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Creating a character is not all that different from making any other 3D game object; it just takes a lot of time. A lot of time. Here's a more or less simplified version of the process I went through with making Chiyo, The Magical Girl.
The creation usually begins with a piece of concept art, and figuring out the points of interests of the character, his or her personal narrative, and all the little trinkets, clothing and pieces of history that will populate their body.
All of it will eventually be created in 3d or captured within the texture information. Modelling and texturing are two very different sides of 3d, but they go hand in hand in game art. One is usually done after the other, due to the fact that the finished game model of a character, or anything 3D, requires UVs; which we will dive into later.
We have to start with the modelling!
As with most games with normal maps (which most games have now a days), characters are built from the ground up. The low poly is the final product, but it uses a normal map to create the illusion of higher fidelity. So we get our normal map from a high polygon sculpt.
And when I say high, I mean high. There are a lot of sculpting programs out there, like Sculptris or Autodesk's Mudbox, but I prefer using Pixologic's ZBrush because of the pure power it has in rendering a large amount of polygons. Our game ready character models are made up of about 10,000 four sided polygons (or 20,000 triangles), and ZBrush allows you to have millions of polygons in your scene! Millions! Maybe even billions if you have enough RAM. But I definitely didn't need that much for these high resolution sculpts.
I usually start my models with a generic female or male base mesh, pull limbs and other body parts into proportion, and then start building up from there. I don't really do anything fancy; its just basic building up forms and sculpting. Once I'm satisfied with the body sculpt, I'll start grabbing basic clothing meshes I made and add them into my ZTool, and sculpt those into place. ZBush's subtool feature is super powerful, and thanks to things like insert meshes, and the super handy ZRemesher feature, sometimes you don't even have to leave ZBrush to make the things you want.
Here's a timeline of how I went through the development of Chiyo inside of ZBrush.
This is pretty much how most game res characters are built these days. When you create for yourself a high resolution sculpt, there are so many opportunities for you to grab all sorts of information when you take it to the low poly process. But that's not super important right now, what's important is getting the shapes and forms of the character developed.
Making the Game Resolution
When we finally do have our finished high resolution sculpt, and everyone likes it, I begin the process of creating the game resolution mesh that will be used within the game engine itself. Since we have given ourselves a pretty decently sized budget for our characters, I tried to not to sacrifice the detail or silhouette of our characters throughout the process.
It's a process that mainly involves drawing a shell on top of your sculpt. It can definitely be a time consuming process but its important in creating proper animatable topology that our animator can use so the mesh deforms correctly when its animated. I create my low poly model using Maya's new modeling toolkit feature they introduced in 2014.
This also makes the mesh usable within the game engine. Like I said before, your meshes inside of zBrush can be upwards of millions of polygons, and that is completely unusable inside of Unity, at least for just one game object.
You do this for every part of your character, and you'll end with a whole bunch of low poly pieces, that are now ready to be animated and textured!
The UV's
This is probably the most unglamorous part of our character breakdown because its pretty technical, and its hard for a lot of people to wrap their head around.
Imagine a bear skin rug. Okay now imagine that with a game resolution face.
Basically we are laying out our character pieces and shells so that they can be painted on. It's an oddly satisfying feeling when you pack them all into a single uv sheet.
Now that the boring stuff is out of the way, its on to the fun stuff!
Wait just kidding. All the boring stuff isn't done yet. We still need to make our normal map! This is still technically part of the texturing process, because we are going to use a system of projecting the high resolution details onto the low poly mesh we made earlier. All of this is nearly automated inside of your favorite tool (I use xNormal), and you can get nearly any kind of texture map you want out of this process. Your normals, your object space normals, your ambient occlusion, your curvature, your cavity, your height map, EVERYTHING!
Basically a normal fakes details that would be too small and would require a ton of extra geometry to show up on your character. Next time you are playing your favorite game, go take a look at a wall! The illusion of the game world around you will be shattered once you find out its not actually made of bricks, its just a picture of bricks that are being faked with some depth. The same goes for characters! Scars, wrinkles, and clothing details are usually all done within a normal map.
The Actual Texturing Part
Now we can actually begin texturing! Usually this process is done within your favorite painting program, usually Adobe Photoshop. A lot of texturing relies on a lot of masking details, generating details, etc., and Photoshop is perfect for that.
Layers are my best friend. We start with our basic ambient occlusion map, give it some basic color and build it up from there. It's a very fun and rewarding process, because you can see the effects of what you did almost immediately on the model.
Hand painting in details goes a long way to to bring out features of the face and to make details of the clothing pop. But wait, this is just color information! What about actual material definition? How do we actually make the steel look like steel and the gold look like gold? That's when we turn to our specular and gloss maps.
For Head of the Order, we are utilizing Shaderforge, and it gives us a ton of options for creating our character shaders, and most importantly, allows us to do a lot with our specular and gloss textures. Defining our materials is super important so that the character doesn't look like plastic when we bring her into the engine and just apply a flat specular to everything.
Using the default unity bumped specular material doesn't give a ton of control over what value you can give your spec maps, how glossy things are, and how much color is in your spec maps.
The color information we made previously is also known as a diffuse map. What we want now is our own authored specularity and gloss maps. Specularity helps the shaders know what colors are reflected off the character when he or she is lit, and gloss helps to determine how sharp that lighting it is, or how rough and diffuse it is. We'll use Chiyo's clothing for this example
If just a number is applied, it doesn't look right, which is why we need to author the maps ourselves, so that it will actually look and feel like metal. It's a very rewarding process.
With that, the character is pretty much complete! The specular and gloss maps sure do make a difference. Our final character comes out to 22,545 triangles, and uses two sets of 2048 textures. Look for this character and the many others I'll be making for Head of the Order when it launches later this year.


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Moscow — Ukraine has had two weeks to find a compromise in its Russia versus the West dispute. Russian President Vladimir Putin has been focused on promoting his soft image with the Winter Olympics in Sochi. With the games ending Sunday, however, time has run out and the crisis in Kiev and other cities is only getting worse. If Putin uses Russian history as a guide, it would not be out of the question that Russian tanks rolled into Ukraine. After all, Soviet leaders did just this to retain control during the Hungarian uprising in 1956 and the 1968 Prague spring in Czechoslovakia. For Putin stands to lose influence and his ability to affect policy in Ukraine if the opposition gains control. This is at the core of the current Ukraine crisis. Ukrainian President Victor Yanukovich disregarded a much-anticipated association agreement with the European Union in November to sign a $15 billion bailout deal with Russia. It was this Kremlin-influenced act that sparked the protests — first peaceful but now increasingly violent. Ukraine now appears divided into an eastern part that supports Yanukovich and the Russian deal, and the Europe-prone western half.
Any Russian troop movements yet?
Any Russian troop movements yet?
If the Ukrainian government decides to ask the Russians for military assistance, the western legal case for raising objections gets very awkward.
Don't you just love the timing... Ukraine... winter Olympics... If something happens in the mean time, Russia has lots and lots of hostages... Just think about it.
Don't you just love the timing... Ukraine... winter Olympics... If something happens in the mean time, Russia has lots and lots of hostages... Just think about it.
reply to post by rigel4
I know this is outside the box at this point, yet I believe a possible solution would be
for Ukraine to divide itself into two (or more if necessary) countries.
This way for instance, West Ukraine could align with the E.U. and East Ukraine could
align with Russia.
As Martin Armstrong warned this morning:
BOTH the USA and EU will now fund the rebels as Russia will fund Yanukovych. At the political level, Ukraine is the pawn on the chessboard. The propaganda war is East v West. However, those power plays are masking the core issue that began with the Orange Revolution – corruption. Yanukovych is a dictator who will NEVER leave office. It is simple as that. There will be no REAL elections again in Ukraine. This is starting to spiral down into a confrontation that the entire world cannot ignore.
h/t JS
As always, there is very likely major diplomatic discussion going on between the U.S., Russia, and the Ukraine right now

subset: commoncrawl


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YuMe, a video ad platform, have launched a range of tablet-specific ad units and a new tablet video product offering which they say give the shortest time to tablet video ad unit delivery in the advertising industry. YuMe say the creatives can be delivered to market within a week using either templates or custom versions.
YuMe has also updated the SDKs required by publishers to serve ads on tablet devices. The 'YuMe Ads Framework' is designed to support multi-screen video advertising by determining the tablet or other viewing device, then adapting the video ad size, layout and encoding accordingly.
The company says tablets are the fastest growing mobile application category in terms of overall traffic, and 2012 has seen YuMe make a succession of tablet-related launches, including its Mobile Flip launched earlier this year.
Jet Wharton, West Coast Digital Director of media agency OMD, explained how a Mobile Flip execution helped the CW cable network's 2012 fall season launch. He said, "Understanding the interests of the tech-savvy influencers and the heavy mobile and tablet usage among our primary audience (women 18-34), we wanted to leverage those behaviors to drive brand awareness and show tune-in. Working with YuMe to create the network's first-ever Mobile Flip ad unit, we were able to deliver the type of progressive, interactive content that we knew would engage our audience, and also enable sharing across screens — their own as well as their influencer networks."


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Downhill and Enduro riders need more than an all-mountain helmet to see them through their dangerous descents. A full face mountain bike helmet is more ideal, delivering maximum protection for your head which complies with downhill safety certifications. Full face helmets have a wide field of view so you can clearly see ahead, and the majority of full face mtb helmets are compatible with goggles too.
Leisure Lakes Bikes stock a wide range of full face helmets from big brands in the cycling industry like POC, Specialized, Bell, Fox and loads more!


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The last stage is drawing the planting scheme, which is dependant on the structure of the garden.
A Small Town Garden may be best with few architectural plants to emphasis the space of the garden. A large garden could have meandering pathways with borders of plantings each side.
Different types of plants each require varying degrees of soil acidity. Many plants are very sensitive to the soil's pH, (potential Hydrogen ions). Rhododendrons and heathers won't tolerate lime in the soil where as Clematis prefers an alkaline soil.
We base the planting plan to include your personal desires such as colour and variety, and a planting scheme that provides interest all year round. We also provide each plant's detail with its mature height and spread.
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Windows Phone 7: is this the honeymoon period?
It's just over a fortnight since Windows Phone 7 went on general sale in the UK on Oct 21 and Microsoft's app platform opened for downloads. In light of this largely welcome (it seems so far) new addition to the mobile device world, CWDN caught up with Will Coleman who is OS and mobile product manager for Windows Phone 7 to see how "Marketplace" has been received since launch.
NB: Windows Marketplace is an ecommerce reference site for registered developers to host apps and for users to cross-reference before visiting the Microsoft Store. With 13,000 registered Windows Phone 7 developers, the company says that the site already features over 2,000 apps compatible with Windows Phone 7 devices.
Let's dig deeper.
Microsoft's Coleman heads up the team responsible for building the Windows Phone 7 developer community in the UK. Launching into a well-established market, Coleman says he is well aware of the challenges he faces in competing against the likes of Apple's App Store, Google's Android Marketplace and BlackBerry's App World.
"The reception we've had over the past couple of weeks has been pretty amazing. There was quite a buzz around launch and the latest figures suggest there have been more than 500,000 downloads of the developer toolkit to date. Windows Phone is clearly selling well in the developer space – perhaps because people are excited about the fact that there is a new platform in the market. It's either that, or the fact that they recognise the effort we've put into producing an experience that suits the needs, preferences and skills of app developers."
Microsoft has said before that apps and games are central to the value it is offering end users with Windows Phone 7. To attempt to provide evidence of this commitment, just this week the company announced a partnership (yes, another one!) with code obfuscation specialist PreEmptive Solutions, to provide developers with what it describes as "access to tools that allow insight into how customers are using their applications".
But why would a developer migrate to Windows Phone, when there are more proven models out there already?
Tony Dong a developer at London-based Touchnote feels that the Phone's Metro UI is a key selling point: "The Metro design is a huge differentiator between Windows Phone and any other smartphone platform on the market. It drove our entire development process. For us, the fact that Windows Phone 7 is not yet established in the marketplace actually offers a great opportunity – it gives smaller companies like ourselves 'first move' advantage and a greater chance of standing out."
Microsoft is clearly hoping that a key developer attraction will be the fact "many" developers are already familiar with the skills needed (an understanding of Silverlight or XNA) to get their hands dirty with Windows Phone 7 development.
The company has also tried to whip up some buzz around Windows Phone 7 design elements and capabilities such as Live Tiles, Hub integration, panoramic views, notifications and the Bing map control.
According to Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 marketing engine, there is also value (especially for smaller brands) in what the company describes as the "breadth of training and guidance" available on how to market an app, which can be found on the MSDN.
So is the smartphone battle just between Android and iPhone and BlackBerry? Will Windows Phone 7 cut a serious wedge of the market for itself in the months ahead? Early signs look good for Microsoft — but is this a short-lived honeymoon period?


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Stockholm Fun Fact: The subway is also known as the world's longest art gallery, with a majority of the stations having paintings, sculptures and mosaics.
I am so glad I am writing this post not too long after coming back from Stockholm, and I can honestly say I loved the place. The people were kind and helpful. I was able to talk to locals, those who made Stockholm their home and showed love for Stockholm and Sweden, it made me feel more than welcomed.
Research and Booking
Finding a reasonably priced hotel was very difficult, which was within my budget and didn't cost more than the flight and spending allowance put together. I still haven't caught onto AirBnB, and I appreciate it is considered value for a lot of people. However, I like breakfast ready made for me and being able to roll back into my bed afterwards so it will be hotels for a while. I looked at all my favourite websites such as booking.com and hotels.com, and I could not find something within budget which had a WINDOW and not a hostel. Yes, I said it, a window. The result settled for a hotel without a window, which sounds weird on the face of it. However considering I had no intention of spending my day in the hotel and needed a place to rest, I went for it.
My flight was another cheap one courtesy of Ryanair; I don't think I need to say much about them apart from the budget airline and no checked luggage. It's all about team carry on! Slowly mastering this art and hope to show you my tricks soon. As you can imagine because I booked with Ryanair I was not going to a local airport.
General Overview of Stockholm
It is expensive here; I did two days of fine dining and then went to cheap fast food including hot dogs. It was pretty cold in Stockholm, luckily enough for me I was pretty wrapped up and didn't notice it as much but when I did sneeze it felt like icicles feel of my brain. The public transport in Stockholm is excellent and easy to get around however it tested my sense of direction, I don't know if it was because of the phone I was using, but I took so many wrong turns. But taking wrong turns paid off as I discovered charming little streets and unique stores.
The locals I encountered were extremely friendly. A lot of them smiled at me which was a shock as being a Londoner my first reaction is not to smile back. But it was nice it made me feel welcomed in comparison to what I else I saw. As we are aware, there is an influx of migrants fleeing poverty and war-torn countries, and there was a lot. I hope this does not come across in a negative light but a few of them were standing at the entrance of restaurants begging for money, and it was heart-breaking to see, but at the same time I felt for the customers who didn't want to be hassled. We need to remember everyone helps in their own ways and we should not judge if we do not see people giving money.
Views of Stockholm
Before I get into this, I have to say Stockholm has some spectacular views regardless of where you are. Unfortunately, because I did not pay for a window seat on my flight, coming into Stockholm, I didn't get a chance to see what it looked like during the day. But I was lucky enough to have a window seat leaving, and I have to say it was one of the best views I have ever experienced from a plane. It was beautiful being able to see the different islands individually but also as one; it is a lovely view everyone should see.
I did some research into this hotel as this was the one without a window and there were quite a bit of negative views. First I have to say the hotel is straightforward to find, to the point that as long as you know which exit to take the hotel is a 3 min walk if at that. Upon entering the hotel I was greeted by friendly staff and offered a hot drink, they didn't have any hot chocolate, but gave me some from their stash which I appreciated. They were patient and waited for me to make the drink and have a sip before checking me in. Like I said at the beginning a room without a window is not that bad if you have no intention of spending all day inside. My sleep was pretty good considering I was unwell, I did find it a bit chilly in the room and mentioned this to reception who offered me another duvet and a heater. I was still cold with all of this, but it does show if you say something to staff and are polite they will try to accommodate you! Which I truly appreciated.
I was thoroughly disappointed with the whole experience, I guess I had high expectations, and where from I no idea have. You generally get 45 minutes to spend there, however, after about 20 minutes I was bored, taking as many pictures and videos as possible. I was given a poncho with gloves attached to wear; I would recommend wearing your own gloves as they didn't keep my hands warm. The one thing I did like about the Icebar was the ice cups which was pretty cool.
Restaurant Salt – I had toast with cream of smoked reindeer and horseradish and mains, a classic burger of moose with potato chips (crisps to you and I) and cream from Västerbattem and lingonberry ketchup.
Both my dishes tasted so lovely; it tasted cooked to perfection and homemade. I enjoyed every moment of it. The reindeer tasted like it was naturally salty but wasn't enough to put me off, and it was an enjoyable experience. The moose burger looked like a typical burger, with good texture and I was left full and wondered how I was going to get back to my hotel by foot.
Before I get to mention as a solo traveller I was slightly wary when I got there and wasn't sure how they would take to me, but they were fine and gave me a window seat, so I could people watch.
The biggest thing that pains me is that I could not smell the food as much as I wanted to, as I was suffering from a bad cold with a blocked nose. Right now I am internally crying thinking of this, alas I did not allow this to ruin my trip.
My pictures of the food are awful, I was trying to use my GoPro without getting caught, and it came out blurry. However the presentation of my meal was stunning and loved the service if you are ever in Stockholm, you should check it out.
Yes, I was able to take a decent picture!!!!!! I have to say this was the best-mashed potatoes I have ever eaten, it melted in my mouth, and I wanted more. The meatballs weren't seasoned enough for me, and it may be down to me enjoying the well-seasoned food. However, the sauce and mashed potato saved the meal. There was excellent customer service, the lady who served me was lovely, as I perched myself by the bar and took in my surroundings. They had little quotes around the restaurant such as "You can't buy happiness, but you can buy meatballs."
Free Walking Tours
I love free walking tours it's an opportunity to see the town with locals, the passion they show is immense. These are the two which I used Free Walking Tour of Stockholm and Free Tour Stockholm
I would have to say Free Tours Stockholm was my absolute favourite with tour guide Z. He was hilarious and being in the cold for almost two hours was well worth it. He had such enthusiasm for Stockholm and explained why he chose to come and live here. I took the old town tour and luckily enough it was getting dark, and I was able to see Stockholm at night. He took us to the smallest cutest statue in the world explaining to us all the tales, passing a Viking ruin, the core history of Sweden and a 90cm wide alleyway. I would recommend a free walking tour and if you get Z even better.
Other points of interest
Vassamusem – it is a museum which contains the ship that sank shortly after sailing. I was shocked by how much time I spent here, I was planning to spend 20 mins and ended up spending an hour and a half.
Ericsson Globe – gives you one of the best views of Stockholm and I was lucky enough to have a whole pod to myself. I was giddy about that I am too embarrassed to upload my video of me screaming with joy.
The Big Questions
Would I go back? No
Why? I am happy with Stockholm but I would go back to Sweden to explore more.


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We are super excited to unveil our deep integration with Square that lets you accept every tap, insert, or credit card swipe with a point of sale built for repair stores. Charge $100 and see $97.40 in your bank account. It's the fastest, convenient and the most transparent payment […]Read more


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Has anyone else played around with blocking mass storage and using a custom message when it triggers. I noticed that it hyperlinks the text and when you click on it. Program files DLP folder opens.
Is this by design ? Just curious why this happens
Solved! Go to Solution.
It's in the same place. Notify user has three sections: Message, Link text and Link URL. If you are not using the URL feature, then add your message to the message section.
Did you fill both custom text and custom URL?
nope, just custom text, left custom URL blank
had someone else try it, and when they click on it nothing opens. Not sure why program files / dlp opens when I try. I should restart and see if it still does thatMessage was edited by: sstretchh on 7/8/14 9:33:37 AM CDT
I am not sure why it is opening the folder. The reason to use Custom Text and Custom URL is to point users to web portals that support the DLPe actions.
If you are using the custom text why not use custom URL as well? If you do not want to use a URL, couldn't just fit the message in the custom message instead?
unless the custom message is in a different place thats why i am doing.
When building the policy under actions. When i select notify, i select custom message and leave custom URL empy
Is there a different place to leave a message to notify users ?
It's in the same place. Notify user has three sections: Message, Link text and Link URL. If you are not using the URL feature, then add your message to the message section.
your right ! I was to focused on part of the message is already populated.
Message: Devices was monitored: %
I left that part as is and put my custom message under link text........Not thinking the link text was for what ever the URL is.....
Thanks for that, once I moved my custom message out of link text and put it in message, much better..........Thanks again for the help
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From June, 2017 Russian air company Nordavia plans to perform direct flights from St. Petersburg towards to Tbilisi and Batumi International Airports.
Flights on the route St. Petersburg-Tbilisi –St. Petersburg will be performed twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays and every Saturdays at Batumi International Airport. Flights will be performed by Boeing 737-500 type of aircrafts.


text: Renovation works of the previous Splendido Starhotels have ended. This renovation has included 143 rooms and common areas comprising bar, restaurant and meeting area. It has revived one of the most important accommodation facilities in Milan. Quality and expertise as well as the constant and precise update of the company have produced a good work with excellent results.


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- published: 02 Nov 2019
- views: 499740
Coordinates: 4°30′N 114°40′E / 4.500°N 114.667°E / 4.500; 114.667
Brunei (i/bruːˈnaɪ/, broo-NYE), officially the Nation of Brunei, the Abode of Peace (Malay: Negara Brunei Darussalam, Jawi: نڬارا بروني دارالسلام), is a sovereign state located on the north coast of the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. Apart from its coastline with the South China Sea, the country is completely surrounded by the state of Sarawak, Malaysia. It is separated into two parts by the Sarawak district of Limbang. Brunei is the only sovereign state completely on the island of Borneo; the remainder of the island's territory is divided between the nations of Malaysia and Indonesia. Brunei's population was 408,786 in July 2012.
At the peak of the Bruneian Empire, Sultan Bolkiah (reigned 1485–1528) is alleged to have had control over most regions of Borneo, including modern-day Sarawak and Sabah, as well as the Sulu archipelago off the northeast tip of Borneo, Seludong (modern-day Manila), and the islands off the northwest tip of Borneo. The maritime state was visited by Spain's Magellan Expedition in 1521 and fought against Spain in 1578's Castille War.
The National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam used to enter a team in Malaysian football competitions. The team won the Malaysia Cup in 1999.
The Brunei team was formed in 1921 to participate in the Malaysia Cup. When the Semi-Pro League was introduced in Malaysia in 1989, Brunei also were invited along with Singapore, the other foreign team in Malaysian competition. Historically Brunei were the lower ranked team in Malaysian competition, often finishing at the lower rung of the league table and knocked out in the early stages of Malaysia Cup. However their highest achievement in Malaysian competition was winning the Malaysia Cup in 1999, the first time they had won the competition. Brunei's final season in the Malaysian competition was in 2005 Malaysia Premier League. Starting from 2006 until 2008, the only professional club in Brunei, DPMM FC replaced them as Brunei's representation in Malaysian competitions.
The team used to play in the 35,000-seat Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei.
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Wow, Brunei is not what I expected at all, especially after reading all the recent controversy! Join me on a two-part ultimate solo adventure across this unusual country... 🔻CLICK FOR USEFUL INFO🔻 I explored the country as a budget traveler first and as a wealthy tourist renting a car and cruising up and down the highways. I visited one of the most expensive hotels in Asia, the largest stilts village in the world, Brunei beaches, the jungle, browsed its crazy markets and befriended the locals. ▶ WHERE TO STAY IN BRUNEI CITY I went for a budget Higher Hotel in an area that is 15 mins walk away from central Bandar Seri Begawan. I chose this hotel based on reviews and the fact it was completed very recently. I found the Higher Hotel to be an awesome value for money and a good compromise lo...
Brunei introduced strict Islamic laws that make gay sex punishable by flogging or stoning to death, amputation for theft and other strict laws. There's been an international outcry from other countries, rights groups and celebrities. Having spent the first 16 years of my life in Brunei, it's sad to see where the country is heading and I thought I'd share a little bit about what i was like growing up there and my thoughts about the issue. ☆Help Subtitle this video☆ http://www.youtube.com/timedtext_video?ref=share&v=XcqRjrh5aww ☆Sponsor this channel☆ https://www.youtube.com/chloeting/join ☆Sub to my 2nd channel☆ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBrcDabYtwbR1VIhwH5efZA?sub_confirmation=1 ☆Fitness Outfits☆ My Gymshark Affiliate Link - https://gym.sh/Shop-Chloe-Ting ☆My Instagram links☆...
NEW CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBLhW0Fw1Jvw2ysOHRQHnIQ বন্ধুরা আজকে আমরা এশিয়া মহাদেশের একটি দেশ ব্রুনাই সম্পর্কে জানবো। এইরকম আরো ভিডিও দেখতে আমাদের চ্যানেলটি ঘুরে আসতে পারেনঃ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClOcsq2eyhAf5tisO0evIdw তেল ও গ্যাস সম্পদসমৃদ্ধ এ ভূখণ্ড বর্তমান বিশ্বের অন্যতম ধনী রাষ্ট্র। বাদশাহ শাসিত এই দেশটির প্রধান সুলতান হাসান আল বলকিয়া বিপুল ধনসম্পদের মালিক। দেশটির জনগণ প্রায় প্রতিটি ক্ষেত্রে বিপুল ভর্তুকি পান। জনগণকে কোনো কর দিতে হয় না। তবে প্রচুর সম্পদ থাকার পরও রাজধানীর বাইরে উন্নয়নের খুব একটা ছোঁয়া লাগেনি। সম্প্রতি তেল-গ্যাসের বাইরেও অর্থনীতির অন্য ক্ষেত্রগুলোতে সফল হওয়ার চেষ্টা করছে ব্রুনাই। মনোযোগী হচ্ছে পর্যটনের দিকেও। তাহলে বন্ধুরা চলুন, ব্রুনাই দেশ সম্পর্কে আরো কিছু জানা-অজানা এবং প্রয়োজনীয় তথ্য জেনে নেওয়া যাক। নিয়মিত চ্যানেলটির ভিডিও পেতে সাব...
► SUBSCRIBE for daily travel videos: http://bit.ly/2hyQnZ1 ► INSTAGRAM? Join me: https://www.instagram.com/drewbinsky/ While I constantly try to find the positives in every place I visit, there are few places that I just simply didn't enjoy. The country of Brunei is one of them. I went to Brunei back in 2014, three years before I made videos, but my negative experiences in the country have stuck in my mind ever since. That, combined with its absurd human rights laws such as "stoning to death" LGBT members, I was pushed to make this video. Have you ever visited any countries that you didn't enjoy? Please share below, I'm curious to know. Follow @DrewBinsky on IG Stories for behind the scenes content of my travels: https://www.instagram.com/drewbinsky/ TEXT ME +1 310 349 3854 and ...
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Brunei King luxurious lifestyle,cars,networth,houses,children and.his facts biography Maybe you want to watch Dave Bautista - Transformation From 1 To 48 Years Old https://youtu.be/WoExrsXZU-I The Undertaker - Transformation From 11 To 52 Years Old https://youtu.be/KTiPL7JAdXo Brock Lesnar- Transformation From 1 To 40 Years Old https://youtu.be/sOHzxExgs5s The Rock - Transformation From 1 To 45 Years Old https://youtu.be/Q9hdZ31V5OI John Cena - Transformation From 1 To 40 Years Old https://youtu.be/ampio8bINuk Hulk Hogan - Transformation From 1 To 64 Years Old https://youtu.be/08X77Mx5_DM If you enjoyed watching subscribe for a new video every day. Subscribe HERE: http://bit.ly/1VxcJ8v Thanks for watching! Top Discovery Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TopDiscovery
#JaniTV #Brunei #Documentary Life Story Of Sultan Hassan Al Bolkiah : https://youtu.be/-0__hM3C63w Travel To Brunei | Brunei History And Documentary In Urdu And Hindi | Jani TV | برونائی کی سیر Video URL : https://youtu.be/6J8_J914Pu8 ############################## Related Video ############################## Travel To Kosovo | Full History, Documentary About Kosovo In Urdu, Hindi By Jani TV | کوسووہ کی سیر https://youtu.be/K0PAkN-BnxE Travel To Estonia | Full History, Documentary About Estonia In Urdu, Hindi By Jani TV | اسٹونیا کی سیر https://youtu.be/v4lD9GwJ4Sw Travel To Kyrgyzstan | Full History, Documentary About Kyrgyzstan In Urdu, Hindi By Jani TV | کرغیزستانکی سیر https://youtu.be/oczHe-hrp8A Travel To Tunisia | Full History And Documentary About ...
15 Things You Didn't Know About Sultan Of Brunei (Hassanal Bolkiah) | SUBSCRIBE to ALUX: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjPtOCvMrKY5eLwr_-7eUg?sub_confirmation=1 He owns one of the Most Expensive Private Jets in the World: https://www.alux.com/worlds-most-expensive-private-jets/ In this Alux.com video we'll try to answer the following questions: • How much is the Sultan of Brunei worth?! • How many cars does the Sultan of Brunei own?! • Who is the current president of Brunei?! • Who is the richest monarch in the world?! • How many wives does the Sultan of Brunei have?! • How many kids does the Sultan of Brunei have?! WATCH MORE VIDEOS ON ALUX.COM! Most Expensive Things: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ay0u3dJRZas&list=PLP35LyTOQVIu4tNnitmhUqIjySwUhfOyl Luxury Cars: https://www.you...
Everything You Need To Know About Brunei's Princes Subscribe to our channel: https://goo.gl/hHvOf8 When we think of royal princes, Prince Harry and Prince William normally come to mind. When we think of lavish, expensive, royal weddings, images of Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton tend to pass through our heads. And while we may feel a tinge of sadness at the realization that the British royal princes are forever promised to other women, we can find some comfort in the fact that there are still eligible, handsome princes out there. Does Prince Abdul Mateen ring any bells? What about his older brother, Prince Abdul Malik? While only one of these brothers is single, the other threw the most extravagant wedding ever that he deserves a spot up there with princes' William and Harry. And when...
Top 10 Shocking Facts About Brunei You Probably Did't Know | Facts About Culture, People, Food etc | Brunei is a tiny nation on the island of Borneo, in 2 distinct sections surrounded by Malaysia and the South China Sea. It's known for its beaches and biodiverse rainforest, much of it protected within reserves. The capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, is home to the opulent Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah mosque and its 29 golden domes. The capital's massive Istana Nurul Iman palace is the residence of Brunei's ruling sultan. Hassanal Bolkiah is the 29th and current Sultan and Yang di-Pertuan of Brunei, as well as the Prime Minister of Brunei, making him one of the last absolute monarchs. Kampong Ayer is a historic settlement area in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei. It literally means 'water...
How Sultan of Brunei Spends his Billions | Hassanal Bolkiah
My first impressions of Brunei Brunei no stranger to controversies and while I have heard about Brunei in the news in recent years, I wanted to see for myself what life was like for tourists and locals on the ground. The only way to do that was to go! Find me on: instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haleydasovich/?hl=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN6hslRs2k1btobUgRFoTkQ Facebook: www.facebook.com/haley-dasovich twitter: @haleydaso https://twitter.com/haleydaso?lang=en AIRBNB COUPON for $40 credit - https://bit.ly/2RmtI17 Music: Check out Musicbed and get a free 30-day trial for their subscription through my link. http://share.mscbd.fm/haleydasovich Music: www.epidemicsound.com All my equipment I use: Canon g7x: http://amzn.to/2kyqcnW - when my M6 is too big, too hea...
Hi everyone, selamat datang di Youtube Channelku. Perkenalkan saya adalah Warga Negara Indonesia (WNI) yang tinggal & bekerja di Brunei Darussalam, jadi mayoritas video di Channel ini adalah video keseharian saya di negara Brunei Darussalam. Channel resepi masakan, dessert & kuih muih https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpNsdjRwLOwNp4kY-U4zKcg Kritik & saran yang sifatnya membangun sangat diharapkan di channel saya ini, tetapi sebaiknya menggunakan bahasa yang baik & sopan. Karena jikalau "Anda sopan Saya segan." Terimakasih atas dukungannya selama ini, baik yang sudah subscribe ataupun yang belum subscribe. Camera: 📱 iphone xs max 📷 canon g7x mark iii Editing: Kinemaster Imovie Instagram: @wu.lann_dari
Haji Mohammad Rosanan bin Abdullah Samak (born 18 July 1965) is a Bruneian football coach and former player, who played as a striker most notably with the Brunei team that played in the Malaysian league in the 1990s.[1] He was a member of the team that won the 1999 Malaysia Cup, which is regarded as Brunei football's crowning achievement Rosanan started his career with the Bruneian team Kota Ranger FC, the team won the domestic championship in 1987 and participated in that year's Asian Champions' Cup (an early edition of the AFC Champions League).[3] At the turn of the decade, he was selected to play for the Brunei team competing in Liga Semi-Pro Malaysia. His 10-year career with the Wasps culminated in the shock 2-1 win against Sarawak in the final of the 1999 Malaysia Cup.[4] This achiev...
Check out videos about interesting knowlege and my small country Brunei The Brunei national football team (also known as the Brunei Darussalam national football team) nicknamed Tebuan (The Wasps), is the national team of the Brunei and is controlled by the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam. The team was founded in 1959 and joined FIFA in 1969. In the past, they have also frequently featured in the Malaysian league and cup competitions as one of the state representative sides. Their best achievement was perhaps being Champion of the Malaysia Cup in 1999. Back then, Brunei entered a team to compete in the professional Malaysian league and despite competing against Malaysian clubs, Brunei had previously never made an impact. However, in 1999, they shocked everyone by lifting ...
Subscribe now: https://goo.gl/vsuKp3 Follow all the action from the AFC Champions League: Facebook: http://goo.gl/b8Qj7E Instagram: http://goo.gl/9Wtf2G Twitter: http://goo.gl/sLR1eK Follow all the action from the AFC Cup Facebook: http://goo.gl/4BPx6G Instagram: http://goo.gl/9Wtf2G Twitter: http://goo.gl/6oRMQq
Champions Brunei DPMM FC start their Singapore Premier League title defence with a stern test at home against last season's runner-up Tampines Rovers FC. 🇸🇬⚽ #SPL #Football #Singapore
Check out videos about interesting knowlege and my small country Brunei Suni bin Mat Jerah (born 4 May 1968) is a retired Bruneian footballer. He played as a striker for the Brunei national team and most notably the Bruneian representative team that joined the Malaysian leagues in the late nineties, and was part of the 1999 Malaysia Cup-winning squad.Suni first played with Brunei in the Liga Semi-Pro Malaysia in 1995, forming a lethal strike partnership with experienced striker Rosanan Samak.[1] His M-League career came to a climax in 1999 when Brunei beat Sarawak FA 2–1 in the final of the Malaysia Cup, although he did not take the field.[2] After Brunei were relegated from Premier 1 the next season, he chose to leave the team for Wijaya FC in the domestic league.
Jangan di lupakan tahun 1999 di mana wira-wira bola sepak negara berjaya memenangi piala malaysia!!.. Harap generasi muda ingat kan sejarah ane..
Adi bin Said is a Bruneian international footballer who plays as a striker for Brunei Dpmm Fc and the Brunei national team i do not own this video nor the music and image. All rights belong to it's rightful owner. No copyright infringement intended Video credit to: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiJTKr-wja_JVM2dVTYCELA
Highlight Friendly Match: Brunei Darussalam VS Sabah Terbitan: Unit Sukan TV, RTB Video Archive: RTB News - Video Portal http://www.rtbnews.rtb.gov.bn Copyright © 2012 RTB News Website. All Rights Reserved
2020 Brunei Super League Stadiums ►Follow: https://fb.com/KhanDaiB ►Ủng hộ cho team: https://vrdonate.vn/bdvn365 ►Nguồn: The 2020 Brunei Super League is the seventh season of the Brunei Super League, the top Bruneian professional league for association football clubs, since its establishment in 2012. The season began on 28 January. This season saw the expansion of the league to 16 teams, who were selected through a vetting process. All ten teams from the previous campaign were retained, including Najip FC who are now called BAKES FC. Meanwhile, teams from the 2018-19 Brunei Premier League are DPMM FC II, Tabuan FC, BSRC FC, Panchor Murai FC and Rimba Star FC. Kuala Belait FC were also included as winners of the Belait District football tournament.[4] Shortly after the announcement of the ...
The last minute of action in final game of the season. DPMM Brunei v Hougang Utd in Singapore Premier League. It's score a last minute goal to make score 5-4 to DPMM. Final whistle goes and the crowd goes mental (for Brunei).
⏮ 1 Play Classic: Rewind to 6 July 2019 for the AIA Singapore Premier League encounter between Warriors Football Club & Brunei DPMM FC! Catch the full match right here! 📺 #1PlaySports #SPL #Football #Singapore #ClassicMatch
Brunei Hero in 1999 by scoring two goals in the final of Malaysia Cup against Sarawak. Rosli bin Haji Liman is a retired Bruneian international footballer who played for the Brunei M-League representative team as a midfielder.[1] Having appeared for the Wasps since 1988,[2] Rosli was one of the mainstays of the Brunei M-League team in the nineties along with the two keepers Hj. Md. Yunos and Ibrahim Abu Bakar, centre-back Liew Chuan Fue and Rosanan Samak. He was the engine of the team and his late runs from midfield contributed goals to a modestly-performing Brunei side that was often faced with adversity. This was outlined in FIFA 192: The True Story Behind the Legend of Brunei Darussalam National Football Team, a book by British author Stanley Park.[3] On 4 December 1999, Rosli scored...
A video tribute to legendary Bruneian goalkeeper Wardun Yussof. Wardun has been playing for DPMM since 2006, having returned from Wijaya FC after a brief spell in 2004.[2] Previously, he was a squad member of the Brunei team that participated in the M-League.[3] Wardun was sent on loan to Majra FC in 2010 as Brunei (and in extension DPMM) served a two-year FIFA ban.[4] He became the team captain in that period and even converted a penalty in the semi-final of the 2011 Brunei League Cup.[5] He went on to win the final.[6] Returning to the S.League with his parent club in 2012, Wardun became the undisputed number one ever since. He did not miss a game in the 2015 season when DPMM finally clinched the S.League title after coming close twice.[7] On 2 April 2017, Wardun dropped to the bench ...
Coordinates: 4°30′N 114°40′E / 4.500°N 114.667°E / 4.500; 114.667
Brunei (i/bruːˈnaɪ/, broo-NYE), officially the Nation of Brunei, the Abode of Peace (Malay: Negara Brunei Darussalam, Jawi: نڬارا بروني دارالسلام), is a sovereign state located on the north coast of the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. Apart from its coastline with the South China Sea, the country is completely surrounded by the state of Sarawak, Malaysia. It is separated into two parts by the Sarawak district of Limbang. Brunei is the only sovereign state completely on the island of Borneo; the remainder of the island's territory is divided between the nations of Malaysia and Indonesia. Brunei's population was 408,786 in July 2012.
At the peak of the Bruneian Empire, Sultan Bolkiah (reigned 1485–1528) is alleged to have had control over most regions of Borneo, including modern-day Sarawak and Sabah, as well as the Sulu archipelago off the northeast tip of Borneo, Seludong (modern-day Manila), and the islands off the northwest tip of Borneo. The maritime state was visited by Spain's Magellan Expedition in 1521 and fought against Spain in 1578's Castille War.
Sify | 29 Oct 2020
BBC News | 31 Oct 2020
WorldNews.com | 30 Oct 2020
I've been searching
I've been searching
I've been searching for a gold mine
To open up the skies and make me feel alive
Been searching for a gold mine
A gold mine
Well I've got trouble sleeping in
And when I feel the day begin to change my mood
It's been feeling kinda dull, and I been waiting for a call to answer to
I have to be honest
I wouldn't know what's true
So won't you take me up with you 'cause
I've been searching for a gold mine
To open up the skies and make me feel alive
I've been searching for a gold mine
A gold mine
Well I've been traveling high and low
I'm searching for that glow before it strays
I only got one life to give
Only have so long to live
Won't throw this away
I have to be honest,
I wouldn't know what's true
So won't you take me up with you 'cause
I've been searching for a gold mine
To open up the skies and make me feel alive
I've been searching for a gold mine
A gold mine
(I've been searchin', I've been searchin')
I've been searching for a gold mine
To open up the skies and make me feel alive
I've been searching for a gold mine
Gold mine
I've been searching for a gold mine
To bring the colours right back into my eyes
I've been searching for a gold mine,


text:
The Simple Joys of the Holidays~
I have been in simplification mode for a couple of years now. Life just seems to flow better when the superfluous stuff is removed and I focus on the things that are really important.
And at Christmas time, the thing that is most important for me is spending time with my loved ones...especially my sweet kiddos.
Last year I came up with a short of list of Christmas To-Dos. And I wanted to share them with you again.
They are simple.
They are inexpensive. Okay, admittedly movies can get expensive.
(That's why we almost always go to matinees.)
They are fun for every member of the family - even the teens...mostly ;).
My holiday challenge to you, my dear readers, is to make a simple Christmas to-do list for your family. One that doesn't involve a lot of money. One that encourages family togetherness.
Won't you simplify your holidays with me?


text:
Rail ticket holders to benefit from 'free week'Published: 16-12-2016
Package of other fares offers under development
Minister gives update on ScotRail actions to lift performancePublished: 29-11-2016
ScotRail Alliance delivers £19m investment upgrading 40 electric trains
Boost for new rail station at KintorePublished: 29-11-2016
Rail passengers in the north east received a boost today as the Scottish Government confirmed it has offered an increase of it's share of funding to enable construction of a new rail staion at Kintore in Aberdeenshire.
Minister welcomes more seats for ScotRail passengersPublished: 16-11-2016
Additional class 320 enters service today
Transport Minister demands full devolution of Network RailPublished: 26-10-2016
Calls come in light of recent independent report criticising industry performance
Transport Minister Humza Yousaf recently met with ScotRail to hear about the delivery of their new Performance Improvement PlanPublished: 20-10-2016
ScotRail unveils action plan to tackle performance
Transport Minister welcomes an end to ScotRail/RMT disputePublished: 20-09-2016
Transport Minister Humza Yousaf welcomes news that the RMT have accepted a proposal on DCO from ScotRail, marking an end to the current dispute over method of dispatch for the new fleet of Class 385 electric trains, this could help other parts of the UK to come to a resolution.
Rail strikes: Transport Minister convenes resilience committee ahead of Open GolfPublished: 13-07-2016
The National Traffic Control Centre was stood up this morning and the Scottish Government's resilience committee held a further meeting yesterday ahead of rail strikes planned for the end of this week and into the weekend.
Rail strikes: Transport Minister convenes resilience committeePublished: 07-07-2016
Transport Minister Humza Yousaf today chaired a meeting of the Scottish Government's resilience committee ahead of planned rail strikes this weekend and next week.


text:
On Life-After-Death and Level Confusion
A topic has come up recently with clients and readers that has illuminated for me why my explanations of what happens to the ego or the split-mind when a self seems to die often leads to further questions that I have not been able to satisfy for others. It is because of what is called in A Course in Miracles "level confusion". This means confusing what happens on one level of the mind with what happens on another.
To explain, I hope more clearly than I have in the past, I am going to use the language that I feel is more directly descriptive than the language of ACIM. Here's a key:
Truth = God
Macro split-mind = Son of God
Micro split-minds = Sons of God
Not-Truth = macro ego
Personal thought system = micro ego
(ACIM does not distinguish between "macro" and "micro" ego just as it often does not distinguish between "macro" and "micro" Son of God. This distinction is implied in ACIM by the context of each particular passage.)
Awareness of Truth = Holy Spirit
Undoing = Atonement
Manifest undoers = Teachers of God
The questions I have received have to do with whether individual perception or awareness and/or personal thought systems exist before a self (body/personality) is born and after a self dies. The answer is no, but I always receive push back on this answer, often with quotes or links to other teachers. I have finally seen more clearly that this is because students confuse levels of the mind, or the macro split-mind and the micro split-mind. Micro split-minds begin and end with the body with which they were identified. But the macro split-mind continues on until it is undone.
Here's why this answer:
Truth, being All, must think of Its Own opposite. But being All, Truth cannot have an opposite. So Truth's opposite, or not-Truth, can only ever be an idea. And it is an idea that is over as soon as it is thought.
Since Truth is one (the same throughout), formless, boundless, and timeless, the idea of not-Truth is time-bound, limited, diverse form – the universe of form. The part of the Mind of Truth where this idea occurs is the macro split-mind. It seems to be split off from the Mind of Truth, but it cannot actually be apart from Truth. So Truth is still in the macro split-mind even as it projects not-Truth, or the universe of form. It is split between Truth and not-Truth.
Time is the illusion on which all of this illusion of not-Truth rests. In time it seems that not-Truth, or the universe of form, began long ago and will be undone in some indefinite future. The unfolding story of the universe of form is the instant of the idea-of-not-Truth/the-undoing-of-the-idea-of-not-Truth playing out in time. So the universe of form seems to be the idea of not-Truth but its unfolding story is actually the undoing of the idea-of-not-Truth. It is the effect, or expression, of the undoing of the idea-of-not-Truth.
The macro split-mind projects itself into the universe of form as billions of seemingly-individual versions of itself, or micro split-minds. Micro split-minds are also split between Truth and not-Truth, or the thought system of the Awareness of Truth and the personal thought system. Each micro split-mind is projected onto a unique body. And the personal thought system in each mind is what teaches that micro split-mind that it is a self, or a body and personality with a unique story. Each split-mind seems to be born into a world of this consciousness which is reinforced by other split-minds that believe the universe of form to be reality. But since the Truth is in each micro split-mind, each micro split-mind has the potential to become aware of Truth. Those that do, to whatever degree, are the overt manifestation of the Undoing. They are the manifest undoers. Those that do not become aware of Truth are also part of the Undoing because the undoing of not-Truth is inevitable. Not-Truth will be undone because it is already undone. But their parts are not overt manifestations of undoing. They contribute in other ways, for example, as indirect teachers of those that do become aware of Truth. Or perhaps their lives cause a future situation in which a manifest undoer will learn. In any case, everyone is doing their part perfectly because their part is not to cause the Undoing. Their part is the effect of the Undoing that has already occurred. The story of the Undoing unfolds through their seemingly-individual story.
So, in time, micro split-minds are "born" and "die" with the body with which they are identified. Their story in time has a beginning and an ending. But the story of the universe of form continues on until the macro split-mind's Undoing is complete. These are the two levels of mind that students often confuse. Micro split-minds do not have to attain complete undoing. They do not have to be "perfected" or completely "healed". They do not fail or go on and repeat another "life" if they do not. Each has its own unique part to play and will play it perfectly. It is the macro split-mind that goes on until it is undone, its Undoing playing out in time through billions of stories of micro split-minds.
What does this mean for you, who seem to be a micro split-mind? The Truth in your mind is Timeless. It does not come into time. It goes on now outside of the story of time. This is your Eternal Being. The self (body and personality) and the personal thought system with which you identify will fall away in time. The benefit for you in getting in touch with Truth, Eternal Being, the Constant and Unchanging, is the peace that your awareness of It will bring to you in time. And if you come to fully see that the universe of form is not real and you attain full awareness of Truth, your mind will put the self and its body and its thought system aside, not through "death", but through transcendence. You are a manifest undoer and to whatever degree you grow your awareness of Truth is your part to play in the Undoing. You cannot mess this up and you will not have to repeat it!
What is your part to play in the Undoing? How do you know? How are you supposed to live in the world if it is only an effect? The answers to these (and other) questions are what I help my clients find. Email me at firstname.lastname@example.com to set up an appointment. Learn more at www.acimmentor.com.
If you have a question the answer to which you think will help others email it to me at email@example.com and indicate that you want it answered in the newsletter/blog.


text:
Photo: Gooseberry Patch
Let your slow cooker do the work for this Pepperoncini Italian Beef Roast recipe. The end result will be juicy, flavorful beef sandwiches with a mouthwatering au jus sauce.
How to Make It
Step 1
Place roast in a slow cooker; pour reserved pepper juice over top. Cover and cook on low setting for 6 to 8 hours, until very tender. Remove roast and shred with 2 forks; stir back into liquid in slow cooker. Add peppers and onion.
Step 2
Blend au jus mix with a little of the liquid from slow cooker until dissolved. Pour over beef; add water if needed to cover roast.
Step 3
Cover and cook for an additional hour. Serve beef spooned onto rolls.
101 Slow-Cooker Recipes


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Picture It – Landscapes (from ArseniXC)
Oh the art you can come across without even trying to find it. I came across the image above randomly the other day and was so awestruck by the colours and level of detail on the artwork that I needed to find out more about who created such a wonderful artwork and what other works they had created.
Who was it? The artist was called ArseniXC and his works did not fail to impress.
Landscaping or just land scraping?
I have to admit I have a bit of an obsession over artists that demonstrate a particular talent with landscape art. Most artists that are not bleeding amateurs like myself will have some skill with landscape art because it is what frames their entire image, the setting which their characters must inhabit and sometimes can lend to help charactise who they are depicting even better without cluttering over the character herself.
But drawing landscape art is another skill in itself. If you feel that drawing people is hard, often drawing the landscape is a step higher in terms of difficulty. Obviously the aspects to consider you would normally consider, such as perspective, shadows, light, yet the scale of it is so much grander. What makes landscape artwork gather that extra level of complexity that just drawing characters doesn't always have?
Back to ArseniXC
ArseniXC is clearly multi-talented, and you can see the rest of his work on pixiv. Although being talented at different types of art and styles isn't necessarily special when considering all the artists I or even you have looked at — in fact this is probably one of the more expected things these days. Regardless, his art is particularly special because he has a real knack with light, colour and how they blend together. There is nothing simple about his use of light, it is detailed to an extreme you feel as if you could spend hours just looking at it. Light, colour and detail are big things, for me.
I love the fact that in some artists' works you can clearly see brush strokes – this makes the entire thing look like a painting. ArseniXC shows skill with this, yet similarly capable of creating artworks that shine as though they weren't artworks at all, but almost as though they were generated/rendered or if they were photographs.
What better artwork than these to showcase the wide range of his skills? It's almost showing off.
Take a flick between the day and night versions of this illustration of what appears to be a cafeteria of some description. Whether in gloom and shadow of the night or within the light of the daytime, the colours are vibrant and varied, detail is enhanced or made more subdued and the focus is carefully selected. Either way, it's obvious that this is the same cafeteria, but it can be seen from such different perspectives.
It really gets the imagination going as to what could be set here. And yet – this artwork would probably be too detailed for even a visual novel! Well, maybe we'll see big things from him yet.


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|Frontier Designs
|tv shows|
nip/tuck. grey's anatomy. gilmore girls. charmed. roswell. buffy. growing pains. scrubs. profiler. brothers&sisters. friends. er. bones. dollhouse. the big bang theory
♥ buffy/spike. luke/lorelai. piper/leo. phoebe/cole. maria/michael. booth/brennan. mark/lexie ♥
Graphics are all snaggable unless otherwise stated. If you do take something please leave a comment and CREDIT!!!


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Installation Tool
Installation Tool for Gripmaster Screw in Tire StudsGripMaster Ice Studs are easily fitted with this special Installation Tool. The tool is initially set to the basic setting which provides a 3mm projection of the stud above the tire surface. In order to remove the studs for reuse the special tool is adjusted backwards.
Use this XL Installation Tool for:
X-large Ice Stud Installation Tool (for HM-30, CTS-2, CST-3, CTS-4)
Part Number: 303030$16.45 Out Of Stock
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Mil Mi-26 / Mi-27
Designed to provide Aeroflot with a heavylift helicopter to assist in the exploitation of undeveloped regions, this aircraft began life in the early 1970s (initially as Mi-6M), as soon as it became clear that the V-12 was not going to fulfil this role. It required the design and development of a completely new rotor and transmission system, plus the need to meet an official requirement that the aircraft's empty weight should be only half that of its maximum take-off weight, meant that it was not until 14 December 1977 that the V-26 prototype achieved its first hovering flight. NATO name Halo.Weight has been saved by in-house design of the main gearbox providing multiple torque paths, GFRP tail rotor blades, titanium main and tail rotor heads, main rotor blades of mixed metal and GFRP, and use of alumimum-lithium alloys in airframe.Equipped with a rear-loading ramp/doors, the main rotor rpm is 132, and the main rotor spindle is inclined forwards 4 degrees. Flying controls are hydraulically powered cyclic and collective pitch controls actuated by small parallel jacks, with redundant autopilot and stability augmentation system inputs. A fly-by-wire system flight was tested in 1994.An eight-blade constant-chord main rotor has flapping and drag hinges, droop stops and hydraulic drag dampers. No elastomeric bearings or hinges, each blade has a one-piece tubular steel spar and 26 GFRP aerofoil shape full-chord pockets, honeycomb filled, with ribs and stiffeners and non-removable titanium leading-edge abrasion strip. Blades have moderate twist, taper in thickness toward tip, and are attached to small forged titanium head of unconventional design. Each has ground-adjustable trailing-edge tab. A five-blade constant-chord tail rotor on the starboard side, has GFRP blades and forged titanium head. A conventional transmission, with tail rotor shaft inside cabin roof, all-metal riveted semi-monocoque fuselage with clamshell rear doors, and flattened tail boom undersurface. The engine bay is of titanium for fire protection. All-metal tail surfaces and swept vertical stabiliser/tail rotor support are profiled to produce sideways lift. There is a ground-adjustable variable incidence horizontal stabiliser.Landing gear is a non-retractable tricycle type with twin wheels on each unit. The steerable nosewheels have tyre size 900x300, and mainwheel tyres size 1,120x450. A retractable tailskid is at the end of the tailboom to permit unrestricted approach to the rear cargo doors. The length of the main legs is adjusted hydraulically to facilitate loading through rear doors and to permit loading on varying surfaces. A device on main gear indicates takeoff weight to flight engineer at lift-off, on panel on shelf to rear of his seat.Power if from two 8,500kW ZMKB Progress (Soloviev) D-136 free-turbine turboshafts, side by side above cabin, forward of main rotor driveshaft. Air intakes fitted with particle separators to prevent foreign object ingestion, and have both electrical and bleed air anti-icing systems. Above and behind is central oil cooler intake. VR-26 fan-cooled main transmission, rated at 14,914kW, with air intake above rear of engine cowlings. System for synchronising output of engines and maintaining constant rotor rpm; if one engine fails, output of other is increased to maximum power automatically. Independent fuel system for each engine; fuel in eight underfloor rubber tanks, feeding into two header tanks above engines, which permit gravity feed for a period in emergencies; maximum standard internal fuel capacity 12,000 litres; provision for four auxiliary tanks. Mi-26TS normal capacity is 13,020 litres. Two large panels on each side of main rotor mast fairing, aft of engine exhaust outlet, hinge downward as work platforms.Crew of five on flight deck: pilot (on port side) and co-pilot side by side, tip-up seat between pilots for flight technician, and seats for flight engineer (port) and navigator (starboard) to rear; upgrade proposal revealed in early 2001 involves installation of new avionics and will result in reduction of flight deck crew to three. Four-seat passenger compartment aft of flight deck. Loads in hold include two airborne infantry combat vehicles and a standard 20,000kg ISO container; about 20 tip-up seats along each sidewall of hold; maximum military seating for 90 combat-equipped troops; alternative provisions for 60 stretcher patients and four/five attendants. Heated windscreen, with wipers; four large blistered side windows on flight deck; forward pair swing open slightly outward and rearward. Downward-hinged doors, with integral airstairs, at front of hold on port side, and each side of hold aft of main landing gear units. Hold loaded via downward-hinged lower door, with integral folding ramp, and two clamshell upper doors forming rear wall of hold when closed; doors opened and closed hydraulically, with back-up hand pump for emergency use. Two LG-1500 electric hoists on overhead rails, each with capacity of 2,500kg, enable loads to be transported along cabin; winch for hauling loads, capacity 500kg; roller conveyor in floor and load lashing points throughout hold. Flight deck fully air conditioned. It has a cargo hold 3.20m wide, 3.15m/ 10.25 ft high and 15m/49 ft deep. The maximum payload is 5000kg or 70-100 passengers. The helicopter has a crew of four, with room for an additional handler, and has a full range of navigational electronics and an automatic hover system. Two main and one emergency hydraulic systems, operating pressure 157 and 206 bar. Electrical system three-phase 200/115V 400Hz; single-phase 115V 400Hz; three-phase, 36V 400Hz; single-phase 36V 400Hz; DC 27V. TA-8V 119kW. APU under flight deck, with intake louvres (forming fuselage skin when closed) and exhaust on starboard side, for engine starting and to supply hydraulic, electrical and air conditioning systems on ground. Electrically heated leading-edge of main and tail rotor blades for anti-icing. Only flight deck pressurised.Systems include: Radar: Groza 7A813 weather radar in hinged (to starboard) nosecone. Flight: Integrated PKV-26-1 flight/nav system and automatic flight control system, Doppler, map display, HSI, and automatic hover system. Optional GPS. Self-defence: Military versions can have IR jammers and suppressors, IR decoy dispensers and colour-coded identification flare system. A hatch for a load sling is in the bottom of the fuselage, in line with the main rotor shaft, the sling cable attached to internal winching gear. Closed-circuit TV cameras observe slung payloads. Specialised versions can utilise firefighting equipment. The first production aircraft rolled out in October 1980 and one of several prototype or preproduction Mi-26s (SSSR-06141) was displayed at the 1981 Paris Air Show. In-field evaluation began early 1982 and the type was fully operational in 1983. The production model carries a crew of five, and up to 85 combat-equipped troops, or two airborne infantry combat vehicles. More than 50 were in service in 1987.On 3 February 1982, as just one of a string of new records established by the Mi-26, a "standard production" Mi-26 lifted a total mass (helicopter plus payload) of 56768.8kg to a height of 2000m. Also in February, 1982, set several load-to-height records, in-cluding lifting 25,000 kg (55,115 lbs) to 4,100 metres (13,451 ft).The Mi-26 is reported to have entered service with Aeroflot in either 1982 or 1983.India is the only export customer to 1987, with an order for ten. The first two were delivered in June 1986. Production continued at low rate, with manufacture and marketing by Rostvertol.Nearly 300 were built by 2001. Reportedly sold to about 20 countries; operators include Belarus (15), Cambodia (two), Congo Democratic Republic (one), India (10), Kazakhstan, North Korea (two), South Korea (one), Mexico (two second-hand) in 2000, Peru (three), Russian Army (35), Russian Ministry of Emergencies, Mil-Avia and Ukraine (20). Russian Army deliveries included four in 1994. COSTS: US$8 million to US$10 million (Mi-26T) (2000).Versions: Mi-26 (Izdelie 90)Basic military transport. Mi-26AModified military Mi-26, tested in 1985, with PNK-90 integrated flight/nav systems for automatic approach and descent to critical decision point, and other tasks. Not adopted. Mi-26TBasic civil transport (Izdelie 209), generally as military Mi-26. Production begun in 1985. Variants include Geological Survey Mi-26 towing seismic gear, with tractive force of 10,000kg or more, at 180 to 200km/h at 55 to 100m for up to 3 hours. The mockup of an Mi-26 two-crew flight deck was shown al the 1997 Moscow Air Show and was again displayed at Farnborough 2002, when Rostvertol said decision to install new avionics on helicopter dependent upon outcome of discussions undertaken at Farnborough; if go-ahead is given, new designation Mi-26T2 will apply. New avionics suite will include PNK-26M flight-navigation system, incorporating five colour MFDs, two data input panels and a digital computer, plus GPS receiver and digital map and weather radar; increased automation will eliminate need for navigator/communications operator and flight engineer, although loadmaster will be retained. Military version will be adapted for night operations, using OVN-1 Skosok NVGs and GOES-321 gyrostabilised observation turret, containing a FLIR sensor and a laser range-finder. No designation has been announced for military versions. Mi-26TS (sertifitsywvannyi: certified)Mi-26T (Izdelie 219), but prepared for certification and marketed (in West as Mi-26TC) from 1996. Preproduction version, with gondola (port, front), positioned a 16,000kg TV tower, 30m long, in Rostov-on-Don in 1996. One delivered to Samsung Aerospace Industries in South Korea on 13 Septernher 1997; supplied with Twin Bambi Bucket fire-suppressant system and fulfils dual transport/ firefighting roles. This version is subject of upgrade proposal involving installation of new avionics suite and other improvements that will reduce crew numbers from five to three and offer benefits in area of operational effectiveness; if implemented, is expected to result in improved helicopter becoming available in about 2006. Mi-26MSMedical evacuation version of Mi-26T, typically with intensive care section for four casualties and two medics, surgical section for one casualty and three medics, pre-operating section for two casualties and two medics, ambulance section for five stretcher patients, three seated casualties and two attendants; laboratory; and amenities section with lavatory, washing facilities, food storage and recreation unit. Civil version in use by MChS Rossii (Ministry of Emergency Situations). Alternative medical versions available, with modular box-laboratories or fully equipped medical centres that can be inserted into the hold for anything from ambulance to field hospital use. As field ambulance can accommodate up to 60 stretcher patients; or seven patients in intensive care, 32 patients on stretchers and seven attendants; or 47 patients and eight attendants in other configurations, which can include 12 bunks in four tiers forward, or patent Rostvertol box laboratory behind the first row of bunks, with 16 bunks behind. The box includes an operating table, diagnostic equipment, anaesthetic and breathing equipment and other systems. Another configuration includes a larger theatre box by Heinkel Medizin Systeme and 12 stretchers behind, and the helicopter can be fitted with an X-ray laboratory or form the central element of a deployable air-portable field hospital. Mi-26NEF-MASW version with search radar in undernose faired radome, extra cabin heat exchangers and towed MAD housing mounted on ramp. Mi-26PTransport for 63 passeugers, basically four abreast in airline-type seating, with centre aisle; lavatory, galley and cloakroom aft of flight deck. Mi-26PKFlying crane (kran) derivative of Mi-26P with operator's gondola on fuselage side, next to cabin door on port side. First produced in 1997. Mi-26PPReported ECM version. First noted 1986; current status unknown. Mi-26SHastily developed version for disaster relief tasks following explosion at Chernobyl nuclear facility; equipped with deactivating liquid tank and underbelly spraying apparatus. Mi-26TMFlying crane, with gondola for pilot/sling supervisor under fuselage aft of nosewheels or under rear-loading ramp. First produced in 1992. Mi-26TPFirefighting (pozharnyi) version that appeared in 1994, with internal tanks able to dispense up to 15,000 litres fire retardant from one or two vents, or 17,260 litres of water from an underslung VSU-15 bucket, or from two linked EP-8000 containers. Can fill tanks on the ground using pumps with 3,000 litres/min throughput. Prototype RA-06183 operated by Rostvertol. One delivered to Moscow Fire Brigade on 19 August 1999. Mi-26TZTanker version that emerged in 1998, with 14,040 litres of T2, TS1 or R2 aviation fuel or DL, DZ or DA diesel oil fuel and 1,040 litres lubricants (in 52 jerry cans), dispensed through four 60m hoses for aircraft, or 10 20m hoses for ground vehicles. Conversion to/from Mi-26T takes 1 hour 25 minutes for each operation. Mi-26MUpgrade under development; all-GFRP main rotor blades of new aerodynamic configuration, new ZMKB Progress D-127 turboshafts (each 10,700kW), and modified integrated flight/nav system with EFIS. Transmission rating unchanged, but full payload capability maintained under 'hot and high' conditions, OEI safety improved, hovering and service ceilings increased, and greater maximum payload (22,000 kg) for crane operations. Mi-27Two prototypes of a command support version of the Mi-26 are reported to have been built in 1988, with designation Mi-27. These feature new antennas along lower 'corner' of fuselage, blade and box-type and with long folded masts which are horizontal in flight, vertical when deployed on ground. Orders for production helicopters do not appear to have been placed.Specifications:Mi-26 Engines: 2 x ZMKB Progress D-136Instant pwr: 14,710 kWRotor dia: 32 mMTOW: 56,000 kgPayload: 20,000 kgMax speed: 159 ktsMax range: 800 kmHOGE: 5900 ftService ceiling: 15,100 ftCrew: 5Pax: 85 Mi-26 Halo A Engines: 2 x Lotarev D-136, 11,400 shpInstalled pwr: 17,000 kWRotor dia: 32 mFuselage length: 33.7 mHeight: 8.06m (26 ft 5.25 in)Wheelbase: 8.95m (29ft 4.5in)Tail rotor dia: 7.61m (24 ft 11.5in)No. Blades: 8Empty wt: 28,200 kgMTOW: 56,000 kgInternal payload: 5000 kgExternal payload: 20,000 kgMax speed: 295 kphCruise speed: 255 kphCeiling: 4500 mHOGE: 1800 mRange: 800 kmCrew: 5Pax: 100Mi-26T Engines: 2 x Progress D-126 turboshaft, 7355kWMain rotor diameter: 32.0mLength with rotors turning: 40.03mWidth: 8.15mMax take-off weight: 56000kgEmpty weight: 28200kgFuel: 12000kgMax speed: 295km/hCruising speed: 255km/hService ceiling: 4600mHovering ceiling, OGE: 1800mRange with 18000kg payload: 670kmPayload: 20000kgCrew: 4Passengers: 70
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Shows & Competitons
Show and competition time is well upon us once again! Here are some of the questions or problems you could be asking yourself:
1. Do I really want to do this? Am I prepared to put in the time that it takes – it really does take quite a bit of time.
3. Do I have the knowledge? Knowledge comes from asking questions of ANYONE - friends, members of your local branch, people in your local cake decorating shop or the show organisers themselves. Remember, there is no such thing as a stupid question. You're not the first person to ask questions and won't be the last. Everyone who has entered a show will have been in the same predicament at some time.
4. Do I have the skill to do this? To be honest, maybe not, but if you start with a "Oh! I'll never win because so and so will enter" you will never find out.
5. Do you want to win 1st prize in your class? Of course you do, and if anyone tells you they don't, why on earth are they entering? It's only human nature to want to win! After all that's what a competition is about.
Finally -
Enter a competition because you want to.
Enter a competition because you want to learn
Enter a competition because you want to have some fun.
So now we have the first hurdle cleared you can work out what section you want to enter.
We support the judging of decorated cakes and sugar art by assisting with schedules, running
Administrators for this page are Lyn Bales (Golden West Branch) & Evan Jones (Sutherland Branch)
May 2018


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At this year's NASA Space Grant Student Poster Session, Center undergraduate Libby Dybal presented her research on Fe isotopes in achondrite meteorites. Libby's work is being conducted in the ultra-clean Isotope Cosmochemistry and Geochronology Laboratory under the mentorship of Center Director Meenakshi Wadhwa.
The poster session highlights the research of Space Grant Students (both graduate and undergraduate) in various STEM subjects, and provides them the opportunity to practice presenting a topic and to network with other students and faculty. The session is held in preparation for the Arizona/NASA Space Grant Undergraduate Research Internship Statewide Symposium that will be held at Tucson, AZ in April.
You can read more about Libby's research and NASA Fellowship here!


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In China, Great Urbanization Brings Great Health Risks
To use any word weaker than explosive when describing China's rapid process of urbanization is to risk an understatement. Since 1980 the number of people in Chinese cities has surged from 191 million to 622 million. The number continues to climb rapidly — especially as certain areas once considered countryside are converted into urban regions to accommodate growth…
Much of this urban influx is the result of the migration of rural workers into cities. That's a particular problem in China because, as our Nate Berg recently pointed out, the country has a "two-tiered population structure of rural and urban citizens" called hukou. While urban hukou get a number of social benefits, including access to good health care, simply moving from a farm to a city doesn't necessarily change your classification.
As a result, a great many of these rural-to-urban migrants reach the city uninsured and unlikely to visit a doctor. These conflicting realities present China with a potential health-care crisis, according to a recent review in the British medical journal The Lancet. An international group of authors, led by Peng Gong of Tsinghua University in Beijing, outline a number of public health consequences that may arise from China's rapid urbanization, many of them related to the influx of migrant workers:
The growing disease burden in urban areas attributable to nutrition and lifestyle choices is a major public health challenge, as are troubling disparities in health-care access, vaccination coverage, and accidents and injuries in China's rural-to-urban migrant population. … To address the health challenges and maximise the benefits that accompany this rapid urbanisation, innovative health policies focused on the needs of migrants and research that could close knowledge gaps on urban population exposures are needed.
Urbanization typically results in a number of public health risks. The city environment can lead to injury (say, through increased motorization or new occupations) or illness. When the process connects places that were typically isolated, as is the case with rural-urban migration in China, the chances of spreading communicable diseases increase. Moving to a city also carries risks of non-communicable illnesses, including psychiatric disorders.
In China, these problems are complicated by the hukou system and its ties to strong urban health care. Policies have developed to meet these challenges in the capital city of Beijing, with basic services being offered to rural migrants at community health centers, but elsewhere throughout the country "progress has been slow," the review authors report.
In 2006, for instance, only about 28 percent of the entire urban population were covered by the country's primary basic urban health-care insurance — with migrant workers the bulk of those without coverage. The government announced a broader program to expand access to care in 2010, modeled on Beijing's success, but a lot of problems remain, particularly related to child immunization. Even in Beijing migrant workers are at greater risk for tuberculosis, based on living conditions.
Non-communicable diseases are a problem as well. Some research has found that rural-urban migrants have worse blood pressure than those who remained in rural areas. The dietary changes that come with leaving the farm, and the corresponding drop in physical activity, have contributed to urban rates of adult hypertension and child obesity double those of rural areas.


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iMap the Neighbourhood was a collaborative art project instigated by Pete Moser at More Music, an organisation based in the heart of Morecambe's West End. The project was an exercise to map the area through different artists interpretations of the various infrastructures underpinning the area,
aimed at engaging new people from the community in arts and cultural activity literally, inspired by the very 'roads beneath their feet'.
Artists included Lizzie Coombes (Photographer), Sue Flowers (Environmental Artist), Kate Maddison ('Creative Engineer', trained Architect, Artist and Public Art consultant, Pete Moser (Community Musician) and Shane Johnstone (Artist).
For my part, I took a look at food routes, the food we buy, grow and transport on its
I gave a talk about my part in the project at the West End Festival in


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Media Law Roundup: November 6, 2015
Welcome to the Media Law Roundup, a weekly digest of developing media news stories from around the world. This week's issue covers the Myanmar protests, Spanish gag law reactions, new encryption laws, and more.
New Report Highlights Major Problems in Freedom of Expression
This week, the New America Foundation released the results of their report, Ranking Digital Rights, which assesses 65 global tech and mobile firms on how they handle user privacy and freedom of expression. According to the report, even the best-ranking company failed by standard measures, revealing an obvious gap in how users believe their data is used and how it is actually used. Tech firms including US giants Facebook, Google and Microsoft, Europe's top mobile companies Vodafone and Orange, China's Tencent, and South Korea's Daum Kakao are among those surveyed in the report, according to The Guardian. The study revealed that all of the firms fail to offer their users basic disclosures about privacy and censorship. In the assessment, companies were given an aggregate percentage score out of 100, which encapsulated their performance on areas such as data storing and privacy. No single firm, mobile or web-based, scored higher than Google, which itself received 65%. Ranking second and third to Google were Yahoo and Microsoft, with Chinese Tencent, Russian Mail.Ru, and UAE-based Etisalat receiving the three lowest scores. Rebecca MacKinnon, who heads the project, warns companies that improvement in these areas is needed to succeed in a global market. "Part of the problem is that this is a new world with the internet, and we are so dependent on these companies that we really need them to get it right. And they have a lot of work to do," says MacKinnon.
Three Arrested in Myanmar after Exercising Freedom of Expression Online
The Guardian reported this week on three separate arrests of individuals in Myanmar over Facebook posts deemed offensive to the government. The arrests are part of a largescale government crackdown on freedom of expression in the country leading up to the 2015 general elections. Although internet penetration is still slow in Myanmar, Facebook has quickly become the nation's most popular and heavily-trafficked site. In recent weeks, the government has separately detained Chaw Sandi Tun, Patrick Kum Jaa Lee, and Maung Saungkha for posting content that made references to or innuendos about the government or the way it is run. Officials have been quick to defend the arrests, including Information Minister Ye Htut, who said "people can criticize or comment freely, but nobody can insult someone's dignity, religion or nationality." An array of human rights groups, including watchdog Amnesty International have publicly condemned the arrests, warning that an escalating crackdown of free speech leading up to the election may have adverse effects on the democratic outcomes. While the arrests are the first of their kind in Myanmar, many other countries around the world see social media-based freedom of expression limitations on a regular basis.
Reuters Investigation Uncovers Worldwide Chinese Radio Web
On November 2, Reuters reported on its investigation into a global scheme led by state-run China Radio International (CRI) to disseminate pro-China event reporting across four continents. The investigation was sparked by the South China Sea events of August, wherein the Chinese government was heavily criticized for building artificial islands in the area. One report of the events however, stood out for being distinctly non-critical of the Chinese government's actions. WCRW, located outside Washington, D.C., reported on the August events by methodologically positioning fault for the events on 'external forces,' not on the Chinese government. Upon investigation, Reuters discovered that WCRW is one of 33 radio stations in 14 countries through which Beijing is broadcasting "China-friendly" news and programming in a way that obscures its majority shareholder, CRI. Many of these stations, located everywhere from Finland to Nepal, broadcast content created by CRI or by companies it controls in the United States, Australia, and Europe. The content is carefully scripted, according to Reuters, "with the treatment of sensitive topics adhering strictly to the government line."
Iconic Serbian News Agency Shut Down
On Wednesday, November 4, Serbian government officials announced that they have shut down Tanjug, once the most popular news outlet in socialist Yugoslavia, after two failed attempts at privatization, The Daily Star reports. Tanjug, short for the Telegraphic Agency of the New Yugoslavia, was one of 38 state-owned media outlets listed for sale in a campaign to end state-ownership in Serbia. The Serbian government first tried to sell the company in August of 2015, at a starting price of €761,000. When Tanjug received zero bids, it was put back up for sale in October, this time for €380,467, but still did not attract any buyers. According to a statement by government officials, the "law regulating operations of the Public Enterprise Tanjug" expired on October 31. Tanjug, along with the other 37 media outlets listed for sale, are among the state assets the Serbian government is looking to offload in order to "reduce its footprint on the economy and further Belgrade's EU bid." In its prime, as the face of the socialist Yugoslavian federation, Tanjug employed a staff of more than 2,000 people.
New UK Bill Claims Encryption Laws, Data Storage
On November 4, British MPs unveiled the Investigatory Powers Bill, new legislature that contains a list of changes to internet, privacy, and telecom operations. At the top of the list of contentious topics are new encryption laws, which will no longer allow tech companies such as Apple and Google to offer encryption so advanced that even the companies themselves cannot decipher it. According to the bill, the reason for the new rule is purely for safety measures – companies must be able to decipher their own encryption in the event that communications is needed by police for a warrant. In the past, tech companies have advertised their inability to decrypt data stores on their own devices as a selling point for user privacy. Also on the laundry list of new rules imposed by the bill are internet data retention, warrants for surveillance, and a formalized Wilson Doctrine. Home Secretary Theresa May announced this week that internet service providers (ISPs) will be required to store the details of every website visited by UK netizens for 12 months. May explains that the law will concern only the front page of websites, not individual pages or searched content. The bill has already faced considerable criticism from MPs and internet activists, and is expected to continue to be scrutinized heavily as it goes through parliament.
Media Watchdogs Urge Spanish Government to Repeal Gag Law
This week, a group of four international media and journalists' rights advocacy organizations implored Spanish officials to repeal the public security law, called the 'gag law,' after the country's general election on December 20. Among a list of restrictions to opposition sentiments, the law allows authorities to fine citizens, journalists, and media organizations for distributing unauthorized images of police. The law has been controversial since its inception and has already resulted in the arrests of a number of Spanish citizens. It was passed in July of this year by the ruling conservative Popular Party after protests hit Spain amid the financial crisis, The New York Times reports. The International Press Institute, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the European Federation of Journalists, and the Platform in Defense of Free Expression said in a statement that the law will pose a significant threat to the free flow of information if it continues. The CPJ in particular has been publically critical of the gag law since the law's inception, reducing it to an effort by the Spanish Parliament to "maintain its hold on power." In addition to media restrictions, the gag law sets fines for protests outside the Spanish Parliament and allows illegal migrants entering Spain's North African enclaves to be expelled.
Featured Photo Credit: Some rights reserved by Internet Archive Book Images


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WATANI International
5 September 2010
Next Saturday, the Coptic Church celebrates the beginning of the 1727th year on the calendar of the martyrs. The calendar is an extension of the ancient Egyptian one which was intricately connected to the annual Nile flood and the agricultural cycle. The year was divided into 12 months of 30 days each, plus a "small month" of five days in a simple year and six days in a leap year. There were three seasons: the inundation, the cultivation, and the harvest season. To this day the Coptic Mass includes prayers for the good Lord to bless the Nile waters, the 'ploughing and cultivation', and the air and weather, said in their respective seasons.
The calendar of the martyrs began in 284, the year the Roman emperor Diocletian sat on the throne. Diocletian was famous for his harsh persecution of the Christians; in Egypt thousands were martyred for their Christian faith, prompting the Egyptians to use the date as the beginning of their calendar.
Copts celebrate in their churches where they chant: "Lord, crown this year with your good blessings". They eat red dates, which are in season; the red symbolising the martyrs' blood, the white inside the martyrs' pure hearts, and the stone their solid faith.


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My Blog
Posts for: January, 2016
Are bleeding gums something you should be concerned about? Dear Doctor magazine recently posed that question to Dr. Travis Stork, an emergency room physician and host of the syndicated TV show The Doctors. He answered with two questions of his own: "If you started bleeding from your eyeball, would you seek medical attention?" Needless to say, most everyone would. "So," he asked, "why is it that when we bleed all the time when we floss that we think it's no big deal?" As it turns out, that's an excellent question — and one that's often misunderstood.
First of all, let's clarify what we mean by "bleeding all the time." As many as 90 percent of people occasionally experience bleeding gums when they clean their teeth — particularly if they don't do it often, or are just starting a flossing routine. But if your gums bleed regularly when you brush or floss, it almost certainly means there's a problem. Many think bleeding gums is a sign they are brushing too hard; this is possible, but unlikely. It's much more probable that irritated and bleeding gums are a sign of periodontal (gum) disease.
How common is this malady? According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, nearly half of all Americans over age 30 have mild, moderate or severe gum disease — and that number increases to 70.1 percent for those over 65! Periodontal disease can occur when a bacteria-rich biofilm in the mouth (also called plaque) is allowed to build up on tooth and gum surfaces. Plaque causes the gums to become inflamed, as the immune system responds to the bacteria. Eventually, this can cause gum tissue to pull away from the teeth, forming bacteria-filled "pockets" under the gum surface. If left untreated, it can lead to more serious infection, and even tooth loss.
What should you do if your gums bleed regularly when brushing or flossing? The first step is to come in for a thorough examination. In combination with a regular oral exam (and possibly x-rays or other diagnostic tests), a simple (and painless) instrument called a periodontal probe can be used to determine how far any periodontal disease may have progressed. Armed with this information, we can determine the most effective way to fight the battle against gum disease.
Above all, don't wait too long to come in for an exam! As Dr. Stork notes, bleeding gums are "a sign that things aren't quite right." Â If you would like more information about bleeding gums, please contact us or schedule an appointment. You can read more in the Dear Doctor magazine article "Bleeding Gums." You can read the entire interview with Dr. Travis Stork in Dear Doctor magazine.
Among the "to-do" items on your pre-dive checklist like "Pack wetsuit" or "Fill scuba tanks," be sure to add one other: "Check my dental health status."
While that may seem like an odd concern, the changes in atmospheric pressure you encounter while diving (or flying, for that matter) could amplify oral sensitivity and intensify pain if you have pre-existing teeth or jaw problems.
The reason for this is the effect of basic physics on the body. All anatomical structures, including organs, bones and muscles, equalize external pressures the body encounters. We don't notice this at normal atmospheric pressure, but when we encounter an extreme — either lower pressure during air flight or higher pressure during a scuba dive — we may feel the effects of the pressure on any structure with a rigid-walled surface filled with either air or fluid. These structures can't equalize the pressure as fast as other areas, resulting in pain or discomfort. This is known medically as "barotrauma," or more commonly as a "squeeze."
One structure in particular could have an effect on your upper teeth and jaws: the sinus cavities of the skull, particularly the maxillary sinuses just below the eyes. Their lower walls are right next to the back teeth of the upper jaw and, more importantly, share the same nerve pathways. It's quite possible, then, for pain from one area to be felt in the other, commonly known as "referred pain." A toothache could then be felt in the sinus region, and vice-versa.
During a squeeze, then, pain levels from existing problems in the teeth and jaws that were previously tolerable (or even unnoticed) may well become amplified as the pressure from the sinus cavity impinges upon the jaw. That dull toothache you've been having may suddenly become excruciating at 30,000 feet — or 30 meters under the surface.
That's why it's important to see us if you've experienced any signs of tooth decay, gum disease or TMD, including pain, before your next dive or air flight. And, if you encounter any significant pain while flying or diving, be sure you consult with us as soon as possible when you return. Taking action now could help you avoid a miserable, and potentially dangerous, flying or diving experience in the future.
If you would like more information on pressure changes and dental health, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article "Pressure Changes can Cause Tooth and Sinus Pain."


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Eczema Home cures – Effortless Treatments That may Work In Removing Your Eczema
Eczema can be a chronic, non-contagious condition of the skin with different manifestations, and thus is identified by several names. Atopic eczema, atopic dermatitis, infantile eczema, seborrhoeic eczema, and varicose eczema are usually but a number of the many forms of this epidermis disorder. The most frequent type will be atopic dermatitis, which can be […]Continue Reading