The discussants explained how different drivers had motivated them to join terrorist organizations, ranging from the Palestinian situation in the 1970s and 1980s and corrupt governments, to conflicting information they had received about the meaning of 'jihad'.
One discussant stated that while studying religion he was approached by people from his local community and began to form ideas about the situation of Muslims in Afghanistan under Soviet occupation. When beginning to shape his opinions about how to address these perceived or actual injustices, the discussant was approached by violent extremists trying to recruit anyone they felt was vulnerable enough to adopt their ideology and engage in their cause. The discussant recalled how he eventually rose through the ranks until he became the "emir" of Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi in Jordan, and how his role continued even for part of his sixteen year-long prison sentence. As emir, he became both a theorist propagating the terrorist organization's beliefs and a controller of its activities. He admitted to deliberately misleading his followers through radical explanations of religious texts, knowing that they were open to alternative interpretations. The discussant highlighted that the Al-Qaida leadership was convinced that young people could easily be manipulated and deceived in their search for recognition and a sense of belonging. The extremely lively audience participation tended to underline that the lack of ideological cohesion was an area of vulnerability for terrorist groups.
Session V: Follow-up Discussions and Recommendations on Crafting Narratives
Participants broke out in two separate sessions designed to discuss practical areas for follow-up and concrete proposals for future action.
The breakout-session on crafting the narrative discussed the need for different messages for different target audiences. Participants agreed on the need to do more research on why and how people became terrorists in the first place, and of indicators that an individual was about to cross the line. This would help in designing the counter-narrative. The language of the counter-narrative had to be clear and easily understood, it needed to avoid using terms that had been hijacked by terrorist groups, and by ignoring them allow them to recover their proper meaning. The counter-narrative should show some sympathy for people who had been tempted towards extremism and an understanding of the reasons. Participants agreed that a counter-narrative should explain what terrorism is and expose the gap between what terrorists say and what they do. It should be fact-based and highlight the illegitimacy of terrorist behaviour and the lack of any policy solutions offered by terrorists to the grievances they exploit. The message should aim to promote a proactive narrative rather than a reactive counter-narrative. It should be personalised as well as targeted. Ridiculing terrorists is a useful tactic, as is exposing drug dealing or other anti-social activity as a source of terrorist income.
Participants agreed that the ownership of the counter narrative remained with the global community, not with governments or the United Nations. It should not reflect particular cultural values except where the audience shared those values. In relation to Al-Qaida-related groups, the counter-narrative should highlight in particular the significant Muslim contribution to the fight against terrorism in both words and deeds. The counter-narrative should emphasise the unattractiveness of terrorist groups and their failure to terrorize their intended victims. There should also be some conformity between macro and micro level initiatives. There was agreement on the need to identify, share and reinforce success and a suggestion that the United Nations should host a central repository of messages and examples that anyone could draw from in crafting a counter narrative.
The breakout-session on delivering the narrative focused its discussion on the audience, the best ways to reach it and the messengers. Participants agreed that the audience could potentially be segmented and different communications applied accordingly. The primary target audience was a broad section of youth, who had access to a range of technologies and media but had no common religious or cultural heritage. Social networking forums were one of the key areas where the vulnerable audience met, and could be reached. Participants agreed that messages were not just single verbal narratives but rather layered and diverse, and they underlined the importance of images. Participants also underlined the role of public diplomacy in correcting the misconceptions that play into the terrorist narrative and the capability of industry, including Internet, telecoms and cable firms, to reach out to the target audience, while avoiding branding their efforts as Counter Terrorism.
The Working Group was of the general view that the ideal carriers of counter-narrative messages should be part of the audience, which posed a great challenge for governments, not only in identifying the messengers but in managing the political risk when messengers had anti-government opinions. Participants agreed that a variety of messengers was desirable, such as victims, repentant extremists, or government officials. Civil society networks such as those of Women against Violent Extremism, Parents against Suicide Bombers or Schools against Extremism could reach out to a wide audience. Whilst not all networks might desire links to governments, governments could play an important role by supporting and institutionalizing such efforts.
There should be an attempt to close research gaps, especially on audience segmentation and mapping, as well as on available capacity-building resources and current initiatives. Participants also proposed creating a platform/task force for mobilizing counter messages and disseminating them widely and rapidly around key events.
The meeting showed that there was considerable interest in and support for action on using the Internet to counter the appeal of terrorism. The Working Group proposes to turn the recommendations and proposals that emerged from the meeting into practical projects for the consideration of Member States, subject to further financial support.
[1] CTITF reports on legal and technical aspects of countering terrorist use of the internet are available at < www.un.org/terrorism/internet >.


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Unification - 10ml
This helps to unify the mind-body spirit, helping us to break free of previous restricting beliefs and patterns. When mind, body and spirit, left brain and right brain, are out of step with each other, Unification encourages a sense of harmony in all aspects so that they can work together in a supportive way.
Oleaceae intermedia
Forsythia is about disentangling ourselves from an over-logical view of the world where the spiritual dimension is viewed with suspicion by the logical hemisphere of the brain. It also gives encouragement to those who have already discovered the path of self-realization, bringing comfort and support during all the twists and turns of spiritual growth.
{slide=Norway Maple|green}
Acer platanoides
Norway Maple helps to free us rigid concepts so that the intuitive mind can explore the spiritual dimensions without the restricting influence of the logical mind.
{slide=English Oak|green}
Quercus robur
Oak stimulates a quiet inner strength and a feeling of peace. Both of these qualities are necessary for the "Spiritual Warrior", the person who has embarked on the difficult journey to discover their true being. This essence embodies the quiet steadfastness needed for such a journey.
Veronica chamaedrys
Speedwell mirrors the eastern concept of the "All-seeing eye" of the Brow Chakra. It enables us to open up our psychic senses in a gentle and matter-of-fact way showing us that insight is simply another, yet vital, aspect of ordinary everyday life. Speedwell is concerned with opening up our intuition without our getting emotionally entangled in what may be revealed to us.
Additional Information
|Bailey Essences

subset: commoncrawl


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Plead of not guilty to breaching order
James Kelly, of Cloneygowan, Offaly, has pleaded not guilty to a charge of breaching a barring order.
The alleged offence took place in Bogtown, Cloneygowan, on May 3 this year.
Defence, Mr Philip Meagher said the case would be a short matter, about half an hour. The matter was put back to September 16.


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Hi Mina! I love your work and am following you!!!
Congratulations on a well deserved Cake Decorator of the Week!! Your cakes are amazing, unique and artistic! LOVE the latest cherries creation, such an inspiring design! ❤
Hi Zaklina! I also like your work and am following you!
Thank you Calli! I created this cake with a great desire :)
Big congratulations on Cake Decorator Of The Week!! Your cherry cake was incredible!!! :-) x
Thank you Eli 💝💝💝
Congratulations on cake Decorator of the week 😍😍
Looks so delicious! Thanks for adding the cutting picture
Thank you Vida cakes and Calli Creations 😃💝


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Width 140cm 100% High Quality Viscose Washing/Care: Cold Wash, Do Not Tumble Dry Atelier Brunette's "Shade" is a light viscose fabric with hints of palm trees casting their shadows under the hot summer sun."Shade" is a dense and daring pattern designed for inspiring your clients to sew a beautiful summer wardrobe. "Sha...Read more
If you're not certain - Order a sample.
We know how difficult it can be to shop online for fabric without being able to see or feel the material in person.
For just 50p, you have the option to order a 10cm x 15cm sample; enough to hopefully remove any uncertainty you might have about any of our fabrics. We offer free UK delivery on all samples and international shipping for a flat rate of £3.00.£0.50
- Width 140cm
- 100% High Quality Viscose
- Washing/Care: Cold Wash, Do Not Tumble Dry
Atelier Brunette's "Shade" is a light viscose fabric with hints of palm trees casting their shadows under the hot summer sun.
"Shade" is a dense and daring pattern designed for inspiring your clients to sew a beautiful summer wardrobe. "Shade Ochre" viscose fabric is ideal for creating pretty blouses as well as shorts, or tank tops.
The Atelier Brunette "Shade" viscose fabric is Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified and woven from Lenzing™ EcoVero™ certified fibers. This viscose is free of harmful substances and the manufacturing cycle has been optimized to drastically reduce the environmental impact compared to traditional viscose.
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Spaghetti dinner to be held Jan. 8
MARTINSBURG — An all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Jan. 8 in the Springs Mill High School cafeteria, 499 Campus Drive. Cost is $7 per adult; $4 for children ages 5 to 12; and children 4 and under eat for free. Carryout will be available. Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door. Event will also include raffles, tip jars and 50/50. Proceeds will benefit the Spring Mills High School baseball team.
FFA to host raffle, sell apple butter
HEDGESVILLE — The Hedgesville FFA is sponsoring a hog raffle. Tickets are $3 each or two for $5. Drawing will be held Jan. 18. Prize will be basic cut, with freezer paper wrap included. Special cuts or wrapping will be at the winner's cost.
In addition, the FFA is still selling apple butter. Cost is $5 per pint; $7 per quart. All fresh made.
For more information, tickets or apple butter, call Mr. Vandyne at 304-279-4907 or email firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Rmg 1888P 102815
1888-P VAM-12A Doubled Ear, High Date, Doubled Reverse, Clashed Obverse n
Discovered by C. Logan McKechnie October 2003.
This coin is a Hot 50 Morgan VAM.
12A III2 20 · C3e (Doubled Ear, High Date, Doubled Reverse, Clashed Obverse n) (190) I-2 R-5
Obverse III2 20 – Clashed die with partial incuse n of In from reverse showing next to Liberty head neck.
Comments: 1- Reverse C3e shared with VAM-12, VAM-24, VAM-24A.
2- Some VAM-41 Plate Photos are used below. In Nov. 2014 VAM-41/41A were shown to be VAM-24/24A, earlier use of VAM-12/12A's Rev.
Threads: http://www.vamworld.com/share/view/75862457
Posted Coin Comments:
- PL in hand. Good grader :} UPDATE PCGS MS-62 3/14/16
- Do confirm VAM please.
- Always have liked this VAM, glad I waited for this one.
- Collaboration by: rmg/lae2


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Hallucinogens and Shamanism by Michael J. Harner [Ed.]
Originally published in 1973 by the Oxford University Press, 'Hallucinogens and Shamanism' is a collection of scholarly, anthropological essays compiled and edited by Michael J. Harner. At the time of publication Harner was the President of the Foundation for Shamanic Studies.
After the wide negative publicity surrounding hallucinogens during the 1960s, which saw both medical and social access to psychedelics dwindle due to legislation coupled with the drugs' victimisation by the mainstream media, the era of 1970s had to re-approach the question afresh. This was true for all the particular fields in which psychedelic studies crossed over with and particularly anthropology. The historical and cultural use of certain psychoactive drugs by indigenous populations around the world had been understood by one of anthropology's leading lights, Mircea Eliade, to be a denigrated form of what was termed shamanism. This was propounded in his landmark book Shamanism: Archaic Techniques of Ecstasy (1964). However, it soon became clear that this was erroneous assumption. In many respects, this collection is an overcoming of the assumptive era of the 1960s, particularly for this field.
"The theoretical literature has largely overlooked the fact that even this "classic" shamanism often involved the use of hallucinogen[s]. Thus one can read entire books on shamanism or primitive religion without finding any reference to hallucinogens except for peyote. Yet by patient library research one can find overwhelming evidence of the use of such substances in connection with the supernatural in scores of cultures" (Harner xiv).
In many respects, Hallucinogens and Shamanism is precisely this; the understanding of drug use as being a cross-cultural and trans-historical endeavour. Although this view had been propounded by a number of people prior to the 1960s media storm, it was returned to by researchers with great determination because it provided the academic understanding that would provide the groundwork for pointing out that the contemporary Western perspective was completely out of tune with the human experience. The book's content is delineated along these lines. The first section deals with 'primitive' cultures of the Upper Amazon; the second with cultures undergoing Westernization; the third with the traditions of the Western world; and finally, The Question of a Trans-Cultural Experience is approached with two essays.
However, there is a clear emphasis on New World drugs like ayahuasca, or yagé. As the prior psychiatric mode of understanding gave way with the dissolution of the 1960s, it was perhaps inevitable that research, and popular interest, would look to shamanism for a new mode of approach to the cultural question of hallucinogen use. In more alternative publishing circles this was also taking place; Terence and Dennis McKenna's The Invisible Landscape (1975) being a prime example. There were, though, traces of psychiatry still existing, which is to say it was not a clean break. The following comment, in the introduction to the second section exemplifies this when talking about shaman-led group ayahuasca sessions:
"The hallucinations of the group session and the guidance provided by the shaman are viewed as agents which reinforce the patient's belief in the reality of the shaman's power and information. Dobkin de Rios contrasts the role of ayahuasca in this situation with the use of related drugs in Western Psychotherapy, where their role is primarily "to open areas of repressed and painful memories"" (Harner 51).
The danger of this sort of approach, however, is that indigenous belief can be lost in the hyper-abstract concepts of the Western ideological modes of apprehension. Indeed, it beggars some sort of colonial attitude where the researcher believes they understand the functions of the ceremony and their outcomes better than the practitioners themselves. Thankfully, for the most part, this collection does not fall into this trap and, when they do, they take their leave from the words of the shaman and look to other Western theories that may correspond, as opposed just blindly applying psychotherapy over the top of it for lack of a wider expertise. The correspondence method, unlike the presumed application method, can be very fruitful; it fosters inter-cultural relevance and not cultural dominance.
A good example of this is the chapter The Mushrooms of Language by Henry Munn: "Usually several members of a family eat the mushrooms together: it is not uncommon for a father, mother, children, uncles, and aunts to participate in these transformations of the mind that elevate consciousness onto a higher plane. The kinship relation is thus the basis of the transcendental subjectivity that Husserl said is intersubjectivity" (Harner 86). Of course, the idea that children are 'tripping' would be abhorrent to the anti-drug slaves of the Western propaganda machine, but the use of Husserl's Christian existentialism allows for a correspondence of cultural ideas that elevate communality on both a social and spiritual field. Thus the experience of the Mazatec Indians can be understood as being not completely alien to the Western reader; context for communication and understanding.
Anthropological and psychedelic researches have, of course, moved on greatly since this collection was published, yet the great majority of the included essays still retain their relevance. Not only are they clearly written but they are also scholarly enough to be of presient interest to general readers and academic researchers alike. Harner's essay The Role of Hallucinogenic Plants in European Witchcraft, for example, while being written at a time when our general understanding of witchcraft was being overturned, is still of major importance concerning the use of plants. In conclusion, this is a work that should be on the shelf of anyone interested in anthropology generally, but hallucinogens specifically. A fascinating and engaging read that opens the mind to many new questions.


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As a charter boat operator and fisherman in Port Phillip Bay I get to see some pretty weird and wonderful creatures and here's where I am going to share them with you! The Fish File is currently under construction while we collect information about the species, which we look forward to sharing with you!
The fish file will be a work in progress with information about and photos of the various species we come across in Port Phillip Bay, Victoria. Thanks for your interest in all the weird and wonderful creatures that share Port Phillip Bay with us. We're working on making this a useful resource so thanks for your patience while we make the fish file all it can be!
Tight lines,
Resources and Links < PREVIOUS PAGE NEXT PAGE > Current Weather Info


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Gig Reviews
Big Thief
Store Vega, Copenhagen, DEN - 11/3
Album Reviews
SUMACPrevious Next
support Baptists + Nordra
author AP date 09/03/19 venue Alice, Copenhagen, DEN
Nørrebro venue Alice is not a venue I have been to before, but one look at the handful of craft beers on the menu convinces me that it will be worth returning to — not to mention that with KB18 having shut down last year, Copenhagen has been in need of a midsize establishment with an underground vibe. As I'm parking my bike outside, it hits me that six weeks have passed since I last attended a concert. This might seem normal to most people, but given the once, twice or even thrice-a-week gig schedule I have been observing for many years now, it feels surreal. What better way to kick things off again then, than being shaken to submission by Vancouver, BC's atmospheric sludge metal trio SUMAC?
SUMAC might be described as quite experimental in their approach to songwriting, but Nordra still takes the cake in that regard here. Nordra consists exclusively of Monika Khot, who sings, plays a tiny trumpet and electric guitar, twists knobs and pushes buttons in order to create a cacophony of mainly electronic noise that, at its heaviest, reminds me of Author & Punisher and at other times of Anna von Hausswolff minus the organ. Her multipart role sadly means that she spends most of the concert bent over her effect board creating the beats and samples at the core of her music, offering few opportunities for the audience to feel engaged. Most of us are thus content to shut our eyes and cross our arms, trying to comprehend the ideas underlying Nordra's music — but if I'm honest, most of the music is too strange to sit very well with me. There is a track with a harsh industrial beat and dissonant guitar chords that piques my interest halfway through, just as Khot's eclectic singing raises an eyebrow here and there. But alas, the overall impression her concert leaves on me is one of puzzlement. Not my genre, I suppose?
Baptists enter the stage unceremoniously, and after Andrew Drury has said his hellos, the set proceeds roughly as one would expect from a hardcore punk outfit. "See you in the pit!", he declares, and he soon delivers on the promise as "Bushcraft" (the title track to the band's 2013 offering) erupts from the speakers. The moshpit is small-scale and quite tame but looking around the room, it is obvious that this Vancouver, BC-born outfit has a much firmer grip on the audience than Nordra. People are headbanging, smiling and roaring in approval as the quartet work their way through a surprisingly varied selection of material ranging in style from raw and nasty crust in the vein of All Pigs Must Die to more dynamic and melodic cuts reminiscent of Converge. Indeed, the group's music is much more diverse than I had remembered from their 2014 album, "Bloodmines", and fortunately the four musicians also have the showmanship to back it up, which makes the performance captivating even for those of us who prefer to remain outside the pit. Drury is by far the wildest of the bunch, but guitarist Danny Marshall and bassist Shawn Hawryluk are not far behind him in terms of the energy they're dispensing during the likes of "Festered" and "Gift Taker" (the latter of which is taken from Baptists' latest album, 2018's "Beacon of Faith"). One could have hoped for more intensity from the crowd — something that Drury repeatedly pleads for as well — but the band's giving it their all nonetheless ensures that no one is left disappointed by this 40-minute discharge of hardcore punk.
Energised by the previous concert, the audience is thus ready for the rhythm to be slowed and for heavy dissonance to descend upon us. SUMAC achieve this within seconds of "Attis' Blade" (the opening track to their third studio album, "Love in Shadow", which came out in 2018), bringing riffs so dense and an atmosphere so discomforting it instills a kind of claustrophobia in me. To my surprise, it is neither the ex-Isis frontman Aaron Turner nor the Russian Circles bassist Brian Cook who invite most attention to themselves, but drummer Nick Yacyshyn (who was also manning the kit for Baptists just before). His performance tonight is sublime; he is full of ideas even when the music otherwise takes on a droning character, and when Cook & Turner veer off onto one of their improvisational, jazzy tangents, he follows them effortlessly, never losing track of where the two axemen might be headed next. Both "Attis' Blade" and later also "The Task" (off the same record) lift his drumming talent to the forefront, and while his two compatriots certainly also pull their weight in terms of technical execution, he plays a major role in translating SUMAC's music into an enthralling format live.
None of the four tracks aired by the Canadian trio tonight subscribe to any conventional idea of what makes music memorable, but the sheer weight of the music and the band's innate ability to transition between wildly contrasting passages so seamlessly nonetheless makes the experience of watching them live riveting. You really get sucked into a kind of hypnotised state thanks to the wealth of repetition in a song like "Arcing Silver", but there are also moments of release in it that even send the reserved yet imposing Turner flailing toward the audience at times. Indeed, slow and atmospheric though SUMAC's material may be, they are far from dull when stood on stage. And even if they were, the concluding piece, "Image of Control", is there to redefine the concept of 'heavy' music, overwhelming you like a tsunami of pure lead as it unfolds in a final crescendo. If you are yet to experience this sonic devastation (which Turner ironically explains is actually about love after the set has ended), you would be wise to do so at the earliest opportunity. No other band will seem quite so monolithic afterward.
- 01. Attis' Blade
- 02. Arcing Silver
- 03. The Task
- 04. Image of Control


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Sonix X UO
To the MOO and Bag
Inspired by the retro era animal prints, roll out in style with our all in one space cowgirl crossbody case.
Dressed in a cow print with silver chain hardware, this crossbody case features 3 card slots to stash your cash and cards, exterior pouch for the pocket change, and a detachable phone case for when you want to roll without the crossbody.
Detachable vegan leather phone case
Interior wallet features 3 card slots, a cash slot, magnets to secure phone case, and d-rings for the crossbody strap
Exterior reverse features a zipper coin pocket & silver Sonix logo plate
Envelope style design with invisible magnetic snap closure
Crossbody strap drop is 55cm / 22in
Pretty (and) Damn Strong. 5 Star Rated Protection! Sonix's Drop Test Certified Space Cowgirl Crossbody case is made to protect from all those "Oh, No!" moments (up to 10 ft of those moments). Built to last - Sonix iPhone cases feature scratch resistant protective coating, with raised shock-absorbent sides for full 360º protection on the screen and camera. Easy access to all ports with easy and practical press buttons. The Space Cowgirl Crossbody Case and your iPhone 11 Pro Max are better, together. Sonix phone cases come with Sonix Limited Lifetime Warranty. This iPhone 11 Pro Max case is also compatible with iPhone XS Max.
One, Two, (Tres) Case Sonix Black Tres Case - a 3 in 1 iPhone Case...
One, Two, (Tres) Case Sonix Black Tres Case - a 3 in 1 iPhone Case...
One, Two, (Tres) Case Sonix Black Tres Case - a 3 in 1 iPhone Case...
Sonix X UO Pretty in PinkInspired by the soft blush varsity jackets of the Pink...


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Humphry Repton was the first person to use the title of Landscape Gardener. He made it up by combining his interest in landscape painting with his skills in practical gardening. 200 years since his death, Woburn Abbey have created a new exhibition to celebrate his work and his life.
Bloomsbury, London
Russell, Bedford, Tavistock and Fitzroy; the roll call of grand architectural squares around Bloomsbury is as familiar to Londoners as the tube stops of the daily commute. Yet only a few of these mighty residential developments near the British Museum still show traces of the luxuriant, leafy gardens once at their centres. Wartime bombing and the pressures of commerce have taken their toll.
Chief among the survivors is the garden of Russell Square, a large public space with circular walkways and criss-crossing, meandering paths that was restored to its original shape in 2002. It stands as the crowning urban legacy of the Suffolk-born designer now widely regarded as a visionary: the 18th-century landscape gardener Humphry Repton, who died 200 years ago this weekend and is being celebrated in a new exhibition at Woburn Abbey, Bedfordshire.
"Russell Square is my favourite London square, as it's the most generous in size and scale," said Matthew Hirst, who curated the exhibition at Woburn which examines Repton's aesthetic and puts several of his most innovative designs on display for the first time. "It is a sensitive piece of landscaping, with the statue of the Duke of Bedford on the edge of the square in a little apse, where it can be seen. He also cleverly creates a line of sight down to the statue at the top of Bedford Place."
Woburn Abbey
On his inheritance of Woburn, the 6th Duke continued his brother's, the 5th Duke of Bedford, development of the Estate. In 1804 he invited Repton to suggest proposals for landscaping the Abbey grounds after all of the building work at The Abbey. Repton sent his Red Book, filled with his ideas for the estate, to Woburn in January 1805.
This book contained a number of plans that were eventually carried out such as a new approach from the London Road, the thornery plantation and a viaduct. Others were partly carried out such as the pleasure grounds layout, hills either side of the driveway and changes to the Basin Pond dam. Finally, some suggestions were not enacted at all. These included new road layouts, including the driveway to the West Front, and alterations to the pond shoreline.
It is the pleasure grounds that form the main area considered to be Woburn Abbey Gardens today. Although the paths and excavations were completed, the Menagerie built and the bridge over the Greenhouse pond constructed, most of Repton's vision for the pleasure grounds was unrealised.
It seems that perhaps his ideas of "fanciful decoration" were just not to the taste of the Duke and Duchess. In the end, with the input of Sinclair and Wyatville, gardens for recreation and relaxation were built over the subsequent decade, together with exciting and magical places for the children to play.
You can learn more about the work of Humphry Repton and his plans for Woburn Abbey at one of our study days. Take a look their our event listings for more information.
Featuring on The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2018/mar/25/humphrey-repton-landscape-gardener-exhibition-london-squares


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Body fit: Our styles are rather small. If you are between two sizes, we recommend that you use the larger size. For additional information about our sizes, please visit our size guide.
One in 10 women suffers from endometriosis. Endo-what? unfortunately this is a questions a lot of people have. Endometriosis is one of the most common diseases among women. It often condemns severe pain and can lead to severe organ damage and infertility. As a person affected, it is of particular importance for Evgenija.Kasper to inform and educate about this topic. That is why she, together with us, has designed her first supporter collection for the benefit of the Endometriose-Vereinigung Deutschland (Endometriosis Association Germany). Speak it out. Because only when we talk about it something can change in the long run. So let´s talk about endometriosis and show us your style.
Free delivery within Germany. Delivery time 5-7 days. Worldwide from 100€.
Does not fit? No problem. PayPal will refund the return costs.


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Brooks Williams at Rampton Village Hall(November 24, 2012)
An enthustiastic audience was treated to a wonderful sold out evening of songs from Brooks WIlliams. This guy's the real deal, we hope to see him back in Rampton soon!
More about Brooks at www.brookswilliams.com
Click here to return to the News page


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Direct from the Holy Land, this Olive wood crucifix is truly beautiful. Each one is hand made and shaped along the grain of the wood, so has its own unique shape - no two are the same.
There are 4 glass compartments each holding a piece of the Holy Land: dried olive leaf from the Garden of Olives, a stone from jerusalem, Frankincense and Myrrh.
Approx 6 inches tall
The hook on the back allows it to be hung on the wall.


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Some 9,000 officers across the country are taking part in the action, Brazil's Globo television reported.
The police union say they have only had 50% of a wage rise agreed last year. The second rise was due in January.
The police are carrying out only some essential duties, such as attending emergencies and covering jail security.
There were reports of problems at Brazil's international airports because of a lack of police officers on duty.
But the situation has returned to normal, following an appeal from Brazil's justice ministry, Globo reported.
In a separate development, Brazil's central bank employees are also holding a 24-hour strike over pay conditions.
Most Popular Now | 56,514 people are reading stories on the site right now.";


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A DREARY stalemate at Edgbaston suited CricInfo Championship Division Two rivals Warwickshire and Sussex.
Sussex move up to the top flight as a result of the draw, while Warwickshire stay in contention for a First Division spot next season going into the final round of matches.
Leaders Sussex declared on 376 for five after a maiden half-century by Australian-born debutant Tim Ambrose, before Warwickshire safely secured an extra four points by batting out time to make 240 for three.
Sussex would now pip Hampshire to the title by maintaining a six-point advantage in their final match against Gloucestershire at Hove - a game which is also vital to Warwickshire?s prospects.
They travel to Derbyshire, needing to make up four points on Gloucestershire in third place, and the issue could be further clouded if Middlesex, lurking in fifth, were to overcome Worcestershire at New Road.
Warwickshire can only be grateful to be in the shake-up after being outplayed for the first three days.
They were kept in the field for 40 minutes on the last morning until Sussex decided they were safe in leaving a target of 450.
Chris Adams added only seven runs before he was bowled by Melvyn Betts for 139 and Ambrose top-edged a return catch to Alan Richardson after making a stylish 52 from 104 balls.
In practical terms, Warwickshire?s task was to survive 84 overs and their first objective was to break out of a sequence of under-achieving opening partnerships.
This was successfully done when Michael Powell, dismissed in single figures in his last four Championship innings, found some form by putting on 90 with Nick Knight.
Powell still looked ill at ease, particularly in a testing spell by Mark Robinson, but he was determined enough to stick at the job until departing in the 33rd over for 27.
Robinson then landed a well-deserved double in the space of three overs from the Pavilion End.
Powell guided a catch to Chris Adams at second slip and Knight played on from a thick inside edge.
It was an unfortunate exit for the England one-day opener after a largely trouble-free innings of 59 which included nine fours from 111 balls.
At that stage, Warwickshire faced a further 47 overs on the tightrope, but Mark Wagh and David Hemp kept their balance with a partnership of 89.
Hemp (45) eventually sacrificed the chance of a half-century by sweeping off-spinner Mark Davis straight to Robinson on the deep square leg boundary.
But Wagh avoided such a waste by cutting Davis for his ninth four to go past 50 for the seventh time in 21 Championship innings this season.


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Videos | August 26, 2015
Video: Watching Rising Seas From Space
Oceanographer Josh Willis from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory narrates this video about the causes of sea level rise and how sea level has changed over the last two decades as observed by the Jason series of satellite missions.
Hi, I'm Josh Willis the project scientist for the Jason-3 missions to measure sea level rise from space.
In some ways, sea level rise is really simple. As water heats up it takes it more room. This drives sea level rise, and in addition, as glaciers and ice sheets are melted, extra water is added to the ocean just like when you turn on your faucet in the bathtub.
Over ninety percent of the heat trapped by greenhouse gases is being absorbed by the oceans. When that happens, sea water expands and this helps drive sea level rise.
Hundreds of millions of people around the world live on coastlines that can be threatened by rising seas. This animation shows how sea levels have changed over the last 23 years. Globally, sea levels have gone up by about six centimeters during that time.
But it doesn't happen all at the same speed everywhere. Some places are rising faster than others, and some places are even falling. Orange and red colors mean that sea levels have gone up in these locations. And blue and white mean sea levels stayed the same or actually fallen.
You can see that most places in the ocean are orange meaning sea levels have risen over the last 23 years. In a few places, you can see blue where sea level has actually dropped. He we see the Gulf Stream. The red and blue indicate that this massive current has shifted slightly in the last 23 years.
Off the west coast of the United States, we've seen sea levels actually drop. This is because waters there have been cooling because of something called the Pacific decadal oscillation.
In the Western Pacific, sea levels have been rising very rapidly. This is because heat is being pushed from east to west across the Pacific.
Sea level rise is going to be a major impact of human caused climate change. And here at NASA, we're doing everything we can try to better understand it.


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We are one of the only service centres in Dorset that has invested in Mercedes diagnostic tools. This means we pinpoint the problem quickly, getting your car back on the road as fast as possible.
All of our customers feel safe in the knowledge that we are able to diagnose various faults quickly and efficiently because we only use the most up-to-date Poole Mercedes diagnostic equipment available. We usually find the fault within 2 hours and give you a quote for the repair as soon as we find it.
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The fact that we have full access to all the Mercedes Benz technical data means that our Mercedes Poole diagnostic service is not only cost effective but the chances are we will have your car back on the road sooner.
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Donald Trump can still win the nomination before the convention. But if he doesn't, as with everything else he does, he won't act like any other "loser." He won't run as an independent. And he won't bow out graciously. Meanwhile, Ted Cruz and John Kasich are "sandbagging" him.
First, let's put to bed what the Wall Street Journal calls "Trump's emptiest threat."
The New York businessman is also leaving the door open to an independent bid for the White House if he is denied the nomination at the national convention. "I have been treated very unfairly," he told CNN's Anderson Cooper late last month.
Republicans should be concerned about the suggestions of violence, but they can stop worrying about Mr. Trump's threats to run as an independent. The reason is simple: According to the National Association of Secretaries of State, by the time Republicans gather in Cleveland on July 18, the deadline for Mr. Trump to be listed on the ballot as an independent will already have passed in 12 states with a combined 166 Electoral College votes. . .
Much of what Mr. Trump says is unserious bluster. Republicans can now safely put in that category his threat to run as an independent.
This is important, because on Sunday, Ted Cruz and John Kasich agreed to "sandbag" Trump—by colluding to defeat him.
Within minutes of each other, the pair issued statements saying they will divide their efforts in upcoming contests with Cruz focusing on Indiana and Kasich devoting his efforts to Oregon and New Mexico. The strategy is aimed at blocking Trump from gaining the 1,237 delegates necessary to claim to GOP nomination this summer.
It's all part of the "Stratego" game of the political establishment that we've seen throughout history. And Trump is sick of the hypocrisy of establishment politicians.
Don't expect to see Donald Trump give a humble concession speech if he loses the Republican presidential primary.
During a rally on Sunday in Maryland, the Republican presidential frontrunner mocked candidates who praise their opponents during concession speeches. . .
"They fight like hell for six months, and they're saying horrible things, the worst things you can imagine," Trump said. "And then one of them loses, one of them wins. And the one who loses says, 'I just want to congratulate my opponent. He is a brilliant man, he'll be a great governor or president or whatever.'". . .
Trump's mockery wasn't relegated just to the electoral losers. On Sunday, he also said the winners were too modest.
"Half the times [the winners] put them in the administration, that's how they get rid of them," Trump said of the losing candidates.
For all their machinations, can Cruz and Trump really thwart the voting public? One analyst doesn't think so.
For decades, the Republican Party gave voters the impression that they get to pick the presidential nominee. The much-weakened GOP establishment theoretically has the power to choose someone else — but not, I believe, the strength of purpose to do it. . .
The Cruz campaign has worked tirelessly, and quite successfully, to ensure that as many delegates as possible are Cruz supporters, even if they are pledged to vote for Trump on the convention's first ballot. . .
To pull this off, however, Cruz would need the support, or at least the acquiescence, of party insiders — who dislike Cruz almost as much as Trump. Many leading Republicans believe, in fact, that Cruz, with his hard-right views, would be an even surer loser in November than the unpredictable Trump, who is unburdened by philosophy. . .
Trump would have to be deaf, dumb and blind not to see what's coming. In recent speeches, he has staked out the position that the candidate who comes to the convention with the biggest number of delegates should be the nominee, period. Polls show that a majority of Republicans agree with the helmet-haired billionaire. It turns out that once you tell people they get to choose their standard-bearer, they don't take kindly to being patted on the head and told to go sit in the corner.
The new Cruz/Kasich alignment will play out this week and into the June primaries. Expect Trump to touch on this topic Tuesday night if he wins big in the mid-Atlantic states.


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Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Today's Attitude PTU
This tutorial was written on May 17, 2011 Shani aka Wicked Princess. The concept of the tag is mine and mine alone. Any resemblance to any other tag/tut is pure coincidence. This was written for those with working knowledge of http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifPSP.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Supplies Needed:
++Paint Shop Pro ( I used 10 but any version should work)
++Scrap kit Toxic Candy by Rieka Rafita and you can find it here
++Template 95 by Creative by Nature HERE
++Tube of choice or the one I used the artwork of Lady Mishka and you can now find her work at Scraps and the City HERE
++Plug ins:
-penta.com-color dot
-Add Drop shadow of choice as you go
-You can merger layers as you want to make things easier for yourself.
Open the template in PSP, using your shortcut keys on your keyboard (SHIFT+D) duplicate the template as a new image. Close the original.
Open several papers of choice, resizing as needed. For example, when I look at the blue bar where it tells me what I've opened (say like paper 2) it tells me what percentage I'm viewing it at. For me it's usually 16%, so I resize to 16% bringing it to 100%. ( I hope that made sense!) Once you've done this, minimize for later use.
Next go to the bottom template layer and go to selections, select all, then float, selections defloat. Don't forget to go to selections, none then delete the template layer. Repeat this process for the rest of the template.
Add a new raster layer and flood fill with your choice of paper. Add your mask of choice. Merge the group. Move to the bottom of the palette.
Open the glitter splatter of your choosing. Copy and paste as a new layer just above the mask layer. Move it to the upper right. Duplicate it and go to image, flip. Merge down one layer. Duplicate it again and go to image, mirror. Adjust as needed.
Next open the curly ribbon of your choice, resize then copy and paste as a new layer to the left of the canvas. Again, just above the glitter layer. Duplicate it and go to image, mirror.
On the right small rectangle, the faded one, change the opacity if you want to. I did and made it 100 percent. Open your tube and then copy and paste as a new layer. Adjust and move over the rectangle layer. Duplicate it then with the bottom layer active, go to adjust, blur, guassian blur, set it to 3.00. Then on the layers visibility, change it to overlay. Merge down one layer. Go to your plug in penta.com, color dots. Set it at your settings you like. Now go back to the rectangle layer and go to selections, float, selections, defloat , then selections invert. On the tube layer, hit delete. Then go to selections none. Change the visibility to 85.
Now copy and paste your tube again as a new layer. Duplicate it and with the bottom layer active go to adjust then guassian blur, set to 3.00. On the top layer set the layer to overlay. On the top set it where you like. Duplicate it and move one below the big rectangle layer. Using your magic wand tool, click inside the frame. Go to selections, invert and hit the delete key on the bottom tube layer. Go to selections none. Next go to the top layer, and remove the parts of the tube you don't want seen outside the tube.
Open the flame and skull border. Resize it then copy and paste as a new layer. Move it to below the word art. Adjust as needed. Add the skull you like to the upper left of the canvas. Adjust as you like.
Next open the barbedwire heart…resize then copy and paste as a new layer. Move it to the bottom right of the canvas. Adjust as needed. Add the skull butterfly to the center left of the tag. Duplicate it and go to image, mirror. Add the lips to the left of the tube.
Finally add the copyrights, license information and your tagger markings. Thank you for trying my tutorial!
Posted by Shani - Wicked Princess at 11:05 AM
Labels: Tutorial-PTU
1 comment:
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text: For over a decade Jim has sponsored teams in various categories throughout the SPN program. As co-owner of Envirovac Jim has been an integral part of the Slo-Pitch in British Columbia. Jim's involvement has allowed players the opportunity to compete at Provincial and National Championships where they have won over 8 Provincial titles and 3 National Championships to date. The Envirovac name is very recognizable and well respected within the Slo-Pitch circles because of the success his teams have experienced. Not only is Jim an outstanding sponsor but a valuable player on his teams. It is for all these accomplishments that Jim is inducted into the SPN BC Hall of Honour. Well done Jim!


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This company has made a small (quarter-sized) disk with a strong adhesive backing that can be effectively tracked by a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone. It works.
The sensor comes in a variety of colors, has a light and buzzer (so it can be located in the dark), and is powered by a user-replaceable battery that lasts about a year. Although it doesn't give direction, it provides the range, which is usually enough to "home in" on it when it appears on the tracking application (it has a range of about 100 feet). You start walking in one direction and note if you are getting closer or farther away from the disk.
There is a feature called Virtual Leash that allows you to create a virtual leash with a sticker. If that sticker moves away more than the approximate selected distance from your phone, your phone will alert you. You can even select different types of alarms for different stickers. The app can monitor several disks (they come in packs of 2 for $49.99 with several different colors available). A disk can be placed on a pet's collar to keep track of your pal so you know if he is wandering off.
Put them on key chains that you can't seem to keep track of, portable phones, or even luggage. You could stick a Stick-N-Find sticker on your suitcase and when all the baggage starts coming out on the belt, you can sit down and wait. Once your suitcase is within range, your phone will alert you and you can get up and take your suitcase.
You can see it in action on the company's website: www.sticknfind.com.


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6 pm students M and K got nervous in class last night...
Suddenly there were strange sounds in the Imagine classroom.
Screams, laughs, bells and buzzers....from the closet, from the book case etc
Aghhhhh!!!!! Halloween.
I had booby trapped the classroom, by hiding two cell phones, a kitchen timer and my old tape recorder around the room - timed to make sounds between 6 and 7 pm.
M looked very calm. She is brave.
K? Nervous! She got jumpy. But, she went on with the lesson and tried her best in a difficult circumstances. If she can speak English with strange thing happening around her, I think she can do it anywhere!!
Halloween is really more popular in the US than in England, but we do celebrate it a little with costume parties and pumpkins.
This morning on Facebook I can see many friends' pictures of cos
* booby trap - to secretly make a safe thing dangerous or scary, usually as a joke.
Model driver
Yes - that's Yujiro, my partner and one of the velotaxis in Sapporo!
It's a promotion leaflet for the bike taxi NPO.
Maybe you can see the leaflet at tourist information counters, Sapporo city office etc
Vegetables present?
Who gave me these?
They were outside the door at Imagine last Thursday afternoon, but there was no note, e mail or phone call.
I have no idea who put them there. Or even if they are for ME. I left them in the building entrance area until the weekend, but nobody else took the box.
So I brought them home - but I don't know who they are from.
Santa came early?
This week at Imagine - I took off (most of) my clothes, stretched out on a bed and got a wonderful oil massage from one of my students!
That classroom gets used for many things ;-)
M-san is a licensed aromatherapist and she is preparing her English to work with non-Japanese clients in Sapporo. So, the best way was for her to practice on me! Recently she and I were translating and checking all the pre-treatment forms and information her clients will need.
Then Thursday afternoon it was time for my aromatherapy. My first.
We closed the curtains at Imagine, took in the signboard, locked the door and transformed the classroom into a massage salon.
M-san brought her own massage bed and towels, and of course the oils.
I had marjoram and something else (can't remember!) and I stretched out to enjoy.
Wonderful! I felt so relaxed. And I slept much better the next two nights.
If you would like to be introduced to M-san, just ask me, she has space in Odori and of course....you could come to the Imagine Aromatherapy Salon too!
Kyoto trip
Yes - that IS me!
Just been to Kyoto for 3 days, to enjoy a holiday in Japan - with shrines, sunshine, maiko-dressing up and tourist time.
I stayed in a hotel one night, and with a Japanese Couch Surfing host for 2 nights.
Beautiful weather! I walked the Philosopher's Path, the Nishiki Market and Arashiyama - and of course, down into Gion I tried the maiko dressing up experience with walking and rickshaw ride.
All fun. I thought Kyoto was a beautiful city, with lots of help for foreign visitors. It was strange for me to see so many foreigners! I even joined the Imperial Palace tour (but thought THAT was not so interesting).
More pictures below.
An impulse buy.
This is an impulse buy!
Yes, I bought a kayak! ( I already have the car and the cat...)
Recently I fell in love with kayaking, because it is peaceful and refreshing - and a great escape from being an Oyomesan.
A Canadian man living in Sapporo was selling his old kayak and he offered it to me cheaply. He brought it to my home...and I fell in love. Impulse buy.
BUT! Afterwards I thought....my car is small, the kayak is big...will they fit?
Today I will go to the Suzuki garage and ask the staff about roof top carriers and weight and length. I am really REALLY hoping I did not make a mistake.
The Canadian man kindly offered to buy back to kayak if the car is too small.
I am lucky for that offer. Impulse buys are dangerous!
Study time
So. Now I am a student.
I have a Japanese lesson once a week, I have books, I have homework, - and all of this means I have to find/make study time.
As a teacher I know that this is important. Study time should be calm and quiet. You should have all the things you need (dictionary, pencil, eraser etc) and you should give your focus to the study. Set yourself tasks to do and review the past lessons.
Soooo much easier said than done!
I am easily distracted. If I am at home I can play with the cats, or play word games on the computer. Or take in the dry laundry from the garden...or check the news on TV! Easily distracted.
If I study at Imagine I suddenly remember things I must do and jump up from the table to "just check...".
I am a bad student!
One Australian friend recommended studying early in the morning, before the busy day and many distractions begin. An Imagine study tells me she always leaves her home and goes to Tully's or Starbuck's coffee shops to study.
I have to find my time and place. I'm not in a study routine yet.
Tokyo Olympics....7 years to go.


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Money Buzz 10/02
This story appears in the October 2002 issue of Entrepreneur. Subscribe »
Spot a Fake
It takes more than a good eye--or your average currency tester-to spot a fake bill these days. Counterfeiters are taking advantage of modern technology to turn out bogus money that's capable of acing tests that check paper and ink quality. "Then, when the money is deposited, the bank scans it and tells the business 'You had $400 in counterfeit money,' and the business is out that amount," says Anna King, director of marketing for Miami-based Computip.
Using a microprocessor programmed to check against multiple "fingerprints" found on genuine bills, Computip's portable Cash Tester CT 2002 detects virtually all types of counterfeit currency, says King, and enables any business to scan bills at the point of sale.
While the prospect of detecting and turning away phony currency has appeal-especially with a new color $20 bill due out next year-some say sliding each bill through a testing device will be too time-consuming. "It isn't feasible given the fact that most retailers are reluctant to hold up checkout lines," says Mike Duff, senior editor at DSN Retailing Today magazine. "They'll take a few counterfeit bills to not bump up against customer convenience."
Capital Infusion
The tight capital market may soon loosen up a tad-if Sen. Kit Bond (R-MO) can succeed in his recent effort to steer an influx of investment capital into Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs). Under current law, tax-exempt entities such as pension funds and university endowment funds cannot invest in privately owned SBICs-SBA-regulated companies that provide small businesses with long-term loans and equity investments-without incurring a tax liability known as "unrelated business taxable income" (UBTI). But, thanks to the Small Business Investment Company Capital Access Act (S.2022) Bond introduced in the spring, they may soon see a reprieve.
"Tax-exempt entities have expressed interest in investing," says Bond, "but they hear about the UBTI rules and head right out the door." Axing the UBTI ruling would bring an immediate capital boost, says Bond. "A conservative estimate would be a $200 million increase in the SBICs' investment capital in the first year and $400 million in the second year," says Bond, who plans to push the bill in the next session of Congress.
Although optimistic about the bill's prospects, Bond is reluctant to specify a timeframe for adoption. "The way this body has been functioning, I'm not even going to hazard a guess," he says. "But it's a good idea, and ultimately good ideas usually get adopted sometime."
Falling for Fees
Commission-based trades have long been the norm in the brokerage account biz. But the crisis in investor confidence over the past year may change that. More and more clients are trading in their pay-per-trade accounts for fee- or asset-based accounts with annual fees. Why the shift? Both recent market volatility and concerns about ethics and potential conflicts of interest are driving the trend, asserts Ken Evason, president and CEO of Milwaukee-based Jacobus Wealth Management, adding that tying fees to assets under management rather than the number of trades more closely aligns the interests of the client and his or her broker. "Clients are saying, 'We want somebody who is objective and doesn't have a stake in a particular judgment of recommendation,'" he explains.
Making the switch from a transaction-based to a fee-based account may necessitate changing brokers. While large brokerages, such as Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, offer both options, many boutique brokerages offer only one or the other. But before you make the move, advises Evason, be sure it's right for you. Fees typically range between .75 and 2.25 percent of assets, with larger accounts winning lower rates. "Most firms tailor fees to the level of assets under management and the services the client wants," says Evason. "To really benefit, an investor would need a portfolio of $1 million or more."
Jennifer Pallet is a New York City-based freelance writer specializing in business and finance.
Contact Sources
- Computip Inc.
(866) 233-9377, http://www.cash-tester.com
- DSN Retailing Today
(212) 756-5000, http://www.dsnretailing.com


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Thursday, September 20, 2012
first world problems: balsamic vinegar dilemma
because 'tis the summer of mr p and i acquiring more balsamics at each food event we attended. recently we discovered that we enjoy either balsamic and olive oil (or even JUST balsamic vinegar!) as salad dressing. no need to worry about the mustard, the sugar, the salt and pepper, the lemon juice, the garlic.... that's way too complicated (but tastes good too when we have a chance to whip it up)
we first slimmed the recipe down to balsamic vinegar and olive oil. we quickly realized that balsamic vinegar by itself is ALMOST as satisfying as it is mixed with oil. on a small salad, it doesn't make a big difference, larger salads need the extra boost of richness from the oil.
so, last night i had a dilemma: which balsamic vinegar to use for dressing on my dinner salad??
(this is why mr p shouldn't leave me by myself!! i fret over the simplest things!)
i realize this is a rather silly situation. it's a feat for some people just to stock ONE kind of balsamic vinegar in their cupboards.
i've just come to accept that fact that some people buy designer shoes and handbags, while mr p and i buy specialty vinegars, oils, cured meats, and cheeses (at least it's something we BOTH get to enjoy, right? right.)
so... fig. i chose fig-infused balsamic vinegar.
it was chosen over black walnut, pomegranate, mango, and extra aged.
mr p left me for LA with a fridge full of fruits and veggies, so i suppose i will get to try a salad with each of the rest of the vinegars by the time he gets back... if i can eat a salad that many times in a row and NOT opt for the entire blueberry pie he ALSO left me :P
7 comments:
- Unknown said...
that salad looks delicious! Fun fact: we LOVE balsamic in our house... and were very disappointed to find out on our month spent in Italy this last summer... that they hardly use it! STRANGE! xo
- September 20, 2012 at 2:39 PM
- tiff@thecoffeehouse said...
I couldn't even get past "the summer of balsamic vinegars". you crack me up! I, for one, would also be the girl who would buy condiments over shoes and bags. who are we??
- September 20, 2012 at 4:04 PM
- kelly : pinetothepacific said...
this is hilarious...i often have these stressful dinner situations, whether it's about which mustard, condiment, etc. that balsamic looks delish!
- September 20, 2012 at 4:20 PM
- JacPfef said...
that salad looks AMAZING. I usually use balsamic as salad dressing too. try it whisked with a little bit of honey, it'll change your life.
- September 20, 2012 at 5:13 PM
- Loulou said...
This is so interesting. Recently I was treated to a balsamic vinegar and olive oil tasting (served separately) at a gourmet food place where I had gone to pick up our usual balsamic. I was blown away by the difference in flavors in each of the vinegars and olive oils. And ended up coming home with a different vinegar than I had gone in to buy! However I've not yet tried a salad dressed with vinegar only.
- September 20, 2012 at 6:33 PM
- Dee Paulino said...
That salad looks yummie :)
- September 20, 2012 at 8:28 PM
- trishie said...
Fig infused balsamic vinegar sounds soooo yum!
- September 21, 2012 at 2:45 AM