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Search results
Motivation and Mode: an attempt to measure the attitudes of 'O' level GCE candidates to English language
Examinations are now universally recognised as tests of achievement and are commonly perceived as measuring skills in the cognitive domain. In recent years, however, there has been a movement away from the traditional end-of-course written examination paper....
'Maybe I'm not as good as I think I am.' How qualification users interpret their examination results
This study formed part of a two-year investigation into the reliability of public examination outcomes in England and the current paper explores participants' narratives relating to one of the themes that emerged from the study of public perceptions of assessment reliability....
Test anxiety, heart rate and performance in A-level French speaking mock exams: an exploratory study
This pilot study explored the relationship between test anxiety, heart rate and academic performance....
Assessment expertise project: validity of assessment
When candidates take a test, whether it is a written examination, a practical performance, or submitting a portfolio of work, it is taken so that an examiner can assess the candidate's performance relative to a standard....
Numbering nested questions
In line with the aim of simplifying and standardising the format of AQA's question papers, it has been proposed that all question papers should be numbered using a simple sequential system (i.e. 1, 2, 3… etc.)....
Grade awarding judgements in differentiated examinations
The consistency of grade awarders' standards and the application of these standards to define comparable levels of achievement in differentiated examinations are investigated....
Describing examination performance: grade criteria in public examinations
One of the main objectives of the current moves to introduce grade criteria into GCSE examinations is the desire to make more explicit the "likely levels of competence and the knowledge that might be expected from those who obtain a particular grade" (DES, 1982, quoted in SEC, 1984)....
A case for open-book examinations
Investigations into the effectiveness of open‐book examinations have shown that they reduce students' test anxiety and need to memorise factual material....
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By C Wickliffe1
The international human rights system has been born from positive legal theory and the revolutions in France, America, Russia and Mexico.2 It has taken its modern form through a cascade of international treaties, instruments and national constitutions. Since 1948 there has been an explosion of human rights activity resulting in the adoption of many treaties/instruments. The catalysts for the modern proliferation of treaties/instruments in the field of human rights were:
This paper deals with the key features of the international human rights system, important international treaties/instruments dealing with the rights of women and children, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), regional developments in human rights, methods for incorporating international treaties/instruments into domestic law, the Fiji constitutional review process and the link with international human rights law affecting women and children. It concludes with the view that once the Constitution Amendment Act 1997 comes into effect, Fiji will directly incorporate CEDAW and the CRC into its domestic law and arguably it will also incorporate other international instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to the extent that they may be useful aids in the interpretation of legislation inconsistent with the terms of the Constitution Amendment Act 1997.
Secondly, international human rights law reverses the previous orthodoxy which held the domestic affairs of a state, including the treatment of nationals and non-nationals within state borders, was entirely its own affair.8 The reversal of previous presumptions has transformed the individual from "an object of international compassion into a subject of international right"9 and there are a number of international human rights treaties/instruments that reflect the modern understanding that individuals and groups can be the subject of international law and where procedures allow, they can invoke international complaint procedures.10
Through a combination of UN bodies, international treaties/instruments and the customary practice of the majority of states, the international human rights system can be used to monitor and review how states conduct themselves in the field of human rights. It is true that participation in the system is optional, but there are several factors that impose obligations on states to conform to fundamental human rights standards and these are:
Where states have agreed to the terms of these treaties the primary mechanisms for enforcement are special Committees15 whose core business includes receiving and hearing state party reports on how the national legal systems, practices and policies conform with the terms of each international treaty. Three of the six committees created under these treaties are authorised to consider communications (a form of petition against a state, which can include the judiciary, alleging human rights violations under the treaty/instrument) but only where the relevant state party has recognised the competence of the committees to do so. In this way states are made to account for their performance on human rights matters. Optional protocols are also being developed in relation to ICESCR and CEDAW.16 The comments made by Committees on country reports, in their decisions on communications and through their general comments elaborating the meaning of articles of each treaty are an important source of law and should not be ignored when considering a national case raising human rights issues. Often all these sources of law are neglected in the implementation of human rights at the local level. Access to the Committees by way of the optional protocol procedures requires that complainants first exhaust domestic remedies and there is a wealth of case law on what this term means.
There are a number of international human rights instruments that recognise the rights of women and children. The Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights reaffirm the faith of States in fundamental human rights and freedoms, in the inherent dignity and worth of the human person, in the right to self-determination for peoples and in equality of human rights for all without distinction on the grounds of sex or other status such as a child's age.17 The ICCPR and the ICESCR also declare the right to freedom from discrimination. All the major general international treaties and instruments apply to women and/or children. General human rights enunciated in these instruments are there to protect all people and therefore they may be utilised by women, children or advocates for children to pressure state governments into complying with international standards found in instruments/treaties or customary international law. This pressure may be generated through accredited NGOs reporting on state practices to the relevant international agencies, United Nations organs or international committees or it may be by complaining using the communication/petition procedures established under international and regional treaties/instruments. There are a number of examples of women filing communications with the Human Rights Committee established under ICCPR.18
Several international instruments/treaties specifically address the rights of women and children and they include the instruments listed below.
1. Women
The Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women; CEDAW; the Declaration on the Protection of Women in Emergency and Armed Conflict; the Declaration on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women; the Convention on Consent to Marriage, Minimum Age for Marriage and Registration of Marriages; the UNESCO Convention Against Discrimination in Education; the Convention on the Political Rights of Women; the ILO Equal Remuneration Convention; and the Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others.
2. Children
The Declaration on the Rights of the Child; CRC; the Declaration on Social and Legal Principles Relating to the Protection and Welfare of Children with Special Reference to Foster Placement and Adoption Nationally and Internationally; the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide 1948 which defines genocide as inter alia forcibly transferring children of one group to another with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial or religious group.19
There are several UN bodies that have a mandate to deal with issues concerning women and they are Commission on the Status of Women created in 1946 as a subsidiary organ of ECOSOC, the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women established in 1982 under CEDAW, the Division for the Advancement of Women located within the Centre for Social Development and Humanitarian Affairs which services the previous two bodies and the International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women which carries out research, training, seminars and studies pertaining to women.20
There are very few fully independent countries in the Pacific who have acceded/ratified the two international covenants that combined with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights make up the International Bill of Rights. Therefore, the protections offered by these important instruments are available only to women of the countries/territories still under colonial rule or in a self-governing relationship with their former administrating/trustee/colonial power namely:
In other regions the Universal Declaration of Human Rights has inspired the development of regional charters of human rights and the establishment of regional Commissions and courts designed to hear communications from individuals. The decisions of the European, African and Inter-American Commissions and courts of human rights are therefore persuasive decisions that should be given some weight when considering how to interpret international treaties/instruments in a national case involving human rights issues. Good human rights advocates will refer to these cases in arguments before domestic courts.
There is no Pacific Charter of Human Rights and no forums such as a regional commission or court established to monitor and review the practice of states in the field of human rights. There are many constitutions in the region that contain provisions recognising the existence, without discrimination by reason of race, national origin, colour, religion, opinion, belief, or sex, of fundamental human rights and freedoms.31 Many of these Constitutions appear to follow a similar format32 and therefore decisions from superior courts in the region on the interpretation of these Constitutions can be helpful and persuasive in deciding cases at the national level. New Zealand, while it does not have a written Constitution, does have the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 and through judicial activism in the Court of Appeal (lead by the previous President, Lord Cooke of Thorndon) the 1990 Act now has assumed a quasi constitutional status.33
There are 21 governments (excluding Australia and New Zealand) in the Pacific region. Compared to the rest of the world this number of governments is extremely high for a population of 6.5 million people.34 At least until 1994, few of these governments ever had more than one women member of government at a time.35 Through analysis, Drage has shown that as at 1994, in just under 60 per cent of the legislatures, there was only one women member amounting to less than 10 per cent of members.36 Based on Drage's statistics very few Pacific women have been in a position (such as Minister of Justice) to appoint more Pacific women to the judiciary, to the magistrates bench or to tribunals/commissions applying national law. While there is greater participation within government departments/ministries, Pacific women in government very rarely assume a prominent role in deciding what international or regional treaties/instruments should be acceded to or ratified by States. This is only a role that Cabinet or the Executive can perform. As women are achieving this status on rare occasions then it is likely that this trend will continue for some time. I suggest that more countries in the region may have acceded to CEDAW by now had more women been involved in decision making.
These matters require further study but research to date suggests tradition and cultural constraints,37 religion and the attitudes of Pacific men and women38 may contribute to the lack of participation by women in politics and their limited participation in regional and international affairs.
Women have been politically active, but it is a form of activism that has generally been confined to certain government ministries such as Ministries of Women's Affairs, Social Welfare etc. and to the civil society sector.39 They have become the women's NGOs, the chiefs, the village leaders, the lobbyists, the church organisations, the peoples' organisations who attempt to support women and their families at the local level, who undertake gender training or who are campaigning against male violence towards women and children.40 They have become the targets of the more that 30 international organisations who work in the Pacific implementing programmes for the advancement of women including their advancement in politics.41 This does not include the myriad of programmes sponsored by country donors in the Pacific.42
No country in the region has special provisions in their constitutions recognising all human rights of women and children. In these circumstances the most effective way of implementing CEDAW or the CRC, other than by direct action against a state in international forums, is through the amendment of national constitutions and through the normal activity of national legislatures, national courts and other organs applying national law.43 This requires:
However, in the last few years we have been witnessing a revolution of legal thought in domestic courts of other countries. There are three approaches to incorporation of international treaties/instruments into domestic law that have manifested themselves in the region and these approaches may be appropriate to adopt in Fiji.
1. Aid to the Interpretation of Ambiguous Constitutional Provisions/Statues
The House of Lords has been prepared to refer to international or regional treaties/instruments as aids to the interpretation of ambiguous statutes.45 A New Zealand case is illustrative of this approach. In Van Gorkom v Attorney-General46 the New Zealand Court of Appeal was required to interpret regulations made under the education legislation in New Zealand. Under the regulations the Minister of Education laid down certain conditions which discriminated against married female teachers as they failed to provide the same transfer and house-hold removal benefits enjoyed by married male teachers. Cooke J (as he then was) in the Supreme Court of New Zealand, referring to high authority, used the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to influence his interpretation of the legislation and the conditions adopted by the Minister.47 Although not all the judges agreed with his Lordship's approach, the Court of Appeal upheld the decision. Using the line of cases on statutory interpretation, it would not be too difficult to argue that ambiguous constitutional provisions should be interpreted in the same way. In both cases the justification would be that there is a judicial presumption that states intend to comply with their international obligations. The result is that statutes that are ambiguous or which are too general may be interpreted in a manner consistent with international treaty obligations of states under CEDAW and the CRC.
There are a number of cases that suggest that the courts may intervene to protect fundamental rights and freedoms and that most international treaties/instruments or national constitutions add nothing to the exiting protections provided in the common law.48 Other courts have gone further and suggested that there may be limits to the power of the Executive to legislate where it seeks to interfere with the constitutional arrangements of a country49 or where it seeks to interfere with fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual.50 Whether specific fundamental rights of women and children recognised in CEDAW or the CRC could be used to justify direct judicial intervention remains to be argued.
Other courts have found that international treaties/instruments are relevant considerations or could create legitimate expectations capable of recognition in judicial review of administrative action cases. An example from New Zealand is Tavita v Minister of Immigration51 where a citizen of Samoa visitor's permit had expired. He was faced with the prospect of removal by warrant executed by the New Zealand immigration authorities. He appealed to the Minister of Immigration seeking cancellation of the warrant on humanitarian grounds. The Minister refused the appeal. He then applied for judicial review of the Minister's decision. During this time he also married a New Zealand women and they had one child. One of the grounds on review was that the Minister failed to take into account the CRC. The Court of Appeal found that international treaty obligations might be an implied relevant consideration in administrative decision making. In this case the Minister had not taken New Zealand's obligations under the CRC into account and the case was remitted back to the Minister for a new decision. Mr Tavita was eventually permitted to stay in New Zealand and the immigration policies were reviewed for compliance with New Zealand's international obligations.52 In Australia, another immigration case involving a father of three children53 resulted in the High Court of Australia finding that 'Australia accession to the CRC gave rise to a legitimate expectation that applications for resident status would be treated in accordance with the terms of the convention'.54 In this way courts can be involved in ensuring that administrative decision makers take into account the international treaty obligations of states under CEDAW and the CRC.
In 1996 the Reeves Commission completed its report for the Fijian Government on the Constitution.55 That report recommended the continuation and adoption of new provisions on fundamental rights and freedoms thus expanding the ambit of the old Bill of Rights.56 All the recommendations of the Reeves Commission in relation to the Bill of Rights and the Social Justice Chapters were accepted by the Joint Parliamentary Select Committee in their report to the Parliament of Fiji.57
1. The Constitution (Amendment) Act 1997
The Constitution (Amendment) Act 1997 of the Republic of the Fiji Islands heralds a new dawn in the promotion and protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms. The Constitution of the Republic of Fiji Islands, contained in the Act, reaffirms Fiji's commitment to fundamental human rights and freedoms adding to the previous Bill of Rights stronger guarantees for the prevention of discrimination, the establishment of a Human Rights Commission and a social justice chapter akin to that incorporated into the Constitution of Papua New Guinea.
The Constitution is the supreme law of the State of Fiji.58 Therefore any law inconsistent with the Constitution is invalid to the extent of that inconsistency.59 In interpreting a provision of the Constitution regard must be had to the context in which the Constitution was drafted and to the intention that constitutional interpretation should take into account social and cultural developments, especially:60
2. The Bill of Rights
The Constitution of the Republic of Fiji Islands contains a new Bill of Rights.61 The 1977 Act declares that Chapter Four binds the following groups:
3. Application of the Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights applies to all laws that are in force or that will be made following the commencement of the Constitution.65 It applies to all administrative and judicial actions taken after the commencement of the Constitution. The result is that judicial officers will be obliged to consider Chapter Four in deciding cases before them.66 Failure to do so may result in their decisions be overturned on appeal. Judicial officers must apply the Bill of Rights when they interpret legislation. In doing so they must interpret the provisions of the Bill of Rights contextually, having regard to the content and consequences of the legislation that is at issue, including that legislation's impact upon individuals, groups or communities.67 Where a law limits a right or freedom set out in the Chapter, it need not be declared invalid if it is reasonably capable of a more restricted interpretation.68
When interpreting the provisions of the Bill of Rights, the courts must promote the values that underlie a democratic society based on freedom and equality and must, if relevant, have regard to public international law applicable to the protection of the rights set out in Chapter Four.69 This would include CEDAW and the CRC. Fiji has thereby incorporated CEDAW and the CRC into its domestic legal system.
The Bill of Rights addresses the rights of women and children when it declares that every one has the right to equality before the law70 and that they can not be discriminated against, directly or indirectly, on the grounds of their gender or their age.71 Accordingly no law or administrative action taken under the law may directly or indirectly impose a disability or restriction on women or children solely on the grounds of their gender or age.72 The Bill of Rights also declares their right of access, without discrimination on the grounds of their gender or age, to shops, hotels, lodging houses, public restaurants, places of public entertainment, public transport services, taxis and public places.73 Those who provide services under s 38(4) must facilitate reasonable access to these public places.74
Where people believe their rights under the Constitution have been contravened they may apply to the High Court for redress.75 It is anticipated that test cases on the incorporation arguments relating to CEDAW and the CRC will be run within the first decade of the 1997 Constitution coming into effect.
As with all constitutions, there are limitations placed on the extent to which rights recognised in Chapter Four may be exercised. So, for example, the right to be free from discrimination may be limited by a law or administrative action taken under a law for the purpose of providing for certain Fijian and Rotuman customs in relation to land, fishing rights and chief titles or rank,76 or for providing for the governance of Fijians, Rotumans or Banaban communities.77
The Bill of Rights authorises the establishment of a Human Rights Commission. When established its functions will be:78
In addition to the specific guarantees of equality in the Bill of Rights, the Social Justice Chapter empowers Parliament to undertake programmes for disadvantaged people designed to achieve effective equality of access to education and training, land and housing and participation in commerce at all levels and branches of the state.79 Special programmes for women and children can be justified by reference to this section of the Constitution.
Approaches to Constitutional Interpretation
The Reeves Commission declared that the purpose of the Bill of Rights:80
is to protect the rights and freedoms of individuals, and sometimes of groups, from undue interference by the state. It sets standards against which the executive and legislative branches of government should measure their policies, administrative action and legislation. The judicial branch has the responsibility of determining whether the other two branches have acted consistently with those standards. This means that the validity of both the laws made by Parliament and the government's administrative actions can be tested in the courts.
On the courts rests the task of interpreting and maintaining the integrity of the Constitution. This is important for the people and for the Government as a reflection of the people. This is an enormous responsibility requiring sustained and concerted effort from both practitioners and the judiciary to keep abreast of international, regional and national developments in the field of human rights.81 It is not enough to know the provisions of the Bill of Rights in a constitution. What is needed is a professional bar and a judiciary that can research and then incorporate into their submissions or decisions similar provisions in international and regional treaties, decisions of international and regional human rights bodies, relevant constitutions, relevant court decisions from comparable jurisdictions, and national cases upholding the importance of judicial vigilance in relation to state constitutions. It is now the case that general principles of interpretation of constitutions containing Bills of Rights are being discussed all over the world. While it is accepted that national courts must make decisions in light of the special circumstances of their countries, broad principles from superior courts can be persuasive and compelling and they should not be ignored. In most common law countries it is now accepted that there are certain fundamental principles for the interpretation of Bills of Rights and these are explained in detail in Steven's book, The Interpretation of Fundamental Rights Provisions - International and Regional Standards in African and Other Common Law Jurisdictions.82 Included in these principles is the notion that ratified treaties provide a legitimate guide in interpreting constitutional provisions.83 In the case of Fiji the application of this principle coupled with sections 3 and 43 of the Fiji Constitution would result in CEDAW and the CRC being capable of direct enforcement in domestic law. There is also case law to indicate how breaches of the Bill of Rights can result in the courts providing effective remedies including damages for an aggrieved citizen.84
When considering the relationship between the Constitution of the Republic of the Fiji Islands 1997 and the international instruments on the rights of women and children it is always important to review the context within which international treaties/instruments and national constitutions are made, their binding or non-binding status, the implications of ratification and their implementation and interpretation at the national level.
This paper attempts to provide this review. In addition, the disappointing commitment of Pacific states to human rights is noted, as many have not ratified major international human rights treaties/instruments such as the two international covenants that combined with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights comprise the International Bill of Rights. Many Pacific constitutions are in need of reform in light of our contemporary understanding of fundamental human rights and freedoms. This state of affairs and the political marginalisation of Pacific women has lead to a situation where important treaties such as CEDAW have not been adopted in most Pacific countries.
Fiji, however, is one of the few countries who have acceded to CEDAW and the CRC. It has recognised the need for constitutional review and it is to be commended for the successful adoption of one of the most progressive Constitutions (and Bill of Rights) in the Pacific. In enacting the Constitution (Amendment Act) 1997, the Fiji Parliament has recognised the importance of international human rights treaties/instruments affecting women and children and arguably all human rights developments including non-ratified treaties by the explicit references to developments in human rights and public international law in sections 3 and 43 of the 1997 Act. Therefore it is concluded that CEDAW and the CRC are directly enforceable in the domestic law of Fiji and it is further suggested that even treaties/instruments that have not been ratified by Fiji but which form part of customary international law may be incorporated through the Constitution.
By way of conclusion it is suggested that the continuing effort in Fiji to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of women and children will now shift its focus from the politicians to the practitioners of law and to the judiciary as they rise to meet the challenge of making this Constitution come alive in a real and meaningful way for the women and children of Fiji.
1. CFTC Fellow in Human Rights Education, Institute of Justice and Applied Legal Studies, University of the South Pacific.
2. Nariman F, 'Trends in Internationalisation of Human Rights Law', in Rishworth P (ed) The Struggle for Simplicity: Essays for Lord Cooke of Thorndon, 1997, Butterworths: Wellington, 237.
3. Imre Szabo, 'Historical Foundations of Human Rights and Subsequent Developments', in Vasak K and Aston P (eds), The International Dimensions of Human Rights, Vol 1,1982, UNESCO, Greenwood Press: Connecticut, 21.
4. UN GA Resolution 1514 (XV), 14 December 1960.
5. The International Bill of Rights is the term used to refer to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) 1966 and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) 1966.
6. See, for example the Charter of the United Nations 1945 Art 2(7).
7. See, for example Art 13 (re: the powers of the UN General Assembly) and Arts 61-62 (Re: the powers of ECOSOC).
8. Nariman F, above n2, 238-239.
9. Idem, 239.
10. Idem, 239, and see for example the First Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights 1966; see also ECOSOC Resolution 1503 (XLVIII) 27 May 1970 which authorises procedures for the Commission on Human Rights and its Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities to examine communications from individuals and NGOS which appear to reveal 'a consistent pattern of gross and reliably attested violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms'.
11. The list includes the Commission on Human Rights and its Sub-Commission; the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW); the Commission on Sustainable Development (CDS); the Commission for Human Settlements; and the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.
12. Nariman F, above n2, 251.
13. Idem, 240.
14. Idem, 242-244.
15. Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (Art 8, CERD); the Human Rights Committee (Art 28, ICCPR); ECOSOC and the Commission on Human Rights (Art 16-22 ICESCR) which has established the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights; Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (Art 17 CEDAW); Committee Against Torture (Art 17 CAT); Committee on the Rights of the Child (Art 42, CRC).
16. There is some pessimism about the political acceptability of these draft protocols (see, for example Nariman F, above n2, 247 but other commentators are optimistic that they will receive support (see, for example Chen M, 'Improving Enforcement of the Women's Rights Convention', Vo1 2(1), 1996, Human Rights Law and Practice, Brookers: Wellington, 23-28).
17. See, for example the Charter of the United Nations 1945 preamble, Art 1 and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights preamble, Art 1, Art 2 (rights to apply without distinction).
18. See for example Lovelace v Canada, United Nations Human Rights Committee, 30 July 1981 (Views under article 5(4) of the Optional Protocol to ICCPR concerning Communication No. r6/24).
19. See Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide 1948, Art II.
20. See discussion in the Human Rights Defenders Manual, 1995, Diplomacy Training Programme Ltd, UNSW: Sydney, 7.

subset: commoncrawl


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How To Find Your Foundation
*this is a sponsored post
It is well known how hard it may be to find the right shade of the foundation, often it can cost a lot, as buying the wrong shade and formula is not an uncommon thing. However, there are ways to save some money when it comes to buying makeup. For example with couponing websites such as Discontrue.com or RetailMeNot. You can find there numerous promos for all your favorite shops including Kohl's.
And here are more tips on how to achieve a complexion of your dreams.
Department Store Shopping
During your next department store trip, take three different foundations and apply near the jawline. You'd want to check the shades in the natural light to see the best match. After choosing the one that looks the closest to your skin tone – apply it all over your face to see how it feels on the skin during the day.
Scandinavian Beauty Brands To Try
Check out Scandinavian Beauty Brands to Try
My New Hairstyle for Summer
I had a relatively long hair and my natural colour for years (here is a photo). And… a) I have a lot of hair but it is thin and doesn't look that good b)I had the same, more or less, length for years and years; plus I did not colour it so I got very bored, as I used to change my hair style all the time in the past.
This is why back in February I've asked to chop off all the thin and damaged hair, so I ended up with a shoulder length hair style. It was a big change but once I was over a slight shock, I knew that I was ready for more experiments. This is why last week, I changed my hair style completely, and I even had it coloured for the first time in years.
It is nothing too dramatic, just a darker shade of cool toned brown which is still not as cool (toned), as I wanted it to be. My natural colour is really cool toned, and I hate anything warm/reddish on myself. But I find that it is even harder to get a spot-on dark hair than blonde (I was blonde for several years).
After hours of
New In: Books On Perfume and Fashion
Recently I posted a feature about beauty books every girl needs which I wrote for Mode. There I actually said that Perfumes A to Z Guide by Luca Turin and Tania Sanchez is on top of my wish list, after so many recommendations of people who know and love perfume.
I finally bought it last month, and although I did not have a chance to read it properly yet, I really love it so far. I was happy to discover that perfumes that I love got high rates and laughed at some other witty and honest reviews. My brother was also intrigued by this book and borrowed it to read about his colognes and to find some new ones.
I am sure that it is as good as everyone says it is. I am only sad that it's from 2009 so a lot of new(er) perfumes are not included.
The other book I've bough is
Requested: What's Inside My Handbag
Since "What's in my Handbag" was a very requested feature – I am finally doing one. I hope you will like it. I'd say that I always carry more of less the same things and it works perfectly for me.
I have somehow forgot to include my phone, as it was charging and also my keys. But those two are obvious, and nothing interesting anyway.
Here we go:
The handbag itself, I change them all the time. And this Mulberry one is one of my favourites.
Purse, I've had it for years now, and actually need new one soon. Maybe there is one you'd recommend?
A notebook and a pen. This beautiful leather notebook was a present from one of my best friends and I absolutely adore it. I love writing lists on paper, and that will probably never change. I also use only pens with black ink. That may sound weird but it's true, has been like this for years now. #BlackForever
I could never be without my


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Ten Tribes Studies (28 March, 2014, 26 Adar-2, 5774)
1. Joshua 7:Â Achan Hides the Booty and all Israel Suffer for it!
Individual Responsibility for the Generality and Vice Versa, Family Responsibility, Tribal Lineage, Cruelty to Animals. Beasts CANNOT take Second Place to Humans!
2. Reply to Criticism, "The Bible determines present day reality!"
3. Question About Unification of the Lost Tribes  with Judah [and Religious Matters]
1. Joshua 7:Â Achan Hides the Booty and all Israel Suffer for it!
Individual Responsibility for the Generality and Vice Versa, Family Responsibility, Tribal Lineage, Cruelty to Animals. Beast s CANNOT take Second Place to Humans!
ACHAN THE SON OF CARMI, a high-born personage from the Tribe of Judah, had taken booty from the city of Jericho. This had been forbidden. Even though his transgression had been a secret one, his action reflected faults in the general community.Â
Meanwhile the Israelites continued their conquest of Canaan. They attacked the city of Ai in the region of Beth-el. They were over-confident, relied on past successes and assumed that God would continue to intercede for them. Their attack failed and the attackers fled. They had lost 36 warriors but more than this, they had broken ranks before the enemy. Whereas previously all their enemies had been in awe before them, now they were in danger. The Canaanites greatly outnumbered them and were liable to exterminate them. Joshua prayed to God. He was told that the people had transgressed. The illicit booty and its possessor would need to be removed. Lots were cast at first by tribe, then by family (clan), then by households, and finally by individuals within the household.
This indicates the importance of ancestral lineage and the place we each hold within our Tribe. In the future this will be made known. The researches and studies of Brit-Am/Hebrew Nations in a very general way have made a start along these lines.
Achan was found to be the guilty party. He had taken a valuable garment made in Shinar (Mespopotamia) along with silver coins and a wedge of gold for himself.
Achan and all his family and livestock and all he had were stoned and their bodies burnt. Apparently his family had helped hide the booty.
This also teaches us something of the Biblical attitude to animals.
We have to look after our animals, provide their needs, and not to be needlessly cruel to them.
They are however little more than possessions and must never be accorded consideration detrimental to humans.
The remains of Achan and his family and possessions, etc, were, after being burnt, covered with a pile of stones.
The anger of the Almighty abated.
2. Reply to Criticism, "The Bible determines present day reality!"
New comment on your video
Glenn Beck and the Ten Tribes in America
Jewish settlement in Palestine was but a snapshot in time when held up to the 60,000+ years of human occupation of this area by a wide variety of peoples.  The Hebrew promise of real estate from their particular mythical god is not a valid land deed in the realm of reality. This nonsense has no place at the table when dealing with real world geopolitical issues.
Yair Davidiy Reply:
The Bible determines present day reality. At present our existence is predicated on the victory of the Bible over the Koran and against atheism.
This is the reality, like it or not.
The outcome of real world geopolitical issues are determined by the Bible and our understanding of it.
See Also:
Yair Davidiy UTube Station
3. Question About Unification of the Lost Tribes with Judah [and Religious Matters]
Lyne Tracy wrote:
Dear Yair Davidiy.
In the end times the lost tribes will be united with Judah. The original Bible Testament prophesied about the unification of the lost tribes.That means, that we will be Spiritually united first. Is that the case biblically? Judah practices Judaism. The Tribes have different names such as, Ephraim, Menasseh. Will all the tribes be united and practice one spiritual religion. As Orthodox
Judaism is the religion that practices the Ten Commandments, would that mean the tribes would practice Orthodox Judaism before full unification? Biblically can this be explained?
God Bless
Lyne Tracy
Brit-Am Reply:
I am still recovering a little from the operation a few days ago but should be OK next week.
[On the whole, thank God, I have been blessed with relatively good health and pray that it shall continue.]
Your questions deserve a comprehensive article and more but here is a reply for now.
This is just a rough answer for the time being.
These answers are my own.
They may be open to contention and they do not necessarily reflect the attitude of the Hebrew Nations Movement in general.
The answers should also be considered in their context and as part of a whole.
These answers are based on our own understanding of Biblical verses.
Indications are that most of the Ten Tribes will return to Israel BEFORE the religious question has been settled.
They will be worshipping idols but will reform and change.
OR perhaps Scripture can be read as saying that some will have returned and what these accept will be validated by their brothers overseas?
Some type of federation between the Tribes will probably have taken place before then.
The Tribes will be united but each Tribe will dwell in its own place.
Both the Ten Tribes and Judah will receive a NEW religion.
Nevertheless, Judah will be vindicated.
I understand this to mean that Judah will be considered to have gone along a righteous path.
He will be rewarded for having done so but may have to accept some changes.
The Ten Tribes will be considered to have formally been idolaters but nevertheless to have hankered after the Truth and to have been guided by God.
To me, this means that Orthodox Judaism is valid for the Jews today but NOT necessarily for the Ten Tribes.
Judaism may however change in the future.
It is not exactly the same as that which the Israelite Tribes as a whole will be required to accept.
We therefore do not urge descendants of the Ten Tribes to become Jewish. [If nevertheless some individuals amongst them wish to do so, that is another matter.]
In truth, we have not got an answer nor an agenda for the Ten Tribes.
We do however understand that they should become aware of their ancestry, learn the Bible, and perhaps draw closer to Judah.
The above is an overall picture.
The sources are available in various articles on our web-site.
We shall however discuss these issues later along with the relevant verses.
It may also be that more detailed specific answers will emanate from Judah at a later date.
Before this comes about more incisive thinkers out of both Judah and the Ten Tribes will need to become aware of the truths we teach.
All of the above may take place on the background of wars and tribulations where far-reaching immediate decisions may have to be taken.
We ourselves should all do what we know needs to be done.
If we do this decently new understandings may then open up to us.
If you find any of this difficult you should at least begin to read the Hebrew Bible.
Our Brit-Am Biblical Studies may be found useful in this.
So too, if some Jews feel that Judaism as we know it is not the answer for them they should realize that God Almighty has given HIS sanction to it.
It is what we have and so we should work with it.
Yair Davidiy UTube Station


text: In the last roll I had developed, my pictures come out with the top half of the photo with 'perfect lighting', the bottom half 'so dark you can barely make out shapes'. Every picture in the roll is ruined. Thinking back, I know I've had this happen in the past, but due to short term mem loss, I can't remember if it has happened to consecutive rolls. I suspect that the cause is operator error during film loading, but other possibilities could be bad film, broken camera, or some other contengency that I haven't thought of. I'm just an ameteur looking for some direction, so if you have an idea or have seen this before, I'd like to know what you know. PS. Sorry, I don't have a website or I'd send a link to one of the affected pictures. If there's a way to attach a pic to a post (upload a photo), please let me know. Thanks in advance. Stacy


text: Today, the clutches bags is one of the most popular trends. It is, as they say "in vogue" and is especially utilized during the spring and summer time. Evening Clutch bags are not seen on an everyday basis as often as it used to be, but these little gems are ease around in varied forms. They are commonly small purses designed to be carried or "clutched" in the hand. Have a look some cool designs of evening clutch.


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Difference between revisions of "Modularization/IRCLOGS/20100601.log"
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(15:01:27) kr: hi ingo :)

(15:01:27) kr: hi ingo :)

(15:01:36) kr: hi cynthia :)

(15:01:36) kr: hi cynthia :)

Latest revision as of 09:05, 8 June 2010
(15:01:27) kr: hi ingo :)
(15:01:36) kr: hi cynthia :)
(15:01:42) _ch_: good morning, kay!
(15:01:52) _ch_: and good morning ingo. :)
(15:02:02) is_: Hi Cynthia :-)
(15:02:32) kr: just uploaded a new mockup to http://wiki.services.openoffice.org/wiki/Modularization/BuildWizard
(15:02:49) kr: would like to discuss it today
(15:04:42) is_: Yes, looks good. You also have the button for the existing build helper ;-) ?
(15:06:42) _ch_: hi, xiuzhi. :)
(15:06:51) kr: good afternoon xiuzhi :)
(15:07:32) is_: hello xiuzh :-)
(15:08:13) is_: of course xiuzhi ;-)
(15:08:57) xiuzhi: kr:moin
(15:09:03) xiuzhi: is_:moin
(15:09:18) xiuzhi: a minute, I call tao and dehua
(15:10:19) xiuzhi: they only have 30 minutes,let is start
(15:11:03) kr: I just uploaded a new mockup to http://wiki.services.openoffice.org/wiki/Modularization/BuildWizard , please have a look
(15:12:07) xiuzhi: I saw them, these UI looks good
(15:12:19) kr: ohh, the "pull" and "push" buttons on the config tab need to be removed, sorry
(15:12:45) kr: the workflow would than be something as:
(15:12:51) kr: - start the build wizard
(15:13:15) kr: - select a remote repository and clone it
(15:13:25) kr: - select the than local repository
(15:14:01) kr: - look into the "config" tab
(15:14:27) kr: - anything important missing would be marked red, optional stuff not available may be marked blue, available stuff likely green
(15:15:25) kr: - if anything is red, the "start" button on the build tab pane would be disabled (ideally a tooltip would be available telling the user to look into the "config" tab), otherwise the "start" is available
(15:15:40) kr: - user presses start -> build begins
(15:15:59) kr: - may want to add an "install" buttons to the build tab pane
(15:16:03) kr: that's it :)
(15:16:41) _ch_: kr: what the "Clear" button used for on the config tab?
(15:18:38) kr: _ch_: the "clear" may be changed to something as "re-scan" :)
(15:20:15) kr: just uploaded the fixed version: http://wiki.services.openoffice.org/wiki/File:Bw_mockup.jpg
(15:20:29) xiuzhi: Need we have a complier log tab page ?
(15:20:31) xudh: kr: why do we need to put them in such a dialog? can the user know how it works?
(15:20:53) xiuzhi: complier error log. something else
(15:21:00) kr: xiuzhi: the compiler logs should appear in the build tab pane
(15:21:06) xiuzhi: ok
(15:21:11) kr: xudh: you mean the buttons?
(15:22:04) xudh: kr: no, the Tabs
(15:22:41) kr: xudh: just to keep it compact, would you prefer multiple windows?
(15:24:23) xudh: kr: window:)
(15:25:24) kr: xudh: that means, one window is fine for you, right ? :)
(15:28:22) xudh: kr: no, I would prefer multiple windows
(15:29:00) xiuzhi: one window and multi tabs looks good, and help page has another window maybe better;
(15:29:28) kr: xudh: you mean one for every cloned repository? Please explain
(15:29:59) _ch_: kr:still on the Config Tab: do we need a button to save the configure-switches into a file, or when shall we do it?
(15:31:02) kr: _ch_: I would rather make it automatically persistent, e.g. after change just directly save
(15:34:08) xudh: kr: I mean what xiuzhi had just said
(15:34:17) xudh: one window and multi tabs looks good, and help page has another window maybe better;
(15:34:27) xudh: kr:Have you got it ?
(15:34:56) _ch_: kr: do you mean, when we leave the Config Tab, we will automatically save the settings?
(15:35:06) kr: xudh: not yet
(15:35:12) xiuzhi: kr:xudh prefer having a window to show some help info.
(15:35:28) kr: _ch_: I though even earlier, directly after a change
(15:36:00) kr: xudh: could you do a sketch?
(15:36:22) xiuzhi: kr: and one window with multi tab panes as you designed on wiki page
(15:36:23) kr: xudh: I still have no clue ;)
(15:36:45) kr: xiuzhi: you mean just an additional window?
(15:37:30) xiuzhi: kr:sure ,for show how to use this wizard
(15:38:08) xiuzhi: kr:user can use the wizard as well as looking the help files
(15:38:24) kr: xiuzhi: I see, would this window always be present or when pressing F1?
(15:39:02) xiuzhi: kr: F1 or press a "help" button. I prefer a button
(15:40:01) kr: I think you are right with the tabs, the current layout is somewhat confusing, will do another mockup which (hopefully) simplifies the user interface
(15:41:31) xiuzhi: kr: yes.
(15:43:36) kr: though I would like to keep the "direct access" approach, ideally avoind dialogs and such to keep the user interface small and efficient :)
(15:43:53) kr: avoind -> avoiding
(15:44:38) xiuzhi: your design is clearly and easy to use,
(15:45:46) xiuzhi: adding a new help window would be helpful to user.
(15:45:56) kr: ok
(15:48:17) xiuzhi: kr:I am not sure who is responsible for the new UI design and impliment,
(15:48:24) xudh: Hi all, I will have another meeting, and I must go now.
(15:49:01) xudh: bye all
(15:49:03) xiuzhi: xudh:ok
(15:49:21) kr: xiuzhi: I will do the mockups until we are fine, and I would like to give software architectural guide lines
(15:49:49) kr: xiuzhi: basically outlining the interfaces, classes etc. but avoiding the implementation itself
(15:50:36) xiuzhi: kr:good. you can ask xudh and _ch_ to do some coding
(15:50:52) kr: xiuzhi: will do so :)
(15:51:31) xiuzhi: kr: I am sorry I can not do some contribution to our project.
(15:52:37) kr: xiuzhi: as long as xudh and _ch_ can help, we are fine.
(16:11:53) kr: thanks for joining again, talking to you soon, bye for now :)
(16:13:43) _ch_: bye. :)
(16:14:35) is_: good bye :-)
(16:14:50) xiuzhi: bye


text:
Top Line Strategy
Our Top Line strategy is based on commercial projects. Its objective is to develop Aperam's most profitable products, segments, clients and geographical areas and continue to build a quality service offering for our customers. Within the Top Line strategy, a specific focus is allocated to developing innovative products that will allow us to have a strong presence in important niche markets, as well as achieve attractive margins.
Connecting Stainless Customers
Making your life easier is our objective.
To help you build the most efficient supply chain possible, Aperam offers a comprehensive portfolio of digital services. To guarantee the very best customer experience, each solution is based on Lean Start-up and Agile methodologies and aims to offer the highest value proposition capable of meeting all your supply chain needs.
Business has never been so simple
Aperam has its own e-platform that enables us to deliver excellence to all our customers. Our key eCommerce and eServices features provide a seamless experience, available 24/7, between Aperam and its customers in a very user-friendly way.
EDI: switch to the speed of light!
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is the most efficient way for a customer and supplier to build a fully automatised, integrated supply chain. Thanks to new technologies and Aperam's supply chain expertise, implementing EDI is now easy and cost-efficient. By simply connecting our respective ERPs and allowing them to communicate directly from order to payment, we can provide you with a fully digitalised supply chain.
Let's digitise our common supply chain!
Industry 4.0: start your journey with us
Ready to start your journey towards Industry 4.0? Aperam can help by providing experience-based advice and integrating fast-moving, efficient changes into our common supply chain. Our solutions include: automatic material reception technologies, automatic inventory replenishment, API connectors for getting real-time information about your order book and updates on your deliveries
These are just a few of the many solutions we can implement. To learn more, contact us today.
Let's drive the future together!


text:
There had been fears that the $1.75bn (£909m) deal would be halted because of concerns it would lead to job losses and compromise national security.
It has been given a green light after a review by the powerful Committee on Foreign Investment in the US (CFIUS).
The merger would create the world's third biggest PC maker with annual sales of close to $12bn.
Cloak and dagger?
Press reports last month claimed that the Justice Department, and the Department of Homeland Security had both voiced concerns about the Lenovo purchase.
At the heart of opposition to the deal were fears that IBM's US factories could offer opportunities for industrial espionage.
CFIUS, whose members come from a number of government departments, thought differently and according to IBM gave the move their unanimous backing.
Stephen Ward, the general manager of IBM's personal systems division, said that Lenovo would not have to change the location of its facilities near sensitive research areas.
Starting 11
Mr Ward said that CFIUS did not call for any limits to be put on Lenovo's ability to sell PCs in the US, allowing it to bid for government and military contracts.
"Everything that CFIUS asked of us was perfectly reasonable and the type of things that would be in a business plan," Mr Ward added.
Lenovo was started by 11 scientists on a Beijing campus in 1984 as a distributor of foreign brands - including IBM, and Hewlett Packard.
Lenovo, formerly known as Legend, currently has a 2.2% share of the global PC market, while IBM has 5.5%.


text:
Hosea 8
New Life Version
Israel Worships False Gods
8 "Put the horn to your lips! Men who hate us are coming like an eagle to fight against the house of the Lord, because the people of Israel have sinned against My agreement and would not obey My Law. 2 They cry out to Me, 'My God, we of Israel know You!' 3 Israel has turned away from the good, and those who hate him will come after him. 4 They have set up kings, but not by Me. They have chosen leaders, but I did not know it. They have made false gods for themselves out of silver and gold, so they will be destroyed. 5 O Samaria, I will have nothing to do with the calf you worship. My anger burns against them! How long will it be before they are pure 6 in Israel? A workman made this calf, so it is not God. The calf of Samaria will be broken to pieces. 7 They plant the wind and they will gather the storm. The standing grain has no heads, and will give no food. If it were to give food, strangers would eat it.
8 "Israel is eaten up. They are now among the nations like a pot that is of no worth. 9 They have gone up to Assyria like a wild donkey all alone. Ephraim has hired lovers. 10 Even when they hire people among the nations to help them, I will now gather them together. And they will begin to waste away because the powerful king will make it hard for them.
11 "Because Ephraim has made many altars for sin gifts, they have become altars for sinning. 12 I wrote 10,000 of My Laws for him, but they think of them as something strange. 13 They give gifts to Me and eat the meat of the gifts, but the Lord is not pleased with them. Now He will remember their wrong-doing and punish them for their sins. They will return to Egypt. 14 Israel has forgotten his Maker and built great houses. And Judah has built many strong cities ready for battle. But I will send a fire upon its cities that will destroy its beautiful houses."


text:
It's Harley time again at the New England Carousel Museum.
The Carousel Museum has kicked off its 20th annual Harley Davidson raffle to benefit the non-profit organization's educational programming and general operations, according to a press release.
The first raffle prize is a 2015 Harley Davidson FLHX Street Glide Motorcycle while the second prize is a 5' by 8' trailer, and the third prize is a $100 gift certificate redeemable at Yankee Harley Davidson in Bristol, the release said.
The cost of raffle tickets are $20 each, and 2,000 of them will be sold, the release said. The public drawing will take place at the museum on Saturday, Nov. 21. at 7 p.m.
Everyone is welcome to come to the drawing but the winter need not be present, the release said. The winner will be called immediately after the drawing is complete.
Tickets can be bought at the Carousel Museum, 95 Riverside Ave., Bristol. Tickets also are sold at the following locations: Andy's Hair Studio, 110 West St., Bristol; Bristol Glass Co., 116 Riverside Ave., Bristol; Burlington Wine & Spirits, 152 Burlington Ave., Bristol; Chamber of Commerce, 200 Main St., Bristol; Chute Gates, 372 Main St., Terryville; Badd Custom Cycles; 272 Main St., Terryville; Redmans Trailer, 497 Broad St., Bristol; Greer's Chicken, 64 Matthews St., Bristol; Hamelin & Sons, 64 West St., Bristol; Harvest Bakery, 84 Farmington Ave., Bristol; Jerzie Joe's, 202 Newell St., Southington; Martino's Market, 948 Terryville Ave., Bristol; Pine St. Package, 90 Pine St., Bristol; Webster Bank, 1 North Riverside Ave., Terryville; South Side Meat Market, 141 West St., Bristol; Trim Unlimited, 353 North Main St., Bristol; Yankee Harley, 488 Farmington Ave., Bristol; Bushnell Park, 1 Jewell St., Hartford; and Artist Tree Tea House, 156 & 160 School St., Bristol.


text:
INDIANAPOLIS - The New England Revolution have taken Louisville defender Andrew Farrell with the first pick of the MLS SuperDraft.
Toronto traded the pick to New England ahead of the draft in exchange for the fourth pick and allocation money.
TFC also has the third overall selection.
Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver entered the draft with two picks apiece in the first round.
Chivas USA previously announced it planned to take Connecticut midfielder Carlos Alvarez with the second overall pick.


text:
Jeffrey Parker & Company is a bespoke intellectual property practice where experience, knowledge and courtesy counts for everything. Solutions to unusual trade mark issues are typically available on the spot.
Market experience and an always connected approach means that a rapid response can be taken for granted with Jeffrey Parker. A cost effective service is also a given because of an intuitive understanding of likely successes when it comes to trade mark conflicts.
Robust docketing procedures form an integral part of the Jeffrey Parker way of doing things. Expertise that spans UK and Pan-European trade mark strategy. Service that focuses on registering, renewing, protecting and enforcing clients' IP.
The practice works on a person-to-person basis with a flexible fee structure to obtain and protect IP for clients. Getting under the skin of a trade mark case through conversation and investigation is a vocation for Jeffrey Parker. Along with a touch of trade mark flair thrown in for good measure.


text:
Although automated surveillance technology has been evolving for decades, adoption of these technologies is in a nascent state. The current trajectory of public reporting, continued emergence of multidrug-resistant organisms, and mandated antimicrobial stewardship initiatives will result in an increased surveillance workload for ICPs.
Learn more about the slow adoption of automated infection prevention surveillance: are human factors contributing?


text:
Fashion's On Vacation author Emma Edwards shows us some of the best hotels in the Canary Islands for a winter break.
January through March/April have got to be the dullest months of the year in Europe, which, yes, for our distinctly average work-a-day lives, this sucks. But, its a brilliant opportunity to take a week or two out for some Winter sun, as a pick me up from the crisp chills of the aforementioned 'months of doom'.
The Canary Islands benefit from year round warm temperatures, and are the perfect spot for Winter vacays. Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote are the main four to visit, and here we show you some of the best luxury hotels. Winter holidays are all the more exciting, especially as its more than likely freezing at home, so you're the envy of everyone you know!
1. Elba Carlota Hotel 5*
This hotel is located in the Fuerteventura Golf Resort, and is only a short walk away from a range of bars, restaurants and shops, as well as fine sandy beaches. The hotel offers three dining options, including its very own Chiringuito restaurant, which sits on its own island across from the hotel, and serves up sumptuous seafood dishes.
2. Sheraton Fuerteventura Beach Golf and Spa Resort 5*
I really do struggle to find fault with Sheraton resorts, and this is another winner. Benefiting from the luxurious atmosphere of a golf and spa resort, this has the best of both worlds. The resort centre is close by, while the ground of the hotel are secluded enough to enjoy plenty of peace and quiet. It has four restaurants, a lounge bar, pool bar, and a piano bar, all ideal for sipping Mojitos. Chin chin!
3. Hotel Botanico 5* – Puerto de la Cruz
This hotel is one I have always wanted to visit. It has its own private gardens, which is home to the Oriental Spa Garden, which offers total relaxation. The suites offer breathtaking views of the island's Mount Tiede volcano and surrounding area, and, if you're feeling really flush, some have hot tubs on the balcony. There is also four mouth watering a la carte restaurants, including Asian (my favourite), authentic local Spanish, and Italian cuisines.
4. Sensatori Resort Tenerife 5* – Guia de Isora
This beautiful resort hotel boasts a world class spa, countless fine dining options, and the option to upgrade to be a 'Red Level' guest. This gets you your access to the fast track reception, separate dining area, exclusive pool and an entire floor on the hotel for Red Level guests. Who do I make my cheque out to?!
5. Dream Gran Tacande 5* – Costa Adeje
Another grand property designed in the style of a Canarian mansion, the Dream Gran Tacande overlooks the beautiful Playa del Duque beach, and has its own on site spa, two outdoor pools, a piano bar, a sun terrace, and authentic Mediterranean a la carte cuisine. The resort of Costa Adeje is the perfect base to explore the island too. Take a trip to the famous Siam Park waterslides or visit the local markets.
Gran Canaria
6. Sheraton Salobre Golf Resort 5*
This glamourous spa hotel is nestled among spectacular views of the dunes of Maspalomas, and the on site Aloe Spa is the perfect location for complete relaxation away from your day to day life. The intriguing architectural design boasts several pools on various levels, as well as a gym with on site views of the landscapes. A variety of cuisines is available in the four a la carte restaurants, too.
7. Lopesan Baobab Resort 5*
This unique resort features an enchanting design inspired by the neighbouring continent of Africa, and is ideally located to explore what the South of the island has to offer. The hotel has a 'cave zone' with its own bar and African themed surroundings, and one of the on site restaurants, Akara, is the only African dining available on the entire island! This is definitely one of my favourite hotels in the Canaries. Its going straight on my wishlist!
8. Hesperia Puerto Calero 5*
I visited this hotel in 2010, and I absolutely adored it. The white buildings, large pools, spa, amazing al fresco breakfast, and luxurious location are just perfect for a winter getaway. The area of Puerto Calero is gorgeous – just a few minutes walk from the hotel is the small marina, which offers delectable restaurants and bars, as well as a range of elite shops, like Ralph Lauren and Lacoste.
9. Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort 5*
This resort is located in the vibrant Playa Blanca, overlooking the beach, and features traditional Canarian style and elegance. With 8 international restaurants on site, a spa, outdoor whirlpools, tennis courts, volleyball, and Turkish steam baths, this really is everything you need for a completely relaxed break. I really love having a suite in hotels, especially if one of you snores, or if you fancy relaxing in your own space for a while away from the other hotel guests. Its just a bit more like home!


text:
josh blog
Ordinary language is all right.
One could divide humanity into two classes:
those who master a metaphor, and those who hold by a formula.
Those with a bent for both are too few, they do not comprise a class.
newest | archives | search | about | wishlist | flickr | email | rss
'… you and me, dreamin about full medical and dental…'
Long cold dead years.


text:
We offer a range of offsite backup solutions from traditional disk/tape through to more common cloud and replication solutions
We'll ensure your backups are done frequently enough to be effective - something we often see overlooked
We'll ensure you have an Archive strategy - many companies only have a short term backup plan and no real archive solution
Our Support System will keep us (and you) posted on status of your backups. Daily, weekly, on or offsite we have it all covered. We can alert you to any failures and required actions relating to the backups or just take care of it all for you.
Should the worst happen we'll look after you and get you working again quickly. Over the years we have seen failed servers, RAID arrays, drives, data corruption and more. Our experience in restoring and recovering data is unmatched so whatever happens, we've got you covered.
We offer a wide choice of backup & recovery solutions. Just like your IT Support, how your data is protected can vary depending on your requirements so we tailor each of our solutions. From simple on premise solutions to more advanced offsite and cloud replication solutions, we use all kinds of products to fit all kinds of scenarios
In our experience the configuration of backups is usually a task undertaken by relatively inexperienced staff, we dont think this is right. Rest assured that all of your data, your backups and strategy will always be undertaken by an experienced and qualified consultant.


text:
Chronic Prostatitis Symptoms and Statistics
- Need for frequent urination, particularly at night
- History of urinary infections
- Difficulty beginning urination and/or weak flow
- Painful urination or ejaculation
- Difficulty having an erection
- Blood in urine and/or semen
- Pain or tenderness in penis, testicles and/or perineum (area between scrotum and rectum)
- Recurring pain in lower back, hips or thighs
- Pain having a bowel movement
Most of these symptoms may also indicate the possibility of prostate cancer. However, in the early stages, it's possible to have no symptoms at all. It's also possible to have these symptoms and no cancer.
The risk of prostate cancer, while rare under the age of 40, increases rapidly after the age of 50. Over 70% of the cases, for example, are diagnosed in men 65 and older. It's very common in men 80 and older. Some researchers believe that as much as 50 and 80% of men 80 years and older may have cancer of the prostate.
Prostate cancer is also much more common in African American men, than in white, Asian, African and Native Americans. Plus, for unknown reasons, African American men are twice as likely to die from the disease as other racial groups. However, diet, smoking and environmental factors can alter these racial differences. For example, Japanese men living in Japan rarely have prostate cancer, but when they move to the U.S. the incidence increases greatly.
According to statistics, two other common risk factors for prostate cancer are obesity and a family history of the disease. Obese men have a much higher risk of getting the disease and are more likely to have a recurrence of the disease after surgery. Prostate cancer is also more prevalent among family members of individuals with the disease. Men who have a father, grandfather, uncle or brother diagnosed with prostate cancer have double the risk of getting it and the odds rapidly increase if more than one male relative is affected.
The American Cancer Society predicts over 230,000 men will be diagnosed with cancer of the prostate in 2004. And, even though, the great majority (seven to one) will not die, prostate cancer is still the number two cancer killer of men in the U.S. - after lung cancer.
Therefore, all men over the age of 50 should get a doctor's examination or take a self-administered blood PSA (prostate specific antigen) test at least once a year. Early diagnosis and treatment of prostrate cancer greatly increases the odds of survival.For the Health, Weight Loss and Natural Nutrition Newsletter, click here.
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Nutrition and Me (or How I Killed My First Husband)
I can still vividly remember my new husband sitting by the toilet smoking a cigarette and looking a little green after I told him he had just eaten scrambled eggs with beef brains for Saturday morning brunch.
Are You Tired of Feeling Tired
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Omega III Salmon Oil - Is It Hot or Is It Not?
It's made the news once again! Another study proclaiming the dramatic health benefits of quality fish oil supplements. This time it's research published in the prestigious American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Heart Disease and Lifestyle
Heart disease is the number one killer of American women. However, studies show that by making certain lifestyle changes, most can prevent this dreaded disease.
©Copyright Moss Greene. All Rights Reserved.
Note: The information contained on this website is not intended to be prescriptive. Any attempt to diagnose or treat an illness should come under the direction of a physician who is familiar with nutritional therapy.
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text:
Thoughts from Introduction to Data Science – Melbourne – June 2017
A team in Melbourne recently completed our Introduction to Data Science course with Altis' Head of Data Science – Isaac Reyes. In this interview Richard Marris, a consultant from our Altis Canberra office, shares some of his takeaways on how analytics is adding to the skills and techniques that a modern analyst needs.
What is a data scientist and what do they do?
A data scientist cleans, massages and manipulates data sets (of all sizes) to perform analysis and apply statistical models. They generate insights from the data to help solve business questions. Sometimes described as part statistician, part data wrangler, part story teller – what a data scientist actually does, is use tools and techniques to turn a raw data set into something meaningful and valuable that offers new or different insights.
Where does data science fit with traditional Business Intelligence?
Data science sits happily side-by-side with more traditional business intelligence. Business intelligence enables access to and analysis of information to improve decision-making, typically with data visualisations. Data science builds on this by adding predictive and prescriptive analysis, to offer a deeper understanding of your data and the ability to ask (and answer) even more questions about your data. It is another key tool in the kit of a data practitioner.
Do you need a maths or stats degree to do analytics?
No, although a solid grounding in maths/statistics definitely helps your understanding and choice of which model to use. Many tools today offer an analytics plug-in which not only provides a user-friendly interface, but additionally guides the user through the different applications of models. They are quick to setup and use. Whether you create your model in R in a development environment, use a drag and drop tool like Azure ML Studio or another of the many options out there, it is becoming easier by the day to learn and apply data science skills. Of course, it's still up to the end user to interpret the results and to present the analysis in a meaningful way that tells a story.
How will this course help you deliver tangible business outcomes in what you do?
I'm taking this back to my current project to correlate any data I can get my hands on. I'm going to include in my data profiling a quick regression analysis to see what interesting results may come out.
Any other thoughts on the course?
It was fantastic. Issac is a great teacher and he adapted his teaching to the level of the group, while still being happy to run a maths proof during the break when someone asked.
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High impact, flexible, light and easy to assemble
For mini soccer, perfect for football practice and training
Size: 6ft x 4ft x 1ft x 3.3ft (1.8m x 1.2m x 0.3m x 1m) (Width x Height x Top Depth x Bottom Depth)
5mm Twisted Polyethylene Twine
Double Knotted
Overlock edge
100mm Sq. Mesh
Weight: approx. 0.3kg
Color: White
Note: this product just includes a network, please know that.
Package included:
1x 6*4ft football goal net (Post not included)


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Welcome to Cvent's Meeting and Event Planning Guide to the Tri-Valley region, an area guide for meeting professionals. A remarkably beautiful East Bay area spanning the cities of Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton, and San Ramon and the town of Danville (as well as the Amador, Livermore, and San Ramon valleys), the Tri-Valley greets meeting and convention delegates with a spectacular blend of old and new. The region features historic downtowns, world-class shopping, bountiful outdoor recreation, sprawling wine country, scrumptious cuisine, a moderate year-round climate, a variety of unique venues, and a superbly convenient location within 30 minutes of three international airports.
Situated along the I-680 and I-580 junction, the Tri-Valley sits 18 miles southeast of Oakland, 33 miles east of San Francisco, and 35 miles northeast of the Silicon Valley, making it easy to navigate the East Bay region and take day trips to a number of major northern California attractions. Visitors to the Tri-Valley region can fly into Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), or Oakland International Airport (OAK). Situated 27 miles from the Tri-Valley, three miles north of downtown San Jose, and fresh off a $1.3-billion modernization project, SJC provides nonstop service to destinations throughout the U.S., Mexico, Canada, and Japan. Located 24 miles from the Tri-Valley, OAK provides nonstop service throughout the U.S., Mexico and Europe. SFO, located 39 miles from the Tri-Valley, offers nonstop service to more than 75 U.S. airports and more than 30 international airports. Both OAK and SFO offer direct access to Bay Area Regional Transit (BART), the Bay Area's heavy-rail public transit and subway system that runs on five lines along 104 miles of track, serving 44 stations in four counties, including two Tri-Valley area stations in Dublin and Pleasanton. In addition to BART, meeting delegates can ride Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority's WHEELS bus service, which serves Dublin, Livermore, and Pleasanton along 17 daily rapid, local, and express bus routes, as well as connects to BART and takes passengers to such major area locations as the Alameda County Fairgrounds. The Altamont Commuter Express (ACE) also provides passenger rail service from the Central Valley to the Bay Area.
Nestled in downtown Pleasanton, within minutes of 4,000 hotel rooms, the sprawling Alameda County Fairgrounds offers 10 buildings and more than 131,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space set on 267 landscaped acres. Host of the annual Alameda County Fair, the fairgrounds feature a nine-hole golf course, driving range, and the Pleasanton Fairgrounds Racetrack, the country's oldest one-mile racetrack still in use. Meeting spaces include a 2,700-seat amphitheater, Palm Pavilion, with 5,000 square feet of indoor space and three adjoining patios; the 5,000-square-foot Wine Garden; and the 150-person Director's Lounge above the grandstands. The fairgrounds' largest building, the Young California Building, measures in at 32,500 square feet, accommodating 3,500 people, while its smallest building, The Jockey Clubhouse, measures in at 1,368 square feet, accommodating 100 people.
Aside from the Alameda County Fairgrounds, the Tri-Valley is home to a variety of special event venues for group functions, events, and team-building. Also in Pleasanton, the elegant Palm Event Center in the Vineyard features 20,000 square feet of event space in a luxurious vintner's estate atmosphere. Set amid 120 acres of vineyards, the Palm Event Center in the Vineyard features an 8,000-square-foot ballroom, 2,000-square-foot Estate Room, and an outdoor patio. Situated at Danville's Blackhawk Plaza, one of the most beautiful shopping areas in the East Bay, Blackhawk Museum showcases an ever-changing collection of stunning classic cars and rotating Smithsonian exhibits. The museum welcomes private events in a variety of spaces, including its 1,000-person Automotive Dining Room, 600-peson Cultural Plaza, and 250-person Lobby. Dublin's Shannon Park & Community Center is a Mission-style building, complete with terracotta-colored roof tiles and cream walls, housing the 5,940-square-foot Ambrose Hall, 546-square-foot classroom, and two 1,275-square-foot, multi-purpose rooms. Shannon Park welcomes visitors to enjoy its natural creek and picnic and barbecue areas, as well as view its public art.
Livermore features a number of special event-venues in both its downtown and wine country areas. Set in downtown Livermore, Bankhead Theater brings world-class arts and entertainment to the Tri-Valley, as the home to such organizations as Livermore Valley Opera, Pacific Chamber Symphony, and Tri-Valley Repertory Theatre. The theater welcomes conferences, seminars, meetings, and private events in its 507-seat auditorium, 500-person foyer, and 100-person patio. Surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills, the family-operated Garre Vineyard and Winery features a tasting room and outdoor bocce courts, as well as corporate team-building activities and a number of event spaces. Groups of up to 275 can gather in the 6,000-square-foot Grand Pavilion, while the on-site Cafe Garre can accommodate 49 people indoors and 75 people outdoors, and the hacienda-style Martinelli Event Center, complete with an outdoor cobblestone courtyard, fireplace, and fountain, as well as a ballroom with vaulted ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and oak wainscoting, can accommodate up to 250 guests.
A remarkable meeting location that offers the very best in hospitality, the Tri-Valley is also a fantastic leisure destination, renowned for its diverse cuisine, world-class wine region, historic sites, and outdoor adventure. Originally inhabited by the Ohlone people until the Spanish claimed California as a colony, the Tri-Valley was used for Mission San Jose's agricultural needs and grazing lands in the late 1700s. The Gold Rush brought an influx of travelers to the region, leading to Pleasanton's nickname, "The Most Desperate Town in the West" in the 1850s. In fact, legendary bandit Joaquin Murrieta, who inspired the fictional character of Zorro, would ambush prospectors on their way back from the Gold Rush fields and then seek refuge in Pleasanton. The Tri-Valley was forever changed with the completion of the transcontinental railroad, as the railroad transformed the area into a trading center and bolstered its agriculture industry, as it moved local grains, hops, and wines. Filmmakers were drawn to the area's beauty, and before moviemakers settled in Hollywood, they frequented Niles, which sits minutes from Pleasanton. During World War II, Dublin became home to Camp Parks, the largest inland naval base in North America; today, a former naval air station in Livermore is home to Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, one of the world's most cutting-edge centers of science and technology. Visitors are welcome to tour the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Discovery Center, which displays the lab's state-of-the-art research programs, computational capabilities, and experimental tools.
The Tri-Valley's agricultural operations are still very much in practice, as demonstrated by the beautiful Livermore Valley Wine Country. Spanning more than 5,000 acres of vineyards, Livermore Valley Wine Country is arguably the state's oldest wine region, as its first grapes were planted in 1839. One of the last non-commercialized wine countries, the region is home to more than 50 wineries and serves as the source of vines planted all over California and Oregon, including the vast majority of California chardonnay. Visitors can explore Livermore's wine country via the Livermore Valley Wine and Cycle Tour; designed for a range of participants avid cyclists to those who don't often bike, the tour takes visitors along 10- to 12-mile routes, during which they can sip wine, taste local olive oil, and enjoy a gourmet lunch.
Each of the Tri-Valley's four cities and one town offers its own unique atmosphere and attractions. Once a small settlement on the banks of Sycamore Creek, Danville is known for its small-town atmosphere, nature trails, tree-lined streets in its historic downtown, and shopping at such sites as Blackhawk Plaza. Danville is also home to Mt. Diablo State Park, one of the region's most loved ecological treasures, where visitors can bike to the 3,849-foot summit or even explore its remote trails by horseback. Danville's Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site celebrates the life and work of America's only Nobel Prize-winning playwright through tours of the secluded Tao House and grounds.
The gateway to the Tri-Valley, the fast-growing Dublin sits at the I-580 and I-680 interchange and features a historic district, bustling downtown, and new neighborhood plazas for shopping and dining. Nestled in rolling hills at the heart of San Ramon Valley, San Ramon features a number of golf courses and restaurants set within a charming suburban setting. Pleasanton's tree-lined Main Street is steeped in history, while its historic downtown is lined with restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries, and its ridgelines are dotted with miles of biking, hiking, and walking trails. Finally, aside from its wine country, Livermore is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, Western heritage, and relaxed atmosphere. Livermore is home to such green spaces as Bushy Peak Regional Preserve, an 1,833-acre oasis with spring-fed ponds, wildflowers, and a wide variety of wildlife.
Also known for its varied cuisine, Tri-Valley region features a number of fine restaurants specializing in innovative Chinese fare to seasonal Wine Country cuisine, and everything in between. Danville's Amber Bistro showcases fresh seasonal ingredients in its sophisticated modern-American menu, while Eddie Papa's American Hangout in Pleasanton highlights such American regional favorites as New Orleans jambalaya and Harlem fried chicken and waffles. Danville's Blackhawk Grille takes a modern approach to the classics in a warm, comfortable setting, while Uncle Yu's at the Vineyard in Livermore is known for its innovative Chinese fare served in a sleek, contemporary setting. Last but not least, The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards in Livermore prepares its wine country cuisine with wine in mind, producing well-balanced, full-flavored selections with Italian, French, and California flavor influences.
All average costs based on U.S. Government Per Diem rates as published by the U.S. General Services Administration.
The Tri-Valley region enjoys a moderate year-round climate with mild winters and sunny summers. With an average high of 57°F and an average low of 37°F, December and January serve as the region's coldest months, while an average high of 89°F and an average low of 55°F make July and August its warmest months. The valley sees an average 14.5 inches of rain per year, which is evenly spread throughout the seasons.
Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)
Approximate taxi fare: $67.72 USD
Situated 27 miles from the Tri-Valley and three miles north of downtown San Jose, the sleek, light-filled Mineta San Jose International Airport services more than 8 million passengers per year and averages 120 commercial and 87 general aviation departures daily. The airport offers 31 gates among its Terminal A, International Arrivals and Terminal C facilities, providing nonstop flights to destinations throughout the United States, Mexico, Canada and Japan.
Fresh off a $1.3-billion modernization project completed in 2010, the airport features extensive amenities, including free Wi-Fi, several retail shops and both full-service and quick-service restaurants in Terminals A and C. Both short- and long-term parking is available.
Airline carriers serving Mineta San Jose International Airport:
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Approximate taxi fare: $110.03 USD
Situated 39 miles from the Tri-Valley and 14 miles outside of downtown San Francisco, San Francisco International Airport is one of the world's 30 busiest airports, serving more than 44 million passengers in 2012. The four-terminal airport recently unveiled its new Terminal 2 after a $383-million renovation. The new 640,000-square-foot terminal offers a number of shops and restaurants and a pedestrian bridge to AirTrain, the airport's fully-automated people mover. Nearly all of the airport's eateries are branches of local restaurants, bars and cafes, while the airport's mix of bookstores, gift shops, travel outfitters and luxury boutiques have ties to local purveyors as well. Traveling between terminals is easy thanks to AirTrain, a fully-automated people mover that runs 24 hours a day. AirTrain's Red Line collects all terminals and terminal garages, as well as provides direct access to the BART station. AirTrain's Blue Line connects all terminals and terminal garages, as well as provides direct access to the BART station and the airport's Rental Car Center.
San Francisco International offers hourly, daily and long-term parking options, as well as provides direct service to the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Rapid Rail system. The airport is also home to the San Francisco Airport Commission Aviation Library and Louis A. Turpen Aviation Museum, a 7,000-square-foot public exhibition space with various transportation artifacts. Designed to resemble a 1930s San Francisco air terminal, the library and museum are open Sunday through Friday from 10 AM to 4:30 PM. Admission is free and groups of up to 250 people are welcome to hold private events in the sprawling space.
Airline carriers serving San Francisco International Airport:
Oakland International Airport (OAK)
Approximate taxi fare: $64.76 USD
Located 24 miles from the Tri-Valley, Oakland International Airport serves approximately 10 million passengers each year, providing nonstop service throughout the U.S., Mexico and Europe. Passengers can choose from a variety of shopping and dining options, as well as visit the Oakland Aviation Museum, open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM. The airport offers hourly, daily, economy and premier parking options, as well as access to BART service.
Airline carriers serving Oakland International Airport:
The Altamont Commuter Express (ACE) provides passenger rail service from the Central Valley to the Bay Area. The train operates weekdays with stations in San Joaquin County, Alameda County and Santa Clara County. The San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC) owns and operates the Altamont Commuter Express. ACE runs from Stockton to San Jose, with stops in Livermore and Pleasanton. A discounted rate of 50% off the current regular ticket price is available for the disabled, for seniors 65 and older and children between the ages of 6 and 12. (Children ages 5 and under ride free per paying adult.) ACE connects with AirBART bus service at the Dublin/Pleasanton BART station, providing travel to SFO and OAK.
Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), the Bay Area's heavy-rail public transit and subway system, runs on five lines along 104 miles of track, serving 44 stations in four counties, including two Tri-Valley area stations in Dublin and Pleasanton. The daily system connects San Francisco with cities throughout the East Bay and suburbs in northern San Mateo County. The Dublin/Pleasanton BART station, located at 5801 Owens Drive in Pleasanton, provides local and regional bus connections, as it is served by County Connection, Max BART Express, San Joaquin RTD, Tri-Delta Transit and WHEELS. Located at 6501 Golden Gate Drive in Dublin, the West Dublin/Pleasanton station is served by WHEELS and Tri-Delta Transit. BART fare is by destination; children age 4 and under ride free.
Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority operates the WHEELS service, a public transit system that serves Dublin, Livermore and Pleasanton along 17 daily rapid, local and express bus routes. WHEELS provides connections to BART and takes riders to such major meeting locations at the Alameda County Fairgrounds. One-way BART fare is $2 for passengers age 6 and older, while BART to WHEELS transfers are $1 and a 10-ride pass is $16. Children under age 6 ride free.
The Tri-Valley is served by four Amtrak locations, including a bus stop at 5801 Owens Drive in Pleasanton, a platform at 4950 Pleasanton Avenue in Pleasanton, a bus stop at 2500 Railroad Avenue in Livermore and a platform at 575 South Vasco Road in Livermore.
The Rental Car Center at Mineta San Jose International Airport features counters for Advantage, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Fox, Hertz, National, Payless and Thrifty. Easily accessed via its AirTrain service, San Francisco International Airport's Rental Car Center houses counters for Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Fox, Hertz, National and Thrifty, while Payless is represented off-airport. Rental car companies represented at Oakland International Airport's Rental Car Center include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Fox, Hertz, National and Thrifty.
Visitors traveling to the Tri-Valley via Mineta San Jose International Airport should expect to pay about $110 in taxi fare, while those traveling via San Francisco International Airport should expect to pay about $150 and those traveling via Oakland International Airport should expect to pay about $100.
Photo Credit: John Joh/Tri-Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau
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Tuesday, 6 April 2004
TSA requests proposals for "Registered Traveller" program
The USA Transportation Security Administration has published a Request For Proposals (MS-Word format) for a "Registered Traveller" pilot program to be conducted for 90 days beginning in June 2004, involving 5,000-10,0000 "voluntarily" registered travellers and domestic USA flights from 3-5 airports.
Participants would have their biometric information (fingerprints and/or iris scans -- images of the unique patttern of blood vessels in the eye) recorded in a privately-run but government-controlled database, undergo a security check by the government, and be issued a "token or credential" in or on which their biometric information is stored in machine-readable form.
The technology of the "token or credential" isn't specified, but would most likely be a remotely and secretly readable radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip.
RFID chips are being pushed as an interoperable standard by the USA Government Smart Card Interoperability Specification (GSCIS) and by all those (except, of course, travellers themselves) with an interest in tracking and logging travellers' movements, including the proposed worldwide ICAO biometric/RFID passport standard and the worldwide airline/airport joint Simplifying Passenger Travel initiative, the goal of which is for travellers all to have a single credit-card sized integrated RFID/biometric registered traveller/trusted traveller/frequent traveller/e-ticket/boarding pass/baggage check/electronic payment card. For more on these, see the biometric and RFID references from ICAO's Machine Readable Travel Documents working group, which meets next in Montréal on 17-21 May 2004, and thoe documents for the meeting of IATA's Passenger Reservations Committee (RESCOM), which is likely to be attended by some of the same delegates when it meets the following week, 25-26 May 2004 in Washington, DC.
The program was originally conceived of (mainly as a way to appease business travellers complaining about security delays, and airlines concerned that those delays might lead them to drive or take Amtrak instead of flying) as a "trusted traveller" program -- which makes sense only if one abandons the presumption of innocence and treats all travellers as presumably untrusted and "suspect".
The name was changed (although not the essentials of the concept) to avoid the implication that registered travellers would be "trusted" and thus would automatically bypass security screening. That wouldn't do: the TSA thinks no one can be trusted. Registered travellers will stilll be treated with suspicion -- they just won't be treated quite as supiciously as unregistered travellers.
The program will be "voluntary", but once travellers have the "choice" of registering and having all their movements logged, in exchange for avoiding the longer, slower, and more immediately intrusive "unregistered traveller" screening lanes, the treatment of the unregistered will likely be made sufficiently unpleasant, or at least sufficiently slow, that few who qualify for registration won't "choose" it. And if you don't want to register, you'll still be able to travel (for now, at least), as long as you show up at the airport three or four hours before your flight.
The "Registered Traveller" RFP states that, "information pertaining to individuals gathered under any resulting contract shall only be disclosed in accordance with the terms of the Privacy Act".
No Privacy Act notice has yet been issued for the "Registered Traveler Pilot Database" (RTPD) required as part of the pilot project, so we can expect one to be published sometime between now and the start of personal data collection in June 2004. As with CAPPS-II, the critical element may not be what the government is or isn't allowed to do with the data, but how long it can be retained, and what airlines and other private companies are allowed to do with data collected from the same system.
If airlines can install their own readers alongside those of the government, read the same RFID chips, correlate them with reservations (as they almost certainly will be required to do for passenger-bag matching and checks of no-fly and selectee lists), keep the data indefinitely, and provide it to the government in response to a "national security letter" under the Patriot Act, , secretly and without a court order, restrictions on the government's own retention of registered traveller tracking data will have little effect.
But you'll doubtless be reassured to learn that, "Volunteers for this summer's pilot program will not be charged for participating."Link | Posted by Edward on Tuesday, 6 April 2004, 21:47 ( 9:47 PM)


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Nora is a private, reclusive person, writing crime-fiction full-time in her one-room apartment and running in her spare time. Ten years ago she ran from her life, fleeing far to a zip code where no one knows her name. When a mysterious email reaches Nora inviting her to a hen weekend (bachelorette festivities) for an old friend she has not seen in a decade, she accepts with great trepidation. As the story unfolds, chapter-by-chapter the reader learns what exactly happened to Nora so many years ago.
Throughout the book, the reader is brought to present time, where Nora is in near-critical condition in a hospital bed. The police are also guarding her hospital room, a life has been lost, she is under investigation for committing murder, and she can't remember a thing. Flip-flopping with present time narration is the recounting of the hen weekend as Nora remembers bit by bit what events transpired to land her in the middle of a murder investigation, fighting for her life and her freedom. Can she remember what in the world happened before it's too late? What if, in her quest to discover the murderer's identity, she realizes the terrible truth that it was her all along?
In a Dark, Dark Wood is a quick, easy, addicting page-turner. A great deal of importance was placed on the setting of the book, particularly the house where the hen weekend takes place. A huge glass house in the middle of nowhere, the guests are made to feel as if they're on display, like animals in a cage at a zoo with the deep dark forest as their audience. The foreshadowing in the book was also very important, with a great deal of speculation spent on a supposed unloaded gun hanging up in the house and mysterious footprints found in the snow. This gave the book a very Agatha Christie feel, raising the "who dunnit" scenario once the reader discovers the weekend ends in murder. With all that being said, however, the storyline is just very simple. It all comes together very well, with the characters and the setting and the plot, but it was really missing depth. It didn't really do what a murder mystery should do for me. I'm usually terrible at figuring out what's going to happen ahead of time, but it wasn't too difficult to solve this case, and that disappointed me. Or maybe I just managed to put the pieces of the puzzle together before it was blatantly spelled out for me.
Because of how perfectly, almost too perfectly, the characters and setting and everything fell into place, I was hoping for something a bit creepier. Not to judge, but the cover and title and premise suggest a bigger creep factor than what actually happened. It was all pretty tame. Gillian Flynn has ruined me; I needed something more disturbing.
All in all, In a Dark, Dark Wood is still an entertaining read, a perfect way to spend a snowy day holed up inside, which is exactly what I did. I suggest you do the same and see if you can see it coming too!
Editor's Note: In A Dark, Dark Wood is available in paperback April 19.