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As Oak Bluffs lurches into its third year of budget fireworks, the relationship between the board of selectmen and its finance and advisory committee appears increasingly strained and confrontational, according to conversations with several members of both bodies, and debate at several recent public meetings.
The selectmen and the finance and advisory committee, known as the fincom, met jointly three times over the past month. At other times several selectmen have participated informally in fincom meetings. These meetings have yielded relatively little agreement on how to address the dual dilemmas of a revenue shortfall in the current budget year, and large gap between revenue projections and budget requests for the coming fiscal year, which begins July 1. According to town administrator Michael Dutton, decisions on the fiscal year 2012 budget must be substantially complete by March 8, in order to be ready for the annual town meeting in April.
How it works
The board of selectmen acts as the chief executive for the town, roughly equating to the executive branch of government, with the town meeting representing the legislative branch of government.
The five selectmen have fiduciary responsibility, meaning they are legally and ethically bound to act in the best interest of taxpayers. They are responsible for the final decisions on the entire operating budget, this year totaling $24.6 million. They submit a spending plan to town meeting with detailed line items for each department.
Voters can eliminate spending, add spending, or amend the budget with nearly unlimited authority. The board of selectmen meets in open session on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month.
The town administrator and his finance staff do much of the detail work, estimating how much revenue the town will receive, how much each department will need to operate, and how that can be accomplished within the restraints of the tax-limiting law Proposition 2.5. The town administrator works at the will and direction of selectmen, but is also heavily involved in the work of the fincom.
The fincom's role is mostly advisory. The nine-member committee establishes budget guidelines and procedures, monitors progress, and recommends an annual budget to selectmen. Using the members' expertise in various sectors of government and private finance, the committee acts as a watchdog on town spending.
The fincom's only direct authority in money matters is control of the town's financial reserve fund, which can be allocated for emergency spending by vote of the committee. The fincom meets in open session on the first and third Thursday of each month, and more often during budget deliberations.
How it doesn't work
Over the past year, friction between the selectmen and the fincom has spilled into public dissension. That dissension is increasingly evident in recent months as the two bodies wrestle with difficult budget decisions that affect town employees and taxpayers.
"It's supposed to work with the finance committee giving us suggestions of how to deal with the budget," selectmen chairman Duncan Ross said following a joint meeting with the fincom on February 15. "It's not working in the sense that they have come in, in the past, with arbitrary numbers, cut this amount out of that, cut this amount out of that, and not really looking at those departments and going and talking to them and finding out what they can and cannot do."
As an example, he cited fincom chairman Bill McGrath's recent suggestion to eliminate travel costs for town employees until the end of the current fiscal year, as a way to close a substantial revenue gap.
"To suggest that you just stop all travel, is…" Mr. Ross said, stopping for a long pause in order to choose his words carefully, "not realistic.
"When I was on the finance committee a million years ago, each department had a representative on the finance committee that would go and sit with them and talk to them and completely understand their budget and come back and share it with the entire finance committee. I don't believe they're still doing that. I think if they were to go back to that practice it would be beneficial."
Big picture, little progress
The fincom sees its role as advisors on broad direction for spending decisions, not the nitty-gritty details of each department's operating budget. Mr. McGrath feels the fincom's direction is often ignored by selectmen, and the result is that budgets increase each year.
"The numbers don't change," Mr. McGrath said. "We're not making any progress."
He is harshly critical of selectmen, terming one joint meeting where few decisions were made "a complete and utter waste of time."
The town's accounting and budget process was complicated this year by the untimely death of Paul Manzi, 50, who held the dual roles of finance director and treasurer for the town of Oak Bluffs. Mr. Manzi died on October 26, 2010. His battle with cancer took him away from his duties overseeing town finances for long periods of time beginning in August. It was a critical time. Oak Bluffs missed important deadlines for closing the books on fiscal year 2010, and setting a tax rate for the current year.
"It's indicative to me that the town administrator is not doing the job we're paying him to do," Mr. McGrath said.
The town hired municipal finance professional Paul Watson from Billerica to help with finance work.
The town has since contracted with a private accounting firm, Sullivan, Rogers, and Company, to perform accounting duties and advise on procedures. Mr. Dutton has also solicited help and advice from other Island towns.
Mr. McGrath believes operating without a finance director is part of the reason for the town's current financial dilemma.
"There was no sense of urgency," Mr. McGrath said. "We hired outside help from Billerica, to close the 2010 year. It still hasn't closed. That's ludicrous. We hired this guy, we paid him, and where are we?
"The town administrator and the finance team that is paid to do the job, I think they lost the handle. They lost sight of what was going on. Expenses and revenue and all the other pieces that go together weren't being watched."
Selectmen do not share Mr. McGrath's views.
Mr. Dutton enjoys strong support from the board. Selectmen have staunchly defended his performance against public criticism. His annual reviews for the past two years rate his performance highly.
The town administrator serves at the will of selectmen, and takes his direction from them. If at any point the board loses confidence in his job performance, a majority vote would end his employment.
"He's always offering members of the board, members of the finance committee, options," selectman Ron DiOrio said. "It is not his role to tell them what to do, it's to present options.
"I think Michael is doing an outstanding job. I think he works very hard. We're lucky to have him, especially during tough times. Michael has a great calming effect on everyone, and I think that's what's needed."
Steve Auerbach, vice chairman of the fincom, is a relative newcomer to the committee. He says delving into town finance was surprising.
"I feel a little bit, it seems we're kind of powerless," Mr. Auerbach said. "We have known for quite some time the town was in budget difficulty, but there are so many different points of power. Every department has its department head and employees, but they all have supporters and advocates who proclaim the necessity, the essential nature, of that department."
Conflict questions
In a small town, where only a few residents actively participate in town government, it is difficult to elect a board that does not have a special interest in town finance.
At a February 17 meeting of the fincom, attended by several selectmen, members of the board advocated vociferously for budget recommendations that directly affect them or their family.
Fincom member Hans von Steiger, whose wife is one of three paid town staffers at the council on aging, spoke against a proposal to cut $60,000 from that department, as he has at several public meetings. Last Thursday, he contrasted the council on aging budget to the money the school department spends on music programs, though he said he favored funding both. "To take away something for the seniors, and give it all to the children," he said, "you're taking away something."
Committee member Mac Stark, who is employed as the town custodian by the highway department, questioned whether the director of the council on aging should cut his work week in half. Mr. Stark's hours could be cut under a proposal to slash highway department spending in the coming fiscal year.
"Why not let the director take a 20-hour hit," Mr. Stark said. "We balance the budget on the backs of the people on the ground. I took a 20-hour hit."
The participation of Mr. Stark and Mr. von Steiger in debate over money issues that directly affect them, did not sit well with some other town officials.
Mr. McGrath, in a telephone conversation with The Times on Monday, acknowledged the conflict.
"Hans it turns out should have recused himself from that vote," Mr. McGrath said. He questioned whether Mr. von Steiger should have participated in the discussion. "I tend to think he should be out of the room."
The motion to cut spending in the council on aging budget was defeated 4 to 3.
Mr. McGrath, who is a teacher at the Martha's Vineyard Regional High School, abstained from voting on a recommendation for school spending, and says he limits his participation in school budget discussions.
"In previous meetings, the differences between the school and the fincom have been much more significant," Mr. McGrath said. "There have been a couple of times when I've got up and gone out."
The state's conflict of interest law says any town official who participates in a matter in which "he, his immediate family or partner … has a financial interest," is subject to a fine, imprisonment, or both.


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Sneak Into The Retro Gaming Scene With The First World Of 1-bit Ninja
March 27, 2012
The iOS platform is certainly not lacking in all sorts of content that excellently showcase what it has to offer as far as gameplay is concerned. Whether you're looking for games as simple as Canabalt and Tiny Wings or as complex as the two Infinity Blade titles, you're bound to find something that matches your need as you browse the Games category in the App Store. And if you're more inclined to play something from the simple sort, you simply can't go wrong with 1-bit Ninja. The iPhone platformer, 1-bit Ninja, is done in a style inspired by the video games of the past. Like Canabalt and a lot of other games in the App Store today, 1-bit Ninja sports a retro look. Hence, its name mentions the 1-bit architecture used in computer applications of old. Even the game mechanics of 1-bit Ninja is patterned after that most famous of all classic video game franchises, Super Mario. Like Mario, the pint-sized ninja character in 1-bit runs and jumps forward, collecting coins and stomping on enemies as he goes along. The game also features a catchy chip soundtrack. While it's influenced by the old, 1-bit Ninja does feature something quite new. With the necessary gesture, the game lets you switch from a plain 2-D view to a 3-D camera angle view, revealing some secret elements of the game you wouldn't otherwise learn about. Having a total of 25 levels divided evenly into five worlds, 1-bit Ninja is available in the App Store for $1.99. However, if you're still on the fence about purchasing it, you can try it first for free by downloading the newly released lite version, which has just the first game world. But since 1-bit Ninja is one of the more superb games in the iOS platform, chances are you'll be getting the full version, with its additional four worlds, soon enough.
Mentioned apps
1-bit Ninja
kode80 LLC
1-bit Ninja Lite
kode80 LLC
Semi Secret Software, LLC
Tiny Wings
Andreas Illiger
Infinity Blade II
Chair Entertainment Group, LLC
Infinity Blade
Chair Entertainment Group, LLC

subset: commoncrawl


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Al-Hadith Baihaqi
It is narrated by Abu Dharr Ghiffari (ra) that one day he came before the august presence of the Apostle of Allah. After it (either Abu Dharr himself or the subsequent narrator who has narrated it on his authority) relates a long Tradition (which is not included here). During the conversation that followed, Abu Dharr Ghifari addressed the Holy Prophet (saws), "O Apostle of God! Give me some advice." The Holy Prophet (saws) replied, "I exhort you to the piety of the Lord for it will embellish your deeds." Abu Dharr relates that he, then, said, "Give me some more advice." The Prophet replied, "I exhort you to make Tilawat and Zikr compulsory for yourself for Tilawat and Zikr will be the cause of your name being mentioned in the assembly of the angels and there will be light for you on the earth." Abu Dharr relates that he, again, said, "O Messenger of Allah! Give me some more advice." The Prophet said, "Cultivate the habit of keeping silence much and talking little for it possesses the quality of repelling Satan and helping you in the domain of Faith." Abu Dharr (ra) relates that he, further, said, "Give me some more advice." The Prophet said, "Do not laugh much for it kills the heart and deprives one's face of radiance." Abu Dharr (ra) relates that, once again, he said, "O Prophet of Allah! Please give me some more advice." The Prophet (saws) observed, "Speak always the truth though it may be bitter (for the people)." Abu Dharr (ra) relates that he, again, said, "Give me some more advice." The Prophet said, "Care not for the reproach of him who reproaches in the Path of God." Abu Dharr relates that he, again, said, "Give me some more advice." The Prophet said, "What you know about yourself and your innermost self should be enough to prevent you from seeking out the faults of others." (Baihaqi)
|Magazine Reference
|April, 2011
In this Tradition, it is noticed that the Prophet (saws) has, first of all, advised Abu Dharr to observe piety and said that it will purify his actions and make them beautiful. Indeed, if a man were to make the fear of God the guiding principle of his life, his entire existence would become one of loyalty and submission to Allah (swt), and both his exterior and interior existence, would be enriched and will get adorned with beauty. The Prophet (saws), then, urged him to recite the Qur'an as much as possible, and celebrate the praises of the Lord much for his name will, thereby, be mentioned in the Celestial world of the Angels. As another saying of the Prophet (saws) has it: "When the bondsman remembers Allah in this world, Godspeaks about him in the company of the Angels."
In the Qur'an too, it is stated:"Therefore remember Me, I willremember you." (2:152), Another blessing of Tilawat (recitation of the Holy Qur'an) and Zikr (the remembrance of Allah), the Holy Prophet (saws) has stressed here is; that they impart a radiant light by Allah (swt) on this very earth, especially to those who keep themselves preoccupied with these tasks. The luster produced by Tilawat and Zikr, is of course, an inner condition but its effects are also felt in a person's outward appearance.
The Prophet (saws) in his advice has, further, told Hazrat Abu Dharr to remain silent most of the time for it is very effective in keeping the Devil away, and is also beneficial in many other ways to Faith. It is clear that Shaytan does the greatest harm to one's moral and spiritual development through the tongue. Falsehood, backbiting, slander, abusiveness and tale bearing are the most common of all sins. A Tradition of the Prophet Muhammad (saws) says that,"More than any thing else, the indiscretions of the tongue will cause one to be plunged head long into Hell." The bondsman who develops the habit of talking little will, thus, be more successful in guarding his Faith against the intrusions of the Devil.
It should, however, be remembered that what the above Tradition means is that a person should not engage in vain and unnecessary talk, which has no utility herein this world nor in the Hereafter, and not that he kept silence just for the sake of acting out on the command of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saws) in this Tradition, and refrain himself even from saying things that were good and useful to others.
The Prophet (saws) has, also, warned against laughing excessively as it benumbs the heart and makes the face lusterless. The benumbing of the heart denotes that it becomes neglectful and insensitive; and a sort of gloom settles over it, an apparent effect of which is that the radiance which is, generally, noticed in the devout bondsmen of the Allah, with an awakened soul and an illumined heart, departs from his face.
The last exhortation to Hazrat Abu Dharr (ra) is that the anxiety resulting from the awareness of his own faults and transgressions ought to be so overwhelming that it would give him no time to look into or talk about the sin sand weaknesses of others. Anyone who keeps a watch on his own failings and moral and mental processes will always be ready to overlook the defects and shortcomings in other people. He will consider himself to be the worst of sinners. Those who never care to look into themselves, and periodically carry out introspection into all their actions, generally, notice the faults and failings of others.


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Inspired by the Paul Thomas Anderson film The Master, I've decided to part with a family heirloom I've had stashed away in the back of the kitchen pantry for decades-a painting by an unknown artist of The Pancake Master. The painting is accompanied by a copy of the classic self-help tombe The Pancake Master, and is personally inscribed by The Pancake Master himself. The inscription reads 'Be The Pancake' and is made out to someone named 'Freddie.'
The portrait is a very handsomely sized 24 by 30 inch stretched canvas. It seems to be painted in acrylic.
A copy of the thrift store classic we are all so familiar with...Yes YOU! THE PANCAKE MASTER. The Secret Science of Controlling One's Own Breakfast.
The book itself is in excellent shape. The cover seems to be custom printed on a durable sheet of canvas. The back cover sports a photo of the painting!
How these items fell into my hands I cannot say.
This large canvas painting of The Master is stapled in the back and painted black around the edge, so it may be displayed effectively as-is, although I would think it would benefit tremendously from a frame which communicated boardroom and hungry.
The Pancake Master Portrait Painting - Ebay


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With Apple remaining secretive regarding the design and features of its upcoming iPhone 6, rumors about the new eagerly anticipated cool cell device are beginning to come together to offer a clearer picture. All those studying Apple's big release are in agreement that the new iPhone will be larger. Several other interesting details have emerged.
Release Date/Size – Commentators have reached a consensus that two sizes of the iPhone 6 will be offered. The first, most likely available for purchase in September, will be 4.7 inches in length. A second version is anticipated to be 5.5 inches. The larger iPhone could also hit the stores in September, but some speculate that the release date could be sometime in the first quarter of 2015.
All those studying the new iPhone possibilities agree on the larger sizes. The "phablet" size between a typical phone and a tablet is the current direction of the market. Overall tablet sales dropped, albeit slightly, from 59 million units shipped worldwide in the first quarter of 2013 to 56 million in the first quarter of 2014. Further, phablet sales comprise 39 percent of the cell market in China and 43 percent in the rest of Asia and the Pacific Rim. Apple will likely try to capitalize on the current direction of the market when sizing its new offering.
Design – Most observers expect the new Apple offering to be more rounded at the corners and slimmer. The expected thickness of the new iPhone is a mere 7.1 millimeters. A majority of commentators also predict the device will have a full metal body.
Display – The largest disparity in predicting the features of the iPhone 6 relates to the display. Some foresee a curved display design and others predict the typical flat display. Commentators are unanimous that the new Apple offering will have higher resolution, although probably not ahead of some competitors. The 4.7 inch version will likely have 326 pixels per inch (ppi) and the larger 5.5 inch something more like 401 ppi. In contrast, the LG G3 model sports 538 ppi.
Given that Apple will probably improve the screen resolution but no exceed its competitors, the screen will likely have other features to attract buyers. One predicted feature on the iPhone 6 is the use of haptic technology which provides vibrations for each touchscreen area. The haptic technology could improve the product for gaming purposes.
Screen Protection – Most believe that the new phone will offer a sapphire crystal screen to prevent scratches on the display area. Samsung and LG previously gave a thumbs down to the sapphire crystal based on costs. An MIT study showed that using a sapphire crystal screen cost $30 per unit instead of the usual $3 per phone with a typical Corning Gorilla Glass screen. In all likelihood, Apple has engineered a way to produce the sapphire crystal screens for less in order to offer them on the iPhone 6.
iOS 8 – The operating system was previously rolled out in the WWDC. The main upgrade on the new system is health and fitness tracking through the HealthKit application. This application was developed in conjunction with the Mayo Clinic and will allow daily monitoring of heart rate and blood pressure.
Near Field Communication – This type of technology, otherwise known as NFC, allows devices to communicate with each other by putting them within close proximity, such as an inch or so. NFC could be used for payment purposes instead of a credit card or debit card. Although a possibility, adding NFC capabilities appears unlikely until retailers offer compatible technology.
Fingerprint Identification – the TouchID sensor is certainly a strong possibility for the iPhone 6. Adding fingerprint technology would fit well with the haptic technology on the phone. Given the haptic technology is a strong likelihood, the product will likely provide user fingerprint sensing as well.
Optical Image Stabilization – Most observers expect the newest Apple offering to provide optical image stabilization (OIS) to take into account phone movement when snapping photos. The anticipated thin design of the phone makes this feature difficult to offer, but most expect OIS enhancement as part of the new offering.
Many iPhone enthusiasts are anxiously awaiting the next version of their favorite device from Apple. The company has done its best to keep its design and features a secret, but enough leaks have occurred that observers are able to allow a consensus to come together regarding aspects of the cool new product. Hopefully, everyone will find out exactly what the iPhone 6 will offer in a September launch.
By William Costolo
Tech First Post
Information Week


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This is our only Home. We want to engage society actively and constructively. Only by asking the right questions can we arrive at the correct answers. There is no need for fear as we are only doing what we must. To be apathetic is to be selfish and derelict in our duty to our children and our children's children! Huang Shoou Chyuan
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Myanmar needs our support… but the silence is deafening!
Some of us have heard of the Prague Spring.
It was in 1958 when the then Czechoslovakia, had a unique opportunity to liberalise politically even though it was still part of the communist Warsaw Pact.
Alexander Dubcek briefly wrested power from pro-Soviet politicians and from January till August of that fateful year, Czechoslovakians had illusions of democracy and political freedom.
This short-lived "spring" tragically ended with invasion by the Warsaw Pact forces. The rest of the world just stood and watched.
There are similar names of places and countries where thousands and even millions perished whilst the world just stood and watched.
Srebrenica, Rwanda, Cambodia, Sabra and Shatila, Soweto and now Myanmar?
ASEAN has used the excuse of the "principle of non-interference" to wash its hands off the affairs of the Myanmar people.
Are we going to just sit on our hands and wait for the makings of another "Killing fields" before guilt forces all of us to act?
Is it not exceedingly obvious that the vast majority of Myanmar people want to be freed from the yoke of oppression, represented by the military junta? They have been denied freedom and democracy for far too long.
Bloggers, your silence is deafening!
Are we content to just concern ourselves with narrow issues affecting our personal lives while barely 3 hours away, our South-east Asian brethren are fighting for their lives even while I speak?
For sure, any posts about gay rights (pro or against) or about CPF and longevity would get all of us hot under the collars, but not articles about poor and far-off Myanmar.
Sad but that's life. Uniquely Singapore?
Dr.Huang Shoou Chyuan
ASEAN under pressure to act as Myanmar protests mountPosted: 25 September 2007 1425 hrs (AFP/Channelnewsasia)
KUALA LUMPUR : Southeast Asian nations have long been reluctant to confront their reviled neighbour Myanmar, but as protests mount in Yangon, observers say they risk losing credibility if they fail to act.
In the 10 years since it joined the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Myanmar has proved a major headache for the budding democracies of the region, who have been admonished by the west for failing to press for reforms.
"By any normal global international standards, ASEAN hasn't done much. I suspect many of the policymakers in Kuala Lumpur or Singapore or Jakarta or Manila will admit to that," said Hiro Katsumata from the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore.
"But this is not surprising because ASEAN needs Myanmar more than Myanmar needs ASEAN," he said, adding that the region feared the resource-rich nation could turn its back on the grouping in favour of closer ties with China.
In the face of the bravery of more than 100,000 people who stood alongside Buddhist monks in the streets of Myanmar's biggest city on Monday, regional governments are now facing loud calls to show their support.
"ASEAN can obviously do a lot more -- it's just a question of whether they want to. And with this internal protest and defiance of the people, it would be shameful if they kept quiet," said Malaysian lawmaker Zaid Ibrahim.
"They should use all their diplomacy and power and influence to pressure the regime," said Zaid, president of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Caucus, which was formed in 2004 to push for democratic reform in Myanmar.
Zaid said he was sure that although the ruling generals had not yet done anything to halt a week of street protests led by the revered monks, they would eventually "hit back" and that lives would be lost.
"I would expect some severe reprisals and crackdowns and more brutality from the regime. I think this is inevitable and I think the people of Burma know this and I hope they will not be deterred by it."
So far there has been little response from regional governments except the Philippines, which said Monday it wants to see democracy flourish in Myanmar.
ASEAN secretary general Ong Keng Yong has merely said he hoped the protests will remain "peaceful and calm", and his predecessor Rodolfo Severino indicated that little else would be forthcoming.
"Very little -- they could deliver a statement," Severino told AFP when asked what options the 10-bloc grouping had.
"What else can they do? Send in troops? I don't think ASEAN's in a position to do that. I think this is something that has to be worked out by the government and people of Myanmar."
Stirred into action by the United States and European governments which were highly critical of its performance, ASEAN has come out with some unusually bold statements against Myanmar's military government in recent years.
But despite mutterings about introducing a mechanism to suspend or expel the military-run state from the 10-nation bloc, there has been no action to match the rhetoric.
Jawahar Hassan, director of Malaysia's Institute of Strategic and International Studies, said that with the stakes now so high, nations in the region are even less likely to intervene.
"If nothing is happening in Myanmar they can issue some strong statements because it would not be seen as supporting opposition to Myanmar," he said.
"But when all this is happening to have to be careful... ASEAN governments cannot be seen to be supporting any movement against the government which may turn out to be violent."
After years of saying that change in Myanmar must come from within, Southeast Asia is being warned that now that just such a scenario has presented itself, the region cannot stand idle.
"Certainly ASEAN will not look good," said Katsumata.
"Human rights and democracy are becoming important parts of global norms, so the slower the ASEAN approach is, the worse ASEAN will appear in the eyes of the international audience." - AFP/ir
7 comments:
- Gerald said...
You're right Dr Huang. We really should care. I want to write something but don't know much besides what I read in the press. I don't want to email my friends there cos they may end up getting targeted by the authorities. (Since I've written articles criticising myanmar before.)
Let's just pray that this will be a peaceful revolution. I think the whole world is waiting in bated breath to see whether the junta will do a Tiananmen on the protestors.
- 11:59 PM, September 25, 2007
- nofearSingapore said...
Hi Gerald,
Even now, the most optimistic of us dare not wish for any positive outcome from this.
It seems almost inevitable that there would be bloodshed and Tiananmen II will quickly ensue.
But I remember the Berlin Wall and how it was a symbol of how unshakeable the Communist bloc was. But it fell quicker than a house of cards.
Miracles do happen.
I wish for Miracles in Myanmar!
Peace to all
- 12:42 AM, September 26, 2007
- Publia said...
Let's get a good graphic and get going on a campaign!
- 3:02 AM, September 26, 2007
There is little we can do here. Talk is cheap, in this particular instance.
Unless you fly there and join the protest march or provide back up services, such as medical attention.
It is a short flight of 3 hours only, Dr Huang.
- 2:36 PM, September 26, 2007
We may not be there physically, due to limits beyond our control. But, we can show our support by highlighting the sad stories about the country. Let's all tell the world and our friends about the horrors happening there.
Words of mouth can be very powerful.
- 11:26 PM, September 26, 2007
Singaporeans who regularly chide Westerners for "interfering" in Singaporean "domestic matters" or ban Canadian professors from speaking about Singapore laws, should refrain from commenting on Burma's internal affairs.
Americans, on the other hand, never complain about foreigners interfering in their own domestic affairs. So they now have every right to comment on Burma, as Bush did today, about the junta's "reign of terror". Now I understand why PM Lee has nothing to say about Burma. Sad.
- 2:17 AM, September 27, 2007
The recent crackdown by the junta and seeing civilians fleeing for their lives on TV is extremely saddening and heartbreaking. To protest against a repressive regime is a right and I believe, simmering tension in the country against its political system has resulted again, in a protest by the people.
International leaders and other countries have to do something MORE than simply issuing a statement that they are concerned. ASEAN cannot simply issue a 'coordinated' response. They HAVE to ensure that there are no ties with the junta whatsoever, especially on economic terms.
Hopefully, with international pressure, there will be lesser number of lives lost in the pursuit of freedom.
- 3:04 PM, September 28, 2007


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A new study suggests psychological stress may play a role in the development of aggressive breast cancer, especially among minority populations.
"We found that after diagnosis, black and Hispanic breast cancer patients reported higher levels of stress than whites, and that stress was associated with tumor aggressiveness," said Garth H. Rauscher, Ph.D., associate professor of epidemiology at the School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago.
Rauscher and colleagues studied patient-reported perceptions of fear, anxiety and isolation, together referred to as psychosocial stress, and associations with breast cancer aggressiveness.
He cautioned that patients' stress levels were examined two to three months post-diagnosis.
Researchers studied nearly 1,000 recently diagnosed breast cancer patients; of those, 411 were non-Hispanic black, 397 were non-Hispanic white, and 181 were Hispanic.
Researchers discovered psychosocial stress scores were higher for both black and Hispanic patients compared to white patients.
"Those who reported higher levels of stress tended to have more aggressive tumors. However, what we don't know is if we had asked them the same question a year or five years before diagnosis, would we have seen the same association between stress and breast cancer aggressiveness?
"It's not clear what's driving this association. It may be that the level of stress in these patients' lives influenced tumor aggressiveness.
"It may be that being diagnosed with a more aggressive tumor, with a more worrisome diagnosis and more stressful treatments, influenced reports of stress. It may be that both of these are playing a role in the association.
"We don't know the answer to that question," Rauscher said.
The research is being presented at the fourth American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Conference on The Science of Cancer Health Disparities.
Source: American Association for Cancer Research


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|Overall Rating
|Overall Score
|Claudia Frere-Anderson
|Submission Date
|Oct. 14, 2015
|Executive Letter
|Responsible Party
Deputy Director
Office of Regional and Community Relations
The UW Office of Regional and Community Relations coordinates consistent community stakeholder engagement across the institution. This office links the University with surrounding neighborhoods, civic groups and local government. It works to build collaborative relationships between these groups through information sharing, and continually seeks new opportunities to match UW academic capital with needs in the region and community.
In addition to participating in community meetings, serving on advisory groups and sitting on local boards, the University has three primary ways to identify and engage community stakeholders:
1) The City/University Community Advisory Committee (CUCAC) includes representation from sixteen surrounding communities. CUCAC advises the City and University on the physical development of the University, advocates for adequate services in the surrounding neighborhood, reviews potential impacts from development and makes suggestions for mitigating those impacts. This group meets monthly.
2) The University helps fund and participates in the U District Partnership (UDP). The Partnership is a 501 (c) 3 that is dedicated to promoting a vibrant, innovative and diverse community surrounding the campus. The partnership was forged through a four-year period of time that saw unprecedented levels of community engagement and collaboration between the City, the UW, Sound Transit, Business Owners, Property Owners, and Residents of the District. Together they crafted a Strategic Plan guided by a Steering Committee. Their efforts produced a long term, sustainable organization that provides the community with the leadership capacity required to realize their own goals.
3) The North of 45th Committee was formed to promote safety and cleaning, improve rental housing standards, and promote positive interaction between students and permanent residents in the neighborhoods north of campus. This group creates a monthly newsletter, organizes volunteer activities and lobbies the City for neighborhood improvements. It includes participation by students, permanent residents, local police agencies, university administrators and city staff.
Associated Students of the University of Washington, Eastlake Community Council, U District Partnership, Laurelhurst Community Club, Montlake Community Club, Portage Bay/Roanake Park Community Council, Ravenna-Bryant Community Association, Ravenna Springs Community Group, Roosevelt Neighbors' Alliance, Roosevelt Neighborhood Association, University District Community Council, University Park Community Club, Wallingford Community Council, Interfraternity Council, Panehellenic Association, U District Partnership, U Heights Community Center, ROOTS Young Adult Shelter
U District Partnership Strategic Plan: This plan forms the foundation for building successful working relationships between the community, the university, and the city to plan for change now and working together toward the betterment of the U District community in the decades ahead. The U District Livability Partnership's vision is to sustain a vibrant and innovative district of entrepreneurs, major employers, talented workers, and diverse residents. Strategic partnerships of effective champions and disparate voices will build on the district's creative and eclectic character and draw on the University of Washington's world-class presence to achieve this vision.
U District Next – A Community Conversation: Focused around a series of three large public events and supporting engagement activities, the community conversation was a forum for the public to share perspectives, explore new ideas, help identify and cultivate a shared sense of possibilities, and to develop a cohesive vision for the U District's future. The first of three large public events focused on the question "What is the future of the U District as it experiences change, including the arrival of Link light rail?" The second event focused on the question "How could the U District be more economically and ecologically sustainable?" The third event highlighted university partnerships at Ohio State and discussion of strategies for moving forward together.
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE
staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution and complete the Data Inquiry Form.
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution and complete the Data Inquiry Form.


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Park and ride to the Isles of Scilly on the Scillonian Ferry from Penzance Quay
Are you looking for secure parking for Penzance to the Isles of Scilly? We are ideally located for departures on board the Scillonian Ferry from Penzance Quay to the Isles of Scilly. If you are flying by Skybus from Land's End we can also take you to direct to the airport and pick you up on your return journey.
We provide a DOOR TO DOOR service. Passengers are taken to the quay with their luggage and are collected when they return from their holiday, avoiding long walks. This is all included in the price.
We are located only 7 minutes away from Penzance Quay. As soon as the buses are full they depart for the quay/return to your car. We are open 7 days a week.
All car parking spaces must be booked in advance online. Please book early to avoid any disappointment.
Sorry but we are unable to take caravans or campervans.
How much will it cost?
Enter your arrival and departure date and times below and we will calculate your parking cost.
For a 9.15 am sailing please arrive by 7.45 am.