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How to File a FOIA Request: A Guide
- Background Research
- Drafting a FOIA Request
- Cost and Requesting a Fee Waiver
- Agency Response
- Agency Appeal
- Filing a Lawsuit
- Sample FOIA Request and Appeal
1. Background Research [top]
The first step is to determine which agency has the records you want. There is no central government FOIA office, and each agency has its own office or public information staff. There is no special way to determine which agency has the information other than common sense and contacting various agencies. If you have trouble determining which federal agencies have the records you seek, you may consult the United States Government Manual, which is available at most public libraries and on the Internet. The Government Manual contains a list of federal agencies, a brief description of their functions, and contact information.
Agencies are also required to inventory their information systems and establish a government-wide electronic service to identify the major information systems, holdings, and dissemination products of each agency for the public. 44 U.S.C. 3511. Agency compliance with this requirement has been very uneven. Some agencies have made extensive indexes of their information systems available on the Internet, while others have not.
In addition to these government indices, there are many publicly and privately maintained websites that can help with research on where government information is stored.
Moreover, you may find that the information you are seeking is available without a FOIA request. Agency Handbooks for Requesting Information provide information on how members of the public can obtain information from the agency without filing a FOIA request, as well as guidance on how to submit a FOIA request. Consult these resources to determine whether the records that you seek can be obtained without a FOIA request.
For example, agencies make many records available free of charge or sell them through the Government Printing Office or the National Technical Information Service. Agencies are also required to make many records available in "reading rooms," where records may be examined without a FOIA request. Many agency policies, decisions and frequently requested records are available in these reading rooms. Agencies also must make their Reading Room materials available on-line, or on CD-ROM or disk, if the records were created after November 1, 1996.
Additionally, the National Archives and Records Administration holds the historical records of federal agencies, congressional bodies, and courts. If the records that you seek were created more than thirty years ago (twenty for some records), you should contact the National Archives to determine whether relevant records are in its holdings.
Finally, the Library of Congress provides links to congressional committees and publications. Congress and its committees are not subject to the FOIA, but have extensive records on public policy issues that are often available to the public through publications or other documents.
If you discover that the records you are seeking are held by a state or local government, the federal FOIA will not apply. Click here for more information on state FOI laws.
2. Drafting a FOIA Request [top]
Once you have determined which agency is likely to have the information you are seeking, and if you have been unable to locate the information in the public sphere, you may decide to file a FOIA request. When drafting your request, check the agency's FOIA regulations and Agency Handbooks for Requesting Information. The FOIA regulations will provide agency-specific information about where to send your requests and any special requirements imposed by the agency. The Agency Handbooks will provide less formal descriptions of the procedures for submitting a FOIA request and other methods of obtaining information from the agency. Some agencies allow you to submit a FOIA request online or by fax. All agencies accept FOIA requests by mail. When sending a request by mail, you should write "Freedom of Information Request" (or Appeal) on the envelope and on the letter, and you should retain a copy for your files.
You do not have to explain the reasons for your request, and government employees generally do not have any right to ask unless you are seeking a waiver of costs. In your request letter, you must specify what you want, because the law requires your request to "reasonably describe" the records you seek. This means that you may not simply ask questions but must request records describing or pertaining to a particular subject. You do not need to specify a document by name or title, but you must provide a reasonable enough description to allow government employees who are familiar with the agencies' files to locate the records you seek. For example, if you want information on nursing homes in your area and know that the government requires some sort of annual surveys to be conducted on nursing homes, it is sufficient to ask for the surveys and all records pertaining to the surveys for particular years and/or regions. Agencies are not obligated to create a record to respond to your request, but only to provide existing records. A record is information in any format, including maps, photographs, computer disks, and electronic formats.
Your request should state that it is being made pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C.§ 552) and, if you are requesting records about yourself, pursuant to the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. § 552a) as well.
Records about you. To request records about yourself, you may ask for "all records pertaining to me" and include your full name, address, date and place of birth, and social security number. To verify that you are requesting your own records, you must have your signature notarized by a notary public or add to the letter the following: "Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1746, I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct."
Electronic records. If the agency maintains the records you seek in electronic form, you can request that the information be provided in that form. Also, the agency is required to undertake a "reasonable" electronic search for records it maintains in electronic format. If the agency maintains the records in one format but you want them in another, the agency must provide the information in the format you desire if it is "readily reproducible" in that format. You should be aware that each agency's ability to reproduce information in specified electronic formats varies.
Click here to see a sample FOIA request.
3. Costs and Requesting Fee Waivers [top]
FOIA provides that agencies may charge different fees depending on who is requesting the information. Commercial users pay reasonable standard charges for document search, review, and duplication. Educational or noncommercial scientific institutions and representatives of the news media may only be charged for reasonable duplication costs. $.10-$.25 per page is reasonable. All other users may be charged for document search and duplication. Except for commercial users, the first two hours of search time and the first hundred pages of copying are always free.
Regardless of the above categories, you may be entitled to a waiver or reduction of otherwise chargeable fees if, "disclosure of the information is in the public interest because it is likely to contribute significantly to public understanding of the operations or activities of the government and is not primarily in the commercial interest of the requester." 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(4)(A)(iii).
Agencies' FOIA Regulations and Agency Handbooks for Requesting Information should contain information about the agency's fee schedule for FOIA requests. It is important to consider the provisions in the regulations concerning fees because agencies generally will not begin work on a FOIA request if the requester has not complied with the procedures concerning fees.
Generally, if you believe that you qualify for a waiver ask for a waiver in your FOIA letter. Emphasize that the records sought are not solely for a private, profit-making purpose, and explain in your letter how the requested records will "contribute significantly to the public understanding of the operations or activities of the Government." You should explain, for example, how the records will add to what the public already knows about the topic, and how you intend to disseminate the information you receive to the public. If you are a media representative, or an "educational or non-commercial scientific" entity, send along proof of this fact with your request letter.
If you are denied a fee waiver or if an agency grants an unsatisfactory reduction of fees, ask the agency to justify its actions. Fee issues may be appealed and are also subject to judicial review.
If you want the agency to consult you about search and copying fees before processing your request, state in your request letter that you should be notified if the fee is going to be over a specified amount. If the costs are substantial, you may be able to minimize the copying costs by asking for permission to review the records before having copies made, so that you can select particular documents for copying.
4. Agency Response [top]
Delay. The law sets specific deadlines for replying to FOIA requests: 20 working days on the initial request, and 20 working days on the administrative appeal. The 20 day deadline is "tolled" (that is, the clock is stopped) if the agency asks for more information or clarification from the requester, either as to the scope of the request or fees. The tolling period ends (the clock begins again) once the requester has furnished the necessary information. FOIA also requires agencies to expedite requests that are particularly time-urgent: if there is a threat to an individual's life or safety, or the party requesting the information demonstrates an urgent need to inform the public.
In spite of these rules, delay is common. Even though the law says that an agency may receive a time extension only in unusual or exceptional circumstances, agencies regularly exceed the twenty working-day deadline without notifying the requester. At some agencies, the delays may last many months or even years. Annual Reports by each agency provide information on how often the agency has been able to comply with the statute's time limits and the agency's backlog of requests at the end of each fiscal year.
In an effort to speed up the process, Congress amended the FOIA in 1996 to encourage agencies to set up a multi-track system so that requests for smaller amounts of material can be responded to more quickly. Check agency regulations to see if your request can qualify for faster processing under a multi-track system or, in unusual circumstances, under the provision for expedited processing. In your request letter, include any information supporting your request for faster processing. If you are seeking expedited processing, you must provide the information in a statement certified to be true and correct to the best of your knowledge and belief. You can do this by including the following sentence in your letter: "I certify that the statements contained in this letter are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief."
Congress made further attempts to enforce FOIA deadlines in the 2007 amendments by incorporating a penalty on the agency. Now, an agency is prohibited from charging certain fees if they do not respond within the required 20 days.
Even if the agency cannot complete work on your FOIA request within twenty working days, it should send you a letter or other notice acknowledging that it has received your request and identify a point-of-contact or case officer for your FOIA request. If it does not, call or write to the agency's FOIA contacts to check on the status of your request and identify the case officer.
Denial. Under the FOIA, an agency may deny your request for a variety of reasons. First, it may assert that you have failed to reasonably describe the documents. If the agency claims you have inadequately described the documents you seek, you should rewrite your request more precisely and resubmit it and/or contact the official processing your request to describe what you seek. Second, an agency could assert that it has conducted a reasonable search and has determined that the requested documents do not exist or are not in the possession or control of the agency. In this case, you may challenge the adequacy of the agency's search in an agency appeal, and, if denied again, in court. The agency may also deny your request if you are not willing to pay the anticipated costs of responding to your request, in which case you may try some of the cost-reduction strategies discussed above or challenge the denial of a fee waiver.
Finally, an agency may withhold some or all of the records that you seek if they fall within one or more of the Act's nine exemptions, described below. If an agency withholds records based on one of these nine exemptions, it must (1) release portions of the records that are not exempt and that can be separated from the exempt portions; (2) indicate where the withheld portions appear on the records; and (3) if the records are withheld in their entirety, provide a reasonable estimate of the amount of information that is being withheld, unless giving an estimate would harm an interest protected by the exemption invoked. Under certain circumstances, an agency may state that it has no records subject to your request, even though it does in fact have some relevant records. For example, under exemption 1 (national security), the government can refuse to acknowledge the existence of classified records if the mere existence of the records is classified. Under exemption 7 (investigatory records), where a subject is not aware of a criminal investigation and disclosure could interfere with law enforcement proceedings, the government can refuse to state whether such records exist. You may challenge an agency's decision to withhold the records by appealing any denial. In some cases, you may also ask the agency to use its discretion to release the records even if the records are covered by an exemption.
(1) National Security: The documents exempt under this section are those that are properly classified pursuant to a Presidential Executive Order. If you are requesting a document that the agency tells you is classified, you may want to ask that the reasons for classification be re-examined, as the agency may determine that there is no longer a need for secrecy, at least as to some parts of the records in question.
(2) Internal Agency Rules: This exemption protects rules and practices of agency personnel that are "predominantly internal" in nature and whose disclosure serves no substantial public interest or significantly risks circumvention of agency regulations or statutes. Thus, minor employee matters such as employee parking and cafeteria regulations are exempt.
(3) Information Exempted by Another Federal Statute: This exemption honors mandatory nondisclosure provisions in other laws.
(4) Trade Secrets and Confidential Commercial or Financial Information: Trade secrets are protected from disclosure. In addition, commercial or financial information may be withheld if it was voluntarily given to the government and is not customarily disclosed to the public by the company, if its disclosure likely would impair the agency's ability to obtain information in the future, or if disclosure of the information would cause substantial competitive injury to the business that submitted it to the government.
(5) Internal Agency Memoranda: This exemption protects inter- or intra-agency memoranda that would normally be privileged in litigation. The most often invoked privilege is the "deliberative process" privilege, which allows an agency to withhold documents containing advice and recommendations which are both pre-decisional and deliberative, but still requires release of any segregable, factual portions of documents. Typically, preliminary drafts and unfinished reports may be withheld, but final decisions and the memos on which they are based must be disclosed. Thus, a memo from a staff person to a supervisor recommending that a particular policy be established would be exempt from disclosure. But the factual portions of this memo would not be exempt unless they reveal the deliberative decision-making process of the agency.
(6) Personal Privacy: This exemption involves a balancing of the public's interest in disclosure against the degree of invasion of privacy that would result from disclosure. If your request involves this exemption, you should provide a brief explanation of the public benefits from disclosure, particularly how disclosure sheds light on government activities, so that it can be determined whether any invasion of privacy resulting from disclosure would be "clearly unwarranted."
(7) Investigatory Records: This exemption protects information compiled for law enforcement purposes that could reasonably be expected to interfere with enforcement proceedings, to identify a confidential source, to disclose techniques and procedures for law enforcement investigations, or to invade personal privacy.
(8) & (9) Other Exemptions: These are two special-interest exemptions relating to banking and oil well information, and they are not relevant to most FOIA requests.
5. Agency Appeal [top]
If an agency has denied your request in whole or in part, you must appeal before seeking help from the courts. Administrative appeals to higher-level agency officials may result in reversal of decisions to withhold records, so it is important to pursue an appeal if the agency's initial decision is questionable. Each agency's Annual Report contains statistics concerning how often appeals to higher lever agency officials are successful.
Appeal letters can be used to challenge: (a) the agency's failure to timely respond; (b) the agency's decision not to release records; (c) the adequacy of the search methodology used by the agency to locate responsive records; and (d) the agency's decision not to grant you a fee waiver. If you are appealing a denial, the agency's denial letter should inform you of appeal procedures and the proper address to send your appeal letter. Your appeal letter should attach and describe copies of the request and the denial, state that an appeal is being made of the agency's initial denial, and, if you can, explain why the denial was unwarranted, either because the exemption does not apply or because the agency should use its discretion to release the records anyway.
Many agencies require that appeals be filed within 90 days. Unless you are aware of a different time limit, you should file your appeal letter within 30 days. If the agency fails to respond substantively to your initial request within 20 working days, you are legally entitled to go to court without filing an appeal. However, even if your request has been excessively delayed, it is generally better to send a letter demanding a prompt response before going to court. A lawsuit may take a year or more, so coaxing the information out of the agency is preferable. Following up written requests with phone calls can speed up your request. If agencies are aware that you know your rights, they will sometimes move more quickly. For your files, keep a written record of all phone contact with the agency processing your request.
6. Filing a Lawsuit [top]
FOIA is designed to make litigation as simple as possible. In some instances, taking a FOIA case to court is not overly complicated, and requesters can do it themselves without a lawyer. However, it is more helpful to have a lawyer if you litigate in court. After your appeal is denied, or after 20 working days have elapsed from the time the agency received your appeal, you may sue in the United States District Court where you live, where the documents are located, or in the District of Columbia. If the government cannot prove that the requested documents fall within one of nine exemptions from FOIA mandatory disclosure requirement, then the Court will order the agency to give the documents to you. Even if you lose, the agency may release more documents along the way. If you win, the Court may require the government to pay any attorney's fees and out-of-pocket expenses that you incurred.
7. Sample FOIA Request and Appeal [top]
Freedom of Information Unit
(Name and Address of Government Agency)
Dear Sir or Madam:
Re: Freedom of Information Act Request
Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. § 552, [and/or the Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. § 552a,] I hereby request access to (or a copy of) all records pertaining to (describe the subject or document containing the information you want).
I am requesting these records (as a representative of the news media, for non-commercial personal use, for an educational institution, etc.).
[If any expenses in excess of $______ are incurred in connection with this request, please obtain my approval before any such charges are incurred. ]
[I request a waiver of fees because my interest in the records is not primarily commercial, and disclosure of the information will contribute significantly to public understanding of the operations or activities of the government because ______.]
I will expect a response within 20 working days as provided by law. If my request is denied in whole or in part, I expect a detailed justification for withholding the records. I also request any segregable portions that are not exempt to be disclosed.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Very truly yours,
Freedom of Information Unit
(Name and Address of Government Agency)
Dear Sir or Madam:
Re: Freedom of Information Act Appeal
By letter dated (month day, year), I requested access to (use same description
as in request letter). By letter dated (month day, year), Mr./Ms.
__________________ of the Freedom of Information Unit (usually) of your agency
denied my request. Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552, I
hereby appeal that denial. I have enclosed a copy of my request letter and the
denial that I have received.
The denial of my request was improper because ... (describe why the denial was
improper, e.g., why the exemption should not apply in your circumstances).
I expect a response within 20 working days, as the law provides.
Very truly yours,


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LMFAO: Cam'Ron Responds To Questions From Random Chicks! "Lay The F*ck Off The Robitusin. Sh*t Is Poppin Down In Houston. Its Not Poppin In New York" [ItsTheReal]
ItsTheReal reports "Killa Cam answers all your toughest questions and lets you know what's really good"
Please click the "Report" button below if the video on this page is not working properly.
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subset: commoncrawl


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Anemia is a low level of healthy red blood cells (RBC). RBCs carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. When red blood cells are low the body does not get enough oxygen. This can cause symptoms such as fatigue, pale skin, or irregular heartbeat.
Aplastic anemia is a type of anemia caused by problems with bone marrow. It can range from mild to severe.
Aplastic anemia is believed to be caused by the patient's immune system attacking the bone marrow. It slows down the production of blood cells. In some cases, aplastic anemia is a temporary side effect of a medication. It can be reversed if exposure to the cause is stopped.
Risk Factors
Rick factors that increase your chances of having aplastic anemia include:
- Exposure to certain environmental toxins such as those found in gasoline, paint, oil and coal emissions, and industrial solvents
- High dose radiation and chemotherapy treatments
- Certain viruses
- Certain medications (eg, antibiotics, some illegal drugs, medications used to treatrheumatoid arthritis)
- Bone marrow diseases
- Pregnancy
The cause of aplastic anemia is sometimes unknown.
If you experience any of these symptoms, do not assume it is due to aplastic anemia. These symptoms may be caused by other, less serious health conditions.
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath with activity
- Weakness
- Rapid heart rate
- Pale skin
- Easy bruising
- Frequent infections
- Nosebleeds and bleeding gums
- Lengthy bleeding from cuts
- Skin rash
- Fever
- Shortened attention span
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Tests to diagnose aplastic anemia include:
- Blood test
- Bone marrow biopsy
After you are diagnosed with aplastic anemia, you may need additional tests to determine the cause.
You will be referred to a blood disorder specialist, a hematologist, or a special treatment center for further evaluation.
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment for aplastic anemia varies according to severity and cause.
Blood Transfusions
Blood transfusions provide your body with the blood cells that your bone marrow has stopped producing. This is not a cure. It helps relieve symptoms.
Immune Suppressing Drugs
These drugs change or slow your immune system to keep it from damaging your bone marrow cells. This gives your bone marrow time to recover and begin producing blood cells again. The drugs used are antithymocyte globulin (ATG) and cyclosporine. They are sometimes used along with steroids to reduce side effects. This treatment often requires a short stay in the hospital.
Bone Marrow Transplantation
The replacement of diseased bone marrow with healthy bone marrow is the best treatment option for some with severe aplastic anemia. You will need a donor whose bone marrow matches your own as closely as possible.
Other Treatments
Your aplastic anemia may be mild to moderate. It may also be caused by exposure to radiation, chemicals, or medications. Your doctor may choose to monitor your condition if the cause of the aplastic anemia is stopped. This approach can be enough to restore normal bone marrow function.
If you are diagnosed with aplastic anemia, follow your doctor's instructions .
Most cases of aplastic anemia cannot be prevented. Limiting exposure to certain environmental toxins can reduce your risk of developing the disease. Environmental toxins include those found in gasoline, paint, oil and coal emissions, and industrial solvents.


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snooprockbch needed a new logo design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 37 designs submitted by 14 freelance designers.
I need a header designed for my online gambling site.
This contest is to get a high quality header designed for http://www.pressmybet.com . I am going to leave the design up to the imagination of the great designers here.
I am looking for something more live then the current one that is there. I am searching for one that is sleek and gives the site some sizzle when you come to it. The slogan for the site is "Bet Or Go Home" but I do not want the slogan to be a focal point.
In conclusion, I am looking for a header that my visitors are impressed with from the moment they enter the site. Please keep the design sleek and classy with little or no cartoon like work.
Good Luck
- File must be in png format so it can be edited in Fireworks
- I am not big on cartoon like characters or cheap looking cartoon like images
Find out how a design contest works or learn more about our logo design services.


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Product Description
The Mixte storage system offers a high degree of flexibility through superposition, juxtaposition, suspension, color and material. With the wall as a blank canvas, let creativity and imagination run free while creating an original composition, which will be unique both in terms of volume and with the mix of colors and materials. Elements include shelves, TV unit, storage units, sliding panels, sideboards, wall panels, suspended chests, and podiums. Choose from lati sable or lati cendre veneer, white, mastic, argile or elephant lacquers, plain or printed glass, and aluminum. More than just a piece of furniture, this customized Mixte final product will be a personal work of art for your living space.


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Search Limit Exceeded
Thank you, we've received your request and will be in touch within 24 hours (on business days).
Alas! You've reached your search limit for today.
We are happy to consider extending your search capability but you'll need to get in touch with us first. This process helps to protect Cloudscene against any breaches to our Website Terms.
Some of the reasons you may have limited search capability include: using a personal email address (eg. gmail), not verifying your account and not being attached to a Corporate Account on Cloudscene. If you can rectify any of the above, you may be able to avoid this issue in the future.
Please reach out with your details and our team will review your company's daily search limit.
Thank you for your understanding.


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Tackle the legendary might of the Helghast army in three blockbuster adventures
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by Mary Gulivindala
I am not unique. Americans live in a fast-paced world filled with deadlines, have to's, hurry up's, overbooked schedules and the internet highway … which leads me to a street called Exhausted. Can you relate? In order to "live" in this world, I have to juggle a lot of balls at once.
Up until recently I proudly wore a crown with lots and lots of jewels, which I received at my self-produced coronation ceremony. I am the competent, multi-tasking, productively functional Sovereign Queen of my Queendom. Oh yes, I can do it all!
Here are some examples that you might identify with yourselves, especially if you are a mother: While frying burgers for dinner in a pan, I also hold a conversation on the phone, usually confirming an appointment, carry a load of laundry upstairs while wiping up the dust bunnies off each step with my son's dirty socks that I just picked up off the living room floor, drop off the hamper of clean clothes that we live out of for the week and then race downstairs and go flip the burgers. Then add cheese.
I don't have time to go to the gym so I have incorporated my cardio workout into my life by running to work fully dressed with my pocketbook banging off my hip, pretending that I have to catch the train. I try to look very important by looking down. I'm up to two blocks. I have started to run everywhere because I think if I have to walk it, why not run? Burn those calories. If you see me, please honk. I need encouragement.
Another real-life example is while taking a shower, I brush my teeth, wipe down the tiles with a cleaning sponge and plan what I have "to do" for the rest of the day in my head. If my kids are around, I am usually shouting out, "Don't forget your books" or "I won't be home until late today" and their favorite, "Go take the dog to the park." I continue to wash everything and spend the rest of my shower arguing.
Am I the only one? Do other people multi-task constantly? I carry a dust cloth in my home and wipe down everything as I walk around. I consider myself a professional picker-upper because I am constantly picking up a book, shoe or glass and depositing it where it belongs.
Recently this behavior started to wreak havoc on my brain. I can't remember things. My memory is fizzling out. I know this because I ask my son, "Did you do your homework?" He replies with something, and then I ask him the same question about seven more times.
I'm also forgetting things. I never forget things. Recently I found myself running back into the house because I forgot my phone in the charger or a jacket or something else I needed. Yesterday I drove to CVS specifically to pick up cat food. Thomas, my cat, was down to one kibble. I did my shopping, pulled up to my home and Hello??? I forgot the cat food, which was the reason I went to the store in the first place. Luckily I didn't exit the car and unpack the makeup I just bought, so I quickly drove back, with Thomas' approval. It's exhausting.
I have assessed this crisis recently and have tried to find ways to change this behavior. I am 45 years old, but my memory is 82. Time management is what I need, but I can not find a solution because I am the breadwinner, cleaning lady, cook, driver, coach, teacher and mother, and the list goes on. Some days I want to drive around with a crock pot in the back of my car just so I know my kids are getting dinner. Seriously!
This has become so problematic that I took it to my therapist, with whom I have spent the last few sessions addressing this issue because I can't remember what we discussed in previous weeks. And this week I finally had a breakthrough. I remembered what my brilliant therapist said. Yea, brain!
Here's the skinny. I hope this helps you too. I'm not losing my mind. My age could be a slight factor but not equal to the degree of my forgetfulness. I have been diagnosed as a chronic multi-tasker. I didn't know this was a disease. Multi-tasking used to work for me but no more. It has turned its back on me, and I as well as everyone in my life is suffering. It's a family disease. It affects everyone. The good news is there is help.
My no-nonsense therapist gives it to me straight. I am not being present in my life. (I secretly think she is a recovering multi-tasker herself, but I don't know for sure, due to the therapist/patient boundaries.) My response, of course, was denial. Look at all I do. How can you say I'm not present in my life? My ego was being assaulted.
Eventually, when my brain calmed down and I was teachable, Lynn (not her real name) told me that by doing all these things at the same time, I wasn't concentrating on any of them; therefore multi-tasking is affecting my memory. Oh, the shame. Finally, it resonated with me, and acceptance followed. The key here is balance.
Here is the suggested solution: I must meditate and be still every day with myself. By meditating and consciously practicing quieting my over-stimulated mind, I will achieve a renewal in energy and clarity. So simple and yet so frightening to trust that doing nothing is doing something. I have to do this one day at a time If want to stop the insanity. My name is Mary, and I am a recovering multi-tasker.
The irony is that I teach meditation and wellness. That, my friends, is what I'm usually multi-tasking about.
"Life coach" Mary Gulivindala is the founder of Blue Print Life & Wellness Coaching in Chestnut Hill.


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Our new seasonal menu is full of must-try dishes ready to delight. We've got hearty goodness that is sure to hit the spot, and lighter options for those who are being a little more mindful at this time of year. From our lamb koftas and vegan dishes bursting with taste and flavour, to our house favourite melting chocolate & peanut bomb, we've got something for everyone this season.
Whether you stop by for a catch up with friends over coffee or something a little stronger, a Sunday lunch with all the trimmings (and all the family!) or a romantic dinner for two, we know how to make your visit extra special.
Click the link below to view our Allergen information, this will open in a new tab. Some dishes may not be available.
Please ensure that you refer to the onsite allergen guide on each visit to confirm that nothing has changed.
Please note a discretionary 10% service charge will be added to tables of 6 or more.


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Posted on November 17, 2010
I do understand, really. The books were your friends and companions and so naturally you're interested in what became of them when you finally decided to part with them. But do you have to holler at me?"Fifty cents? I paid three bucks apiece for these!"
Well, yes, but when you bought them they didn't have your name in them.
"But these don't have my name in them! I tore that page out!"
The people who do this sort of thing come in three varieties, the ones who think the price is too low, the ones who think the price is too high, and the ones who think the price is juuuuust right.
"Fifty dollars! That's not worth it; you'll never sell it!"
Well, that's kind of my problem, not yours.
"I paid two dollars when it was NEW. Now it's old!"
I'm glad you pointed that out yourself. See, it's a first edition and it's forty years old now and that makes it….
"You can buy the latest paperback on sale for three dollars!"
Well, this is the first printing in hardcover and….
"Oh, nonsense! It's the exact same text!"
So is a photocopy, friend. And THAT would run you about seventy bucks.
It isn't that I mind constructive criticism. It's just that I get so little of it. Most of the pricing advice I get comes from people who start with the assumption that if I had the experience and the know-how to price books, I'd be doing it the way they just thought of this very minute.
"That's a great price for that. That's exactly what I paid."
I'm glad to hear it.
"I thought it was a really good book, and I'm glad you're offering it at a fair price so somebody else can read it."
Well, that's certainly the business we're in. We're glad you feel that way.
"So why hasn't somebody bought it yet? Maybe you're displaying it wrong."
It's the bad lighting, friend. More people would notice it if you took it and held it over your head as far as you can reach…and then let it drop.


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This guide was adapted from the original written by MsPicky.
How Do I Start Swapping?
1) Create a swaplist and a wishlist. Be honest when describing your swap items, and disclose the things you would want to know (is it in tester packaging? Is it a sample size? Has the eyeshadow been used wet? Is the applicator missing?). It's okay ... more >>


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ISBN: 978-0-745-65393-8 June 2012 Polity 180 Pages
A synthesis of the author's detailed studies of these forms of evil, this book offers a fresh approach to the understanding of the darker regions of human behaviour. If we wish to live in an open, democratic world in which each individual constructs his or her own experience and leads his or her own life in a spirit of respect for and solidarity with others, then we must understand the processes that lead in totally different directions, negating the individual's subjectivity and moral and physical integrity. Michel Wieviorka invites us to do just that in this highly topical and engaging book.
Table of contents
CHAPTER 1 Facing Evil. A sociological perspective
CHAPTER 2 An End to Violence
CHAPTER 3 Global Terrorism
CHAPTER 4 The Return of Racism
CHAPTER 5 The New Arena of the Social Sciences or, How to Raise the Level of Generalization.
PART 1 The Critique of the Subject
PART 2 Thinking Globally
Review 31
'In this provocative and insightful book, Michel Wieviorka puts evil onto the agenda for the social sciences. He does this not by appealing to forces outside social life but by situating evil as an issue in social life. It is part of culturally informed understanding, sometimes directly linked to religion and sometimes not. And to ignore it in the name of objectivism is to lose touch with the world we inhabit.'
Craig Calhoun, New York University
'Michel Wieviorka thinks about evil without theology. Contemporary evil is social, Wieviorka contends, and he explains how social pathologies, no matter how heinous, must be explained in sociological ways. When unequal or repressive social structures undermine conditions for autonomy, evil actions provide opportunities for restoring the experience, no matter how illusory, of meaning and control. To fight evil we must create social justice - that is the message of this leading French sociologist today.'
Jeffrey C. Alexander, Yale University
'By reintroducing evil into social theory, Michel Wieviorka has undermined the indifference to human well-being that fed on its absence. By pulling on the thread of our universal liability to suffer he unravels the traditions of Marxist anti-humanism, Bourdieu's elimination of the Subject, and Foucault's "death of Man". Wieviorka is right to redirect us beyond the banality of evil and towards the conditions necessary for the global human Subject to thrive.'
Margaret Archer, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
What's New
- A major new book on the present-day forms of evil Ð terrorism, violence, racism and hatred.
- Rather than treating evil as a supernatural force or a religious issue, Wieviorka analyses it from a sociological point of view, showing how these various forms of evil are constituted in day-to-day life.
- The author draws on his research into these forms of evil in order to develop a fresh approach to understanding the darker regions of human behaviour.
- This book will appeal to students and scholars as well as professionals such as social workers and general readers keen to understand the human production of inhuman conduct.


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Audiologist Service for 0-3
Audiology Services at the Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education
Infant Hearing Screening and Diagnostic Evaluations
Infants who had a homebirth or did not have universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS) prior to discharge from a hospital or birthing facility may have this screening completed at the Center by referral of a hospital, birth facility, pediatrician or Indiana's Early Hearing Detection & Intervention (EHDI) coordinators. This will be a half-hour long appointment.
Infants may be seen for a diagnostic audiological evaluation if they have been referred by a hospital or birthing facility due to UNHS results or other risk factors. This will be a two- hour long appointment.
Please have referrals sent to, or have parents contact, Jane McWhirter to schedule these evaluations: 317-232-7349 (V), 317-520-3301 (VP) or email@example.com
Please refer to the following forms to assist in the scheduling process:
Permission for Reciprocal Release of Information Form and Audiology Case History form
First Steps Hearing Evaluations
Children ages birth to 3 years of age may be referred for a hearing evaluation to rule out hearing issues due to concerns with speech language development or middle ear fluid issues
Hearing Evaluation appointments are generally one-hour long
A referral from the First Steps Service Coordinator may be made to Angela Hull at the phone number, fax number, and email address listed at the top of this page.
SRNDHH Audiology and Hearing Aid Services
Children in First Steps who are identified as Deaf and Hard of Hearing may be enrolled into the Statewide Referral Network for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children (SRN-DHH) to receive audiology and hearing aid services
Angela Hull is a First Steps and SRNDHH provider who can provide hearing aid evaluation, hearing aid fitting, and other hearing aid services.
The process for authorization SRNDHH Audiology Hearing Aid services will involve receiving a medical clearance from a pediatric Ear-Nose-Throat (ENT) physician and receiving authorization from First Steps.
Please refer to the Authorization of Exchange of Information form to assist in this process.
School-Age Audiological Evaluations or Consultations
Students, ages 3 to 21 years, who present with concerns with hearing issues may be referred to the Center for an audiological evaluation by referral from a physician or the local education agency (LEA)
Audiological consultations may be available upon referral from the LEA
An audiologist may participate in the School Assessment team for multi-disciplinary evaluations of students referred by the LEA
Please have referrals sent to, or have parents contact, Jane McWhirter to schedule these evaluations: 317-232-7349 (V), 317-520-3301 (VP) or email@example.com
Please refer to the following forms to assist in the scheduling process:
Permission for Reciprocal Release of Information Form and Audiology Case History form
Websites of Hearing Resources for Families, Schools, and Health Providers
EHDI-PALS (to find nearest Level 1 diagnostic audiology facility for infant and young child hearing tests)
My Baby's Hearing
Raising Deaf Kids
American Society for Deaf Children
Alexander Graham Bell Association
Hands & Voices
NCHAM (National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management)


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Sweating It Out with Employee Fitness Programs
By Jennifer Donovan | Published
Crystal Verran wanted to get fit. She knew what she had to do, but she thought she needed a little help building a fitness program that she could stick to. First she tried a group activity through SWEAT (Social Wellness, Employee Action and Teamwork) program, a new, free program that supports employee wellness through group activities and one-on-one training.
Verran participated in SWEAT's pilot program. "My group did cross-country skiing," says Verran, assistant director of University Marketing and Communications at Michigan Tech. "I couldn't go to many of the meetings, but I still had fun, and it was a way to stay active."
After the pilot program, SWEAT offered Verran an opportunity to work one-on-one with a personal trainer. She jumped at the chance.
"Our first meeting was just to connect with each other, so she could build a plan for me. Then she had to get the plan approved by her professor, since SWEAT personal trainers are kinesiology and integrative physiology students. The program gives them an opportunity to get hands-on experience," Verran explains. "Through SWEAT, my trainer, Rosanna Chopp, and I are scheduled to meet four times, but she's willing to meet more than that if I want to. She's just been really pleasant to work with."
SWEAT is new to Michigan Tech this year. The free program offers activities such as yoga, pilates, skiing and hiking, as well as personal training sessions and fitness classes. A new SWEAT program starts every six weeks for 20 to 25 interested employees. So far about 60 people have gone through the program, with more waiting their turn. Members of SWEAT can also receive discounts on membership at the Student Development Complex (SDC) and community program punch cards.
For more information, or to be added to the SWEAT email list, contact the Benefits Office at email@example.com.
Tech faculty and staff looking for other ways to get fit can use their TechFit benefit to register for a membership or community programs at the Student Development Complex (SDC). Community programs are open to all and run for five to eight weeks. Occasional Dollar Days give people an opportunity to take an introduction to a course for $2. A full catalog of programs is available at http://sportsrec.mtu.edu.
The TechFit benefit offers Tech employes up to $150 a year toward the cost of personal wellness programs, including community programs and SDC membership. TechFit is also accepted by a number of local gyms and sports rehabilitation clinics, including Snap Fitness, Curves, Weight Watchers, TOPS, the Copper Island Beach Club, Aspirus Fitness Center, and Portage Health Fitness Center, among others.
Another wellness program at Tech is HuskyPAW, where faculty and staff earn points by participating in wellness-related activities. The points can be redeemed for prizes, such as SDC passes and gift cards to the Campus Bookstore. The University also offers personalized Healthy Lifestyle Coaching online or by phone through Aetna Health Connections.
"My trainer explains why certain exercises are helpful and what they do for me," Verran says. "I was sore all over for a while, but it was worth it. I just have to stick to it."
Michigan Technological University is a public research university, home to more than 7,000 students from 54 countries. Founded in 1885, the University offers more than 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science and technology, engineering, forestry, business and economics, health professions, humanities, mathematics, and social sciences. Our campus in Michigan's Upper Peninsula overlooks the Keweenaw Waterway and is just a few miles from Lake Superior.


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Shipping Out, SPREAD THE LOVE!
Thanks again for your grace and patience. Rewards are coming! (UNRATED DIRECTORS CUT!) Those in the $100 tier should have received your items already, if not any day now. $50... Read more
the canyons all over the world
quick update kickstarter community:
as you probably know, 'the canyons' is currently in release and available on itunes, vod systems and has traveled to nearly 30 cities across the country... Read more
Latest Canyons News
dear 'canyons' backers:
just a quick note to say that ifc has issued a release date for the film: august 2nd. it will open in theaters and vod simultaneously, a... Read more
The Canyons and IFC
dear kickstarter backers:
I am pleased to announce that we have partnered with ifc to release 'the canyons' in theaters and across digital platforms this summer. ifc has discerning taste... Read more
The Canyons 50's Style Trailer
Here is the correct link for the new trailer:
The Canyons... 50's Style
Pieces of it were shown on tonight's episode of Entertainment Tonight.
Thanks again for all of your... Read more
The New Trailer
Sorry if you were underwhelmed by the ET feature. We were too.
Here is the full trailer.
By now hopefully you've seen the Grindhouse style Canyons Trailer if not allow us to reintroduce ourselves: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58gmjA4rL6g&feature=share&list=UL58gmjA4rL6g
In other news, we have another themed trailer that is premiering tonight... Read more
The Canyons on Entertainment Tonight Canada
Greetings Canyons Clan,
As I'm sure you've heard we have finished the initial phase of production and are working on completing the post production process.
Nolan Funk, one of our... Read more
The Canyons Teaser Trailer - Production Update
Sorry we've been unable to post any updates lately. We are knee-deep in production at the moment, and if you've ever been around it you know how consuming it can... Read more
Paypal it is.
A sincere apology to those international backers who tried to amend their pledges through amazon. I just spent a great deal of time on the phone with them, and they... Read more
Pre-production ongoing...
greetings canyons family,
we have received many messages from international backers who didn't get a chance to update their pledges with international shipping costs -- by signing in to the... Read more
a heartfelt thanks to all!
i must confess that working in the film business affords you incredible experiences and a vast diversity in your day to day interactions. one minute you are having drinks at... Read more
Eight hours left!
We are extremely grateful for your support. We have reached our goal, and our energy is very close to shifting completely to creating the film you all helped make possible.... Read more
International Shipping Rates
Hey Canyons Family,
Thanks for your support and patience. After a lot of post office hopping, we finally have some international shipping rates to pass along to you. We really... Read more
almost there
schrader has departed la after a very successful weekend of meetings, readings, devising the visual plan for the film with our cinematographer (the placement of the camera, the movement or lack... Read more
the sober reality of film budgets (and the thrill of artistic freedom)
yesterday i had a tedious, line by agonizing line review of our budget with our line producer. film, as you know, is a collaborative effort that requires a lot of human... Read more
a sincere debt of gratitude to all those who backed us on kickstarter -- the response has been overwhelming and was a thrill to get over the finish line so swiftly. so,... Read more
New Reward Tiers! (Almost There)
Thank you again for your support. I'm writing to let you all know that there are two new reward tiers that have been added to our campaign.
One tier is... Read more
we have just passed the halfway mark of our funding goal and thought it would be a good time to post an update. so, first off, thanks to all who... Read more


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Khazeena and Shehzeena are the daughters of Shah Sahab who is a religious and traditionalist man, these central characters are poles apart in personalities. Khazeena adheres to all the religious and cultural norms imposed by her traditionalist father, whereas Shehzeena is the rebel of the family.
Khazeena is in love with her cousin, Taimoor, who lives with them. The love story of Khazeena and Taimoor is in the knowledge of Shah Sahib, but he plans to tie Shehzeena with Taimoor because of her bolshie attitude. Taimoor is hesitant to take a stand against the will of Shah Sahab because of the favors he has bestowed upon him. The other reason he does this is because he wants to keep the bloodline of the family pure. Khazeena is adopted.
What would be the impact of his decision on the lives of Khazeena, Shehzeena and Taimoor? Will it create distance between the two sisters, or Shehzeena will turn out to be the right choice for Taimoor?
Cast:Munawar Saeed, Nida Mumtaz, Anushay Abbasi, Kanwar Nafees, Fariya Hassan, Arez Uddin Ahmed, Farzana Shafiq, Majida Hameed, Farzana Shafiq, Touqeer Ahmed Paul, Jahan Ara Haii, Kehkashan Faisal, Hafza Butt
Written by:Sadia Aziz Afridi
Directed by:Naushad Anwer Khan


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BUJU BANTON TIMELINE: 2009 Not An Easy Road
Gargamel Music circulates "A Little Bit Of Sorry," an upbeat ska ditty from Jamaican music icon, Buju Banton's long-awaited roots opus Rasta Got Soul. The single officially drops in February.
Buju Banton heads to the West Coast to headline back-to-back Ragga Muffins Festivals, in honor of the late, great Bob Marley and other Legends, at the San Diego Sports Arena and Long Beach Area, respectively.
Buju Banton hosts exclusive early listening session of Rasta Got Soul at Son Of Funky Reggae in Hollywood, California with legendary club promoter and celebrity DJ, Matt Robinson. Guests include: Jeremy Piven, Kina Cosper, Cree Summer, Rocky Dawuni and several other LA area trendsetters.
Buju makes his first ever appearance at the 16th Annual Bob Marley Caribbean Festival at Miami's Bayfront Park. By all accounts, including ReggaeReport.com, the Banton steals the show!
Buju's beloved mother, Murdine "Miss Dotty" Clarke, passes away.
Miss Dotty is laid to rest. Her youngest son, whom she nicknamed "Buju," reads a heartfelt eulogy at the funeral services.
Buju's seventh studio album, Rasta Got Soul, officially drops in North America on the 43rd anniversary of Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie's historic visit to Jamaica in 1966. Dr. Carolyn Cooper, a professor at University of the West Indies (UWI) in Kingston, hosts an intimate Rasta Got Soul album launch on campus. After playing a few tunes, Buju regales the students and faculty both with exciting tales of his remarkable life in music.
The rave reviews roll in: All Music Guide says Rasta Got Soul is "an instant classic," Buffalo News calls the album "immaculate." Billboard calls RGS "spirited" and "inspiring," while Exclaim! magazine in Canada professes that "Rasta Got Soul is the work of a modern master… Celebratory, inspirational, positive, optimistic and uplifting."
Buju Banton co-headlines the 5th Annual Reggae On The Hill Festival at Farley Hill National Park in Barbados. It is his first performance since his mother's death and the bittersweet release of his new album.
Rasta Got Soul is the highest-ranking debut on Billboard magazine's Top Reggae Albums Chart entering at #2. The album also makes a strong first week debut at #8 on Billboard's Heatseekers Chart and #8 on iTunes' Top 10 Reggae Albums Chart.
Buju Banton graces the Spring/Summer cover of Jamrock magazine.
Buju Banton's Rasta Got Soul European Tour kicks off in France. The rigorous, 40-city jaunt includes stops in the UK, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Amsterdam, Austria, Belgium. Banton and his Shiloh Band, along with opening acts: Nikki Burt, Angel Shalome, New Kidz and Delly Ranx, also perform for massive crowds at Summer Jam in Germany (40,000 fans), Rototom Sunsplash in Italy (20,000 fans) and chart three new territories: Czech Republic, Poland and Portugal.
Buju Banton nabs the cover of Natty Dread magazine in France.
Buju Banton headlines veteran New York radio personality Dahved Levy's annual Buju Banton & Friends Reggae Extravaganza Concert at the WaMu Theater At Madison Square Garden. Guest performers include: Burning Spear, Shabba Ranks, Gramps & Peter Morgan, Queen Ifrica and Tony Rebel.
Buju Banton joins R&B star John Legend at his star-studded sold out concert on the main stage at Madison Square Garden for a live performance of their smash Reggae-Soul collabo. The NY Post reports:
"The entire house bounced when Legend hooked up with dancehall star Buju Banton for 'Can't Be My Lover.' There was a yin/yang to that pairing as Banton's fast, gritty, Jamaican patois gave the Reggae number edge while Legend's mellifluous, Marley-like tones eased that roughness."
Several gay organizations launch a media smear campaign against Buju Banton in an unwitting effort to shut down his upcoming Rasta Got Soul US Tour. Overlooking the fact that his catalog is overwhelmingly positive, they insist he makes "hate music" and promotes the "murder of gays and lesbians" via "Boom Bye Bye," a twenty-year-old "anti-buggery" missive written by a 15-year-old Buju in response to a man-boy rape case that took place at a prestigious high school in Jamaica.
Executives at Live Nation and AEG Live, along with several independent venue owners, bookers, show promoters, government officials and anyone in-between, endure a steady bombardment of threatening phone calls, nasty emails and faxes filled with sensational misinformation about Buju and the RGS US Tour. Some corporate live music power brokers succumb to the unrelenting pressure but many true-blue indie venue owners and die-hard promoters hold firm, ultimately changing the tide of what could have been a major setback for live music in the "land of the free."
Fans launch We Support Buju Banton Facebook Group in support of the music icon. International membership quickly swells to thousands.
Buju Banton makes 10-day pilgrimage to Africa.
Buju Banton, backed by the Shiloh Band, kicks off his Fader magazine-sponsored Rasta Got Soul US Tour to a sold-out crowd at the Trocadero Theater in Philly! Opening acts include Gramps Morgan, Nikki Burt and Angel Shalome.
Philadelphia Inquirer reviewer, A.D. Omorosi writes: "From the 'Wipeout'-based rhythm-backed rap of 'Me & Oonu' through to the soulful 'I Rise' to cribbing Michael Jackson's universal plea 'Heal the World,' Banton proved he could make things right within his music."
San Diego club owners/promoters, Eric Milhouse and Chris Goldsmith of the Belly Up in Solana Beach, California release a powerful statement backing Buju Banton:
"Most people, when looking at the facts about the artist and his music over the course of his career, agree with the conclusion that Buju Banton does not advocate violence or hatred of any kind and that canceling this show based on assertions to the contrary would not be the right thing to do."
Refusing to be bullied, Columbus, Ohio club owner Rick Cautela and local Reggae promoter Carl Newman fight back by adding Buju Banton for a second night at Alrosa Villa, a mid-size venue the artist has consistently sold out for many years.
"I received 300 calls and another 400 emails in about 3 days, all of them negative some of them threatening," Cautela tells local weekly The Other Paper. "That was my family cell phone, the one my wife also uses."
Prior to his landmark show at the Rock It Room in San Francisco, Buju Banton attends a historic meeting brokered by veteran gay activist and 2011 mayoral candidate, SF Supervisor Bevan Dufty. Two days earlier, Dufty, who is in DC for the National Equality March, calls Buju's manager and says, among other things, that he uniquely "understands the underlying racist implications of the ongoing protests and would like to see them end."
Together with SF Supervisor Eric Mar, Dufty wants to provide a non-hostile environment for Buju to address the age-old issue of "Boom Bye Bye" once and for once and for all in the "gay capital of America" and only asks that he also hear first hand from some of the community's most prominent members, including: Andrea Shorter, Rebecca Rolfe and incendiary gay blogger Michael Petrelis, who inexplicably writes a scathing, self-promoting, extremely bias account of the meeting that only fans the flames of controversy.
Luckily, Team Gargamel had the foresight to invite local Bay Area writer, Eric K. Arnold (who has been writing about Buju Banton and the issue for nearly a decade) to sit in on the meeting to ensure balanced, fair and impartial coverage on the San Francisco Weekly Blog . Sadly, the common ground reached at the SF meeting is ridiculously short-lived. Later that night at the Rock It Room, Buju's show is pepper sprayed, allegedly by a lone, gay extremist still intent on battling the Banton.
Days later, in a Jamaican radio interview with Mutabaruka on his Irie FM talk show The Cutting Edge, a still heated Buju states: "This is a fight… There is no end to the war with me and faggots, and it's clear! The same night after I met with them they pepper sprayed my concert. So what are you trying to tell me?"
The gay media have a field day with this quote. Predictably, they extrapolate the words "there is no end to the war with me and faggots" from their original context and plaster them all over the web without ever explaining the fullness of the scenario (i.e. the meeting, the pepper spray, the protests and the all out war they have been waging against him off-and-on for 17 years).
Buju Banton plays the Belly Up in Solana Beach, as scheduled. The show is a near sell out. Nestled in the crowd are some local gay activists, including Syd Stevens, who erected the malicious Cancel Buju Banton web site targeting the RGS US Tour.
After the show, the club's owners unbeknownst to Buju, usher Syd and his boyfriend backstage to meet and talk with Buju in person. Conspicuously, Syd never bothers to mention his attendance at the Solana Beach show or the impromptu meeting afterwards on his slanderous site, which has been updated several times since the tour ended.
Fortunately, the Belly Up crew releases a detailed account of the backstage "showdown" between Buju Banton and San Diego gay activists.
"First and foremost, we heard with our own ears Buju unequivocally denounce violence and hatred towards gays and lesbians. Secondly, that night we heard a concert that was entirely free of hate and that specifically did not contain the song 'Boom Bye Bye.' During our conversation he acknowledged that he has also made hurtful comments, and even expressed regret for his choice of words during last week's radio interview…"
The Florida chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) releases statement publicly chiding members of the gay community for their dogmatic attempts to silence Buju Banton for a song he does not promote, perform or profit from today.
"It is disheartening that some of our colleagues in the gay and lesbian equality movement have embraced censorship as a tactic," begins the official statement recently printed in the Op Ed section of the Miami Herald. "This is terribly short-sighted: Giving the government the power to censor messages it thinks are dangerous never advances the cause of equality and freedom."
Two hours before Buju Banton's RGS show at Palm Beach in Dallas, Texas, promoter Winston "Gold" Roberts gets a call that federal agents are trying to shut down the club for a code violation. The owners settle what turns out to be a minor infraction and Buju rocks on.
Buju's Rasta Got Soul US Tour stops at Center Stage in Atlanta. Walk-up sales for the midtown area show are phenomenal, further demonstrating the mainstream appeal, power and demand of Buju Banton and Reggae music in the Dirty South.
Team Gargamel bumps into esteemed, Atlanta-based hip-hop photographer/videographer, Zach Wolfe at the show. They decide to partner up and lens the accompanying music video for the single "Optimistic Soul" plus shoot the final week of Buju's Rasta Got Soul US Tour for an impromptu documentary short entitled This Is Buju Banton. The doc will feature exclusive behind-the-scenes and live footage, interviews with Buju, Shiloh Band and staff, promoters, club owners, fans, detractors, and more.
On the way to Buju Banton's show at Plush in Jacksonville, Florida, veteran local promoter Peter "CC" Samms gets word that federal agents are refusing to allow the venue to open its doors due to another strange code technicality. The line grows outside as does police presence. A perplexed CC urges owner, Tom Fisher, to race down to the club and resolve whatever the "issue" is. Within 20 minutes of Tom's arrival, the doors are open, the line is moving and the show jumps off without a hitch.
Buju Banton's Rasta Got Soul US Tour arrives in Tampa for a date at Cuban Club. At the exact moment Buju takes the stage, federal agents pop up and demand the production staff to immediately lower the music or get shut down for violating sound ordinance laws. The sound guys are puzzled by this outlandish request since the spot is located in an industrial area of Ybor City that is virtually isolated after hours. Nevertheless, they comply and the show continues.
Buju Banton's Rasta Got Soul US Tour successfully wraps at club Destiny in Orlando, Florida. Closing night guests include Wayne Wonder for "Movie Star," Gramps Morgan for "Psalm 23" and Bunny Rugs of Third World who joins Buju onstage for a rare performance of their collaboration "Sense Of Purpose," also featured on the Rasta Got Soul album.
Despite early stumbling blocks, the tour proves unstoppable with close to 30,000 fans taking in 32 shows across the country. Buju Banton's Rasta Got Soul Tour is the biggest selling Reggae package of 2009.
Buju Banton is nominated for a Grammy Award for Rasta Got Soul . Despite it being Buju's fourth time being recognized by the Recording Academy over the years, gay activists launch a petition to get the Academy to rescind his well-deserved nod. A representative for the Academy releases a strong public statement in defense of Buju Banton.
"The Recording Academy and the Grammy Awards have a long history of supporting freedom of speech and creative expression, and of supporting artists and the music they create… It takes tolerance to teach tolerance, and it is through dialogue and debate that social discovery may occur. The Grammy Awards is a celebration and recognition of outstanding musical achievement by music makers, regardless of politics, and that will continue to be our mission."
At approximately 2:00pm on Thursday, five DEA agents descend on the South Florida townhouse of Jamaican music icon Buju Banton and present an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He is whisked away in an unmarked black vehicle and taken to Federal Detention Center (FDC) in downtown Miami where he is booked.
With hands and feet shackled, Buju, wearing a green, prison two-piece, makes his Initial Appearance in front of Magistrate Judge Robert L. Dube' at the US District Court (Southern District of Florida) in Miami. As is customary, the icon is remanded for temporary Pre-Trial Detention and prepares to spend his first weekend in jail. Magistrate Judge Dube' sets the Detention/Bond Hearing for the following Wednesday in Miami.
Rumors of Buju's arrest causes pandemonium in Jamaica and sends shockwaves around the globe. By the wee hours of Saturday morning, the devastating news hits the press. With little to no information about the case and no apparent interest in doing actual research on Buju Banton's background and stature as a music icon, most mainstream coverage is reduced to one-sided and inaccurate rhetoric about his enduring struggles with the gay community.
AP continues to erroneously report via their worldwide wire service that Buju's early '90s hit song 'Batty Rider' "glorifies the shooting of gay men" when in reality the tune only "glorifies" the skintight short-shorts worn by hot gals in the dancehall back in the day. The Miami Herald, a paper that has covered Buju for years should know and do better, right? Wrong. Here's the first three lines of a recent cover story: "Internationally known Reggae star. Gay basher. Grammy nominee." Rewind! Gay basher? What ever happened to fact checking?
FDC in Miami is crawling with lawyers jockeying to meet with Buju and convince him to hire them. Over the next few days, more than 40 attorneys slink up into the prison with their situation analyses and enthusiastic sales pitches. In classic Banton form, he "hires" them all and leaves the firing to management.
Back in lock up, Buju spends most of his free time reading, writing, exercising and reasoning with the young inmates. He meets a couple of Jamaican nationals, one who has no legal representation, so Buju coordinates efforts to secure and pay for his lawyer.
The Feds leak a copy of the affidavit in an orchestrated effort clearly aimed at causing doubt amongst Buju's loyal fans, tainting the potential jury pool in Tampa and further assassinating his character in the public eye before going to trial. The media gobbles it up but Buju fans do not believe the hype. Representatives from the Jamaica Consulate in Miami pay an official visit to Buju at the prison.
Meanwhile, Buju's manager and business partner, Tracii McGregor, begins meetings with potential attorneys to represent the legendary artist. At the top of her highly recommended list is Leonard Sands, Nathan Diamond, Jason Grey, Mark Panunzio, Roma Theus and fabled criminal defense lawyer, Frank Rubino, who analyzes: "This case is tryable, defendable and winnable." Later that night, she receives several calls about a bright, young, powerhouse named David Oscar Markus.
A Grand Jury in Tampa indicts Buju Banton and two co-defendants (Ian Thomas and James Mack) for 1) allegedly conspiring to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846 and 2) aiding and abetting each other and knowingly and intentionally possessing a firearm in furtherance of, and carrying a firearm during the course of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c). These types of federal crimes carry a controversial mandatory minimum penalty of 10-20 years to life.
The Sentencing Project, a national organization working for a fair and effective criminal justice system reports:
"At the Federal level, prisoners incarcerated on a drug charge comprise half of the prison population, while the number of drug offenders in state prisons has increased thirteen-fold since 1980. Most of these people are not high-level actors in the drug trade, and most have no prior criminal record for a violent offense."
Buju makes his second court appearance, this time in front of Magistrate Judge William C. Turnoff. He exudes royalty, even in a dulling, beige state-issued jumpsuit. The place is a mad house of mostly attorneys, including Herbert Walker III, the bumbling, former state prosecutor who surreptitiously lists his name on the court docket as "Buju's permanent attorney"; heavyweight Frank Rubino, who stops by after meeting with Buju earlier that morning; Christopher Lyons, the attorney who is actually hired to handle the second hearing, but summarily edged out by Walker who makes a scene and refuses to hand over the case, citing the official docket.
The proceeding moves quickly since Buju waives his right to a Detention/Bond Hearing in Miami, opting to go straight to Tampa. After court, McGregor walks a few blocks down the street for a two-hour meeting of the minds with David Markus. His parting words resonate deeply: "We will win this."
Frank Rubino pulls some strings and gets Buju's manager approved to go inside the prison for a One Time Visit. She immediately expresses concern that the boss, who abides by a strict vegetarian diet, is not eating as he's visibly dropped some weight off his already slight frame.
Buju admits he hasn't been too inclined to touch the prison slop, dining instead on bread and water. He tries to assure her that he is doing fine under the circumstances, then runs down a list of things that need to be taken care of on the outside, and imparts love to his devoted fans, family and friends.
Gargamel Music label breaks silence. Buju's manager grants first and only interview since his arrest to CaribWorldNews.com. She proclaims: "It's on and poppin'!"
Phone calls and emails continue to pour in from all parts of the globe. Aware of the acutely exorbitant legal fees that will be associated with bringing a case of this magnitude to trial, several patrons start to pledge monetary support for Buju Banton's defense. Fans can buy official Free Buju T-Shirts and proceeds will also go towards Buju Banton's defense.
Buju is pleasantly surprised to learn that Dancehall legend, Shabba Ranks, has put $100 USD down on his commissary.
David Markus somehow manages to swing a second One Time Visit for Buju's manager. This time Buju is much more energetic and optimistic. His commissary has kicked in and he is now able to buy and cook up his own food. She brings him up to speed on a few business-related matters and then they pore over their options for attorneys. So, this is Christmas?
Buju Banton spends Christmas day behind bars at Miami Federal Detention Center. He is reflective and sentimental but in good spirits. In the evening, Buju speaks with a few of his children, family and close friends who remind the Gargamel just how much he is loved and missed.
Buju uses up his allotted 300 minutes in phone time for the month. He must now wait until the New Year to make outside calls.
In the two week period since the arrest, sales of Buju Banton's Grammy-nominated album Rasta Got Soul double and the critically acclaimed project swiftly re-enters Billboard magazine's Top Reggae Albums Chart at #15.
Buju Banton spends the last day of 2009 in federal custody. He currently awaits transfer to Tampa.
Items reposted or reprinted from this blog must be properly credited as follows:
Courtesy of THISISBUJUBANTON.wordpress.com
© Copyright 2009 and 2010 Gargamel Music, Inc.


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Apple has filed a patent to use the accelerometer and gyroscope in conjunction with the video camera of your device to improve image stabilization. The three core features could work together to hugely improve the look of your videos.
Embodiments of the present invention provide a control system for video processes that selectively control the operation of motion stabilization processes. According to the present invention, motion sensor data indicative of motion of a mobile device may be received and processed. A determination may be made by comparing processed motion sensor data to a threshold. Based on the determination, motion stabilization may be suspended on select portions of a captured video sequence.
There are already software based video stabilization techniques that are widely used. The problem with software based solutions is the resources they use on the device; this can seriously reduce battery life. Not a great compromise on a portable device. Also the results can be very erratic.
Apple does point out within the filing that even this hardware method can produce far from perfect results. I guess the only real solutions to the shaky video problem is a tripod or to work on those arm muscles!
Source: Apple Insider


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Pacific Beach Planning Group (PBPG) chairman Brian Curry said a subcommittee is being assembled to study the possibility of forming a new Pacific Beach parking district to "look into ways to make PB a better place." Residential parking permits, parking meters and a local shuttle are some of the ideas the subcommittee could consider, Curry said.
Planners Paul Falcone and Chris Olson volunteered to be representatives on the new parking subcommittee, which is being spearheaded by Elvin Lai, president of Discover PB.
"We are looking for the four at-large members from all over Pacific Beach," said Lai, noting the community will be split into four quadrants, with one representative to be selected from each quadrant.
In introducing Fulton, Curry said Fulton has a long and impressive resume, which includes being an expert urban planner and author, as well as being the former mayor of Ventura.
"He is an advocate of smart growth and an expert urban planner who's authored 'Guide To California Planning,' the standard textbook on urban planning," Curry said.
Taking his cue, Fulton launched into a PowerPoint presentation to discuss how parking problems were tackled — and resolved — in Ventura. He noted there are similarities — and differences — between Ventura's parking issues and those confronting Pacific Beach.
Fulton said Ventura's parking problem wasn't that there weren't enough spaces, but rather that they were unevenly dispersed and weren't being used to full advantage.
Fulton said the standard approach to resolving parking problems is "more about enforcement of time limits [meter maids] and more about parking supply [garages]." But he said a better approach is not to piecemeal parking, but rather to look at the big picture of how it's distributed and used throughout the entire area.
"If you don't think of it as a system, you give people the wrong incentives to do the wrong things," Fulton said, noting downtown Ventura's traffic jam was cleared up by "select use of paid parking and by providing monetary incentives to park a couple blocks away in garages."
The first step in managing parking in Ventura, said Fulton, was to document exactly where parking was available, showing where demand exceeded supply and where parking was underused.
Resolving Ventura's parking problem involved redistributing and more evenly spreading out the use of parking spaces.
So, 300 of the city's total 2,500 parking spaces in the downtown core were turned into paid spaces that people were willing to pay for to get prime spots for shopping or dining. Off-street parking further away was changed to be either four-hour or free all day to entice people to park a short distance away from downtown. The end result: parking was more evenly distributed throughout the city's downtown, alleviating parking shortages and traffic congestion.
PBPG member Chris Olson said a community workshop on implementing an eco-district in the beach community has been rescheduled for Tuesday, April 29 at Pacific Beach Middle School at a time yet to be determined.
"Community identity, health and well-being, access and mobility are some of the things we're slated to discuss," Olson said, adding the workshop is intended to "bring everyone together in the same room then break up into smaller groups to discuss things like neighborhood greenways and transit projects."
Olson added there's been some discussion of changing the name for the new sustainability district being formed from eco-district to a "livability district."
The Pacific Beach Planning Group meets the fourth Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Pacific Beach/Taylor Branch Library at 4275 Cass St.


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buzzy needed a new logo design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 138 designs submitted by 40 freelance designers.
We are looking for a corporate logo for our health supplement company, "BioJestic, Inc." We are a health supplement company which focuses on delivery quality organic products, with the objective of a healthy lifestyle for all our potential customers and clients.
BioJestic, Inc.
Clean, Smooth Fresh design
- The Name "BioJestic"
- Item 1...
Find out how a design contest works or learn more about our logo design services.


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Is This What Animals Are Truly Saying? [VIDEO]
This video has been seen worldwide millions of times, but my daughter and I saw it for the first time last night and had to watch it over and over
It was produced by the BBC in England and shows animals in the wild with people talking for them. I hope you enjoy it as well.


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This group's areas of focus are server virtualization management, Linux and UNIX management, native server management integration, and server inventory and process automation. We encourage members to submit ideas for new resources and capabilities that would help them address their evolving needs in the server space. For server monitoring information, please visit the Monitor and Server Health group.
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Hey yall its Gautam here and ima jus say hi so i can start postin on dis here forum. Well I love basketball, its my first love since Age 5 and ima faaaaaaaast boi... i tell ya no one faster from one end of da court to the otha cept AI my brah. well i jus started tennis wen i wuz 10 (im now 17) i play varsity basketball and im first singles on my team, im ranked sectionally (in colorado) and i love both sports.
gimme a shout out and u'll get $5 bucks from paypal on me


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Oilers fire Ralph Krueger as head coach
Since 2009, the Oilers have had 5 head coaches: Craig MacTavish, Pat Quinn, Tom Renney, Ralph Krueger, and now …. unknown. Sources say, Dallas Eakins will be named, however Craig MacTavish would not confirm yet (the signing is not done). MacTavish has an agreement lined up with a coach, but a deal isn't signed yet. It is likely Dallas Eakins based on the word out there, but chances are there are other teams out there interested. I sure as hell hope that someone doesn't snipe our candidate and leave us finding someone else now.
Dallas Eakins was head coach of the Toronto Marlies from 2009-10 seaosn to 2012-13. In his first two seasons, he missed the playoffs. In season 3, he and the Marlies made it to the Finals where they lost to the Norfolk Admirals (the then Tampa Bay Lightning affiliate). This year, the Marlies made it to round 2, where they lost to the Grand Rapids Griffins (the Detroit Red Wings affiliate, whom the Barons also lost to, and are now in the Finals). It seems that Eakins has had some good success in the AHL, and is another "player's coach" and strong motivator. I don't know enough about him yet… doing some digging, but I sure as hell hope he can line match. In today's NHL, that seems quite important. I'd almost rather go back to Craig MacTavish as coach than another guy that just rolls the lines like Quinn and Krueger each did.
So I have one question already, is he a line matcher? My other question, will the new coach bring in a new set of assistant coaches? I sure hope so. I think that's been another constant here, and maybe it's time to move on with those guys. Buchy has been here since 2008-09, and Steve Smith came on a few years ago. Might be time to take a look elsewhere.
Craig MacTavish said he came to the conclusion about letting Ralph Krueger go when he was shopping around for an associate to coach with Krueger. He had discovered that the guys he was looking at weren't so much guys that would support Krueger and in line with his abilities… but more so, support what MacTavish was looking for. Things changed… he wasn't intending to fire Krueger initially, but changed his mind when looking at the options out there, it seems. He said this wasn't meant to be "fair to Ralph .. but the best decision for the betterment of the club". MacT also says he disagreed with Krueger's philosophy. I'd bet line matching was a big part of it.
I really liked Krueger, to be honest. But I think he's missing some important X and O stuff to have success. The Oilers are a mess in their own zone, often, the line matching is non existent… MacTavish, as frustrating as he could be, was a better coach than Krueger was. So I think as much as I hate to see a nice guy go, I think this is a wise choice. However, it's hard to say he had enough of a chance here either or the right support. There should be some new assistants here to support whomever our new head coach is. Or, at the very least, the new head coach needs to make this decision solely on his own.


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Experts say the odds of catching a two-tone lobster are about 1 in 50 million. Yet a fisherman off Maine recently hauled in a lobster that was half orange and half brown (pictured above).
"It looked as if someone had taken painter's tape and run it from proboscis to tail, then spray-painted one side. It's a perfectly straight line," Alan Lishness, of the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, told Reuters. "You don't usually see such hard edges in nature."
If this isn't bizarre enough, a fisherman off Massachusetts on Thursday hauled up a blue lobster (pictured below). The odds of that happening are 1 in 2 million.
Imagine the odds of both of these lobster being caught during the same week or so.
Typically, American lobsters are brownish-green. The peculiar coloration is caused by a genetic defect that causes the lobster to produce an excessive amount of a particular protein.
"They're still lobsters, but they stand out because they're different," states the University of Maine's Lobster Institute, on its website.
The two-toned lobster was caught by Jeff Edwards of Owl's Head, Maine. After the lobster was photographed, it was delivered to Ship to Shore Lobster Co., a local fisherman's wharf.
"We've had blue ones and calico ones, but we'd never seen anything like this," said Anna Mason, co-owner of Ship to Shore.
Ultimately, the two-toned lobster was donated it to the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, which keeps the crustaceans in a tank for children's education programs.
"This one just stops people in their tracks," Lishness said. "Even people who've seen thousands of lobsters just can't believe it."
The blue lobster was caught off Cape Cod by Ben Hogan, who noticed the pale-blue specimen wriggling in a trap he hauled up Thursday afternoon (video posted below).
"It was our last trap of the day, in about 85 feet of water, and we found this," Hogan says in the Cape Cod Times video. "I've definitely have never seen anything like it, until today."
Hogan had gone out with his grandfather Victor Caruso and caught the lobster on the last haul of the day.
They teamed with CapeCast to produce the video in which the two displayed the lobster and talked about what they were going to do with it.
"I think it's his day to bask in glory," Caruso says of his grandson.
Most likely, the lobster will find a home in a nearby aquarium.
"We're definitely going to donate it somewhere where it can be seen, because it's definitely a rarity that I've never seen," Hogan says. "I'm sure a lot of people would enjoy seeing this, so I want to put it somewhere where many people will get to see it."
Which means that the blue lobster, like the two-toned specimen, will be spared the boiler pot.
–Find Pete Thomas on Facebook and Twitter


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OAKLAND — Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor ran 93 yards for a touchdown on the first play from scrimmage against the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday at O.co Coliseum. It was the longest run from scrimmage in franchise history, and the longest run by a quarterback in NFL history
With the Raiders starting at the 7-yard line following a holding penalty on the opening kickoff, Pryor faked to Darren McFadden on a read option, ran to his right and broke through a huge hole with Rod Streater getting a key block on safety Troy Polamalu.
Pryor came in as the Raiders leading rusher with 287 yards. The previous longest gain was a 92-yard run for a touchdown by Bo Jackson against the Cincinnati Bengals on Nov. 5, 1989.


text: Social Southie, a new group created by and for South Boston residents interested in changing Southie's social scene, held its first event Tuesday. The gathering at Boston Beer Garden on East Broadway was a benefit for the South Boston-based Alliance for Animals. Scott Luther, one of the group's cofounders, told us the aim is to offer an alternative to what's likely to be portrayed as part of the new reality show "Southie Rules," which premieres Jan. 29 on A&E. "That's a locals-against-yuppies thing," said Luther. "We saw what 'Jersey Shore' did for Seaside Heights. I'm hoping 'Southie Rules' doesn't do the same thing for Southie." He said each gathering of Social Southie will benefit a different South Boston nonprofit.