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I love reading or hearing about other people's favorite things….places to travel, activities, products, shops, etc. When I started thinking of all my favorite things……whoa, it could get out of hand. There's a lot! But I thought I would just share a few of my everyday favorite products…….maybe you might discover something cool you've never tried or heard about. =)
This is not a sponsored post….just me sharing some of my favorite items that I use everyday!
1. Orbit sweet mint gum. Found it by accident…and now it is my favorite. {I have to only chew it when I'm by myself….I tend to really get-in to chewing my gum!}
2. Grandma's Secret Spot Remover. This stuff rocks! We've used it for years….and so far there has been nothing that it can't get out. I've shared it with so many people and they all fall in love with it. {You can quite often find it at AC Moore, Hancock Fabrics, Bed, Bath, & Beyond.}
3. Muvazi Skin Care….every morning and every night. All natural, no chemicals, preservatives, etc. Love it! It's my twice daily routine.
4. Restoration Hardware Super Hand Cream…..aaaahhhh, the BEST! I use it year round. The original is my favorite….and I love the smell.
5. This candle burns in our home daily…..all day. Volcano is the name…and smelling wondrous is its game.
6. A while ago I discovered a new cosmetic line……so far I have loved everything I've tried. My favorites are the smolder eyes liners and the lipsticks and the primers. Great stuff! {It's sold at Ulta…and, of course, online.}
7. Izzes….our favorite drink around here. There are 8 different flavors, we love them all. My personal two favorites are grapefruit and peach. But I also love apple and blackberry. Oh yeah, and pomegranate and blueberry. And yes, I also love clementine. They're just all good…go get some!
8. I started using Stonewall Kitchen products many years ago…and they are still a favorite. The syrups are divine…we use all of them…and we also love all the jams and jellies.
9. Moroccan Oil……use it every time I wash my hair. Wonderful stuff. Smelly good stuff. Hair miracle stuff. Love all their products. {Don't freak when you see the price…one bottle of the oil lasts me and my 2 girls almost 8 months.}
10. I love this artwork that our church is currently using. It reminds me that I want everything that I do, to have Jesus' handprint on it. Everything. {I miss it sometimes and the handprint says Daune…..but I'm striving for it……}
11. We love Mrs. Meyers cleaning supplies. It's close to impossible to find all-natural cleaning products that smell good. I'm all about smelling good……and when you use Mrs. Meyer's….you get both. Aromatherapy while you clean. Basil is our favorite…..we use the sprays, scrubbing/scouring powder, glass cleaner…. I also like Geranium, but Basil is definitely my favorite.
12. This mascara is the bomb! I've used it for 26 years…..and every time I try something new I always end up going back to this one.
13. Our hand soap and dish liquid is always this stuff. We have a few favorites that we change out during the year: Basil in the spring/summer, Spiced Chestnut in the fall, and Winter Forest in the winter. Works great….and, once again, my smelly needs are met.
14. I love Williams-Sonoma spices……you really can tell a difference when you cook with good spices. I cannot tell a lie. I would love to tell you to go to the dollar store and buy your spices….but I would be leading you astray. My favorite is the Hickory Smoked Sea Salt. I go to the pantry and get it out just to sniff it. {Is that a problem? Should I worry?} Here's a recipe with it…..but we use it on everything.
15. This cosmetic line is overall my favorite. Most of my cosmetics come from this line….love the colors and the quality. I've also loved getting my girls started with it because the colors are so beautiful and natural…they enhance…great for teenagers. {And non-teenagers, like myself. *ahem*}
16. This paper company is my very favorite. I love a lot of paper/stationery companies…but this one is where I get most of my cards, writing pads, fun stuff, etc. {You may have seen many of their items in Anthropologie…they often carry a lot of this brand.}
OK…I shared a few of my everyday favorites. What are some of yours? I love new discoveries!
Happy Monday~


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Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology
Volume 18, Suppl A, Pages 3A-4A
Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Copyright © 2007 Hindawi Publishing Corporation. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
How to Cite this Article
Anita Rachlis, "Introduction," Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology, vol. 18, no. Suppl A, pp. 3A-4A, 2007. https://doi.org/10.1155/2007/250529.

subset: commoncrawl


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The Atlantic Avenue Business Improvement District (BID) has big plans to transform the garbage-strewn Atlantic Avenue underpass into an aesthetically-pleasing community destination. Nicknamed "Funderpass," the new plan for the currently sketchy route will include a makeover with benches, colorful art, lighting, and an air station for bicycles. The Funderpass will not only create a safer pedestrian route for the area, but also connect the thriving Atlantic Avenue to the waterfront.
The underpass transformation will give pedestrians a much more pleasing walk from Brooklyn Heights to Boerum Hill, which is now a somewhat noisy and dark commute under the BQE. Thanks to a $75,000 city grant won by the Atlantic Avenue BID, and help from Design Trust for Public Space, a vibrant new passage that will not only spruce up the walking route but turn the area into a welcoming resting point is expected to take shape.
The idea of putting benches in the passage under the BQE may seem strange now, but once the site has colorful murals and a place for bicyclists to inflate their tires, the benches will be a welcome respite.
Aside from providing a better connection between the two neighborhoods, the Atlantic Avenue Business Improvement District hopes that a more welcoming passage will increase the flow of visitors between the green space on the waterfront and the lively businesses and restaurants that populate Atlantic Avenue.
Via Curbed


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If Cypress Grove Church of Evans County, Georgia is your church, tell us more! Click here and email a detailed description of all the great things your church has to offer and we'll include it here.
Written by: Georgia Church Directory Author
- Antioch Missionary Baptist Church
- Bay Branch Primitive Baptist Church
- Bellville Missionary Baptist Church (historical)
- Bull Creek Church
- Canoochee Primitive Baptist Church
- Church of God
- Cross Roads Church
- Eason Chapel
- Gospel Temple
- Mount Zion Church
- Pleasant Church
- Red Hill Church
- Sandsfield Church (historical)
- Sikes Chapel
- Tar City Church
- Trinity Church
- Union Church
- Zion Hill Church


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Edgar Wright's 'Ant-Man' Footage From Comic-Con (Sort of) Looked Like This
One of the big surprises of Marvel's Hall H panel at San Diego Comic-Con back in July was the presence of director Edgar Wright, who was brought on stage to introduce test footage he shot of a potential Ant-Man movie. The funny part is that Wright never confirmed that he was actually making a movie, Marvel stayed mum on the topic, and the footage has yet to be seen by anyone outside of Hall H.
The footage still isn't out there, but an artist calling himself Samurai Jack has put together a storyboard recreation of what he remembers from the footage to give people a visual idea of what was shown.
Here's the thing, though. I was in Hall H. I saw the Ant-Man footage. And this is not a fair representation of Wright's fluid effects, costuming, editing… it is the Cliffs Notes version of the already short footage reel, and Marvel's kind of hurting themselves by letting this clip circulate and not answering with the actual test footage.
Could this force Marvel to release the legit 'Ant-Man' test footage? Anything's possible. I honestly thought Wright's footage was going to be part of 'The Avengers' DVD, as Marvel likely wants Dr. Hank Pym to be introduced in time for Joss Whedon's 'The Avengers 2.'
Until we actually have the 'Ant-Man' footage to post online, these sketches are the best you can see to visualize what Wright has in store -- if he ever gets around to making an 'Ant-Man' movie. The black-and-white sketches are below in a handy YouTube clip (via MetaCafe). See for yourself:


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What's in Store: Irish Traditions
This wooden wall Faith plaque ($59.99) features the Celtic cross. Next to it is a limited edition print ($195) by Sue Bryan. McLemore says the artist finds old photos and does pen and ink renderings with touches of watercolor. This particular print is from a photo of Longford Town, Ireland, taken in the early 1900s. Irish Traditions is at 35 N. Harrison St., Easton. Call 410-819-3663 or go to irishtraditionsonline.com.
Photo by Sloane Brown, Special to The Baltimore Sun
Copyright © 2019, The Baltimore Sun, a Baltimore Sun Media Group publication | Place an Ad


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Signed Broadside - There is a Woman in Me .
Vincent, Stephen
AbeBooks Seller Since May 19, 2005Quantity Available: 1
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About this Item
Bibliographic Details
Title: Signed Broadside - There is a Woman in Me .
Publisher: Berkeley: Effie's Press, 1974, Berkeley
Publication Date: 1974
Binding: Broadside
Book Condition:Fine
Signed: Signed by Author
Edition: First Edition
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Seed of love in the path of revenge Episode 3
Episode 3
Everyone was in a sudden shock
All were sad and had a common expression except aro she was like her oxygen pump was taken from her aryan went to her
Aro relax it could be that this news is false
Aro in tears
Mumma , papa
Everyone was in shock
Aro relax
Sheetal told aro that her phone is ringing
Aro realised and pick up her phone it was adarsh
Adarsh.. Mishti
Aro ..
Is the news true
Adarsh… Yes it is and we are coming to India for mom and dads funeral
Aro and aryan broke in tears
Though aryan wasn't their child preetika and manik had always treated aryan as their own son
In that time police had released Raman on
Raman ..
Aro why are you crying
Aro is unable to say anything
What your problem very rudely ) aren't you happy destroying her life
Behave yourself
I didn't do anything but why is she crying
Why shouldn't she cry as manik malhotra and preetika rao were her parents
Everyone in shock
How is it possible .she only had one daughter and no elder children
Irritated adarsh is her adoptive brother and arav and chavvi her brother and sister
Raman in shock
Everyone return home
When door bell rang
It was an ambulance from that ambulance two dead bodies were coming one were maniks and other was preetikas and an hot dashing guy WAs coming out of it aro went hugged the guy saying bhai
It was adarsh
The dead bodies were out of the ambulance every one was in the shock
Adarsh , aryan and aro were in tears when Raman remembered something
I love you preetika rao would you do the honor and be mine
I love you to
Raman picked up the glitter and poured it into her forehead and said now you are. Mine forever and they consummated
Another memory
Young Raman is saying to preetika
What happened why are you crying
I am pregnant
It can't be possible as we are not married and god knows whose child it is
Preetika is in tears
Fb ends
Raman is in tear and thinks
That day was my biggest mistake and I should have accepted my fault
Funeral is taking place
Aro in heart
My revenge has
gotten stronger and I swear on myself that I will make you suffer as much as you made my mother suffer , you broke all her relations . And If I don't do this in this month I will kill myself
Pre cap…
Plan 1
CCTV footage of the day Raman and preetika consummated revealed to all
Everyone shocked
Aryan to aro
Time has come that truth be revealed all allegations on preetika aunty would be removed
Next scene
Aro attempt to suicide


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CNN's Van Jones: He Became President of the United States in That Moment. Period.
Van Jones Takes Break From Attacking Trump To Praise Him
One of President Trump's harshest critics, CNN's Van Jones, took a break from his relentless onslaught to pay respect to the President for his recognition of Carryn Owens, widow of U.S. Navy Special Operator, Senior Chief William Ryan Owens.
There are a lot of people who have a lot of reason to be frustrated with him, to be fearful of him. But that was one of the most extraordinary moments you have ever seen in American politics, period. And he did something extraordinary. And for people who have been hoping that he would become unifying, hoping that he might find some way to become presidential, they should be happy with that moment. For people who have been hoping that maybe he would remain a divisive cartoon, which he often finds a way to do, they should begin to become a little bit worried tonight, because that thing you just saw him do, if he finds a way to do that over and over again, he's going to be there for eight years. Now, there was a lot that he said in that speech that was counter-factual, that was not right, that I oppose and will oppose. But he did something tonight that you cannot take away from him. He became president of the United States.
Follow Ryan Saavedra On Twitter @NewsRevoltRyan
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This editorial shot by photographer Adam Moco tells a deeply dark and emotional fashion story which leaves viewers feeling whimsically exported and heavily moved.
Obscure headpieces with crows affixed to them, mesh vales contrasting with streams of sunlight and lengthy fringed clothing fill the images with movement and interestingly intriguing elements. These gorgeous black and white images of Vanessa Fischer were captured in a bare and decibel field which adds to the moody, animalistic feel and allows for the the models ferocious features and statement clothing pieces to photograph strongly.
Adam Moco brings brings viewers to a far away fairy tale land where beautiful people run freely amongst the raw nature. My favorite image in the series is the capture of Vanessa while she is laying in the leaves with a vale laying delicately over her body.
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This Witchy Photo Shoot By Adam Moco Depicts Soul-Wrenching Style
- By: Jessica MarrenApr 20, 2013
References: adammoco & fond-magazine
References: adammoco & fond-magazine


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My Favorite Flirts is a feature that lets you reach your favorite Flirts easily from My Account or on 1-800-TO-FLIRT.Manage My Favorites
$0.69 per volley.
(697 Reviews)
I am a 30 year old 6'1 redhead living in California. I was a professional exotic dancer and pro domme for over 10 yrs. I have been doing phone fantasies for over 5 years now and loving every minute of it. I love to explore all aspects of sexuality, whether it be BDSM, feminization, role play, foot fetish, ass worship,financial domination,group sex and so very much more. Let me rock your world!
I'm more than just a good phone fuck, I am imaginative, caring, and will do whatever it takes to fulfil your desires. When I'm not onstage rockin with my band I am always here rockin the phone lines.


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Manufacturers supporting the Tongass
Almost every major guitar manufacturer in the United States obtains old-growth Sitka spruce from the Tongass National Forest. As an acoustic guitar industry, let's declare that from 2016 onward we will stop sourcing any clearcut old-growth Sitka. Let's place an Industry moratorium on clearcut old-growth timber from the Tongass.
For those companies with clearcut inventory in stock, grandfather this timber into production planning. Once it's processed, consider sustainable approaches to obtaining this prized tonewood.
We can produce and sell quality instruments while saving our crown jewel National Forest.
To read about Sustainable Forestry Practices and acoustic guitar-crafting, click here.


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Prokofiev was thirty when his opera The Love for Three Oranges was premiered in Chicago at the end of 1931. So it was not the youngest Prkfv (his own abbreviation) but it has youth written all over it. He intended to shock and he succeeded. The music is wild, manic, brittle, ironic, fantastic, contains a lot of stimulating, marvellous music; and quite a lot of second-rate stuff, written, as he admitted, in a hurry. It is a director's dream, giving him room and a need for invention and an ability to make Prkfv's extravagant demands work. At the Grange, Hampshire (June 26) it gets what is required from the director/designer David Fielding, gets it in spades (some of the cast are dressed as playing cards). A Prince is wasting away: only if he can laugh will his depression leave him. There are some who would like him to die, others wish him to live.
When one nasty, Fata Morgana, pratt falls the Prince laughs. He also sets out on a search for the trio of citrus fruit that Fata Morgana has told him about, although she warns him that the girls released from their oranges will die if they are not immediately given water. No. Three Orange is the girl that the Prince decides is the one he wants to make Princess. Alas, she turns into a rat. All comes right for the final curtain, after futher adventures with a giant cook and members of the audience who express their wishes for fun and games, not tragedy ..
Before the premiere the composer made the best numbers from the opera into an orchestral suite; this proved a popular success, particuarly the tiny, dotty march that we all know and love. The bits inbetween the suite numbers are rather dry and recitativeish, devoid of melody. The rather thin invention of much of the opera, however gave the director his chance to beguile us with every mod. con.: gimmicks, tricks, amazing lighting effects (the ubiquitous Wolfgang Goebbel, of course). There are many characters and a large chorus, all well sung and effective.
The English Chamber Orchestra (not so chamber neither) is put through its paces under Leo Hussain. There is not much real singing but honours go to the Prince (Jeffrey Lloyd-Roberts), his dad the King (Clive Bayley) Truffaldino (Gozzi wrote the original story, hence Truffo, well played by Wynne Evans), the P.M. (Henry Waddington) and Fata Morgana (Rebecca Cooper).
The only under-par performance was that of the sur-titles, frequently late or non-existent.
This was a happy event for a summer's evening.


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Arkenor on June 22nd, 2009
I know I post too many faeces related stories. I can't help it. We British are culturally hardwired to find poo hilarious, and thus interesting: The whiskers, eyes, organs, and even genitals of tigers, and other big cats, are highly sought after for many medical and religious practices. These practices, along with widespread habitat destruction, [...]


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About Dr David Lewis
French born Dr David Lewis, a neuropsychologist, best selling author and historical researcher, obtained his doctorate in experimental psychology at the University of Sussex. He later lectured there before quitting to become a full-time researcher and author. He has written widely on the psychology of totalitarianism especially in relation to the rise of Adolf Hitler and National Socialism with articles appearing in such publications as International History and The Criminologist.
His interest in Edmund Forster was first aroused in 1973 with the publication, in History of Childhood Quarterly (Vol. 1, No. 2 (Fall 1973), pp. 187-215, 249-58) of an article entitled: Hitler's Concept of Lebensraum: The Psychological Basis, by Rudolph Binion, Professor of History at Brandeis University, Boston.
This article mentioned Forster's name for the first time following the declassification, only a short time earlier, of a US Naval Intelligence document relating to Hitler's treatment for hysterical blindness at Pasewalk.
At that time it was too risky for Dr Lewis to visit the scenes of Forster's work at Pasewalk and Greifswald, since both were behind the Iron Curtain. Having written on the history of and psychological techniques employed by the KGB and Stasi he was advised that any such trip was fraught with political dangers.
Only with the fall of Communist was it possible for him to embark on the long delayed research which he did in collaboration with Professor Binion who generously made his own extensive Forster archive available to him.
In addition to Germany and Austria the search for the truth of Professor Edmund Forster's life and death took him and his German based researchers – Eva Magin-Pelich MA and Jacqueline Holzer MA – to the USA, Italy, France, the Netherlands and Belgium. He is currently researching a book on the Reichstag Fire.
Dr David Lewis is currently Director of Research at Mindlab International (R) Ltd based at the University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, England.


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Artists have long been praised as creative innovators, respected and admired for their unique perspectives and ability to portray life in a new light. Federal and State Governments have long recognized the cultural value that art and artists provide, and thus, legislatures have passed protective housing laws that provide artists with affordable live/work spaces. Today, though artists have often been portrayed as "starving," studies on urban policy/planning have shown that where artists live, money and capital growth will follow. Artists are pioneers of gentrification. Thus, urban planners and many communities have sought to provide incentives that promote artist relocation in order to facilitate the revitalization of cities, neighborhoods, and towns.
This paper will discuss the history of artist housing laws, the prevalent use of artists to promote gentrification, and the future of artist live/work spaces. Though this paper will focus largely upon artists who reside in New York City, it will also survey and discuss notable cases and artist incentive programs throughout the country. Part I of this paper will discuss artist housing laws, specifically focusing on (1) the history of rent control and its impact on the artist community, (2) New York City's artist zoned housing, and (3) New York City's "Loft Laws." Part II of this paper will discuss gentrification, specifically focusing on (1) the effect artists have on gentrification, (2) communities where artists have contributed to gentrification, and (3) current initiatives aimed at increasing artist populations. Lastly, Part III of this paper will discuss the future of artist housing, and will outline (1) the difficulties artists face post-gentrification, (2) prevalent arguments against rent stabilization, and (3) concerns regarding the longevity and permanency of "artist communities."
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/mary_osullivan/4/


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In common parlance, development connotes change for betterment and advancement. Also the term conveys a sense of optimism and expectation of progress, and of a general improvement in the living condition of people. Manifestations of development are multi-faceted and diverse. It may include advancement in medicine, education, culture, sports and of course economic well being. Notwithstanding the emerging discourses on post-structuralism or post-Marxism, the contemporary scene is characterized by the continuing imposition of an orthodox Western vision of development for the non-West, most glaringly reflected in the contested and controversial notions of structural adjustment, deregulation of the economy, privatization, and good governance. But this concept of development orchestrated by Western will is now facing a stiff challenge, and within a newer current, development tout court has been rejected outright by a vast majority of indigenous scholars and native political scientists as lingering legacy of unacceptable western practices devised systematically for subordination of the Third World.
This rejection of the western concepts of development is rooted in and founded on the experiences during the colonial period. Basically, the western concepts envisioned and endorsed the West as the model of development, civilization, rationality and progress. In the process of the race for imperialism, these ideas were bestowed with universal relevance through colonial agents. By the mid 19th century, a notion gained firm ground that the American Anglo-Saxons were a separate and innately superior people who were '˜destined' to bring good government, better governance, commercial prosperity and Christianity to the American continents and the whole world.
Berger, MT wrote in Civilizing the South: the US Rise to Hegemony in the Americas and the Roots of Latin American Studies. (Bulletin of Latin American Research)
'Furthermore, throughout the nineteenth century, Anglo-Saxon assumptions about US civilization being the highest form of civilization in history took firm roots, as US attitudes toward other nations and inhabitants came also to be increasingly based on a well-defined racial hierarchy'.
This concept of racial hierarchy and the idea of a modernizing, developmental, civilizing project consciously and systematically associated with imperialism to legitimize colonization of Asian, African and Latin American countries was challenged strongly by 1917, and the birth of what came to be viewed as the '˜Communist threat' to Western freedom and civilization. This heralded the rise of national liberation movements; of course with the open support of Soviet Russia, and with it, native people (of colonized nations) started sharply scrutinizing the western concepts of modernization and civilizational progress. Soon, the proud claim of benevolence bestowed upon native societies by western imperialists vis-a-vis economic development came under sharp criticism with the exposure of economic exploitation of the colonized people.
Nevertheless, the western concept of (economic) development was pre-dominant and was ironically adopted by most of the newly independent countries whose leaders, hitherto, denounced the same model as exploitative and imposition of the western hegemony. Interestingly again, the Modernization Theory which came into prominence during the 1950s and 1960s has its roots in the academic citadels of the West. But the modernization theory was actually a '˜modernized' version of the colonial- era western concepts of development and progress.
In the words of David Slatter, 'modernization theory was basically constructed around three inter-related components; an uncritical vision of the West, largely based on a selective reading of the history of the United States and Britain; a perspective on the non-West or traditional societies that ignored their own histories and measured their innate value in terms of their level of westernization; and an interpretation of the West–non-West encounter which was based on the governing assumption that the non-West could only progress, become developed, throw off its backwardness and traditions, by embracing relations with the West.'
The misplaced notion of the universal applicability of the modernization theory was exposed not by communist movement, and then spearheaded by Soviet Union but by the rise of social protest movement within the United States itself. In fact, universal applicability of the modernization theory was shattered by the rise of radical nationalist movements in the Third World, the protracted Vietnam War (1955-1975) and the growth of social protest movements. In addition to the military and political implications, the Vietnam War had economic implications too. In one sense, it was outright rejection of the western or American model of economic development through the application of modernization theory. The protagonists of modernization theory disastrously failed in grasping the heterogeneity and complexity of the developing world before they embarked on preaching the theory around the planet.
In contrast to expectations of the modernization process dictated by the western model, the so called development projects have caused widespread environmental damage, resource exhaustion, and disrupted or destroyed the cultures and economies of numerous traditional and tribal communities. Adoption or rather enforcement of the western-defined development project only facilitated industrialization of the West at the expense of the Third World countries. It expedited integration of the economies of Third World countries into a world economy dominated by the industrial centers in the West placing them in a dependent relationship to the West that has continued, albeit in different forms, since decolonization. The green revolution which emerged in the 1960s as a development strategy for improving food production also aggravated developing world's dependence upon the West in many ways. First, the developing countries were dependent upon foreign banks, which provided the necessary credit to purchase the expensive inputs. Secondly, the project supplanted traditional agriculture practices with Western methods, which required the intervention of Western professionals and institutions. Thirdly, the project made agriculture dependent upon industrial outputs such as fertilizers, pesticides, expert advice, credit etc, thus subordinating agriculture to the requirements of industrial growth.
This has evoked strong voices of dissent and sometimes violent protest movements. In response to this assault, social movements have emerged across the planet to pose challenges and alternatives to the process of development. Social resistance movements that evolved over the past three/four decades in different parts of the planet seek to address comprehensively the crises of ecology (e.g. struggles to prevent deforestation and pollution), economy (e.g. struggles to preserve indigenous local resources and/or secure urban housing), culture (e.g. struggles to protect the integrity of indigenous people), and politics (struggles for increased local autonomy and greater control over the local resources). These resistance social movements involve a multiplicity of groups like local community groups, human rights organizations, women's associations, indigenous rights groups, tribal bodies, student bodies and of course environmental activists. Although most of these resistance movements are non-violent in nature, 73 members of the National Association of Indian People of El Salvador (ANIS), who were involved in struggles for economic rights, were assassinated by the military in 1983.
As witnessed in Manipur as elsewhere, larger section of these resistance movements is located within the realm of civil society and, not surprisingly, it is civil society organizations which are spearheading the movements. They are neither part of the processes of material production in the economy nor part of state-funded organizations. A deeper analysis of the activities of these civil society organizations will reveal that they are consistently attempting to articulate alternatives to the political process, political parties and the State. Perhaps, that is why, none of the political parties including opposition parties bothered to take up the cause of any of the many environmentally disastrous projects being planned by the Government.
One social movement which successfully combined the strategies of resistance and articulation of alternatives to development was the Chipko Movement. The Chipko movement was a peasant movement that emerged in 1972 in response to the effects that ecological destruction (especially deforestation) had had upon the local culture and economy in the Garhwal Himalaya region of Uttar Pradesh. Resistance was articulated through a variety of non-violent methods including hugging trees to prevent them from being cut down, demonstrations and uprooting of eucalyptus saplings in social forestry plantations. The movement took its name from the Hindi word chipko which means to hug or hugging.
As a result of this movement, the Government of India granted some concessions and certain state forestry practices were reformed. What is rather disheartening in the context of Manipur is the failure of vigilant civil society organizations and environmental activists to mobilize people for a sustained movement like the Chipko Movement or the Narmada Bachao Andolan. Again, despite the glaring negative impacts of Loktak Hydroelectric Project on environment and ecology, our scholars, academicians and civil organizations are unable to articulate an alternative vision, if not a model. This is understandable given the prevailing situation which demands constant engagement of civil society organizations in human rights and other more pressing, immediate issues. But by ignoring development issues vis-a-vis environment, we are only forsaking our own environment in the name of West-defined and State-sponsored development projects. Who cares?
*The article is written by Yenning.
*The writer can be reached at email@example.com
*You may visit www.hoipolloiandmundanity.blogspot.com for further readings.
(Courtesy: The Sangai Express)
Related Sites:
*The Sangai Express- Largest Circulated News Paper In Manipur
*E-Pao! :: Complete e-platform for Manipuris
*All postings on this website are provided "AS IS" from the source duly mentioned at the end of the post. It comes with no warranties, and confer no rights. All entries in this website are the views/opinions of the writers and don't necessarily reflect the view/opinion of ManipurOnline.


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Rela Mintz Geffen, Ph.D.
Dr. Rela Mintz Geffen was the president of Baltimore Hebrew University(BHU) from 2000-2007 and is currently Professor Emerita of Sociology. Prior to heading up BHU she was professor of sociology and coordinator of the programs in Jewish communal service at Gratz College, where she also served as dean for academic affairs for five years. She is a graduate of the Jewish Theological Seminary (BRE) and Columbia University(BS & MA), and her PhD in sociology is from the University of Florida. She has published more than 40 articles and book chapters and authored or edited four books including Celebration and Renewal: Rites of Passage in Judaism (JPS) and the Centennial Volume of Gratz College (co-edited with Dr. Marsha Bryan Edelman) entitled Freedom and Responsibility - Exploring the Challenges of Jewish Continuity Her most recent book, Conservative Judaism: Dilemmas and Challenges, was coauthored with the late Daniel Elazar and published by SUNY Press. Professor Geffen's major fields of interest are the sociology of religion, the family and gender roles. She is currently engaged in a qualitative study of American Jewish Grandparenting.


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China court finds man executed 21 years ago innocent
BEIJING: China's top court on Friday cleared a man executed 21 years ago for murder — more than a decade after another man confessed to the killing — in the latest miscarriage of justice in the Communist-ruled country.
Nie Shubin was 20 years old when he faced a firing squad in 1995, two days after being convicted of rape and murder.
"The Supreme People's Court believes that the facts used in the original trial were unclear and the evidence insufficient, and so changes the original sentence to one of innocence," it said in a statement on a verified social media account.
Chinese courts have a conviction rate of 99.92 percent, and concerns over wrongful verdicts are fuelled by police reliance on forced confessions and the lack of effective defence in criminal trials.
Overseas rights groups say China executes more people than any other country, but Beijing does not give figures on the death penalty, regarding the statistics as state secrets.
Nie was convicted of raping and murdering a woman whose body was discovered by her father in a corn field on the outskirts of Shijiazhuang city, in the northern province of Hebei.
But the time, method and motive for the murder could not be confirmed, and key documents related to witnesses and the defendant's testimony were missing, the supreme court said.
The "primary evidence was that Nie Shubin's confession of guilt corroborated the other evidence", but "there are doubts over the truth and legality of his confession of guilt", the statement added.
Nie's family had been campaigning for justice since a serial murderer arrested in 2005 confessed to the killing. But the case was only formally reopened in 2014.
"Thanks to all those who helped on Nie Shubin's case!" his mother, Zhang Huanzhi, 72, said on social media.
'Inquisition by torture'
The Hebei high court, which convicted and executed Nie, "expressed deep, deep regrets" to his relatives and would investigate "possible illegal problems related to the trial" soon, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
But Liu Fujin, one of the defence lawyers involved, said the court had been unwilling to reconsider the case for years because no one would take responsibility for a mistaken verdict.
He had applied to see documents related to the case 54 times to no avail, he told AFP.
"So many examination statements and documents have been tampered with or lost; how could they let lawyers look at documents messed with to such an extent?" he said.
Though the verdict was a "landmark" and China's judicial system had improved since the 1990s, he said, many injustices remain unaddressed.
"Every province and every region has old cases just like Nie's and new ones coming up that are all still being suppressed," he said.
"Trial dossiers and evidence in favour of defendants are still being concealed, and inquisition by torture is happening every day."
In 2014, an Inner Mongolian court declared innocent Hugjiltu, who had been executed at age 18 in 1996 for rape and murder — only for another man to confess to the crime later. Last February, China "penalised" 27 officials involved, issuing them demerits.
William Nee, China researcher for Amnesty International, which campaigns against capital punishment, said: "There are many severe flaws in China's application of the death penalty, and the only way they can really ensure that this sort of tragic case doesn't occur in the future is by abolishing it."


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The 9 Best Jay Leno 'Tonight Show' Food Moments
After a long career of pandering to the masses, Jay Leno will step off as host of the Tonight Show for a final time on Thursday night, February 6th. Beginning his reign in 1992, the long-time host is only the 6th to ever host the late-night show. He is graciously making way for Jimmy Fallon, who will take over his spot as the new king of late-night.
Click here for The 9 Best Jay Leno 'Tonight Show' Food Moments (Slideshow)
As someone who has played it safe and has pandered to "the middle-class man" his entire late-night career, he has garnered a ton of clips that everyone can appreciate and related to. And as a seemingly average guy with an wideranging sense of humor, he gave us plenty of jokes we could relate to on everything from politics to current events.
While Leno has had many memorable moments on the show, some of the best ones include his interactions with food. He has done everything from cooking with celebrity chefs to poking fun at food gimmicks. Remember the time in 2009 when he got hung up on the idea of "Meat Water?" Or how about the time he attempted to eat a bowl of cereal doggie style?
In honor of his time as the host of 'The Tonight Show,' we compiled some of our favorite food moments on the show. We'll take you through some of his funniest, silliest and most delicious episodes involving food. As we say goodbye to this iconic TV host, walk down memory lane with us and laugh at these great moments all over again. Salud to you Mr. Leno and thank you for all of the great memories!
Lauren Gordon is the Entertain and Holidays Editor at The Daily Meal. You can follow her on Twitter @laurengordon88.


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Incoming police chief plans to build trust with Tampa residents
The City of Tampa Police Department's mission statement is to reduce crime and enhance the quality of life, through a cooperative partnership with all citizens. Chief Eric Ward plans to do his best during his term to make that happens.
"Back in the sixties and seventies, there was a strained relationship between law enforcement and the community," said Chief of Police Eric Ward. "So I sought out this profession to make a difference."
Chief Ward, a 27-year veteran, was appointed in May of this year by Mayor Bob Buckhorn. He was chosen over two other candidates —Mary O'Connor and Brian Dugan— Chief Ward later named the two his assistant chiefs of police. Chief Ward succeeded former Chief Jane Castor after her retirement.
One goal Chief Ward strives for is making a difference. Chief Ward, a Tampa native, stresses that citizen involvement needs to be increased to help reduce crime. He would like to leave the city of Tampa in better shape than it was when he began his tenure.
"It all boils down to when I first started," said Chief Ward. "I wanted to make a difference and as chief of police I can say that I have that opportunity and I'm doing that now."
Chief Ward credits his family as a strong support system. He makes it a point to always have his entire family at events.
"I was excited because I knew how much of a hard worker he is," said Alberta Ward, Chief Ward's wife. "I thought of the great things he could do for our city that he loves, our city that he cares for."
Chief Ward continues to advise his officers and the citizens of Tampa to be vigilant. He advises if you see something wrong do what's right to help the community.


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Tag Archives: wedding
MY Cray Cray Life List! (What's yours?)
Here is a list of things I am doing this summer. Come up with your own list on your blog and link it in a comment below! Let's see what everyone is up to!
- Wedding- I'm getting married in September and I am working on the table numbers… They are hideous! PLEASE HELP! Also with the wedding are the actual invitations and the wedding shower invites and as I was typing this I just realized that I need to call my dress shop for an alterations appointment. Excuse me…
- I am the organizer of a kids group on MeetUp.com and I have to find a regular place for us to meet as well as sponsors.
- Of course the, "Back to School" psychotic episode is right around the corner and I have to register my 3 year old for preschool, my 5 year old for kindergarten, both girls, and since my 7 year old is the oldest girl she will get all the new clothes and the two younger ones will get the Hand-Me-Downs… So that takes care of some shopping at least!
- I am trying to work my businesses in my spare time. https://alexis4awesomebags.miche.com and http://www.etsy.com/shop/ShaneHasABeard I also have another business but I might have to quit that. Love the product but I don't see myself going anywhere with the company http://14575.origamiowl.com/
- WE ARE MOVING!!!!! We are planning to move to Austin TX hopefully by the end of the year, but we may wait till the end the the school year. Nevertheless I am starting to pack. UGH!!! Any tips for getting ready to move even if you aren't exactly sure on the date?
- The REASON we don't know when we are moving: Mr Shane Murphy himself. Shane just started a new job and we are waiting to see how the trial period goes to help us decide if it's ok to move. He's doing an EXCELLENT JOB so far and I am getting ready for the Christmas date.
Shane is #'s6&7 because I don't know how to work the #s (o_0)
- Oh yes, I have my two youngest full time this summer. My two oldest are coming back home THIS WEEKEND after staying 5 weeks with their grandparents
- My blog…. lol, I really need to keep up with it and I am going to sincerely try. OK, your turn.


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My creative cousin Lorie has started a blog called "Trash to Treasure" featuring all the fun stuff she makes from recycled items. She's doing a giveaway every week, so be sure to check it out!
I just love these juice carton purses! I've been saving them up so I can learn to make them. I'm hoping that I can get to it this summer, but we'll see!!


text: So I guess he never really lied about not doing drugs 'cause he never answered the questions. And does this really sound like someone who shares the convictions of evangelicals on the gay issue, or someone who is pandering to them? Does it matter? This article leaves out the quote: For me, plausible deniability = dishonesty


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Anti-Bird Preventer
My new mooring seems to have a huge bird pooh problem. All the nearby yachts have some sort of anti-bird prevention technique, and they are all different. I wonder which is the best? Please leave a comment is you know of a proven method to dissaude the things from landing on my deck and messing up the varnish!


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Join TheConferenceWebsite here for more Conferences in your Medical Specialty
Join TheConferenceWebsite here for more Conferences in your Medical Specialty
European Paediatric Ophthalmological Society 2019 (EPOS 2019)
- Venue: Riga
- Location: Riga View Map
- Start Date: May 30, 2019
- End Date: June 1, 2019
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If you would like to register for this conference, or obtain further information or a letter of invitation to this conference, please follow the links above. TheConferenceWebsite service does not accept bookings for conferences, travel arrangements, housing or accommodation. Please follow the links above for the relevant conference information.Join TheConferenceWebsite here for more Conferences in your Medical Specialty
30-05-2019 01-06-2019 35 European Paediatric Ophthalmological Society 2019 Riga, Riga, Latvia true DD/MM/YYYY
Other conferences you may be interested in...
- Abu Dhabi Ophthalmology Review 2019
- Orbital Oncology and Oncologic Oculofacial Plastic Surgery: A Multidisciplinary Approach 2019
- Swiss Eye Week 2019
- Tahoe Retina Symposium 2019
- Cataract Surgery: Telling It Like It Is! 2019
- All India Ophthalmological Society 77th Annual Meeting 2019
- 6th Evolving Practice of Ophthalmology Middle East Conference 2019
- 23rd European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons Winter Meeting 2019
- 5th International Thyroid Eye Disease Symposium 2019
- 5th Asia-Australia Congress on Controversies in Ophthalmology 2019
- American-European Congress of Ophthalmic Surgery Winter Symposium 2019
- Snowmass Retina and Eye 2019
- Australia and New Zealand Strabismus Society Meeting 2019
- 9th EURETINA Winter Congress 2018
- 33rd Asia Pacific Academy of Opthamology Congress and 43rd Annual Meeting of of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists of Thailand 2019


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My Analogue Obsessions: Paving Stones12 Share Tweet
For someone loving to walk, observing the ground and its details is mandatory, over all if those nostalgic details are searched for shooting. Paving stones are part of it.
Some years ago, thanks to a friend lomograph (inhabitant of the beautiful Valparaiso city), a slight interest on grounds started to grow. The different paving stones that are typical from that city had been resulted in many questions for her, and I … thanks to my interest on the historic heritage, the architecture and the city, got focused on answer them.
Different shapes and sizes, rectangular, square or irregular, different stones giving so many tones and allowing spectacular designs… all that started filling in my retina and the lens of my camera across my trips.
In this way, I decided to live in Seville, where I could appreciate them. At most in the historic centre, that's why I loved the street where I lived and I took many photos from it.
Then I passed by Portugal, where the designs, with smaller stones in whitish and black colors, made each street different from the next to it. I was lucky enough to have a friend at that very moment at Brazil, so I asked him to bring me a "souvenir", with which I could compare with mine, and thanks to the photos it was actually obvious the heritage in the manufacture of these little pieces, giving ease to the designs and adjusting better to the slopes.
They are everywhere and there to find them, and why not? To mix them with other obsessions as las bicis (bikes).
written by nina_ska on 2011-05-20 #lifestyle #streets #stones #ground #walk #paving #obsessions #nostalgy
translated by nacarilegea


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Discussion in 'Cisco/Linksys Wireless Routers' started by Manip, Apr 15, 2005.
I am returning a WRT54G - this is the e-mail I got:
What is the problem you and amazon are referring to? Are they the same problem? How long have you had the router? Could I ask any more questions?


text: http://www.superleague.co.uk/article/28140/dragons-look-to-back-toulouse 21st June 2013 Catalan Dragons will be out to demonstrate the viability of a second French club in Super League when they host Hull KR tomorrow. The Dragons have moved their round-19 fixture from Perpignan to Toulouse, who are bidding to join the Catalans in a revamped Super League from 2015. Toulouse, who reached the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup under Justin Morgan in 2005, played in the Championship from 2009-11 and are looking to make the step up. The Dragons are happy to assist the cause of their old rivals and are expecting the move to pay off with a 15,000 crowd, which would double their average attendance at Stade Gilbert Brutus this season. "We try to take a game on the road each year to show rugby league outside Perpignan - we have been to Montpellier, Beziers and Barcelona," said Catalan spokesman Yannick Rey. "Now we are playing in Toulouse and it will be an opportunity for Toulouse Olympique to show their potential for Super League. "We have sold 12,000 tickets already and I think we can reach 15,000, which would be very good for us." Tomorrow's game will be held at the 19,000-capacity Stade Ernest Wallon, home of Toulouse's rugby union club, but Olympique have plans to renovate their own Stade Minimes if they get the go-ahead to enter Super League. The Dragons will be hoping to take their home form to Toulouse for they have lost just two of their eight games so far this year in Perpignan. They are hoping to get Australian scrum-half Scott Dureau back after missing the last match against Hull as he went for more medical check-ups. Dureau underwent surgery to remove a brain tumour in January and complained a blurred vision in his second match back at Widnes Vikings earlier this month. "Scott trained this week and there were no problems with his vision but we are still waiting for the results of his latest examination," added Rey. "If they are positive, there is a good chance he will play tomorrow." Hull KR are expected to give a debut to former Wakefield Wildcats and Salford City Reds centre Sean Gleeson, who joined them in the winter but has been sidelined up to now with a back injury. The Robins are also boosted by the return of influential Australian forward Cory Paterson, who has sat out the last four matches through suspension. "Sean Gleeson has a good chance of playing," Rovers coach Craig Sandercock said. "If it's not this week he will definitely be back for the week after. "Cory Paterson will be playing and to have him back is fantastic because he had been one of our best players."


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Aceria is a large isolated country ruled over primarily by the Kingdom of Mardolf. These people are ruled over by the royal lineage of the Massians. The current king Wolros Massian has surpassed almost all his predecessors in terms of age, but even in his older years is as sharp, good-hearted and wise as ever. The Mardolf army is maintained as a strict and disciplined fighting force, but is small in size and rarely deployed. Policing and patrol instead relies on
the Mardolf Miltia, which is in comparison relatively large, although under-equipped and under-trained at the best of times. In addition, 2 knightly orders guard the kingdom for the glory of the Massians; The Order of the Olive Manticore and The Order of the Red Drake. These act as an elite fighting force and the king's bodyguard, but are very few in number, and highly difficult to join.
In addition, there is a great emphasis on religion within the kingdom. All the good and neutral gods are worshipped, and in particular Bahumut is seen as the state religion and the god with the largest number of patrons. Bahumut speaks directly to the High Praetor, the religious leader of Mardolf who resides within the Silvern Abbey in the largest city in the kingdom. His words are greatly respected and obeyed, and groups of his followers which attempt to spread and enforce his advice are known as Justicars. Both miltia and the army have had to deal with them time and time again for crimes such as public disruption, assault and murder, and are starting to become a serious problem. Evil gods are severely restricted within the kingdom, followers being hunted down and killed by clerics and knights. It is even considered bad luck to say the name of an evil god in conversation, for fear that they may be listening in.
Magic in the kingdom is also a highly contentious issue. Wizards and warlocks are often treated like strangers and outcasts, and have a high arrest rate despite having done little in the way of crimes. This is because of an infamous event which changed the very world of Aceria. Many years ago, magic was not as taboo as it was today, and one particularly large city known as Bargalrath was a flourishing place for such arcane arts. Spell users belonged to different groups, and warlocks were trained in small number but to a great degree of skill. This all changed with a
young tiefling warlock named Orlock. Orlock was skilled and had a natural aptitude for manipulating magic, but was brash and foolish. Ultimately, he succumbed to the seductions of Asmodeus, the evil god of the Nine Hells to opening a portal to the plane. Devils overwhelmed the city, and were it not for the actions of the 2nd High Praetor who sacrificed himself to close the portal, the whole of the kingdom would have feel into ruin under their unnatural foes. Since that day, the ruins of the city of Bargalrath remain, now known as Blasmpheme. It is a city saturated with this infernal magic, and many evil creatures reside there. To the people in the kingdom, it is simply known as "The Nameless City", and is believed to bad luck to say its name.


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Get a load of Future Records "Astronaut Status Trailer" Video, a new visual from Future Records that saw the light of day on Friday, January 6th, 2012. Future Records's movement grows stronger with each new release, and Future Records "Astronaut Status Trailer" Video has further strengthened that fact. It's a solid addition to the commendable body of work Future Records has been creating since stepping foot in the rap game, and we're definitely looking forward to what Future Records has on deck.
How do you feel about the production here?
Did y'all catch Future Records's latest visual for Future Records "Astronaut Status (Mixtape Trailer)" Video?
Hit up Future Records's profile page for the latest info, news, songs, and mixtapes. Don't forget to follow Future Records on Facebook and Twitter.


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Heavenly Father,
Heavenly Father, I pray for every person who is reading this post. God, I pray that their faith would be renewed in you. Strengthen their heart's not to let go of you. Give them the strength to stand. Give them the strength to hold on. When they feel low, pick them up. When they feel weak, God make them strong.
Come against every plan of the devil. Render his powers void and ineffective over their lives. Tear down every strong hold. Come against his tricks, his traps and his lies. God your word says you hear us when we call and tonight God I call upon you and I stand in complete confidence that you hear me. YOU ARE FAITHFUL. Tonight God, bless, heal, deliver, set free, open closed doors, send financial breakthrough to every believer who has been trusting and waiting on you. Bring the long wait to an end. Let miracles happen even tonight God. I decree and declare that every storm in their life must pass. I thank you for what's about to take place in their lives. I thank you for the peace and joy that they will experience. I thank you for the financial breakthrough that they will receive. I thank you for the deliverance and the healing that's about to come in their lives. Spiritual strength is theirs, the devil is defeated, and we praise your name. In full expectancy we wait on you, In full expectancy we look to you, in full expectancy we hope in you. We know our answer is on the way. Send forth change and let it begin tonight. We love you and we thank you. In Jesus name, amen.
Child of God, Wife, Mother of two beautiful daughters, Registered Nurse, Blog Writer, in a nutshell that's who I am. I hope you enjoy my blogs! God bless and thanks for visiting!!
Prayer For Strength For a Friend Prayer for strength for a friend. Who will stand…
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Your Horoscope: Week of Jan. 15-21, 2014
By Denise Guzzardo
Week of Jan. 15-21, 2014
This Week: Some of you may be experiencing overwhelming anxiety on and off during the course of this week. The full moon Jan. 15 in Cancer could have some rippling effects that last well into the weekend. The Cancer full moon heightens to a fever pitch our sensitivity regarding others. Nightmares and emotional aspects are intensified. However, it can also open the doors of intuition just wide enough to benefit from it. Pay attention to the messages you receive during this time, but sort through them carefully. There may be some elements of truth to them, or you may be hearing information that applies to someone else.
Aries (March 21 to April 19) — You may not be in the mood to deal with someone's "high-brow" attitude this week, and may be in the mood to give them an earful. If you assume they will understand where you're coming from, think again. Chances are they will not be able to wrap their brain around your philosophy. You will only become more frustrated when your words fall upon deaf ears. Surround yourself with those of like mind and heart this week.
Taurus (April 20 to May 20) — You may be helping someone move through an unexpected loss at this time. Be patient and offer emotional support. A financial windfall will arrive by week's end, allowing you to catch up on debt that has weighed heavily on your nerves recently. Expansions with career will be noticeable soon. Stay open and receptive to these new elements.
Gemini (May 21 to June 20) — Interesting developments arrive with friends and coworkers at this time. Misunderstandings may have been blown out of proportion within the past month. Like magic, this all falls back into place, and everyone seems to be heading in the same direction. You may need to help another out with a pet or child this weekend. This turns out to be a rewarding experience.
Cancer (June 21 to July 22) — A long-awaited spiritual or physical gift arrives this week. This is key for your long-term emotional success and fulfillment. A work offer or opportunity to travel is provided at this time as well. You have to think quickly on your feet to pull this off. However, you will not regret the action once you arrive at your destination. Excitement fills the air, and you're very aware of your surroundings.
Leo (July 23 to Aug. 22) — An unexpected loss may have you spinning within yourself early on this week. Be very cautious that you are not holding yourself responsible for the actions of others who have been on a self-destructive path. This is a time for you to count your blessings and to hold friends and loved ones in high regard. Share your feelings and offer emotional support.
Virgo (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22) — What a wild ride the past few weeks have been. But now, you're just plain exhausted and want to settle in for a bit and bask in your surroundings. This is perfectly fine. Take time out for some peace and quiet. Good food, good wine and a fireplace are all you need to calm your nerves. Oh, and by the way, remember to add your favorite companion into the mix.
Libra (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22) — Romantic aspects take a turn for the better this week. Any reservations you have had about your love life's path will be removed. If you're embarking on a new business venture, expect to be slammed with activity after Jan. 15. You will begin to feel overwhelmed, so make sure you are getting plenty rest and nutrition. A call from a past friend or business associate brings good news.
Scorpio (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21) — Go easy on those around you who may be over-scheduled or over-stressed. If you challenge how their time is spent, you may be biting off more than you can chew. Offer support and lend an ear to someone in need. The weekend provides a much-deserved break from the monotony. A gathering of friends and family becomes a humorous and lighthearted event.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21) — It may be difficult to curb your enthusiasm this week. So many projects are coming into play that your energy is vibrating on a very high level. Make sure that in the midst of this, you're not making others a bit nervous. If this is the case, surround yourself with those of like mind, at least for this week. By week's end, you're back to a regular schedule, feeling calm and focused.
Capricorn (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19) — A premonition, dream or gut feeling you've been having is validated now. Try not to take this too much to heart. There are many things that we have no control over in this world. For you to try to wear the burden of this aspect is counterproductive. Try to see the benefit or the lesson from this situation. If you cannot see it now, it will present itself shortly.
Aquarius (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18) — You may be beginning a new tradition with family or a loved one at this time. So much energy is being released for the greater good. The opportunity to clear the air is being presented. Your communications skills are in top form as of recently, and you're making quite an impact with the powers that be. A tremendous amount of emotional growth will be apparent soon.
Pisces (Feb. 19 to March 20) — Expansion with your career and social life is evolving. Yes, it is safe to go back into the water. You are drawing to you positive elements with a "pay it forward" mentality. By week's end, there will be plenty to celebrate. An opportunity to shift careers is becoming very apparent.
For an extended astrological forecast or psychic consultation, contact Denise at (815) 398-3983.
From the Jan. 15-21, 2014, issue


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MEMPHIS, TN (AP) - Zach Randolph scored 20 points and the Memphis Grizzlies got 62 points from their bench in a 120-99 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night.
Six Grizzlies finished in double figures and Memphis shot 52 percent while sending the Nuggets to their sixth straight loss. Ed Davis led the reserves with 17 points, hitting 6 of 8 shots, while Jerryd Bayless finished with 15 points. Mike Conley and James Johnson scored 14 points apiece, and Mike Miller added 11, connecting on 3 of 5 outside the arc.
The 120 points were a season high for Memphis, and only two less than the most the Nuggets have allowed in a game this season.
Ty Lawson led Denver with 20 points and eight assists, while Wilson Chandler finished with 19 points.
(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)


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BESSEMER CLOUD COMPUTING LAW #4: Grow or Die
September 26, 2012
Related Companies:
Related Strategies:
Aaron Levie
CEO, Box
"At Box, we discovered that the market for cloud-based content management and collaboration was far larger than any of the analysts or existing players had recognized; because cloud solutions are instantly available to businesses of all sizes and all geographies, and new mobile devices and platforms enable every worker to bring technology into the workplace, opportunities today are 10x larger than traditional enterprise software startups. The corollary to this re-sizing, of course, is that you must grow rapidly for a sustained period to win in your market."
In technology, very few things remain constant. As a result, you either grow up to become a dominant company in your category, or get passed by and killed off by someone who does accomplish this goal. Not surprisingly, growth rate is often the biggest driver of valuation multiples in both private and public markets. Investors, employees, and partners aren't buying into your current company as much as they are investing into some future version of your business, and growth rate determines the size of the business, at that future period.
The power of compounding numbers is straightforward but still surprising, when you consider that a $1M business that grows 100% each year will be a $1B revenue business within 10 years, whereas the same business growing at 10% per year will reach less than $2.6M in revenue a decade later. Both growth rates may sound interesting against GDP growth, but in technology, that's the difference between life-changing wealth for a core management team and a wasted decade.
Al Lieb
CEO, ClearSlide
"Growth really is the lifeblood of any startup. If your product can drive increased revenues for your customers, it becomes highly viral. The "Land and Expand" sales model works well for us, because once a few sales reps start closing deals faster with ClearSlide, the rest of their team quickly follows."
As a senior executive of a cloud business, you will likely want investors to pay you a huge valuation based on current financial metrics, and you will need to convince prospective employees to walk away from rich cash compensation packages from others in exchange for the potential upside of options for your stock. How do you do this? Present a credible plan for capital efficient hyper-growth.
For a business growing 300+% a year – as many of our early investments often do – the discussions are much easier because time is an easy variable. Valuation gap? No problem, just wait a few months and the business will grow into it. Even if you make an investment and later believe you are off on "fair" valuation by 50%, all other things being equal, you will still grow through the gap in just over a quarter. Similarly for the entrepreneur, there is massive value in deploying capital and resources of an investor against the plan to get leverage from the investments earlier. If you can bring capital into the business earlier – even if it's at a lower valuation – and steepen the slope of the growth line to get the compounding effects of deploying the capital, then the dilution will quickly pay for itself over time.
Related to high level growth are many more detailed metrics that you'll want to understand including areas of acceleration and deceleration in the business and cohort performance over time. In technology, you're either getting bigger or you're getting smaller. Growth, and ways to efficiently accelerate the rate of growth, should always be top of mind for your entire team.
For a PDF of Bessemer's Top 10 Laws of Cloud Computing and SaaS please click here.


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Team Captain
TJ Turner/Sidecar
(page 1 of 3)
When Leslie Jablonski's son, Jack, suffered a spinal-cord injury in a hockey game in December 2011, the Jersey-born public-relations maven suddenly found herself in a situation where no amount of spin could sugarcoat the news. So she put on a brave face and applied herself fulltime to a new assignment: making sure her son—and her family—had the emotional, financial, and spiritual support to move forward.
On a recent afternoon, Leslie Lynch Jablonski paced the immaculate kitchen in her Minneapolis home, sighed, and repeated her request to the Duluth-based medical-supply firm. She had called three medical-supply companies so her injured son, Jack, could stay in Duluth with the Benilde-St. Margaret hockey team. Last season, he played varsity; this season, he helps coach.
Finally, after three hours of pressing menu buttons, holding, and reiterating her needs to a series of intractable team members, she gave up. Absently tugging the Tiffany heart toggled at her neck, she agreed to rent the equipment for the obligatory month (when all she needed was one day). She hung up and moved on.
The only constant in Leslie's days is such negotiation, most of which is just as frustrating. But they're managed in stride by this sleep-deprived, immaculately dressed, artfully accessorized woman.
Like many mothers, Leslie traditionally juggled her career with schedules and logistics for her family of four. But ever since Jack was checked into the boards and severed his spinal cord in a hockey game on December 30, 2011, she put her public-relations business on hold. The details are ever complicated. Mobility is always an issue.
The latest? Acclimating her younger son, Max, 14—who broke his leg in two places playing hockey in Hibbing this past December—and caring for her husband, Mike, who had hip-replacement surgery a week later. All of which prompted Jack to quip, via Facebook: "Mom, you're the only one in the family who can walk."
Leslie's friend, Ann Gooley, has helped with the family's housekeeping, snow shoveling, multiple moves, and temperamental Scottish terrier, Mr. Murphy. After 13 months, Gooley still is amazed by Leslie's grace as she bears the unbearable and manages the unmanageable. "For Leslie, each day presents a different obstacle and a new challenge that most of us can't even imagine," says Gooley. "How does she keep going? How does she get up each morning and tackle the day?"
"If Jack can do this, I can do this," explains his mother. "When I think of everything that's been taken from him—of how he's lost everything that meant the world to him and how brave and determined and upbeat he still is most days…. If I think about everything he goes through just to get up and get out of bed, it doesn't seem so hard for me."
Jack's life-altering injury has prompted support akin to a cult. At first, the outpouring of love was kid-driven; legions of classmates wearing scarlet Benilde-St. Margaret's jackets and "Jabby" paraphernalia followed him everywhere.
But soon, adults, too—from Benilde-St. Margaret, Carondelet Catholic School, and greater Minneapolis—embraced the cause. A year later, they continue to raise money, run errands, stay with Jack if Leslie must run out, tend the website (www.jabby13.com), drop off meals, sell out galas, and—until he broke his leg—ferry Max to hockey practice and games.
Hockey mom Lisa Collins says parents want to shoulder part of the load because the Jablonskis' situation is relatable. "Anyone who has a kid who plays hockey, or any sport, knows it could have happened to them," Collins says.
In year two as the state's most prominent human-interest story, the journey of Jack Jablonski—who has surpassed all medical predictions while studying prodigiously to keep up with his junior class—resonates far beyond Minnesota. He maxed out his Facebook friend limit at 5,000, has 51,000 Twitter followers, and there have been 2 million hits to his CaringBridge site, where his mother posts regular updates.
WCCO-TV reporter Esme Murphy, whose son plays hockey with Max, says the unprecedented outpouring of support is due to Jack's sterling attitude, solidarity in the State of Hockey, and his mother's considerable talents as a spokeswoman. Then, too, there's the telegenic factor.
"Jack is just so good-looking. Such an incredibly handsome kid—that megawatt smile, the twinkle in his eye," Murphy observes. "How can anyone not be rooting for this likable kid, especially when he's trying so hard?" Before the accident, the Jablonskis banked tremendous goodwill with all who know them, Murphy says. "And since the accident, they have worked tirelessly for two compelling causes: safety in hockey and spinal-cord-injury research. And Leslie is just a beautiful writer. Her CaringBridge updates receive thousands of hits."
Like her son, Leslie is charismatic. Murphy remembers her package for WCCO's New Year's Day 2012 newscast, 72 hours after Jack had been paralyzed. A composed Leslie addressed the camera full-on and said she had a message for the 17-year-old junior who had checked her son from behind just after Jack scored the game's first goal.
"I forgive you," she said.
Says Murphy: "They have exhibited such incredible grace and compassion for the kid who hit Jack. Not only did they forgive him—and immediately—they have gone out of their way, all along, to express their concern for his well-being."
Hockey mom Suzanne Tema says Jack's injury hasn't altered Leslie's concern for others. "It isn't ironic that Leslie was born on Valentine's Day. She pretty much radiates good-heartedness....toward everyone and everything. She even has a name for every squirrel in the neighborhood and feeds them daily. "We call her St. Francis," Tema says. Jack agrees. "My mom is a saint. She does so much for me and for everyone else. I don't know how she does it. Her positive attitude keeps me going."


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1. Read books - I had not the time or energy to focus on one of my favorite hobbies last year, this year I really want to make an effort to lose myself in a good book from time to time
2. Learn how to take beautiful pictures
3. Grow a beautiful and abundant garden
4. Learn calligraphy - This is something I have always been interested in, when we lived in New York I was going to take classes, there aren't any offered here in Florida so I will have to teach myself
5. Bake and cook
6. Use my Polaroid camera - I have collected three now from Goodwill, I have yet to buy any film to test them out but am so eager to start shooting with them
7. Decorate our home and make it a lovely, cozy, warm, reflection of us and our personalities.
8. Make my blogs beautiful and inspiring places to visit
9. Improve my writing, find my voice, make my blogs a reflection of that
10. Find more time for my hobbies and interests - Sometimes I lose focus and forget to have fun with crafting and other hobbies, this is something I want to focus on this year
11. Explore more crafting projects
12. Take up knitting again, take another class to brush up on my skills
13. Sew more often, try to make a piece of clothing
14. Take a flower arranging class
15. Throw beautiful parties, entertain with friends more often, be like Martha :)
16. Create a studio where I can make and create and be inspired
17. Get through our home renovations without filing for divorce or going gray!
18. Become conversational in German - I am visiting Germany in December, I really would like to speak fluently with my new in-laws!
19. Practice yoga, play tennis, stay active
I am sure this list will continue to grow as we move through the year. I really want this year to be about me and Mike and enjoying our life, and the home we are creating, our friends and family, and all the little things that we might usually take for granted. This past year, as difficult as it was, has really made me appreciate all the things we have, nothing is inconsequential anymore. I am thankful for everything. My life is good.


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Something lies under a big mountain down to Butler County, Pennsylvania. What lies there is a treasure. It sounds just like the old times when people were desperately searching for gold and other resources, I know! We're not dealing with gold here though; nor oil. What is stored in Pennsylvania is data, information. Inside an old limestone mine where people used to extract wealth a century ago lies a huge collection of archives. It is stored and preserved by Iron Mountain, the leading company on records management.
Information is Sensitive
The world is driven by information; this is no secret. As a matter of fact, all knowledge derives from information. The one that holds it is rich by default, most of the times at least! Inside the old limestone of Pennsylvania are stored plenty of sensitive data. Government agencies and banks keep their confidential data there; documents from security clearance proceedings are also carefully kept there. And no one wants these documents in the wrong hands, right!? All these explain the maximum security on the site. Whomever journalist has ever visited the site agreed on this: this old limestone mine is one of the most well protected places in the whole U.S. The US government has classified Iron Mountain's facility only one level below Pentagon. In fact, one journalist even went on to say that it's easier to enter the White House than inside Iron Mountain's storage facility!
Apart from confidential documents that trigger the imagination classified as they are, there are plenty of other documents kept there and I mean significant ones, in a whole different way though. What better example one can bring other than one of the world's largest photographic archives?
The Corbis Bettmann Photographic Archive
It was in the 90s when Bill Gates, the owner of the vast Corbin's Bettmann photographic collection, decided to move his collection to Iron Mountain's site. And we are talking about an enormous database of photos; it is a collection of twenty million images! Some criticized Gate's move; they thought that with the collection stored there the public would have lost easy access to a unique cultural treasure. On the other hand, that doesn't mean that a vast collection such as this one could have been preserved and exhibited in a room or two! Not to mention the fact that with the collection stored at Iron Mountain's facility we can be sure of one thing at least: these photos are going to live forever!
Iron Mountain knows from data protection; over 2.000 companies worldwide trust their services. It is said that the collection of Corbin Bettmann photos can survive for up to five thousand years. I repeat: five thousand years! Experts on preservation of digital color photographs worked for what it seems to be a colossal achievement. The secret after all was to store the collection at four degrees below zero Fahrenheit. It makes you wonder; if only this world of ours could preserve all of its cultural treasures just like that! Just think of it; we would have been so much richer culturally speaking. All of those fires that burned valuable files in so many libraries and all of the looting that took place in the past during wars and periods of turmoil… all these devastations could now be history! Did I mention that the site is also protected from earthquakes!?
Photos that Reveal Modern History
So now it's about time to talk about the photos of the collection. Let me ask you one question: have you ever seen a photo of a guy with messy white hair sticking his tongue out? Yes, I'm talking about Albert Einstein's most famous photo… well, it's there! Do you remember how sweetly Marilyn Monroe sung to JFK's birthday? That photo is also kept there. Iconic photos like these ones are one part of the story though.
A journalist of Esquire wrote recently a piece about the splendid Corbis collection (a well written and researched article that inspired this post) in his quest to discover photos that have never been published before. Of course, as he admitted himself, you can't expect to do miracles giving the fact of the size of the collection. Among the photos he discovered though, photos that he praised as his personal favorites, was one of the Air Force One with the President's face on the window and Muhammad Ali demonstrating his skills on driving a bus. More icons of the 20th century in iconic photos are yet to be discovered and I hope many journalists will do the same trip!


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In a devastating ruling for gay rights supporters, India's Supreme Court on Wednesday, December, 11, 2013, overturned an earlier 2009 Delhi High Court ruling which had struck down India's existing anti-sodomy law.
That earlier ruling had effectively decriminalized "homosexual acts" (i.e., gay sex of any kind). The new ruling recriminalizes homosexuality in a country of one billion people.
In the Supreme Court Division Bench ruling, the court said it was up to the legislature to change the law, and not for the courts to overturn it. Civil rights groups blasted this rationale, because they feel — as do many others — that it's up to the courts to serve as guarantors for people's rights, and not an Indian legislature that is often as paralyzed as America's Congress.
In short, after four years of it being legal to be gay, lesbian, or bisexual in India, their Supreme Court re-criminalized it. And the world's largest democracy (by population) re-joins 76 other nations in legalized repression of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.
Known as the infamous "Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code," this law was passed during the British colonial era and was enacted in 1860 during the early part of the 'British Raj' period. (In fact, Britain inflicted this awfulness upon most of its Commonwealth colonial empire around this time, and used its law from India as the model.)
Section 377 reads as follows:
377. Unnatural offences: Whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Explanation: Penetration is sufficient to constitute the carnal intercourse necessary to the offense described in this section.
The sentence for this vaguely worded "crime"? Up to 10 years in prison, although judges can make that life in prison if they want. (By the way, Britain repealed the law for themselves in 1967.)
In their ruling, the two Justices said that the 2009 High Court decision relied too heavily on gay rights decisions in non-Indian jurisdictions, and claimed that petitions to demonstrate unwarranted discrimination against LGBT people were "laconic" (that is, they didn't establish particulars of incidents):
"The writ petition filed by respondent no.1 (NGO) was singularly laconic inasmuch as except giving brief detail of the work being done by it for HIV prevention targeting MSM (men who have sex with men) community, it miserably failed to furnish the particulars of the incidents of discriminatory attitude exhibited by the State agencies towards sexual minorities and consequential denial of basic human rights to them," the judges said.
It also said that the details of state-wise break up of estimated high risk MSM, total adult population, adult HIV prevalence and number of HIV infections as in 2009 which has been given are "wholly insufficient for recording a finding that homosexuals, gays, etc., are being subjected to discriminatory treatment either by State or its agencies or the society".
Blithe irony of 'tradition'…
Here's an irony-challenged remark, which I initially thought was satire:
"The Supreme Court has upheld the century-old traditions of India, the court is not suppressing any citizen, instead it is understanding the beliefs and values of the large majority of the country," Zafaryab Jilani, member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, told BBC Hindi.
First, India proudly boasts a culture going back thousands of years. Something that's only been around for a mere 152 years can hardly be called a 'tradition.'
Second, and more importantly, India had no anti-sodomy law until 1860, when the British imposed this 'tradition' upon them. So bully for India, restaking its claim to British colonial tradition and the notion of civil rights circa 1860, during the reign of Queen Victoria, Empress of India.
Can you smell the freedom?
An unjust anti-gay law once was overturned…
In 2009, the Delhi High Court struck down the British Raj-era law, saying that it "violated the fundamental right of life and liberty and the right to equality as guaranteed in the (Indian) Constitution."
A Division Bench of Justice A.P. Shah and Justice S. Muralidhar in its 105-page order said: "We declare that Section 377 of the IPC, insofar as it criminalises consensual sexual acts of adults in private, is violative of Articles 21 (Right to Protection of Life and Personal Liberty), 14 (Right to Equality before Law) and 15 (Prohibition of Discrimination on Grounds of Religion, Race, Caste, Sex or Place of birth) of the Constitution.
"We hold that sexual orientation is a ground analogous to sex, and that discrimination on sexual orientation is not permitted under Article 15," the judgment said.
…and immediately challenged by anti-gay forces
As in America, France, and everywhere gay rights have seen advances, the forces of anti-gay bigotry — almost always religiously motivated — immediately challenged our victory in India.
Initially, Indian Attorney General G. E. Vahanvati expressed opposition to the High Court ruling to overturn Section 377, but later declined to file an appeal. As a result, it was primarily Christian and Muslim groups who advocated the Supreme Court review. (Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs may tend to be a little more open minded on this issue, but not totally, and there's a twist, which I'll get to in a moment.)
In a move that originally gave optimism to pro-gay right supporters, the Indian Supreme Court declined to issue a stay on the lower court's ruling — which meant that for four years, it was legal to be 'out' as a gay person. No closet, and people were beginning to have relationships openly.
Moreover, police harassment of gay men especially was curtailed considerably, although by no means did it end entirely.
American anti-gay conservatives are, of course, happy with the new ruling
America's religious right praised India's decision to make tens of millions of its citizens subhuman, and hope the same might happen in America, under a Republican president of course.
The Human Rights Campaign reports:
Frustrated with mounting losses at home, American conservatives also have rushed to praise the criminalization of same-sex relationships overseas, with American Family Radio host Bryan Fischer saying "What India's Supreme court has done is entirely right" and "We need a Supreme Court which will do the same."
India's gay culture is unique
It bears mentioning that India's approach to 'gay identity' is far different than what we're used to here in the West. Indeed, for a very long time, the word itself, "gay" or even "homosexual," meant almost nothing in Indian culture.
For India, family is everything. In some families and parts of the country, arranged marriages are still the norm — although many of the younger generation are chafing at this. (Indian conservatives blame Bollywood, naturally.) Back in 2008-ish, when my wife and I were living in southern India, we were regaled once during a long taxi ride by a friendly but opinionated driver who insisted that the only sensible, lasting marriage was an arranged one.
As he put it:
"You marry for passion, what do you have when the passion is gone? Pfft! Nothing! You marry as your family wishes, and as your bride's family wishes, you have two families standing behind that marriage. The love that comes only with time is far better than temporary passion!"
This family-first norm has led to a curious situation for gay people in India, even those who dare to marry "for love." as it were. A gay man or lesbian woman in India will marry as their families expect them to — and then have same-sex lovers on the side. The men especially. In fact, if you were to walk into any random gay nightclub in, say, Delhi or Bangalore or Mumbai, a significant number of the men there will actually be married, some with kids.
The Wall Street Journal has a touching testimonial from a gay man in India.
India's Supreme Court is also unique
India's Supreme Court is a curious institution.
Originally numbering eight judges in all (one leading as Chief Justice), the Indian Parliament has gradually added judges to the bench of the decades since 1950 (Indian independence). Eleven in 1956, 14 in 1960, 18 in 1978, 26 in 1986, and finally 30 in 2008.
Normally, in dealing with cases, they sit in smaller Benches of two or three justices, called Division Benches. More serious cases might be heard by the larger Constitutional Bench, consisting of five justices or more.
In this case, the challenge against the 2009 Delhi High Court, was heard by a Division Bench of just two justices — Justice G.S. Singhvi and Justice S.J. Mukhopadhayay. (Side note: This was Justice Singhvi's last ruling. He's retiring, effective immediately. I can't decide whether to snarl, "Coward!" or "Good riddance!")
The fact this was just a Division Bench ruling — and given the nature of the case — an appeal to a higher bench is just about guaranteed.
LGBT citizens in India and gay rights supporters take to the streets
Meanwhile, LGBT people in India and supporters of gay rights did not just accept Wednesday's Supreme Court decision. There were large protests in all the major cities after the ruling.
Because the Court had refrained from imposing a stay on the original High Court order, LGBT groups and supporters were shocked by Wednesday's shock decision. In fact, according to the Times of India:
It was supposed to be a day of celebration, with screens and even balloons put up at offices of various LGBT groups in anticipation of a verdict that would help uphold gay rights. But the SC ruling re-criminalising homosexuality came as a shocker instead. It caused disbelief and deep disappointment across the country and sparked protests in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Lucknow and Chandigarh.
Or as the India Times (different media outlet) puts it, in the article titled "Gay Sex is Illegal: Supreme Court's Dogmatic Verdict":
Which century are we living in? 21st you say! But it seems the Supreme Court of India doesn't agree with this logical fact. What else can explain the dogmatic and regressive verdict of the SC today in which they have upheld section 377 of the Indian Penal code that says that sexual relationship against the order of the nature is an offence. They also ruled that the courts should not intervene and that it was up to parliament to legislate on the issue. Wow, another wonderful responsibility on the able shoulders of our educated, socially sensitive and logical MPs-deciding how India's citizen should lead their private lives!
Solicitor General Indira Jaising was more blunt, referring to the court's position as a "medieval mindset." From the India Times:
She questioned the "double standards" of the apex court in dealing with human rights issues after it quashed a 2009 Delhi high court verdict and made gay sex illegal and a punishable offence again under Section 377 IPC.
She raised question as to why the court put the ball in the court of legislature to decide on the issue when so many other matters and policies are being reviewed by it.
"Historical opportunity to expand constitutional values has been lost," Jaising said, adding, "It is surprising that the court, which does judicial review on many issues, has put the ball in the court of Parliament to decide on homosexuality."
"What surprises me is the double standards here. When it is a question of human rights, why send it to the Parliament when the Supreme Court is itself the observer of the human rights," she commented after the verdict.
What happens now?
For the moment, it's protests and expressions of outrage for the LGBT community and its supporters — both in India and throughout the world.
Hopefully, in the coming days and weeks, the rest of the gay-supporting world will hear about this terrible ruling and add our voices to the outrage of this attempt to shove gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people back into the closet, upon pain of arrest.
It's also appalling that just two Supreme Court Justices (out of 30) heard the case — one of whom isn't even going to stick around to defend his decision, but rather is retiring.
In the meantime, as with LGBT Russians — and the soon-to-be-endangered foreign visitors to Sochi, Russia next year — we can stand with our brothers and sisters in India, and refuse to be silenced, refuse to be shoved back into the closet.
The silence has already been broken online, the reaction to India's colonial ruling was swift and harsh:
Regarding a few of the tweets above, John has written before about India officialdom's disinterest in prosecuting rapes against women, and the more general culture of sexism and misogyny in the country, which includes female infanticide, where young baby girls are murdered because it's "better" to have a boy.
It's interesting that the powers that be in India, including the typical "family values" crowd, are so pro-active when it comes to banning sex between consenting adults, yet they're downright averse to dealing with the country's real problems.


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Do we need a new definition for Alzheimer's disease?
A high-profile US research panel has proposed a new way of defining Alzheimer's disease that depends on biological markers, rather than a symptom-based clinical diagnosis.
The researchers from the National Institute of Aging and the Alzheimer's Association say their proposed new definition would for the moment be used only for research purposes, to ensure that the right people are tested in Alzheimer's trials. But some specialists fear that once the biological marker genie is out of the bottle, it will be very hard to put it back in.
A biological definition of Alzheimer's has only recently become possible thanks to new technologies that allow measurement and imaging of what is considered the key pathology of the disease – the abnormal buildup in the brain of two proteins. Clumps of amyloid-beta are thought to disrupt communications between neurons and lead to their death, while tau protein causes neurofibrillary tangles in the brain which also disrupt communications.
In the past few years, PET scans and cerebrospinal fluid taps have been developed to detect these protein buildups, allowing for a clearer picture of what is happening inside the brain of someone sliding into dementia. The new paper, published in the journal Alzheimer's and Dementia, bases its definition on what the researchers call an amyloid-tau-neurodegeneration (ATN) classification system, whereby if someone has biomarker evidence of both amyloid and tau, they will be diagnosed as having Alzheimer's disease. A person with amyloid deposition but no tau pathology would be considered to have "Alzheimer's pathologic change". These two classifications would be situated on an Alzheimer's continuum of varying severity, independent of outside symptoms. Clinical symptoms and evidence of neurodegeneration – brain shrinkage on imaging for example – could contribute to determining disease severity, but not to the presence of the disease itself.
The researchers say the need for a biological definition of Alzheimer's is partly to do with the way dementia and Alzheimer's have become conflated. Around 30% of people currently diagnosed with Alzheimer's don't seem to have amyloid plaques or tau tangles, which means they would not be suitable for the extremely expensive trials targeting those pathologies.
But some experts point to problems with this biological definition of Alzheimer's. One is that just as not all people with dementia have amyloid plaques and tau tangles, not everyone with amyloid and tau buildup has clinical symptoms of dementia. Over recent years, there has in fact been some pushback against what is known as the "amyloid hypothesis" of Alzheimer's, which posits that these amyloid clumps are the drivers of the disease. A key reason for the pushback is that in numerous trials over the past two decades, drugs targeting amyloid in the brain have comprehensively failed at the phase 3 level. Amyloid naysayers suggest that amyloid buildup may be more of a consequence than a cause of Alzheimer's, and that the key problem may be further upstream. One proposal is that Alzheimer's may be linked to inflammation in the brain, and that the amyloid buildup may in fact be a response to this inflammation.
But there are other issues as well. If Alzheimer's disease gets redefined for research purposes, a redefinition for clinical purposes can't be far behind. Once people know that there are tests for Alzheimer's biomarkers, they are likely to ask for them. At the moment, the costs for these tests are prohibitive and are not reimbursable. But if costs were to come down, as they likely will eventually, the upshot may be a dramatic increase in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, since Alzheimer's pathology can appear years and perhaps decades before clinical symptoms. With no disease-modifying treatment for Alzheimer's disease currently available and no evidence that early intervention is beneficial, it may seem futile to expand diagnosis beyond those for whom there are clear clinical symptoms that need to be dealt with.
And there's the fundamental problem that we simply don't know enough about what these biomarkers signify, in terms of clinical development of the disease.
"You have a 72-year-old woman who is cognitively normal but has a positive amyloid PET scan. What does that mean? What do we tell her?" asks Dr Ron Peterson, a Mayo Clinic Alzheimer's expert, in an interview with the publication MedPage Today.
"Right now, according to this new definition, you're going to say, 'Well, you're on the Alzheimer's continuum. You have Alzheimer's pathology changes. What does that mean? The bottom line is, we don't know."
You can read the full paper here.