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2 Items
Meet the Psychologist at the Center of Facebook's Data Scandal - Bloomberg
NewsPublication Date: 2018-03-20
In a video published online in September, a social scientist named Alex Spectre made an earnest pitch for his new startup. Clad in the Silicon Valley uniform of open-collar shirt and blazer, Spectre boasted that his company -- Philometrics -- would revolutionize the way online surveys were done, making it easier for companies to design questionnaires that people would actually respond to on Facebook, Twitter or other sites. Crucially, he said, the surveys could predict the responses for large...
Cambridge Analytica data scientist says he'd testify before Congress
NewsPublication Date: 2018-03-19
The data scientist who gathered information on millions of Americans for Cambridge Analytica, the controversial data firm that worked for Donald Trump's presidential campaign, says he would be happy to testify before Congress and speak to the FBI about the work he did for the company. Aleksandr Kogan made the remarks in an email he sent to colleagues at Cambridge University this weekend that was obtained by CNN. "I've also seriously been asked if the FBI has reached out, if the two congressi...


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Affordable Modern Sofa
Desire/Acquire: Midcentury Sofa
Inspired by the architecture of its day, the Florence Knoll sofa is a streamlined, slightly utilitarian piece of furniture. Clean lines, geometric shapes, and pure purpose made the sofa an instant classic when it debuted in 1954 and have kept it on the wish list of almost every modern furniture hound since. With a hefty price tag ($10,172, originally $11,236) however, the wish list is exactly where the sofa is likely to stay.
Imagine our delight when we found a similar version for less! Same clean lines and similar tufting but for a fraction of the price. Keep reading to find the surprising source that is scratching our modernist itch!
Jonathan Adler's Happy Chic Crescent Heights sofa is available for just $1,735 (on sale from $2,895), making it an absolutely steal. Plus, we love the slightly velvet nature of the fabric, as well as the pretty bolsters on either end. So, although the Florence Knoll version will have to remain a dream purchase, we certainly don't feel like this well-priced version is a sacrifice! In fact, we might actually prefer it.

subset: commoncrawl


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STOREFRONT Gallery Opens in Bushwick!
Congratulations to our friends at Norte Maar and the lovely and talented Deborah Brown on the opening of their new gallery space: STOREFRONT! The Inaugural show opened on Saturday night – it was an absolutely packed house and spectacular event! We are looking forward to what they have in store for us. A few photos below, including one wall of the gallery (featuring work by Ellen Letcher, Adam Simon, Stephen Truax, Kevin Regan, Amy Lincoln, Brece Honeycutt, and Brooke Moyse).


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Swipe photo for next/previous product
Quote"knowing now they would be seen,
her selves stood before her.
circling her in love -
they claimed their
right to be."
—Terri St. Cloud
Inner Verserejoice!
FavoriteAdd to your Amazon Wishlist
Quote © Terri St. Cloud, 2003, Image © Bone Sigh Arts All rights reserved


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Billionaire Disc jockey, DJ Cuppy has announced his song with Zlatan Ibile as the most amazing project ever after she performed it for the first time at Zlatan's ZTTW concert.
The concert was held in Abuja on 3RD, November 2019 at Central Park Wuse 2, Abuja with great performances from other artists like Naira Marley, Dj Cuppy and some surprise guests.
Dj Cuppy reveals how Gelato has been his most amazing projects and also thanks Zlatan for always inspiring her.
See Her instagram story below ;


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Families around the world have been falling in love with the UPPAbaby Vista for many years now and the new upgrades for the 2017 Vista will have you falling in love all over again!
Firstly, it's worth a mention that we absolutely loved the 2015 UPPAbaby Vista. It bagged itself a huge FULL MARKS, 5 star rating in its rigorous Pushchair Expert review and our Living With testers Katy and Cathy fell in love with the huge basket and adaptability.
Just when we thought the Vista couldn't get any more fabulous, UPPAbaby have introduced some great changes to the Vista for 2017.
The brand new fabrics on the Vista are made from a knitted blend of fabrics and are crease-free when the sun hood is folded backwards and forwards! This gorgeous soft new fabric blend is still just as effective at sheltering your baby from the elements as it has a SPF of 50+.
There's also the gorgeous addition of the leather handlebar and bumper bar on certain colourways of the new Vista. Not the leatherette you see on many pushchair brands, this leather is full-grain cowhide that has been coloured using a chemical free tanning process. Not only is this leather just the softest on yours and baby's hands but it will get darker and softer with age.
And the upgrades don't stop there, the handling of the Vista has been refined for 2017 too with some small but mighty alterations to the wheels. The new solid polyurethane wheels make for a super smooth push and the new design has managed to shave 0.5kg of the weight of the entire pushchair. There's also the fabulous bonus that these newly designed wheels make the 2017 Vista a whole inch narrower!
We can't wait for the 2017 Vista to hit the shops, can you?!


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Drop Kerbs
easy access
A dropped kerb provides an easy access crossing across a public footpath or verge for a vehicle to gain access to from a highway/road. Drop Kerbs must be built to specific industry standards and approved by local authorities and planning permission may be required with some cases.
You must gain permission for a drop kerb or parking kerb from your local authority and your request must be granted before any works are carried out.


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Spyder Places Two East Coast Rep Groups
(BOULDER, Colo)– Spyder Active Sports realigned its sales organizational structure in the Mid Atlantic and New England areas from three regions to two and hired two sales groups to represent the new territories. The changes were made to provide a better communication and service model in the brand's significant East Coast retail base.
Moving forward, the state of Connecticut will join the New England region that includes Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. New York will align with the Mid Atlantic territory of New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Washington D.C., and Northern Virginia. "These are very important regions for the Spyder brand," Spyder sales director Jeff Sale said. "We have worked extensively to find new agencies that are diverse with multiple bodies to give ultimate service to our accounts. This also allows us to reach consumers with a variety of grass roots events in the future," he added.
Danny Clayton will cover New England's sales territory. Clayton has worked in the action sports industry for over twenty years. During that time he has represented O'Neill, Oakley as inside and outside sales and management, Burton Snowboards in sales management, and currently represents top tier brands through his agency, greenrep.org, which focuses on the "green" sales niche. He and his sales agency, made up of his brother Steve Clayton and sales assistant Jacqui Poutre, bring a combined 40 years of industry sales and grass roots marketing experience to Spyder.
"Spyder is among the few A-level iconic industry brands. I live for the A team," Danny Clayton said. Clayton's team and showroom are based out of Johnson, VT.
Industry veteran Peter Seminara will lead the Spyder rep group in the Mid Atlantic territory from offices in New Jersey. During his 15 years with Burton, Seminara played a critical role in the grass roots development of the sport and the business that followed. In 2003 Seminara was recruited by Spyder to help launch the Section Snowboard Apparel brand, and was named director of sales for the brand. Seminara most recently was the Mid Atlantic sales rep for Helly Hansen.
Joining Seminara is Susanne Stack, who has been a sales rep for both Nils and Burton for the past ten years. Erin Yago and Terrence McGuire round out the sales team, both of who have worked with Seminara during the last four selling seasons.
The newly appointed Spyder representatives will begin servicing their territories immediately.
About Spyder Active Sports
Spyder revolutionized ski apparel in 1978 with a padded slalom sweater designed "for racing, by racers." Spyder products continue to dominate the race circuit and are the choice of the US Alpine and Canadian Alpine World Cup Ski Teams. Renown for integration of high-tech fabrication, function and fashion, Spyder is the world's leading skiwear and mountain-based apparel brand. Based in Boulder, Colorado, Spyder products are distributed in over 50 countries worldwide.


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Think "all is fine" in Europe after today's largely irrelevant Italian bill auction (the auction was for 6 month debt - even Greece can raise that kind of money)? Think again. Here is the Fermentation Committee Chairman explaining why Europe is so hard pressed to create a fake sense of calm, allowing those who know the real story to take advantage of the situation while they still can, and sharing the behind the scenes truth you won't get anywhere else. Certainly not SWIFT.
From UBS:
Europe Rumbles Continue Beneath More Upbeat Headlines - Ever since last week's liquidity operation, most headlines out of Europe have leaned toward the reassuring side. Beneath those headlines, however, there are signs the strains remain and may, in fact, be growing.
European banks are making great use of the ECB's overnight deposit facility. Last night they parked $590 billion at the ECB breaking the record they had set the night before. They are clearly unwilling to lend to other European banks, highlighting the distrust and fear in the interbank marketplace. While the ECB's lending initiative calmed the markets somewhat, it apparently has done nothing to free up the logjam blocking interbank lending.
The distrust on the streets is said to be growing also. Barroom gossip says that safe-deposit boxes are in a demand that borders on frenzy. They allow you to take your Euros and covert them into something of value (gold, Swiss Francs, etc.) and sock it away in a safe place.
Others are said to be buying property in London and elsewhere lest you awake one day and discover that your Euros have reverted to drachmas or lira.
Savvy bankers are said to be setting up personal and communal trusts domiciled in places like the Bahamas, the Caymans or the Isle of Jersey. Some banks are offering depository accounts denominated (and repayable) in alternate currencies like the dollar or the yen.
We think a Lehman-like event would most likely be triggered by a run on a bank or a series of banks. The scramble for currency (value) protection among the public could turn into that bank run in the same way that a crowd can instantly turn into a mob. Watch the money flows out of Greece and Italy very carefully. The pot continues to bubble


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How to remove foot swelling after an injury
Surgeon-phlebologist-lymphologist, surgeon of the first category
In January there was a fracture of the calyx. almost 1.5 months the leg was in plaster. muscles and tendons are both wooden, and the foot is edematous. now my knee bends a little, I do not walk with my feet without a crutch, I can hardly move my healthy leg. tell me how to remove puffiness at home and what to do with the muscles of the injured leg? Thank you.
Svetlana, Ukraine, 52 years old
In occasion of an edema as the doctor phlebologist I can to youadvise to do a duplex scan of veins. Often the pathology of the vessels interferes with the recovery of the leg after trauma. And on all other questions the doctor of the traumatologist will answer more qualitatively. Muscles require therapeutic exercise and massages. But they can be recommended only with the exclusion of deep vein thrombosis.
Sincerely, Elena Belyanina.
Hello, Elena Olegovna! I had postpartum thrombosis six months ago. Today I went to see a doctor, a thrombus already →
03/26/2013 | Ирина, 29 years old


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Grizzlies say West finals vs. Spurs won't be like 2011
- Memphis Grizzlies play San Antonio Spurs in Western Conference finals starting Sunday
- Grizzlies upset Spurs in 2011 playoffs%27 first round as No. 8 seed beating No. 1
- Both teams have similar rosters%2C but Grizzlies insist circumstances are very different
MEMPHIS — Two years ago, having already clinched a playoff spot but still within reach of the No. 6 seed, the Memphis Grizzlies rested starters and lost their final two games of the regular season. Though coach Lionel Hollins denied it, speculation persisted that the Grizzlies took that route because they wanted the No. 8 seed and a matchup with the top-seeded San Antonio Spurs, who were compromised by Manu Ginobili's elbow injury.
It paid off as the Grizzlies shocked the Spurs in Game 1 — the first playoff win in franchise history — and held home court to take the series in six games.
Though the Grizzlies are no longer big underdogs, their history with the Spurs is now very much part of this year's Western Conference Finals, which start Sunday in San Antonio after the Spurs eliminated the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night.
"We've had two seasons since then," Hollins said. "The Spurs aren't the same team, and we aren't the same team."
That is only partially true. The Spurs still have their Big Three of Ginobili, Tony Parker and Tim Duncan. The Grizzlies still have two dominant post players in Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol with a backcourt built around Mike Conley's offense and Tony Allen's defense.
But as tempting as it might be to draw conclusions based on the past, there are very few recent head-to-head clues about how these two teams match up in their current forms.
Though the teams split their four regular season meetings, three occurred prior to Memphis trading Rudy Gay. In the fourth, a 92-90 Grizzlies win, San Antonio didn't have Duncan, Ginobili or small forward Kawhi Leonard available.
Still, the Grizzlies enter the first conference finals in franchise history knowing exactly what to expect from a team that has been a perennial championship contender for the last decade.
"It's a different moment, different teams. Some of the players are still on both teams, but it's different," Gasol said. "You can prepare for a team like San Antonio, of course, but they always get what they want so it's a matter of trying to take away most of their stuff. You can't take everything away. It's nothing special, it's just what we've been doing — just do it and do it more consistently."
The Grizzlies enter this series having won eight of their last nine playoff games after falling behind 0-2 to the Los Angeles Clippers. Nobody left in the playoffs, including the Miami Heat, has performed demonstrably better in the first two rounds.
This is new territory for Memphis, however, playing not only with this kind of spotlight but also the pressure that comes with being considered a legitimate championship contender. Early lines in Las Vegas have essentially declared this series as a pick 'em.
Hollins, however, dismissed the notion that San Antonio's experience in moments of this magnitude will put the Grizzlies at a disadvantage.
"It doesn't matter whether you've ever done it or not," he said. "I played on a team (Portland in 1977) that had never played in the playoffs and won a championship. We just have to do what we do as opposed to getting involved in all the hoopla that goes along with it."


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By my mother's reckoning, Lent is over tomorrow at noon, after which we can eat meat, drink, and well, put our Lenten abstentions away for another year.
As a family, we observed three hours of silence every Good Friday from noon-3, the traditional time Our Lord and Savior was hung on the Cross. Mom maintained (and enforced) all fasting and abstinence laws from midnight Holy Thursday through Holy Saturday at noon. On Holy Thursday, all Catholic Churches in our town maintained all-night vigils with litanies and novenas. The physically able participated in the traditional Holy Thursday Seven Church Walk, during which we walked all over town to seven Catholic Churches to recite litanies and novenas and pray the Rosary. We had our Easter Baskets with Paska (bread) and undyed hard-boiled eggs blessed on Holy Saturday afternoon.
These were once time-honored Observances now all but forgotten. It dignified and strengthened our Faith, and like similar Christmas Eve Observances, harkened back to the Jewish Passover. We must never forget that Our Lord was a strictly observant Jew and student of the yeshiva. Whether they know it or not, Christians honor this Reality every Christmas and Easter.


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DescriptionLightweight and soft fleece sweater made from recycled polyester with a slightly marbled look. Just as comfortable under a shell jacket when gazing out from the Skierfe cliff on a crisp day as it is attractive on its own as dusk falls over your summer cabin. The fleece is manufactured in an environmentally friendly process that both spins and dyes the thread in the same step. For this model, that means about 50 percent less water and 31 percent less energy consumption compared to a traditionally produced fleece sweater. Reinforcement in durable G-1000 over the shoulders results in less friction under your backpack's shoulder straps. High collar protects you from biting winds, and there is a protective flap of fleece between the zipper and chin. Two spacious zippered side pockets. All of the zipper flaps are made from natural tone leather.
Size, Material & Environment Information
- Gender: Men
- Concept: Trekking
- Activity: Everyday Outdoor
- Material: G-1000, Polyester
- Outer Material: G-1000® Original: 65% polyester, 35% cotton, 100% Polyester
- Care Label: Wash with similar colours, Rub grease into the leather regularly
- Contains non textile parts of animal origin: Yes
Shipping, Payment & Returns
2-10 working days of delivery time.
For detailed information read our shipping information as well as the destinations we currently ship to.
We offer the following payment options:
Product returns within 14 calendar days of receipt of the product. More information under Returns or our Terms & Conditions.
Washing instructions
Machine wash in 40°c
Wool, gentle machine wash in 30°c
Hand wash only
Do not wash
Do not dry clean
Dry clean in Tetrachloroethylene
Gentle dry clean in Tetrachloroethylene
Do not bleach
Do not tumble dry
Tumble dry with low heat
Do not Iron
Iron, Steam or Dry, with low heat
Iron, Steam or Dry, with medium heat
Iron, Steam or Dry, with high heat
Looking after your outdoor clothing is the be all and end all when it comes to making sure your clothes last. Do not wash it too often, and wash it correctly.
Read more about how to best look after your clothes here.


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Our retail network can provide the lift truck and warehouse products, parts, services and ongoing support you need to accomplish more. Many locations also offer training, warehouse design services and mixed-fleet support.
Enter your city, province or postal code to locate a Crown dealer near you.
Crown manages an extensive global sales and service network to meet customer needs anytime, anywhere.
Our network includes more than 500 retail locations in over 80 countries and spans the continents of North America and Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, and in the countries of Brazil and China. Each location offers products and services tailored to the local market while providing a consistent customer experience worldwide.


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By deafness an individual gains in one respect more than he loses i.e. one misses more nonsense than sense. Well, that was just to make you feel light but talking about the subject seriously, it has been proved that retinal neurons in deaf people are distributed in a way that their retina can capture more peripheral visual information than others. Taking inspiration from the fact, the designers got motivated to craft Hirmi, the spectacle to assist deaf people. The main aim was to make deaf people feel secure in their environment by giving them an opportunity to recognize moments of distractions.
As mentioned earlier, these spectacles use the acute peripheral vision that deaf people build. There are microphones on both the sides of the spectacle to capture sound that deaf people cannot. The captured sound is then brought to the processing board where it gets converted to wavy lines and projected onto the LCD monochromatic screens. User can see the intensity and the source of the sound surrounding or approaching him. To make the reading convenient at such small distance from eyes, it comes with equalizer style graphics. The glasses are framed in a manner that they envelop the face and do not reduce vision of the user.
But designing these spectacles was not a cake walk. Many things were taken into consideration like keeping the image simple on lens as it was too close to the eye, projected image in black color so that even if the user cannot focus on it the main purpose is fulfilled and so many likewise things. The project was undertaken using a simple Arduino Nano board, a battery, two monochromatic LCD screens and two microphones. The aim was not only to create an assisting object for deaf but to create a conventional looking object that fulfills the purpose in the best possible way.
Via: James Dyson Award


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The Bering Strait is a sea strait between Cape Dezhnev in Russia's Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, the easternmost point of the Asian continent, and Cape Prince of Wales, Alaska, USA, the westernmost point of the North American continent.
Here, the land on the Russian side is still mostly covered by snow, while that on the Alaskan side is beginning to thaw further inland.
The Bering Strait is approximately 53 miles (85 km) wide, with an average depth of 30–50 meters (98–160 ft). It connects the Chukchi Sea (part of the Arctic Ocean) in the north with the Bering Sea (part of the Pacific Ocean) in the south.
Icebergs from melting sea ice can be seen floating in the waters in and around the strait. With a latitude of about 65° 40′ north, the strait lies slightly south of the polar circle.


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in the news
O'Melveny's Roberts Quoted in Asian Legal Business on Chinese Companies Delisting in the US二月 27, 2012 O'Melveny & Myers LLP partner David Roberts is quoted in Asian Legal Business' February 27, 2012, article "Is the Water Getting Muddier?," which concerns the growing number of Chinese companies considering privatisation and delisting from US exchanges to avoid the scrutiny of US regulators, and the complex legal issues they will face.
According to Roberts, who is based in O'Melveny's Beijing office, investors in China considering such a move need to know about the complex and extensive disclosure obligations involved in a typical 13E-3 going private transaction. "Businessmen in China are often focused purely on the 'business' rationale for such transactions, particularly on the interests of the buyout or control group initiating the transaction. Thus, the rules that are designed to ensure 'entire fairness' (and to protect minority public shareholders) can take many such controlling investors and PE/VC backers by surprise," Roberts said.
Roberts added that while the pipeline for privatisation deals will continue to be strong in 2012 and 2013, "the more exciting future for M&A in China will involve strategic M&As whereby US-listed Chinese companies will consider trade sales to Chinese or foreign buyers." Roberts recently represented China's education conglomerate Global Education & Technology Group in its sale through a merger to British education publisher Pearson for US$294 million, which he describes as a "pioneering and landmark example of this new trend."


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If you've ever experienced a power outage where the power in your house dips just enough to lose important work on your computer, you know that battery backup provided by an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) can allow sufficient time to save files. It also helps in closing programsand powering down equipment properly so devices aren't fried as a result of the power surge.
Eaton's new 3S battery backup provides sleek, savvy and sophisticated power protection right out of the box, making it the ideal solution for home or small office computers and accessories, networking, VoIP systems, and home entertainment devices. It's an affordable solution ($79) that provides 10-30 minutes of time protect your home electronics using a reliable, durable, and compact system that is also energy efficient.
I happen to have the Eaton 3S UPS with 10 outlets. 10 may sound like a lot but in the event of a power outage, here are the things that I would like to be able to protect by powering down properly and ensure are fully charged in the event that the power goes out for multiple days:
Laptop— A power surge can fry your laptop. Plugging it into one of Eaton 3S UPS' power surge outlets protects it. Battery backup from the UPS also ensures that your battery is fully charged in the event that your power stays out for longer than expected.
Cell phone — Plugging in your cell phone charger into an uninterrupted power supply helps maintain the charge so your phone will be fully juiced when the power is out. Call, text, access data, and update social networks wisely though since the UPS typically runs between 10-30 minutes.
Digital video recorder (DVR)— Nothing is worse than missing the very end of a favorite show because the power goes out! Plug your DVR into your UPS to make sure that it keeps recording so you can catch that cliffhanger of an ending when the power comes back on.
Home cordless phone— Many are abandoning their landlines in favor of cell phones. If your home phone is cordless phone, it won't work without power. When plugged into a UPS, the home cordless phone system will work for the duration of stored power in your UPS. This should be just long enough to phone essential family members to let them know your power is out and you aren't really ignoring their calls.
Radio— Emergency radios transmit important news and developments regarding emergency situations. Keep one on hand and plugged into your UPS so you can be in the know and share information with your friends and neighbors via word of mouth.
AA and AAA rechargeable battery charger— Batteries are needed to power your flashlight and other emergency communications devices. Plug the battery charger into the UPS so all batteries will be fully charged in case of emergency.
Cable modem/DSL — Life without WiFi can be a nightmare for some but the nightmare only gets worse if your cable modem or DSL is damaged because of the power surge. Keep it protected or prolong its' life a little longer by plugging it into the UPS to maintain your internet connection for the life of the battery backup.
Backup charger for mobile devices— Plugging in a backup charger for your phone keeps you connected even when the initial charge runs low. Devices like the iGo Charge Anywhere can charge 2 USB devices at a time when fully charged thanks to your UPS.
Floor lamp with a compact florescent or LED bulb— It's Murphy's Law that power tends to go out after it's dark, leaving you scrambling for candles and flashlights in the pitch black. Plug in a floor lamp that uses either compact fluorescents or LED lights (because they use less energy) and you'll have a few minutes to find and light those candles and distribute flashlights.
iPod dock— Music lovers who feel like the party stops when the music does will have a few more minutes to finish that last song before having to plug in a set of headphones to listen to their fully charged iPod.
eReader — Book lovers who don't own headlamps or find it hard to turn pages while holding a flashlight will want to make sure their eReader is plugged into a UPS to continue reading by the light of the backlit display. Due to the long battery life of eReaders, a fully charged one could probably outlast most power outages!
While some of the devices from the above list are not necessities in the event of a power outage, it's always a good idea to plug technology into a UPS to protect them against power surges.
This post is part of a sponsored campaign with Technorati Media.


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We provide statistics about our membership and operations as a Regional Internet Registry, such as IPv4 and IPv6 allocations, membership by country, and K-root queries. These statistics are presented in the form of graphs that are dynamically updated and can be sorted by topic.
RIPEstat provides information about specific IP addresses and prefixes, ASNs, and related information for hostnames and countries. This includes registration and routing data, DNS data, geographical information, abuse contacts and more from the RIPE NCC's internal datasets as well as from external sources, such as other Regional Internet Registries and IANA.
A forum in which the RIPE NCC and the community can collaborate in the areas of data, tools and analysis relating to the Internet and its infrastructure.


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I have to say this season of unexpected unemployment has been hard. But I'm still trying to keep a record of where I am so one day I can look back with accuracy at what I endured and survived.
I have sent between 200-300 applications since May. I counted last time, but as it grows I feel like there's no point in tracking it.
I have gone on multi-stage interviews and have been passed on by 9 different companies all of which told me that I was a solid candidate and that everyone on the team liked me.
I was told by 2 companies of those 9 that I would be given a formal offer only to have one, never reply to me or my follow up emails and the other to tell me they changed their mind.
I have another 3 companies that I interviewed with that never replied to me at all to let me know if I moved on to the next phase of interviews.
All in all, the job search has been disappointing, and even depressing. Most days it's a struggle to keep going, knowing that it is still a possibility – as it has many times before – to get your hopes up in a process that might not end in a job offer.
But I'm hoping one day I can use this as another story of how God made it all work out again.
Please keep me in prayer during this time.


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New KEYMILE office in Singapore6. October 2016
KEYMILE is increasing its presence in Asia to meet new market demand for mission-critical networks with its robust, secure and highly available solutions.
KEYMILE has opened its Asia Pacific regional hub in Singapore as part of its commitment to its customers and partners. The goal is to look after customers and partners better from this local base.
KEYMILE, a leading provider of solutions for mission-critical networks, is expanding its activities in the Asia Pacific region (APAC) with the new branch in Singapore, led by Dieter Klein as Managing Director for Asia. KEYMILE will focus on entering new markets and to provide superior support to customers as well as regional sales and service partners locally who were previously looked after from Europe. This will also make processing public and private tenders from the Asian region easier.
The market for mission-critical networks in Asia is growing rapidly. This growth requires increasing infrastructure, be it in the energy sector, at railway companies or in local government. With its existing product portfolio – in particular its XMC20 hybrid multi-service access and transmission plat-form – KEYMILE offers everything customers in the APAC region need to migrate from traditional to IP technologies. This switch also creates strong demand for solutions like highly secure end-to-end encryption in mission critical networks, another area KEYMILE specialises in. In addition, the new SECU1 security card offers exceptionally secure transmission of mission-critical data in MPLS-TP environments by using quantum physics.
KEYMILE Asia's first steps will be to focus on sales, marketing and supporting existing partners. In the mid- to long-term the branch will also concentrate on tapping into new markets in other Asian countries.
The expansion will allow KEYMILE to benefit from the market expertise of local representatives and therefore put it in a position to enhance its portfolio, which in turn will lead to better positioning with regard to international competitors.
"The new branch supports our strategy of intensifying our relationships with our existing and new customers and partners in Asia," says Dieter Klein, Managing Director, KEYMILE Asia. "Singapore is an ideal starting point to gain further established, innovative and familiar companies from the region as new sales and service partners and therefore actively boost our growth".
About KEYMILE
KEYMILE is a leading supplier of telecommunications solutions with key facilities in Germany and Switzerland. The systems developed and produced by KEYMILE systems are used for reliable and deterministic data transmission in mission-critical areas of telecommunications networks used by railway companies, energy suppliers, oil and gas utilities and state organisations. To protect data transmission, KEYMILE uses high-tech security and encryption concepts. Simultaneous availability of IP/Ethernet and TDM technology guarantees perfect evolution to packet-based data transmission. Public network operators employ the products to provide top bandwidth to subscribers. They also use the products to implement value-creating, open-source broadband architecture. KEYMILE also supports its customers with a range of solution-driven services. The company has subsidiaries and partners worldwide and has installed systems in more than 100 countries.
KEYMILE on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/keymileBack to overview


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What's the difference between Natural perfume and Synthetic perfume?
Natural perfumes are made with plant-derived ingredients that have been distilled straight from their natural source such as roots, flowers, tree resins and moss. These naturally-derived ingredients are inherently fragrant, and are then blended to create the perfume which is preserved in a carrier (in our case, organic sugarcane alcohol). They do not contain synthetic ingredients.
Synthetic perfumes are made with cheap, often petroleum-derived chemicals. These chemicals have been associated with hormone disruption and allergic reactions, and many have not been assessed for safety. Read More here.
Do you use any synthetic fragrances?
No. All ingredients come from nature, not a lab. 95 percent of chemicals used in synthetic fragrances are derived from petroleum (crude oil) and include benzene derivatives (carcinogenic), aldehydes, toluene, and many other known toxic chemicals that have been linked to cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders and allergic reactions.
There are also NO: cheap fillers, preservatives, petrochemicals, sulfates, detergents, preservatives, artificial colors, fragrances, or GMOs.
Are your products vegan & cruelty free?
They sure are! Products are both Leaping Bunny Certified and Vegan Certified.
All perfumes are tested on willing friends.
Are your plant ingredients sustainable?
I'm committed to never using any plants whose native populations are being depleted due to unethical over harvesting or are on The United Plant Savers "at risk" list. Only sustainable ingredients from ethical sources are used.
Are your products comprised of organic, wild-crafted, or sustainable ingredients?
I use a certified organic sugarcane alcohol base. The essential oils sourced are organic and wildcrafted. I'm mindful in my selection process, never choosing oils or extracts that come from at-risk or threatened species. Only the purest, highest quality oils are used.
Are your products Unisex?
Yes. I disagree with the idea of certain scents being for women and others for men. I'm excited to explore a line that isn't limited by these manufactured principals.
Do natural perfumes last as long on the skin as synthetic perfumes?
Simply put, no. Synthetic perfumes consist of chemicals that basically "glue" the fragrance to your skin or clothing. Natural perfumes contain none of these chemicals/preservatives. Each individual's skin is different so the longevity varies. The scent generally lasts two to five hours and you may anoint as often as you'd like!
TIP: Make sure your skin is well moisturized before applying natural perfume. This way the skin doesn't absorb the perfume as quickly.
Scent fatigue can also affect your perception of the perfume strength. This is fairly common. In the first few days, applying the perfume once feels like more than enough for a scent that lasts hours. But over time, you naturally get used to wearing your perfume and feel it is weakening. It likely isn't. You can counter this affect by alternating the scents you wear.
How "strong" are Natural Perfumes?
Natural perfumes are not overpowering and will stay within a few feet of your body. Don't infringe on the personal scent preferences of others. Go natural.
Are your products made in the USA?
They sure are! Hand blended in small batches and poured here in sunny San Diego, California.
What are essential oils, absolutes and CO2 extracts?
All three are terms for the natural aromatic fluids found in the seeds, bark, stems, roots, flowers, and other parts of plants. It is the method of extraction that differentiates them.
Essential oils are typically distilled (by water or steam or a combination of both) but can also be cold pressed or expeller pressed (as is the case with some of the citrus oils).
Some flowers, such as rose, jasmine, lotus and orange blossom, are oftentimes extracted as Absolutes since they are too delicate for steam (heat) distillation; which can damage their petals. Instead, they are processed by enfleurage (a traditional method using fat to extract the fragrant part of the plant) or more commonly by solvent extraction (using mineral solvents).
CO2 extracts are created from a relatively new and highly efficient extraction process. Instead of mineral solvents, carbon dioxide is pressurized until it becomes a liquid – which then acts as the solvent to extract aromatic oils from plants.
What is organic sugar cane alcohol?
USDA certified organic cane alcohol is NOT the same as denatured alcohol. Denatured alcohol contains poisonous additives and is not meant to be ingested and should not be absorbed through the skin (most fragrances use denatured alcohol). My organic cane sugar alcohol comes from a family-owned business in Oregon. It is environmentally sound and has been filtered using a three-stage system to ensure the highest level of purity.
Why does my product smell slightly different from last time I purchased it?
My perfumes and room sprays are hand blended and created from organic, wildcrafted, and sustainable essential oils and plant extracts. Slight variance from batch to batch may occur, due to seasonal differences in crop yield. The temperature, rain water and soil conditions may vary from year to year; producing slightly different crop yields. This is part of the beauty of buying small-batch and natural beauty products.
Bottle / Packaging
Tell me about your wood caps!
My Dad, a retired guitar maker, hand makes these gorgeous caps. Each scent is paired with a different hardwood. Because this is a natural product, no two caps will look exactly alike.
Can I purchase a new Room Spray and reuse my existing sprayer?
You sure can! Thanks for minimizing your usage of plastic.
Just leave a "note" when you place your order and I won't include a new sprayer.
Keep in mind that essential oils have large molecules and can occasionally jam up the mechanism in trigger sprayers. This possibility increases the longer the sprayer is being used. If you purchase new bottles and continue to reuse one sprayer, you might find this becomes an issue at some point. If so, feel free to reach out and I'll remedy the situation pronto.
Are your shipping materials eco-friendly?
They sure are! All materials used are made of recycled materials and are biodegradable.
At times, I might include packing peanuts in your package. Rest assured, these are also biodegradable (they dissolve in water!) I never purchase these peanuts—I receive them in my vendor orders and save them in hopes of extending their usage lifespan.
Storage / Shelf Life
How long do your products last once I open them?
It is recommended that the perfumes and room sprays be used within 12 months after opening—as they are formulated without synthetic preservatives or additives.
Where should I store Veyali products?
To keep this perfume fresh, store in a cool, dark place. (The Forest Prism box was designed as a stylish way to protect your perfume from light.)
Are your perfumes safe for pregnant women?
Though the ingredients used in these products are natural, some essential oils are contraindicated for pregnancy. As always, if you have any questions or concerns about certain ingredients, please consult with your physician prior to using.
I've had allergic reactions to perfumes in the past. Will I experience the same reaction to yours?
Regardless of whether a perfume is Natural or Synthetic, it may still cause an allergic reaction depending on the person's sensitivities. I recommend purchasing a sample and doing a patch test. All my perfumes are tested on humans and I haven't seen any adverse reactions.
Shipping & Returns
+ Orders ship within 3 business days (Mon-Fri) after receiving payment. Exceptions may occur during holidays, or if there's been a note made to our social media/website noting otherwise. Once your order has been placed you will receive an email confirmation and once your order has shipped an email with your tracking information.
+ Veyali ships within the United States and Canada.
+ Due to the nature of these perfumes and room sprays, returns are not accepted. Samples are offered for sale and it's recommend that you try the products before purchasing larger quantities to ensure satisfaction.
If an item is damaged in shipping, it will be replaced if you send a photo of the damaged item within 48 hours of receipt. Email at email@example.com and be sure to hold onto the entire package for 30 days in case USPS wishes to inspect the item.


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Member's Bill
People engaged as contractors have few of the protections of employees. They can be paid at a rate which is less than the minimum wage.
The purpose of this Bill is to amend the Minimum Wage Act 1983 to extend its provisions to apply to payments under a contract for services that are remunerated at below the minimum wage. Currently certain types of work, such as pamphlet deliveries, are not subject to any minimum wage requirements because remuneration is paid under a contract for services. The Bill provides for such contractors to be paid not less than a minimum rate, equivalent to the minimum wage.
As is the case for the minimum wage, the rate can be either hourly or on a piece rate basis.
Clause 1 is the Title clause.
Clause 2 is the commencement clause. The Bill comes into force on the day after the date on which it receives the Royal assent.
Clause 3 provides that the Bill amends the Minimum Wage Act 1983, the principal Act.
Clause 4 is the purpose clause.
Clause 5 amends the name of the principal Act.
Clause 6 amends section 2.
Clause 7 inserts new sections 4A and 4B.
Clause 8 amends section 5.
Clause 9 amends section 6.
Clause 10 inserts new section 6A.
Clause 11 inserts new sections 8B and 8C.
Clause 12 amends section 10.
Clause 13 inserts new sections 11AB and 11AC.
Clause 14 inserts new Schedule 2.
Hon David Parker
The Parliament of New Zealand enacts as follows:
This Act is the Minimum Wage (Contractor Remuneration) Amendment Act 2015.
This Act comes into force on the day that is 6 months after the date on which it receives the Royal assent.
This Act amends the Act that was previously called the Minimum Wage Act 1983 (the principal Act).
The purpose of this Act is to—
rename the principal Act; and
amend the principal Act so that it applies to remuneration received by specified persons for providing certain services under a contract for service.
As from the commencement of this section—
the Minimum Wage Act 1983 is called the Minimum Wage and Remuneration Act 1983:
every reference in any enactment and in any document to the Minimum Wage Act 1983 must, unless the context otherwise requires, be read as a reference to the Minimum Wage and Remuneration Act 1983.
In the heading to section 1, delete "Short".
In section 1(1) replace "may be cited as the Minimum Wage" with "is the Minimum Wage and Remuneration".
"may be cited as the Minimum Wage"
"is the Minimum Wage and Remuneration"
In section 2, insert in their appropriate alphabetical order:
principal, in relation to a specified person, means a person who—
engages the specified person under a contract for service to provide a service listed in Schedule 2; and
does not acquire the service for the person's personal, domestic or household use or consumption
remuneration means the payment by a principal to a specified person who provides services to the principal under a contract for service for that part of the service that relates to the provision of labour by the specified person
specified person means—
an individual who is 16 years of age or older and provides a service listed in Schedule 2 under a contract for service; or
a company that provides a service listed in Schedule 2 under a contract for service if—
the company has only 1 shareholder and 1 director; and
the shareholder and director are the same person; and
the person who is the shareholder and director personally provides the service
After section 4, insert:
The Governor-General may, by Order in Council, prescribe the minimum rate of remuneration payable to specified persons for providing 1 or more of the services listed in Schedule 2.
The following matters must be taken into account in establishing the actual rate of remuneration of a specified person for providing a service listed in Schedule 2:
the terms of the contract; and
whether the principal and specified person have agreed on what is a reasonable amount of time for the specified person to provide the service; and
the information in the remuneration record required to be kept under section 8B; and
any other relevant matters.
In the heading to section 5, after "wages", insert "and remuneration".
"and remuneration"
In section 5(1), replace "pursuant to section 4" with "under section 4".
"pursuant to section 4"
"under section 4"
In section 6, replace "under this Act, shall be entitled" with "under section 4 is entitled".
"under this Act, shall be entitled"
"under section 4 is entitled"
After section 6, insert:
Despite anything to the contrary in any enactment, agreement, or contract for services, if the minimum rate of remuneration is prescribed under section 4A, every specified person providing a service listed in Schedule 2 to a principal is entitled to receive payment for providing the service at not less than the minimum rate.
After section 8A, insert:
This section applies if—
a specified person provides to a principal a service listed in Schedule 2; and
the minimum rate of remuneration has been prescribed under section 4A.
The principal must keep a remuneration record that contains the following information in respect of the specified person:
the name of the specified person:
the specified person's postal address:
the kind of service that the specified person is engaged to provide:
if the agreement does not state the amount of time that the specified person will take to provide the service,—
the hours during which the specified person provides the service; and
if the remuneration is payable at intervals, the hours during which the specified person provides the service in relation to each interval:
the remuneration paid to the specified person for the service and the method of calculation:
any other particulars that are prescribed.
Information entered in the remuneration record must be kept for not less than 6 years after the date on which the information is entered.
A specified person or a Labour Inspector may request that a principal provide access to, or a copy of, or a certified extract from, information in the remuneration record relating to a specified person.
A principal who receives a request under subsection (1) must comply as soon as practicable with the request by—
allowing the specified person or Labour Inspector to view the record; or
providing a copy or certified extract of the information concerned.
In section 10, after "full payment of any wages", insert "or remuneration".
"full payment of any wages"
"or remuneration"
In section 10, insert as subsection (2):
The provisions of the Employment Relations Act 2000 apply, with the necessary modifications, to the recovery of minimum remuneration as if the minimum remuneration were minimum wages.
After section 11A, insert:
This section applies to the recovery of minimum remuneration prescribed under section 4A and payable by a principal to a specified person.
The specified person, or a Labour Inspector, may commence an action in the Employment Relations Authority in the same manner as an action under section 131 of the Employment Relations Act 2000 for the recovery of the whole or any part of minimum remuneration, if—
there has been a default in payment of the minimum remuneration to the specified person; or
the payment of remuneration to the specified person has been made at a rate lower than that prescribed under section 4A.
Subsection (2)—
does not affect any other remedies for the recovery of minimum remuneration prescribed under section 4A and payable by a principal to a specified person; and
applies despite—
the acceptance by the specified person of any payment at a lower rate; or
any express or implied agreement to the contrary.
No action to recover minimum remuneration may be commenced under this section more than 6 years after the date on which the cause of action arose.
a principal and the specified person have agreed on the amount of time that the specified person will take to provide a service under a contract for service; and
the amount of time agreed is reasonable; and
the actual time taken by the specified person to provide the service exceeds the reasonable amount agreed.
Despite section 11AB(3)(b)(ii), the specified person may not recover any minimum remuneration that relates to the actual time taken to provide the service that exceeds the reasonable amount agreed.
After the Schedule, insert the Schedule 2 set out in the Schedule of this Act.
s 14
ss 2, 4A, 4B, 6A, 8B
The following services may be provided under a contract for service:
building and construction services:
cleaning services:
courier services:
food catering services:
fast-food delivery services:
newspaper or pamphlet delivery services to letterboxes:
personal home-care support to an individual in the individual's house:
public entertainment services as an actor, musician, or singer:
the manufacture of clothing, footwear, or textiles:
telemarketing services:
market research services:
licensed security guard services under the Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010:
services in the forestry industry related to planting, pruning, or felling:
truck-driving services delivering goods.


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When Christopher Gorham was prepping for his Covert Affairs directorial debut, the crew made sure he looked the part.
Vote: Which fall premieres won you over? Which flopped?"Our third [assistant director] ... on my very first scene that we directed, he brought me a baseball cap and a vest with lots of pockets," he tells TVGuide.com. "That's my directing outfit that I wore."Gorham says he had a blast helming Tuesday's episode (10/9c, USA), which finds Annie ( Piper Perabo) racing against the clock to turn an asset and Auggie (Gorham) still attempting to confess his feelings for her. "He wants to have that conversation, but it's not a great time and it's based on the reality of what's going on in the show," he says.
Covert Affairs bosses on Annie's spy future and what's next for her and AuggieSo what else can we expect from the episode? And what was it like directing himself? Check out our hard-hitting interview (pun fully intended) below. Plus: Watch him teach us some of Auggie's boxing moves! (Perhaps they look familiar.)


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A Living Hope by Brandi Ladd
1 Peter 1 :3-7
Do you remember your middle school history classes and the fascinating story of the California Gold Rush? I don't. So here is a recap.
In 1848 gold nuggets were discovered in the Sacramento Valley and thousands of gold-miners rushed over by sea or land to San Francisco to find their "treasure". By the end of 1849 the population was over 100,000 compared to 1,000 and they found 2 billion dollars' worth of gold.
Pure gold is indestructible, it will not corrode, rust or tarnish and cannot be destroyed by fire. This gold must be pretty awesome stuff, right? Wrong. Maybe by human standards it is great but God says in 1 Peter 1:6 that our faith is "more valuable than gold, which perishes though refined by fire."
I know what you are thinking, "I thought you said gold cannot be destroyed by fire?" This paints such a beautiful picture. In this life we will go through struggles. We will question why God is letting things happen to us. We might doubt that He is listening or is with us or has our best interest in mind. We think our ways are better than His. Our thoughts are higher than His. All this happens so that "the genuineness of our faith may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
All the struggles we endure are refining our faith.
Refine means to free from impurities or imperfection, to perfect by pruning or polishing. The Lord is polishing our faith through the trials and struggles we face. This gold that everyone thinks is indestructible? God says it perishes by fire. But we can rejoice because our faith is imperishable and we have a sure salvation.
We have "an inheritance that is imperishable, uncorrupted, and unfading, kept in heaven for us." (vs. 4) Think back to a time where things were "just not going your way" and it seemed like everything good was happening to the people around you and somehow you always got the raw end of the deal. Look at your life now and think about how the Lord was building your faith and proving it genuine. Maybe you are going through a hard time right now. Maybe you are angry at your circumstances.
Our faith will be tested by fire…all so that it will result in praise, honor and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ!
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Copyright © 2014
by 818 Ministries.
All rights reserved.


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BJ's had this promo last year (actually, I won't be surprised if it's year round): you can get trial membership for 60 days for free.
Here's what I'd like to know though: is it worth it? Do they actually have better prices?
I think this offer is better than Sam's club which charges a service fee and doesn't give you actual membership prices. BJ's seem to promise full membership benefits. Wondering if I missed some fine print somewhere…
Ps: I also heard BJ's has dippin' dots… is it true?? I LOVE those things!!!


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oh blog, it's me & not you. for reals. mama has been busybusy. i promise to post on you longtime tomorrows... & update all your links & take you to the Olive Gardens for dinner not lunch & after we can walk down to the ice cream shoppe & you can get two scoops, baby.
TWO motherfucking SCOOPS.
with some motherfucking SPRINKLES even.
then when we gets home, mama'll pour you a glass of fine cava & not that cheap Cook's shit & we'll drink out of jelly jars & sit on the concrete slab i calls a patio & laugh at the neighborchildren being chased by our mean dog...
then we'll listen to the lovesongs of frogs.


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National Overview
The national total number of officially reported hostile incidents dropped drastically from 140 to 75 this week – the lowest number of incidents recorded in a week this year. The Eid Festival which saw heightened security measures in parts of the country seems to have been the main factor in the reduction of the operational tempo. The number of incidents was lowest at the beginning of the reporting period but increased towards the end of the Eid/Ramadan religious period.
The south central and south east regions were the only areas of the country that saw a rise in hostile activity this week. An increased number of low level intimidation and criminal incidents in the south east made up the majority of the incidents although there was evidence of attacks against United States Forces - Iraq in Basra, Maysan and Muthanna.
Incident levels in Baghdad and the north central areas are likely to continue increasing as they did towards the end of the reporting period. Given the notable intent to stage a mass casualty attack seen in the north central region it is possible that such an attack will occur in the near future. Successful Iraqi Security Forces operations in the western region led to a huge fall in successful insurgent operations. The heightened state of the security forces during Eid will probably wane in the coming week and lead to a rise in officially reported incidents across the country.
Political Overview
The reporting period did not witness significant progress towards the formation of a new government as the main blocs remained at loggerheads over who should rule.
The Shiite "National Coalition" set a deadline for the decision on who should represent the coalition in the competition for the prime minister's post for next week. The Coalition members however neglected to mention how the decision making process will be conducted. The Shiite blocs conceded that talks with other parties would have to be suspended until the deliberations had concluded, after which point they would attempt to form a government of "national unity" with them.
Iraqiya's belief in its right to rule has remained steadfast, with Allawi rejecting the viability of Maliki's hold on the position of prime minister.
Asked in an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat this week whether Iraqiya would form the next government, Allawi stated, "Yes, we will if we proceed on the basis of the electoral and constitutional right. If we proceed along external wishes, then others will form the government. That will be the problem, we will not accept to have a foreigner impose his will on us."
The Iraqiya leader predicted turbulence if Maliki is allowed to remain at his post and a rejection of the electoral system as a whole by the Iraqi people. He also referred to the sectarian quota system as a source of political troubles, eschewing sectarianism in politics as divisive and unbalanced. As a purportedly secular party with the most votes, Allawi defended Iraqiya's unique position of legitimacy in the competition to rule the country.
Open source media reports suggested that U.S. Vice President Joe Biden warned of a possible military intervention by the Iraqi Army if political negotiations continue to stall, causing members of Iraqiya to warn against a military coup. At the moment this option seems a long way off and the press tends to over analyse comments made by the U.S. administration, eager to reveal some indication of Washington's position on Iraq's political dilemma. Maliki's control over the Iraqi Army is of concern to Iraqiya which might explain the latter's warning against such action. Iraqiya has also rejected international intrusions as anti-sovereign and counter-productive, probably due to anxieties over Maliki's established relationship with the U.S. administration and possibly Iran.
Officially reported incidents in Baghdad fell from 52 to 28 in the review period. Although the number of attacks in the Baghdad area was lower than normal, incident numbers did begin to rise towards the end of the reporting period. It is assessed that the number of hostile incidents will greatly increase in the next seven days as insurgents regroup following the conclusion of Eid. Iraqi Security Forces and Government of Iraq employees will continue to be heavily targeted. Mass casualty attacks targeting Iraqi civilians are occurring at a rough rate of one per fortnight, suggesting that an attempt might take place within the next couple of weeks.
On 18 September an Indirect Fire attack intended for the International Zone impacted within the Karradah area injuring three Iraqis. Attacks commonly target the U.S. Embassy and tend to be launched from Sadr City in the east and Zafaraniyah in the south east. Following the drawdown of U.S. Forces from Iraq the rate of attempted Indirect Fire attacks aimed at the Green Zone could begin to accelerate as insurgents seek to diminish the authority of the national security forces.
Improvised Explosive Devices remain the most prevalent method of attack in the capital particularly where insurgents target U.S. Forces and Government of Iraq representatives. Last week Improvised Explosive Attacks were seen south of Abu Ghraib and in east Baghdad and also in the north of the capital were an attack was launched against the Deputy Minister of Work and Social Affairs in Waziriyah.
Government convoys are sporadically attacked with Improvised Explosive Devices in the east of Baghdad, invariably by Sunni insurgents. Due to the increased security or inaccessible location of senior officials' residences, the use of Under Vehicle Improvised Explosive Devices has become less tenable than deployment of roadside Improvised Explosive Devices, thus explaining their frequency.
The number of incidents in the south east region increased to ten last week despite an uptick in Iraqi Security Forces' operational activity.
Arrest operations throughout Basra continued with over 40 wanted individuals being detained. Among those arrested were two criminal gangs, four individuals in possession of weapons, explosives and observation equipment and numerous others on terrorism charges. The continuing success of such operations demonstrates the national security forces increasing ability to conduct operations without relying on the support of U.S. Forces.
There were two incidences of politically motivated attacks in Basra during the review period. A member of the State of Law political bloc and a deputy chief of the municipal council were targeted at their homes with Improvised Explosive Devices. Attacks against political figures in the south could witness an increase as public impatience grows at the lack of progress in forming the national government and subsequently in improving local services.
One Indirect Fire attack was reported in the south east last week, on 16 September against Camp Bucca in Umm Qasr. Insurgent activity near Umm Qasr, including Indirect Fire attacks, has remained low over the past three months. However, increased Iraqi Security Forces operations in and around Basra City could have restricted insurgents' freedom of movement, making it more difficult to target Contingency Operating Base Basra at the relatively high operational tempo levels of July and August 2010.


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Retail Sales Hard-Hit by COVID-19
- Total retail sales fell 8.1% in Q2, the largest decline since Q2 2009 amid the Global Financial Crisis.
- Despite the decline in sales and consumer sentiment, retail fundamentals remained relatively stable. It will take several quarters to fully register the COVID-19 impact to retail real estate.
- The overall retail availability rate increased by 3 basis points to 6.4%.
- Retail properties experienced their first quarterly decline in net absorption since early 2011. Neighborhood, community & strip centers accounted for most of the decrease in net absorption.
- Construction completions reached their lowest level since the Global Financial Crisis at less than 5 million sq. ft.


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Brightcare deferred charges
Deferred service charges
Optional extras of BrightCare and Product Insurance are not charged until delivery of your product.
Following delivery, your next payment will include charges for BrightCare and Product Insurance (where purchased) between your delivery day and next payment date.
Example (based on opting into BrightCare and Product Insurance)
Payments are aligned to Saturdays, therefore If you pay £10.00 per week for a product and have opted into BrightCare at 70p per week and Insurance at 70p per week and receive delivery on a Wednesday - your next payment would be £12.20.
This is based on:
£10.00 (weekly product cost)
£0.70 BrightCare
£0.70 Product Insurance
£0.40 Partial week's BrightCare (day delivery received up to and including the Saturday)
£0.40 Partial week's Product Insurance (day delivery received up to and including the Saturday)
Note: example values are for illustration only. If your regular payment is aligned to a fortnightly or monthly cycle this will still apply.


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Homes for Sale in Acworth, GA - Saddle Oaks - 4808 Saddle Creek Ct
This listing is being offered exclusively by The Whittinghill Watson Team and Cricket Green with Georgia Elite Realty 770-363-3350. Atlanta Real Estate Photography by Iran Watson 770-363-3350.
Few opportunities exist like this New 4 Bed/ 3.5 Bath Ranch on a Full Basement in prestigious Cobb County, GA. Custom built in 2008, this 2850 SF home features all the best in one level living.
Upon entering the home you will immediately notice the gleaming hardwood floors, open concept floor plan and architectural details. A formal dining area opens up into the living room, complete with lofty coffered ceilings, a brick surround fireplace and views of the back deck and main level. Flowing off the living room is the Eat-In Kitchen and Keeping Room. Extra dining space and a built-in work desk service the highly efficient and attractive Kitchen. Stained Wood Cabinets, Center Island, Stainless Steel Appliances and Granite Counter tops are just the beginning. The Kitchen also features a Keeping Room with brick surround fireplace and access to the back covered deck.
The bedrooms are situated on opposite ends of the home with the secondary bedrooms off the Kitchen and the Master Suite off the living room. The Master Suite features a trey ceiling, bay window and access to the covered deck. Just beyond the separate tub and shower and dual vanities of the Master Bath is a spacious walk-in closet. A fourth bedroom is located in the finished space above the Kitchen and features its own full bath and additional storage.
Finally the unfinished Full Basement offers over 1000 SF of potential for future expansion. Stubbed for a full bath and accessible from an exterior entry the possibilities are numerous. All of this, and more, and across the street from Allatoona Lake Day Use! Convenient to all Shopping and The Best West Cobb location for HWY 92 and I-75 Access!
View all the photos of this beautiful Home for Sale in Acworth GA in full High Definition at www.4808SaddleCreekCt.CheckOutMore.com .
Marietta, GA Real Estate Listing Agent
and Professional Photographer
Georgia Elite Realty
Direct 770-363-3350
email firstname.lastname@example.com
Real Estate website: Iranwatson.listingware.com
Atlanta Real Estate Photographer website: IranWatsonPhoto.com


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My Latest Tweet @ Twitter.com
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Investment company Jaspen Capital Partners acted as a transaction co-lead manager for the London Stock Exchange placement of 3 year Eurobonds for Agroton Public Limited (ticker: AGT PW). The notes have a face value of $50 million.
Agroton, a publicly traded company on the Warsaw Stock Exchange, completed the placement of its debut $50 million, 3 years Eurobond issue with a coupon rate of 12.5% paid semi-annually. During the placement, demand from international investors (mainly Western European funds) exceeded the offered amount.
Agroton plans to utilize the Eurobonds proceeds to refinance existing debt, increase capacities of grain and oilseeds silos, increase its farmed land bank and to ultimately purchase its land bank after the moratorium on sales of agricultural land is lifted in Ukraine.
Andrey Supranonok, CEO of Jaspen Capital Partners, stated "Agroton's recent Eurobonds placement is one of the largest transactions to date this year for a Ukrainian company on the international capital markets. The interest level demonstrated by fixed income investors, despite a global decrease in risk appetite stemming from the Greek and European debt predicament, shows firm market confidence in Agroton's management and strategic direction. This show of confidence during a time of uncertainty essentially restates the original positive view held by equity investors during the company's Warsaw Stock Exchange debut last November. It furthermore indicates a continued desire for Ukrainian deals from the international investment community, sending a positive signal to similarly situated companies considering additional transactions this year."
Posted by Jon Mckee Queen at 1:39 PM 1 comments Links to this post
Labels: Alternative Investments jaspen capital partners, jon m queen, jon mckee queen, jon queen, ukraine 2011, ukraine investment, ukraine investment bank, ukraine macro, ukraine market
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Aerial Filmworks
Visit the Website
Aerial Filmworks provides gyro-stabilized Cineflex Elite and Cineflex Ultra aerial camera systems to advertising, feature film, documentary and corporate video production companies. Our team is passionately committed to make every production more earth-friendly. Aerial Filmworks is investing in Carbon Offset credits for every hour that a helicopter is in the air with our camera equipment. In addition, Aerial Filmworks pro-actively films beautiful aerial stock footage so that clients have the option of using stock footage as an alternative to additional helicopter flights. For more information, contact Aerial Filmworks (http://www.aerialfilmworks.com).
Offsets, RECs and BEF WRCs®:
Metric tons purchased: 345 mT
Metric tons purchased: 411 mT
Metric tons purchased: 344 mT
Metric tons purchased: 277 mT
Metric tons purchased: 192 mT
Metric tons purchased: 62 mT
Metric tons purchased: 185 mT
Tons Purchased: 1816 mT
Tons Purchased:
1816 mT
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Have you seen us in the news yet? Feel free to read the BBC article if you haven't.
Last month we decided to take 20 of our lambs to a sanctuary in Goodheart Animal Sanctuaries, near Worcestershire.
The sanctuary, which looks after 220 animals, said it had never received lambs from a farmer before.– BBC
For the last couple of months we've been shifting our focus more to cooking masala dosa, dhal and chutney at markets and less on livestock farming. Changing our ethos to encourage more plant-based eating.
"I will still be in the farming world, but not livestock farming anymore"– Kumar
As masala dosa, tomato chutney and dhal is naturally vegan we didn't feel right selling lamb.
We've still got 69 sheep left running on Dartington Estate. At the moment we don't have any immediate plans but have decided we don't want to take them to the slaughterhouse.
We'll be updating our website to update photos and our ethos very soon.
I also chatted to Nihal Arthanayake on BBC Asian network which you can listen to here – https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0002dd4#play. Skip to 12:10pm to listen.


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By ASH and OUT ON A LIMB
There is a legend amongst the highland Indian villages of Guatemala.
If you have a problem, then share it with a Worry Doll.
Before going to bed, tell one worry to each doll, then place them beneath your pillow.
While you sleep the dolls will take your worries away.
Chapter 2 – "Kristen's Blues"
The blue Volkswagen Coupe came hissing to a halt at the deserted intersection. The VW was bejeweled with sapphire raindrops. The red light ahead smeared itself into all the puddles. Muffled music pumped inside the VW. The woman driver reached up with an impatient reflex and started to adjust the rear-view mirror.
She and the mirror held each other.
Kristen Jackford was realizing that she had come full circle. She was lonely before she had met her husband, her "Kahuna", her Detective Brent Jackford, and now, twelve years later, she was lonely with him.
Brent had always liked to tell people that their first date had been all-inclusive, just like the Yucatán vacation package he had booked for himself when they first met.
Kristen's face kindled a smile and she slightly nodded at those memories of Montejo.
Montejo was twenty-five miles inland from Cancun. Montejo was a town that moved slowly under the sun. But under the moon, it danced and sang. It had been the end of summer, and the rains had not yet begun.
It had been late afternoon and Kristen had been standing inside the wooden gate of the breast-high stone wall surrounding her little house. Her father's dog Zorra was sleeping against the wall.
Kristen sighed.
Her father had owned this little house before he died. She imagined that it was his lonely spirit that she had begun to feel.
She looked up and down the earthen alleyway. All the little homes had similar rough stone walls with trees leaning against those stone walls like visiting neighbors.
She suddenly noticed a man in a bright yellow and red shirt who was shuffling down the alleyway toward her. He was taking pictures of the overhanging vegetation and the red ginger blossoms. Kristen looked away but not indifferently. She felt a thrill of adrenaline.
The man was close when he noticed Kristen.
Somewhat surprised, he grinned, "Hola, Señorita", tipping an imaginary hat.
Kristen ventured, "Hello."
The man asked, "American?"
Kristen had picked-up the Latino annoyance with Gringo arrogance and she replied, "America is all the lands of the Western Hemisphere, so I'm thinking: 'yes'."
The man winced, "Ouch. Lo siento mucho. Oh, and I'm also very sorry."
Kirsten parodied him, asking, "Tourista?"
The man grinned again, asking, "Was it my shirt that gave me away? I'll have you know that this is vintage cabana-wear." He was offering to let her pinch the material.
When Kristen remained unmoved he placed his open hand over his heart and bowed "My friends call me 'Kahuna'. In real life I play a police detective. In fact, I'm here in Yucatán to celebrate my new promotion."
Kristen made a wry face and asked, "Kahuna? Isn't that a Hawaiian witch-doctor or something? How did you get that name?" Kristen then rolled her eyes, teasing, "And I can hardly wait to hear this one."
Kahuna stepped back in mock indignity and said "It is a tale that cannot be told in less than an evening over dinner."
Kristen tried not to smile, saying, "I see."
Kahuna humorously insisted, "You do want to know how I got my name, don't you?"
Kristen pretended to ponder. Zorra awoke at Kristen's feet and sniffed at the stranger through the wooden gate. Zorra snorted dismissively.
Kristen teased, "Well, I do want to know about that dinner, anyway."
Kristen wondered in self-amazement where the hell this bold and fearless Kristen was coming from.
Kahuna said triumphantly, "So it's a date. I'll pick you up in a taxi at seven-thirty."
Kristen raised her hand and proclaimed, "It's a date, but I'll pick you up in my car. Take it or leave it."
Kahuna opened and closed his mouth like a fish out of water, pretending to be stunned speechless.
The blue Volkswagen Coupe stayed at the deserted intersection as the stoplight changed to green, to yellow, and back to red. The rainclouds broke open. A rainbow surrounded the full moon like the iris of a celestial eye. It looked down coldly upon the embers of El Pueblo de Los Angeles.
Kristen had asked, "So, where are you staying, Tourista Kahuna?"
Kahuna answered, "Well, I'm actually staying at the Playa Tropica, in Cancun. I wanted to see the real Yucatán, so I took an auto-bus here to Montejo.
The Playa Tropica was one of the Yucatán Peninsula's most expensive Five Star hotels, First Class all the way from the health club facilities to the international cuisine restaurant located on the roof-top of the twenty-fifth floor.
Kristen had been around the Yucatán Peninsula long enough to know that the room rates at the Playa Tropica were way above her comfort zone and she wondered how this "Kahuna" could afford that kind of luxury. On one occasion Kristen's father had taken her out to dinner at the Playa Tropica. The breath-taking view had been every bit as delicious as the gourmet meal but what had really taken their breath away had been the bill!
Kristen narrowed her eyes and asked, "You're staying at the Playa Tropica?"
Kahuna's chuckle held a note of concern, asking "Why? Is there something wrong with the Playa Tropica?"
Kristen hesitated, "No, it's just that…"
Kahuna caught-on and said, "It's just that I don't look like someone who would be staying at the Playa Tropica, right?"
Looking down, Kristen's face began to warm.
Kristen looked up and into Kahuna's eyes earnestly and said, "OK, that is what I was going to say, but not the way you meant it." She added quickly "Most of the people who stay at the Playa Tropica do exactly that, they stay at the Playa Tropica. I've heard of guests who've spent two whole weeks there, never getting their sun-burned butts off the beach or out of the in-house restaurants."
Kristen was suddenly out of words. She simply did not know what to say next. She lowered her eyes, seeking anything of interest.
Kahuna asked, "So it's still a date? Or do I have to show someone my sun-burned butt?"
Kristen laughed. She raised her eyes to meet his again, saying, "Yes, it's a date. So where will I find you at seven-thirty?"
Kahuna said, "I'm headed to the plaza here for a while, so give me your number and I'll talk you in later."
Kristen shrugged, "Well, I have to go that way to the Mercado, anyway. We can program your cellphone on the way."
Kahuna teased, "Are you afraid I might get lost? I see that you really do need that dinner, don't you?"
They continued together on Kahuna's alleyway stroll, parting at last in opposite directions at the Avenida Del Mercado.
Chapter 1 – "Run, Rosalinda, Run"
Chapter 3 – "Rosalinda's Resurrection"
Follow This Link To ASH"s AMAZON.com SITE


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I found out new version of 22.214.171.124 will send next Smtp command without waiting for response from server. This will cause some problems. Can I turn it off?
It will affect SmtpSessionLog too.
Is this a new feature? SMTP: Improved performance through the automatic (internal) use of pipelining
Chilkat will look at this in the coming week, and will also consider adding a property to turn the pipelining feature on/off.
When failed to send email, I need to know the right lastsmtpstatus and lastsmtpcommandresponse. Now I cannot get it from get_lastsmtpstatus and smtpsessionlog. This is very important when failed to send email. Can you give me the right lastsmtp status and lastsmtpcommandresponseresponse?
The new feature of automatic (internal) use of pipelining did help performance, after I tested it, but what I want is the righ last smtp status and the last smtp command response/request because I need the right last smtp status and last smtp command response/request step to do the right failure processing, such as greylisting. This is very important for email sending process. Now the new version cannot get the righ last smtp status and smtpsessionlog was mixed up with next smtp command/response. Can you help me to get right last smtp status and maybe add new properties for getting last smtp command issued and the last smtp command response (I used to parse smtpsessionlog to get the last smtp command/response)? Now, I have to use the older version and may need to find other solution from 3rd part library. I had been very happy to use Chilkat CkMailMan for many years and served many customers. I don't want to give up.


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This is a Giclee print from one of my original mixed media paintings. The print measures 12" x 24" (inches) and is printed on artist grade paper with archival pigmented inks. What is a Giclee print? A Giclee print is a high quality print process that uses fade-resistant, archival inks and archival substrates to print on large format printers. Giclée printing is often used by artists to make reproductions of their original two-dimensional artwork or photographs. Each print will be shipped by Canada Post and by regular mail. It will be placed in a stay flat padded mailer and will come packaged in a clear plastic bag sandwiched between cardboard backing for extra support. It takes 3-5 business days to process and ship. Note: *At the moment, I only ship to Canada and the US.* However, if you are an International buyer interested in purchasing a print, please fill free to message me and we can arrange something out for you.
Blue Heron (12"x24" Print)


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Russia's National Bank Trust Records Fastest Banking Card Loan Growth Rate in the Russian Market
30 Oct, 2013, 12:57 GMT
MOSCOW, October 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --
TRUST Bank (TRUST), the Russian bank whose products are advertised by the "Die Hard" star Bruce Willis, has become Russia's fastest growing bank in terms of total loans issued on banking cards in the first half of 2013. The bank's card portfolio grew 175% since July 2012, outpacing Alpha Bank's 121% growth rate.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130408/607334 )
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131030/648350 )
According to a survey of consumer lending in Russia prepared by the ratings agency Expert RA this July 2013, TRUST is in 8th place by size of its banking card loan portfolio and is the leader in terms of card portfolio growth rate among the largest market participants (+175%).
Place by Name of Bank Amount of total loans Growth rate portfolio issued on banking cards, 01.07.2013/01.07.2012 size as of RUB mln 01.07.2013 01.07.2013 01.01.2013 01.07.2012 1 OJSC Sberbank of Russia 202,567 154,444 101,617 99% 2 TKS Bank (CJSC) 64,292 48,000 33,603 91% 3 OJSC Alpha-Bank 46,879 34,451 21,194 121% 4 OJSC UBRiR 41,520 34,404 23,832 74% 5 OJSC CB Eastern 40,458 46,630 36,868 10% 6 Svyaznoy Bank (CJSC) 37,749 35,712 26,140 44% 7 LLC HCF Bank 32,630 23,731 18,029 81% 8 OJSC NB TRUST 16,853 10,754 6,118 175% 9 CJSC Raiffeisenbank 9,663 7,629 5,740 68% 10 OJSC Bank Uralsib 8,625 6,688 4,935 75%
This is a clear indicator that interest in banking cards is growing on the financial market, a segment that TRUST has put as a key focus for its operations: "We place the highest priority on our credit card business and our plans to expand our card portfolio to RUB 20 bln by 2014. In the last 1.5-2 years we have actively expanded our portfolio of POS-loans, and now we are supporting it at that level but do not aim for higher growth rates," commented Bank TRUST Chairman of the Management Board, Fedor Pospelov.
Bank TRUST is in fourth place by POS-loan portfolio size, with a growth rate of 39% over the previous year (01.07.2012 - 01.07.2013). As experts have noted, the issuance of POS-loans is decreasing on the market as a whole.
Source: Expert RA, results of surveys of banks
The report shows that TRUST is one of the top 10 Russian banks by portfolio size of unsecured loans to private clients. According to analysts, from July 2012 to July 2013 the consumer lending market grew by 38%. The portfolio of unsecured loans to individuals as of the beginning of July 2013 was RUB 5.5 tln.
* The conclusions of Expert RA analysts are based on public information, Bank of Russia statistics, and the results of surveys of banks and in-depth interviews with market participants. In this report, consumer lending is understood as unsecured cash loans, unsecured loans issued at retail locations (POS-lending), and lending via banking cards (credit cards, debit-credit cards, debit cards with overdraft).
National Bank TRUST
TRUST Bank offers a full range of retail banking services to corporate, SME and retail customers across Russia. It has 253 branches in 166 cities, from Kaliningrad to Vladivostok and is among the top 20 Russian banks in terms of deposit and retail credit portfolios. In August 2012 the RusRating rating agency confirmed TRUST's A- rating, with a stable forecast. It is the 3rd most recognized retail banking brand in Russia according to research carried out by Market UP in April 2012.
SOURCE National Bank TRUST


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By Marty Denzer
Catholic Key Associate Editor
CONCEPTION, Mo. — The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception at Conception Abbey was busy Jan. 15, as monks, Abbey staff and priests were busy with last minute preparations for the Abbatial Blessing of Abbot Benedict Neenan, OSB, by Bishop James V. Johnston of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. Then, as the bells rang signaling 2 p.m., Knights of Columbus of Councils from St. Gregory Barbarigo Parish in Maryville, St. Columba Parish in Conception Junction, Assembly 566 from Kansas City, and St. Peter Parish in Stanberry processed up the center aisle to form an honor guard for the approaching monks, priests, Archbishop Jerome Hanus, OSB, archbishop-emeritus of Dubuque, Abbot Primate Gregory Polan; Abbot President Vincent Bataille, abbot president of the Swiss-American Congregation, to which Conception Abbey belongs; Abbot President Elias Lorenzo, abbot president of the American-Cassinese Congregation, Abbot-elect Benedict and Bishop Johnston.
Abbot Benedict was elected by the monks of Conception Abbey Nov. 22, 2016. He succeeded Abbot Gregory Polan, who had served as abbot for two decades. Abbot Polan was elected Abbot Primate of the Benedictine Confederation in Sept. 2016. Upon his election, Abbot-elect Benedict received the pectoral cross and assumed his new responsibilities immediately. As is the custom, the official blessing of the new abbot by the local bishop was to be held at a later date.
The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Johnston, concelebrated by all the priests, both monastic and diocesan, in attendance. Abbot-elect Benedict was assisted by Very Rev. Daniel Petsche, OSB, Prior and Senior Monastic Chapter Representative and Brother Maximilian Burkhart, Junior Chapter Representative. Benedictine Brother Etienne Huard served as Deacon.
Following the reading of the Gospel, Father Petsche and Brother Maximilian escorted Abbot-elect Benedict to Bishop Johnston, who was seated at the front of the altar. Father Petsche presented Abbot Benedict to Bishop Johnston for the blessing.
The bishop asked Father Petsche if Abbot Benedict had been examined, to which the prior responded, "Yes."
Bishop Johnston then addressed the abbot-elect, the monks, seminarians, members of Abbot Benedict's family, religious nuns and sisters, and all in attendance in his homily.
The bishop began by saying, "Abbot Benedict, you are held in high esteem by all of us – so much so that we have endured the distraction of an ice storm and even seen a Kansas City Chiefs playoff game be rescheduled by the NFL for this special liturgy of your blessing as the 10th Abbot of Conception Abbey."
When the laughter subsided, he continued: "We are grateful for the presence of so many clergy, including Archbishop (Jerome) Hanus and Abbot Primate (Gregory) Polan, other abbots, priests and deacons. Also of course, the beautiful presence of so many consecrated religious: monks and nuns, sisters and brothers, and certainly so many of the faithful who enrich the world with personal witness and holiness.
"In particular, I want to acknowledge your own family, so critical to your life and vocation. A native son of our diocese, you are one of 12 children born to James and Helen Neenan."
Abbot Benedict was born Jan. 3, 1949, in Kansas City, Mo. He attended Visitation Grade School and St. John's Seminary High School. He attended Conception Seminary College before transferring to Colorado State University to earn a Bachelor of Arts in History in 1971. He then earned a Journeyman's Degree from the Bavarian State School of Wood Carving in 1976.
He returned to Conception Abbey to discern his vocation as a monk, and professed vows as a Benedictine monk in 1980. He completed Theology studies at the Catholic University of America and was ordained a priest in Aug. 1988.
Bishop Johnston added, "We often speak as Catholics of the family as the 'domestic Church' — in your case we could probably also call the Neenan family 'the domestic Monastery!'
"I suspect your vocation was formed early on through this sharing of common life and faith together. So, we thank your siblings, and of course, your parents, for your earliest formation as a baptized Christian."
He also acknowledged others, both present and "elsewhere," who influenced and assisted the abbot elect on his faith journey.
"I am often struck by the rubrics (the special instructions for the Liturgy) when they make a point of saying on certain celebrations, 'the bishop gives a brief homily.' This is one of those occasions when, for whatever reason, I am instructed to be brief, and I noticed that the monk who put together our worship aid for today made a point of printing that to make sure I saw it!" More laughter.
He spoke, briefly, of his recent retreat with other regional bishops at the Benedictine Prince of Peace Abbey in Oceanside, Calif. "As one arrives at the Abbey, it is hard to miss the two words emblazoned above the entrance to the monastery: SEEK GOD."
He said that in a particular way, those words were the purpose and goal of a monastic vocation: "to seek God in your prayer and work and life together so as to praise, reverence and serve Him and, through this, accomplish your salvation. You do this in a community of brothers, a family, under an Abbot, who according to the Rule, 'holds the place of Christ in the monastery.' This is an important, and humbling responsibility, to 'hold the place of Christ.'"
Bishop Johnston explained that that responsibility means in part to be a father — the word abbot is derived from "abba," "father." In the Rule of St. Benedict, it states, "Therefore the abbot must never teach or decree or command anything that would deviate from the Lord's instructions … Let the abbot always remember that at the fearful judgement of God, not only his teaching, but his disciples' obedience will come under scrutiny. Furthermore, anyone who receives the name of abbot, is to lead his disciples by a two-fold teaching: he must point out to him all that is good and holy more by example than by words."
He reminded the congregation that the Lord's life did just that: "He not only taught with his words, but by his life, given for us, showing us the way of love.
"… Jesus is the model for the Abbot — the leader as the servant who seeks the holiness of his brothers by 'laying down his life for his friends,' such as a good father gives his life, energy and love for his family.
"… This all plays out in a life governed by the Rule, which seeks to make concrete and practical a way of living the Gospel together … also frees one to live the Gospel."
Bishop Johnston borrowed an image from the great British writer G. K. Chesterton: a fence around a playground doesn't restrict children at play; rather it serves to liberate them to play. "So, the Rule and the Gospel liberate the Christian to live the abundant life which Christ bestows upon us by His grace and goodness."
The bishop continued, "One is struck by the fact that the Rule of St. Benedict is based on what might be called 'Christian Common Sense,' a realization that growth in holiness and seeking God in a common life requires patience and perseverance and a taking into account the human condition with all its weaknesses and temptations. It also reminds us that we cannot take the journey of faith alone, but only with help of others. In this journey of faith, the abbot leads and guides as a father and shepherd."
Bishop Johnston reminded the congregation that the First Reading that day, from Proverbs, began, "The beginning of wisdom is to get wisdom, at the cost of all you have." He suggested that to get wisdom is another way of saying, 'Seek God.' "Seek Jesus Christ, who is Wisdom Incarnate. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
"'Seek God': let those words underpin your life. Seek God so as to love him and those you serve. Abbot Benedict, as you lead your brothers to seek God, as you lead the important seminary apostolate which prepares future priests for the Church, as you guide this monastery which stands as an oasis of prayer and silence for all the faithful, reminding us in our busy, noisy lives, of the 'one thing necessary.'
"Seek God, with the help of Our Lady, the Seat of Wisdom . . . Seek God.
"A final word: As you undertake this important duty … be encouraged by the fact that you were chosen for this in God's Providence. In other words, as you seek God, realize that He sought you first. Indeed, our great joy and consolation come from the realization that God seeks after us, pursues us, first! 'You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you,' (John 15:16). Amen."
Bishop Johnston then presided over the Rite of Blessing of an Abbot. St. Benedict refers to the Rite in The Rule; it has been in use since at least the sixth century.
First, he examined Abbot Benedict as to his intentions and adherence to orthodox belief and teaching (cf. Rule of St. Benedict 64.4) The bishop then invoked a solemn blessing upon the new abbot to confirm him by grace to his ministry's charism. And, as the bishop explained in his homily, "To mark his important responsibilities which come from his office, the abbot is given the Pontifical Insignia that mirror that of the bishop: the ring, marking the sign of his fidelity; the miter, the sign of his priestly dignity, and the crozier, or pastoral staff, the sign of his pastoral authority as a shepherd."
Through the Blessing Rite, Bishop Johnston renewed and reaffirmed the bond of communion between the monastic community and the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.
In the religious community that comprises the Benedictine Monks of Conception Abbey, the abbot has a central vocation. St. Benedict states that, as head of the monastic community, he stands in the place of Christ (The Rule of Saint Benedict 63.13). He thus fulfills a three-fold office of spiritual father, teacher, and steward.
Following the Eucharistic celebration, Abbot Benedict welcomed the various abbots of other monasteries who came for the blessing and Abbot Primate Gregory Polan, the titular head of the Benedictine Order and a monk of Conception Abbey. Abbot Benedict promised Bishop Johnston to continue the close relationship with the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.
The abbot then outlined his three most important tasks. "My first and primary job is to assist my brother monks on their lifelong journey of seeking God, and my second is to train my successor. My third job, and that … of the entire monastic community, is to encourage more young men to discover this way of seeking God that is beautiful, profound, effective, and worth a lifetime. It's not that we need monks, but that they need to be monks; these men are … called by God to live a beautiful life dedicated to His service in the Church, and it's my responsibility to help [them] find this call."
A reception followed in the Guest Dining Room in St. Joseph's Hall. Abbot Benedict greeted and thanked many of the family members and friends who traveled to Conception for the Liturgy and Blessing Rite.
Abbot Benedict Neenan's Coat of Arms
All prelates of the Catholic Church have a right to armorial bearings. The Church's primary interest in the use of heraldry is that each has his own distinct coat of arms and the achievement correctly reflects his rank in the Church. The armorial achievement or coat of arms of Abbot Benedict Neenan is composed of the shield with its various charges, the external ornaments of an abbot, and the motto.
Blazon: A field azure, a Canadian pale argent dovetailed, in chief ten goutte de sang (gules) (palewise two, three, three, two), in base a fountain (a roundle barry wavy argent and azure).
The main charges of the shield (escutcheon) have particular significance for Abbot Benedict and his ministry to the monastic community. The circle with blue and white waves is called a fountain, and symbolizes the abbot's hometown, Kansas City, the City of Fountains. The 10 blood droplets (goutte de sang) above it represent the self-sacrificial office of the abbot for the community. Ten droplets signify that he is the tenth abbot of Conception Abbey, which was founded in 1873. Abbot Benedict holds a doctorate in Church history and the two main charges —the fountain and the blood droplets — taken together evoke the Paschal Mystery that birthed the Church and which is the center of all human history, for "This is the one who came through water and blood, Jesus Christ, not by water alone, but by water and blood." (1 John 5:6) Again, both the fountain and blood drops suggest baptism; the monastic life is often called a "second baptism" due to its deepening of the commitment to baptismal vows.
The white (argent or silver) division of the shield vertically is bordered in a dovetail pattern, calling to mind furniture joints. This alludes to the abbot's training as a woodworker in Bavaria. The blue (azure) on either side of the central white composition represents the Blessed Virgin Mary. A traditional devotional image of the Virgin is the Madonna of Mercy, in which she spreads her mantle as protection over a group of the faithful. This symbolizes the patroness of the abbey's protection over its monks.
The remainder of the coat of arms distinguishes it as those of an abbot. The shield is ensigned with a black galero (pilgrim's hat), used in ecclesiastical heraldry for clerics in place of the traditional helmet, mantling and crest. The hat's black cords terminate in 12 black tassels. Behind the shield is a crozier extending above and below it. This crozier has a veil (sudarium) attached to it, dating back to the Medieval distinction between bishops and abbots — bishop wore gloves and abbots needed a veil to protect the pastoral staff from dirt and perspiration.
On a scroll beneath the shield is Abbot Benedict's motto: "Discretio." He took his motto, "Discretion," from the Rule of St. Benedict, chapter 64, verse 19, on the Election of an Abbot. The verse reads: Drawing on discretion, the mother of virtues, he must so arrange everything that the strong have something to yearn for and the weak nothing to run from."