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Digital Innovations for Patient Safety
Our Digital Innovations for Patient Safety theme is working to develop digital solutions that address threats to patient safety. We will design and evaluate a number of targeted interventions that address well-known threats to safety whilst addressing the challenges of successfully incorporating digital innovations alongside complex human and organisational needs.
Digital technologies have transformed many industries but progress in healthcare has been less rapid. So whilst digital innovations offer considerable potential to enhance patient safety, progress remains challenging. A key constraint to safety improvement has been the disconnect between developers of digital solutions and patients, clinicians and the complex clinical context. Our research strategy recognises that digital innovations are complex interventions in complex adaptive health systems and, as such, need careful human interface design to support safe human decision making and appropriate behaviour change if they are to be successful in enhancing patient safety. Moreover, we propose to digitally exploit the power of the sense making capabilities of humans in complex adaptive systems, to better understand the patient safety climate.
Our approach therefore moves beyond multidisciplinary (where people from different disciplines work together) to an interdisciplinary approach where knowledge and methods from different disciplines interact and are synthesised into a learning health system framework. The key disciplines that we will synthesize include computer science, informatics, human interface co-design, behaviour change, improvement science, systems theory, human factors, complex adaptive systems (human sense making) and implementation science. We aim to develop innovative approaches to enhancing patient safety across this journey, from early diagnosis through to discharge into primary and community care. | {
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Saw the film Manila Kingpin yesterday afternoon! The expert cutters turned Tikoy’s opening scene [Viray-Asiong] into a trailer spoiling the whole thing by intercutting with the preparations being undertaken by Asiong’s gang vs Viray himself. Obviously, they just looked at the images and edited the scene without understanding the script or without feeling it. They do not know what parallel or simultaneous editing is. By intercutting two scenes NOT happening at the same time, they completely destroyed our original intention, even the use of silence at the end of it. They do not know what silence in cinema means. They cut the whole film as if they were cutting an MTV. In lighting, mood and treatment the opening scene is reminiscent of Bagong Bayani, if they did not spoil it…Some of my edits were left quite intact though.
Jump Cut to the Ending Scene. Horrendous with all the senseless fade ins and fade outs.. what for? To say that the film was re-edited? Or you, I mean the producers, were still in the trailer cutting mode because of the 100+K viewers the trailers got from Youtube? Or, because the espesyalistas could not have done any better? Come on!! Your work had just been to put those damn transitions, insert Amay Bisaya, and deleting the shots that helped in building up the “calm before the storm” effect [to make the pacing fast?]; Worst is using inappropriate music that tremendously reduced the impact of the scene. That’s the Producer’s call I suppose.
More later….on the Producer’s Cut that was based on the film’s first or rough cut. I am busy preparing for the launch this afternoon of my slow-paced, quiet short film ULTIMO ADIOS at the most appropriate place, the Rizal Shrine in Fort Santiago.
By the way, Tikoy watched the film too almost at the same as I watched it but in another cinema house. I only came to know when he texted to say that I must see the film and what they did to his baby. He later called me up … mad of course, very mad. What do you expect? Seeing footage we did not want. Deleting sequences deemed necessary. He made the right decision: to have his name removed from Manila Kingpin.
Teka—tama ba nabasa ko?:
“Manila Kingpin” bagged 10 awards last night, including Best Production Design, Best Editing, Best Sound Recording, Best Original Theme Song, Best Cinematography, Best Screenplay, Gatpuno Villegas Cultural Award, Best Supporting Actor, Best Director and Best Festival Picture. Article.aspx?articleId=763092&publicationSubCategoryId=200 | {
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Backend Engineer
Company: Hired
Location: Vacaville
Posted on: May 18, 2020
Job Description:
Join Hired and find your dream job as a Backend Software
Engineer at one of 10,000+ companies looking for candidates just
like you.Companies on Hired apply to you, not the other way
around.You'll receive salary and compensation details upfront -
before the interview - and be able to choose from a variety of
industries you're interested in, to find a job You'll love in less
than 2 weeks.Being a backend engineer means that you are
responsible for the construction and the efficiency of all the
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Oh, Edith. Edith, Edith, Edith. When we left off last time, a mere double-episode after your older sister’s wedding, you had finally become betrothed to older gent Sir Anthony Strallan. Even the mousy—and sometimes downright mean, though we empathize with her plight—middle Crawley sister was to have her day in the sun. And this week’s Downton Abbey, the rare Edith-centric episode, also shines a light on the challenges the show will need to overcome this season.
We begin (not including Laura Linney, natch) with the unmistakable sight of Downton Abbey going into full party mode: the carpet rolled up, the floor scrubbed, the long tracking shot centered on the bride-to-be. Edith may not believe it’s all for her—and her granny, the Dowager Countess, may not think it should be—but her chance has finally come.
And just in time: the question of finding the money to save the estate remains unresolved, and it looks like there’s no resolution in sight, as Matthew remains stubbornly unwilling to spend Reggie Swire’s money on Lavinia’s former rival’s family. (Mary is also stubbornly unwilling to understand his decision—but can you blame her? She’s always felt the familial duty to the house, and she’s more eloquent on the subject than she is on anything else, including her love of her new husband.) Downton will have to be sold, and the wedding is its last hurrah. There’s discussion of the family moving to a smaller home they own in the north of England—Lord Grantham jokes that they can call it “Downton Place,” which would really complicate the merch side of things—while they look for a more permanent situation. The family plans a picnic to visit the house. In case you forgot this was Downton, a picnic = white linens, centerpieces, champagne flutes and a footman serving the meal. But it’s outside! It’s a picnic!
While at the picnic, Mary learns that Matthew has received a letter written by Reggie Swire before the latter died, but doesn’t plan to open it, anticipating that it would be addressed as if Matthew were Swire’s son-in-law. Blurgggggh. Mattttttthew. So annnooooyyying. Mary reads the letter herself and tells Matthew what it said: Lavinia told her father that the wedding was off, but Mr. Swire still had great respect for Matthew. Matthew, however, suspects that someone—perhaps even Mary—has forged the letter, because there was no time for Lavinia to have sent a letter before she died. Maaaaaaaaaatthew! Mary, again stopping her husband from being totally stupid, asks the servants if anyone mailed the letter for Lavinia. And this time, it wasn’t the butler who did it—it was Daisy. Matthew finally believes that the money is his to do with what he pleases, and Downton will be saved! They decide to tell the family after the wedding.
So the wedding day has arrived. Less bunting this time, but Edith does get to have a gorgeous version of her normal hairdo and to wear a gown with a floor-length satin cape; plus, even Lady Mary is nice to her. If only that were the case for everyone at the wedding: at the altar, just as the bride smiles through her veil at the groom, after they whisper a formal “good afternoon” to one another, Sir Anthony Strallan has a change of heart. He can’t lead Edith to a life as a nurse to an older, disabled man, even though she wants to be with him. In front of the whole village, she begs him to change his mind—but the Dowager Countess tells her to save herself and her pride, to “wish him well and let him go.” Strallan walks up the church aisle, alone, and out of the Crawley family’s life. Edith is left to return to the house, where everything is set up for a party, where both her sisters are happily married, to throw her veil over the bannister of the grand staircase and collapse on her bed, with her perfect hair now tiara-rumpled and a cry-face to rival Claire Danes’.
In the aftermath, Matthew tells Robert about Reggie’s money, which Robert accepts on the condition that Matthew invest in the estate rather than just giving the money to his father-in-law. Thus concludeth the latest challenge to the continuity of the Crawley line at Downton, and any chance that the show might become Downton Place.
It also concludes what would probably have been, in a 22-episode American network television season, a ten-episode plot. The ability to condense the question of whether Matthew will accept the inheritance into just three is one of the most appealing qualities of Downton and its British brethren. Matthew’s hesitancy is annoying enough as it is; drawing it out would make the show’s romantic male lead absolutely unbearable to watch. But, at the same time, just because the season is only eight episodes long doesn’t mean it doesn’t need an arc in every story. With the main couple tying the knot in the first episode of the season and the secondary couple married off last season, last week’s premiere—despite scoring four times the average PBS viewership numbers—probably prompted some groans and whispered talk of the show j-ing the s.
What’s happening, though, is less a case of the Fonz on waterskis than it is a normal growing pain for any show that chooses not to depend entirely on what’s often known as UST: unresolved sexual tension. Whether or not Matthew and Mary would get together was the big question for two seasons, and many more years than that in Downton-land. A lesser show might well have drawn it out longer, or at least left Sybil and Tom or Anna and Mr. Bates in limbo. If the only reason you were watching was to see Matthew and Mary hook up, of course you’re finding this season boring, even with shirtless Matthew hanging out last week. It’s really, really easy to mess up a show by allowing the characters to get married and we’re used to giving up on them when the honeymoon is over—but it doesn’t have to be bad. And there’s a reason this show is not called The Crawley Smooch Hour. It’s not about romance; it’s about the estate. It can handle the resolution of major romantic tensions because there’s always more tension lurking in one of the house’s innumerable rooms. For example:
Tom and Sybil are back in town for the wedding, which is mostly exciting because of the chance for more Tom-n-Matthew BFF fun-times. Men! In tuxes! Playing pool! Sorry—I mean, billiards! (Sybil, however, doesn’t get a single chance to look dashing: she of the fab harem pants has gone to frump town, which we’ll choose to blame on Irish maternity-wear styles of 1920, which are beyond her control.)
The well-meaning Isobel Crawley, who gets nothing but a hard time from the ladies of the night—clearly identified by being the only people in England with frizzy hair—whom she has decided to help, has another run-in with Ethel the ex-maid.
Anna visits Mrs. Bartlett to get her story about the first Mrs. Bates. In her very poetic recounting of the last moments of Vera’s life, Mrs. Bartlett tells of a fearful Vera walking away into the mist, on a night lit by gaslights, after nervously scrubbing pastry from underneath her fingernails, even though Anna thinks the information is worthless.
Bates, who’s getting pretty scary, is warned that his cellmate has planted contraband in his bed. Hard to tell exactly what it is—a little packet of drugs of some sort, something about which a 1920s-era drugs expert might enlighten us in the comments section?—but Bates finds it in time and stashes it away.
And the real heart of the episode is downstairs anyway, with Mrs. Hughes: she still has not heard back about her biopsy. Carson overhears that she’s ill and—while looking très Magritte in his little hat—tricks Dr. Clarkson into spilling the beans that something’s going on. Carson’s concern for his colleague, all while he remains in the dark about why he can’t hire another footman and while he deals with Thomas tricking Mr. Molesley into spreading a rumor that Miss O’Brien plans to quit, is touching. That non-romantic love is more genuine and less fraught than perhaps any of the other relationships at Downton. Cora’s promise to Mrs. Hughes that, should she be ill, she won’t be left to fend for herself is an idealized version of an employer-employee relationship but it’s weep-worthy nonetheless. And Carson’s joy when the biopsy comes back as “a benign something or other” is one of the sweetest moments in the show’s history—and one more reason why, even robbed of UST, there’s plenty of reason to keep watching.
Dowager Zinger of the Week: “No bride wants to look tired at her wedding. It either means she’s anxious or she’s been up to no good.”
History Lesson of the Week: The Dowager Countess mentions that she would have been happy to pay if Edith wanted a wedding dress from Patou, which Cora says would have run the risk that Edith would look like a chorus girl. But if Edith had gone with a Patou, she would have had a wedding dress that was a part of fashion history: Jean Patou was a French fashion designer whose first couture collection, in 1919, helped move European fashion toward the sleek lines of the 1920s.
There's a reason so many of us love this show - sure, there are plot inconsistencies and illogical twists, plus plenty of boring rich prigs and two-dimensional villains (like Thomas) but it's an ideal combination of mass-appeal soap opera and highbrow historical romance! In fact, we fans deserve our own theme song, "Hooked On Downton Abbey" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mdt0JmGj6to | {
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Addition and Subtraction of 2-Digit Numbers
Books for Children and Families
Katy and the Big Snow
Literature
by Virginia Lee Burton
Houghton 1982 (40p)
A picture book about a snow shovel that can be connected to place-value and money.
Perfect Pancakes If You Please
by William Wise
Dial 1997 (32p)
When a king's daughter refuses to marry an evil inventor who wins a contest to make a perfect pancake, the spurned inventor buries the kingdom under piles of pancakes.
The Cats of Mrs. Calamari
by John Stadler
Orchard 1997 (32p)
Mr. Gangplank hates cats but suspects that his new tenant, Mrs. Calamari, has lots of them in her apartment.
How Many Stars in the Sky?
Multicultural
by Lenny Hort
Morrow 1991 (32p)
A boy and his father who are unable to sleep go out into the night to count stars.
17 Kings and 42 Elephants
by Margaret Mahy
Dial 1987 (32p) also paper
Rhyming verse tells how 17 kings and 42 elephants make their way through the
jungle on a wet, wild night.
How Much Is That Guinea Pig in the Window?
Multicultural
by Joanne Rocklin
Scholastic 1995 (48p)
A class figures out how many bottles and cans they need to collect on their recycling drive to raise the money for a class pet.
Calico Picks a Puppy
by Phyllis Limbacher Tildes
Charlesbridge 1997 (32p)
A calico cat introduces readers to over 30 breeds of dogs as she searches for a puppy playmate.
The Boy Who Was Followed Home
by Margaret Mahy. Dial 1986 (32p) also paper
Every day, Robert is followed home from school by a hippo, until there are 27 of them on his family's front lawn.
Anno's Math Games
by Mitsumasa Anno
Philomel 1987 (112p)
Pictures, puzzles, and games take children through basic mathematical concepts, including addition and subtraction.
Books for Teacher Reference
Read Any Good Math Lately?
by David J. Whitin and Sandra Wilde
Heinemann 1992 (205p)
This resource helps teachers access and use children's books in the classroom for mathematical learning.
It's the Story That Counts
by David J. Whitin and Sandra Wilde
Heinemann 1995 (224p)
The authors explain the importance of children's literature in the teaching and learning of mathematics.
The Wonderful World of Mathematics
by Diane Thiessen and Margaret Mattias
NCTM 1992 (241p)
An annotated bibliography of children's books appropriate for developing math skills.
Picturing Math
by Carol Otis Hurst and Rebecca Otis
SRA Media 1996 (152p)
A variety of math concepts are introduced through the use of picture books for preschoolers through second graders.
Connecting Mathematics Across the Curriculum
edited by Peggy A. House
NCTM 1995 (248p)
This volume emphasizes how math can be connected to subjects across the curriculum and to the everyday world.
Child's Play Around the World
by Leslie Hamilton
Perigree 1996 (224p)
A collection of 170 crafts, games, and projects from around the world. Activities are coded to indicate difficulty. Includes an index and a bibliography.
The Multicultural Math Classroom: Bringing in the World
by Claudia Zaslavsky
Heinemann Publishers, 1996 (238 p)
A great source for teachers of elementary mathematics. Includes historical background information as welll as suggested activities.
The Maya
by Jacqueline Dembar Greene
Franklin Watts, 1992 (63 p)
Description of the Mayan civilization, helpful for giving children the context for the scientific and mathematical discoveries of this ancient people.
Math World Bibliography
Child's Play Around the World
by Leslie Hamilton
Perigee 1996 (224p)
A collection of 170 crafts, games, and projects from around the world. Activities are coded to indicate difficulty. Includes an index and a bibliography. | {
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This is a walk on the Wilde side. And a Wilde ride it is. It's
Etcetera's wild re-imagining of Oscar Wilde's best-known work, The
Importance of Being Earnest.
The risk-taking Etcetera, the late-night branch of the
often-impressive Live Theatre Workshop, embraces Wilde's comedy with
enthusiasm, irreverence and not a shred of remorse about taking
great—and I do mean great—liberties with the delicious
script.
Premiering in London on Valentine's Day 1895, Wilde's play is a
gloriously witty send-up of Victorian high-mindedness. It's a story of
class and civilized duplicity. Of best friends—Jack and
Algernon—who create alter egos to spare themselves from the
excessive propriety their high station requires of them. Of frivolous
young women—Gwendolen and Cecily—who dream of marrying men
whose names must be Ernest. They like the way the name sounds, and they
like what it implies.
In Etcetera's version, this quartet is openly gay. Gwendolen and
Cecily mutate into Gavin and Cecil. Lady Bracknell, one of theater's
great roles for women, is performed in drag. The other roles undergo
similar gender-bending.
Now, when a piece of dramatic literature—and it's usually a
very choice piece—has been transposed to another era and place
with its attendant differences in laws, mores, customs, a serious
student of the theater poses the question: Why? Does the change enhance
the themes of the original? Does it make the play more accessible? Does
it shine light on the probing questions, the sensibilities, the
intentions of the playwright's?
So you could ask: Why transform Wilde's jewel of a play into a
gay-friendly (at least gay-male-friendly) version?
Warning: Do not attempt. This Earnest is a burlesque. The
Oscar Wilde-Gone-Wild Follies. It's an "I've got a great idea" lark and
an "aw, to heck with it" gamble.
And it's pretty darned entertaining.
Why is it set in the 1980s? I have no idea. Why switch the setting
from London and "the country" to New York and Connecticut? Not a clue.
And why after relocating the action to the colonies do most of the
actors speak with a Brit's accent? You've got me.
So, don't ask. Just suspend any need to make sense of all these
choices; pay your $10; and take a seat.
Christopher Johnson, who directs the production, plays a coked-out
Algernon whose choice of fashion is sure to give you painful flashbacks
to your own woeful '80s fashion sense. And it will, quite
unfortunately, stick in your mind, like gold to lamé.
Eric Anson is less-convincing as Jack, but he does his part to steer
us through this lunacy, because he is just so, well, earnest.
Chadwyk Collins is impressively committed to his reading of Gavin,
whose fashion sense, along with Algy's and others, should attract a
raid by the fashion police. Jody Mullen sweetly and foolishly dashes
about the stage as Cecil, and when he and Gavin discover that they are
to be married (yes, married) to what appears to be the same man, their
confrontation is hilarious.
Bill Epstein delivers the butchest Lady Bracknell you will ever see.
(At least this is our fervent hope.) And although he's a bit
inconsistent in character and memory, he is a sight for sore eyes and,
truth to tell, a wee bit scary. Miss Prism, as sweet as he/she can be,
has Cliff Madison hilariously decked out in a cotton sundress, tight
blond curls and—no. You have to see this for yourself. Danielle
Dryer as Token Dyke and Jay C. Cotner as Canon Chausable round out this
Wilde bunch.
So is this great theater? No way. Is it a bit of fun? You
betcha.
Most fortunately, Wilde's wonderful words shine through this
spirited silliness. His language is the real star of the evening, and
to their great credit, the cast members know it. In the midst of
outlandish shenanigans, they handle Wilde's saucy and sophisticated
style with impressive agility. We can't help but be smitten again and
again by Wilde's incisive wit and wordplay.
Wilde's own sexual exploits and appetites are well-documented. We
shouldn't worry whether he is smiling down—or up—at
Etcetera's bold venture. While the gang strives to convince us of the
importance of being earnest, they actually make a much stronger case
for something entirely different: They prove that it was our good
fortune that Oscar was born to be Wilde. | {
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Article Photos
Clearly, it wasn't the same Morgantown team, which has beaten Martinsburg, Parkersburg South and now Park, all teams that have been in the Class AAA Top 10 at different points this season.
Morgantown started quickly, leading by as many as 13 points in the first half.
At times, it seemed like the Mohigans couldn't miss. Even big man C.J. King, who at 6-foot-5, 310 pounds, was the biggest man on the floor. He hit both his 3-point attempts in the first half.
"That was important," Tom Yester said of the first-half run by the Mohigans. "What Park likes to do is blitz teams and you end up playing catch up and you can't do it because they are so athletic.
Wheeling Park coach Mike Jebbia knew first half spelled trouble.
"That was classic deep-hole syndrome," Jebbia said. "We got so far behind we had to expend a lot of energy just to get back in the game."
Park (12-5) woke from its lethargic play for a moment near the end of the first half," using a 6-0 run to cut a 12-point deficit in half to make it 37-31.
But just like that, Morgantown found a spark, using a 5-0 run in the final moments of the first half to lead 42-31 at the half.
"We get it down to single digits there, who knows, maybe it's a different game," Jebbia said. "As it was, it was a pretty key run for them right there."
Park went to a 1-3-1 press in the second half and it started paying dividends, getting the Patriots back in the game.
Elijah Bell, who was making his first career start, got a steal and an emphatic slam dunk to cut the Mohigans lead to four in the fourth quarter.,
Park got as close as three points, but the breaks kept going against the Patriots.
One time, Savion Johnson, who played well off the bench, seemed to have a rebound corralled with Park making a run in the third. It bounced out of his hands to Zakeem Divas for an easy stick back.
Core also countered with several big shots in the fourth and Morgantown went 12 of 15 at the free throw line in the final eight minutes.
"Whenever they needed a shot, or needed a big play, they got it," Jebbia said. "I give them a lot of credit because they really played a great game and they made the plays they had to make to win the game."
"It is huge," Core said. "We wanted to come out, play well, and not just win this championship, but try to earn a home game (in the postpones). We have a pretty good home-court advantage with our fans."
Park was led by Ryan Reinbeau's 18 points, all but two coming in the first half.
"We wanted to make things difficult for Ryan, but he played really well in the first half," Yester said. "I thought we played pretty well aside from that in the first half."
Bell had 17 for the Patriots.
Park did have good play off the bench during its third quarter comeback, from Johnson, Chalmer Moffett and Richard Cummings, who had six points in his first extended action of the season.
"Richard came in and did a good job," Jebbia said. "We are looking for an eighth man and I though Richard showed he deserves a chance to do that."
Aside from Core, whose 25 points was the most by a player in the 5A championship game since it moved to OUE seven years ago, Antonio Morgano had 13, King 12 and Steven Soloman 11.
The 76 points Morgantown scored was the most Park has given up this season. | {
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10.18.2011
Class prep work
Some class sketch work for demonstrative purposes. Kids love that stuff, right? Anyway, working on a story along with my class to add emphasis to the lessons in character development I'm teaching. Tired Swordsman's leg is kinda stumpy, but I'll get to that pre-inks. | {
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Snorkeling Waterlemon Cay on St John
About Waterlemon Cay
Waterlemon Cay is the #1 “St John attraction” on Tripadvisor. It’s also one of the top spots to snorkel in the Caribbean! In general, the water is clear, the reef, corals and marine life are healthy and thriving. Colorful Caribbean tropical fish of all species are abundant! Waterlemon Cay should be on every snorkeler’s “bucket list”.
#1 Snorkeling Destination on St John!
Snorkeling among the rich diversity of corals and fish is the reason so many people choose to snorkel at Waterlemon Cay. Each year thousands of people make their way here in search of the best snorkeling on St John. And Waterlemon Cay is truly one of the best snorkeling spots to see schools of fish, rays, turtles, star fish, conch as well as beautiful hard and soft coral reef formations. Access to the water is fairly easy via a sandy beach or a coral stone beach closest to Waterlemon Cay. This location is famous for the variety and density of sea life. You see lots of mustard hill coral, yellow and red sponges, huge purple sea fans, fire coral and large elkhorn. The variety of fish is equally as rich – with schools of blue Atlantic Tangs, parrotfish, blue runners, Sergeant Major Damsels and an assortment of colorful and inquisitive wrasses species. Leinster Bay and its sea grass beds are a great place to spot turtles, rays and Queen conch.
…the real draw is the panoramic view of Leinster Bay and the British Virgin Islands!
Ruins and Scenic Overlooks – so often overlooked ( forgive the pun) are the amazing ruins on the hill above Waterlemon Cay. Take a short spur trail and just a couple of hundred yards up the path are the Old Danish Guardhouse Ruins. A beautiful stone arch frames Leinster Bay. And a bit further up the trail is a destination not to be missed. The Windy Hill Ruins are an impressive collection of walls and stonework. But the real draw is the panoramic view of Leinster Bay all the way around to Tortola and the BVIs! Truly not to be missed. Check the above map for directions.
Where is Waterlemon Cay?
[ see Google Map above ] From Cruz Bay – head west ( left as you face St John) up the hill on Rte 20 ( North Shore Road). You’ll follow the twisting road for about 5 mi – passing Caneel Bay Resort, Hawksnest, Jumbie, Trunk, Cinnamon and Maho Bay beach. After Maho the road turns to a single lane. Follow it until you come to a “Y” intersection. Bear right – signs for Annaberg and Leinster/Waterlemon Cay. There is a parking area about 500 yrds down on your right. The trail starts at the end of the road nearest the shoreline. The hike is flat and approx. .5mi / each way.
The short hike takes you along the shoreline of the beautiful aqua-blue waters of Leinster Bay. The best spot to enter the water is along the coral rubble shoreline – nearest the little island or Cay just off shore. Snorkel out to Waterlemon Cay and you’ll likely see lots of huge red and yellow cushion starfish.
A Word of Caution
CAUTION!– Depending on the weather, tides and moon phase – there can be a strong current on the western edge of the Cay. Use common sense and never exceed your abilities and always snorkel with someone.
St John’s Top Snorkeling Spots
Waterlemon Cay– by far the most popular snorkeling destination on Saint JohnHenley Cay – our STAFF PICK for Best Snorkeling on St JohnHaulover North – on the East End but well worth the drive!Vie’s / Hansen Bay – East End. Wonderful beach and snorkelingHoneymoon Beach – Watersports “shack” with SUP, kayak, snorkel gear, etc.Salt Pond– Very good snorkeling on the rocky patch reef in the center of the bay.
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Morning Toast Plate
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Tea and grilled cheese have met their match in clever, slice-shaped porcelain plate that serves up sandwiches with a smile. From everyday morning breakfasts to afternoon teas, this toast shaped ceramic plate gives the opportunity to keep your heart warm with memories and your tummy full of delicious food. | {
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Friday, August 29, 2014
I have been thinking a lot about exile, because I live in a kind of self-imposed exile myself, and because when I look at the lives of other writers, it seems to be a common theme. The favourite author of my youth DH Lawrence left his home town of Eastwood, England, and spent the rest of his life wandering the globe trying to find a place he could call home (he never did!) Ireland's James Joyce lived in Paris. Great Scottish writer Lewis Grassic Gibbon lived way down in the south of England. Steinbeck removed himself in the end to New York state; Irish writer Edna O'Brien has lived forever more in London.
The list goes on and on, and I think it's because the writer growing up has felt him or herself a step removed from his surroundings. There but not really there, which is the kind of perspective you need to look upon a place artistically. And then, of course, those people who populated your growing up don't generally like it if you turn around and start throwing their way of life back at them. They find it condescending, because you are after all only the cheeky child who had too much say back then, and they are not about to condone it now. Same goes for the family - no one loves the Joseph character and would rather sell him/her off to the hairy Ishmaelites, thank you.
But in the great irony that most art rests, the writer in exile spends his/her life longing back, looking over his or her shoulder with a wistful "If only" look.
The images in this picture are the kind that get my heart bleeding, and I only have to hear Scottish music for my toes to go into involuntary spasms. You only have to ask me about Scottish independence, and I will talk without ceasing about the case for a Yes vote. I will call on my forefathers and Robert Burns and wax lyrical about Braveheart himself Mel Gibson, I mean William Wallace.
Out of a family of five children, I was actually the only one born in Scotland. Out of my syblings, I was the only one to sit out in the car of an evening by myself listening to the Alexander Brothers singing about the days of their childhood in the Scottish mountains and glens.
And then there's the blood, you see, the dancing gyres of the DNA: Mc (son of - should really be, and is in the Gaelic, Nic daughter of) Dou (Dubh - dark) Gall (Ghall - stranger.) NicDougall. Daughter of a dark stranger, that's me.
So why not go back? Or at least why not stop all this longing, wipe the Scottish dust of your feet and have done with it? It's because you're trapped. "Draining your dearest veins" (Burns) for the life-blood of your art, you still don't really belong anywhere, neither in the old country nor the new. It's too late for me - I am a mid-Atlantic dweller now, my feet in No-man's Land, marooned in a country that like Atlantis does not exist.
As Lawrence so aptly put it: "We're rather like Jonah's running away from the place we belong."
Friday, August 22, 2014
"Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work." Stephen King
I am going to take a moment or two just to rest on my laurels a little here: five months on from publication of "Veil Of Time," some little whispers of success are beginning to make themselves heard, and I have to report that it is salve to my lonely little ear. Oh, it is lovely, and it has taken a hunch out of my shoulders after these hard silent paranoid weeks and weeks of waiting to see how my book is going to fair out in the wide world. For those on the brink of publication, let me warn you, that no struggle in the dark hours of your creative office, no argument with your editor, no disparaging comments from people who should know better, comes close to the gnawing doubt that sets in during the weeks and months after publication of your first book.
Okay, so here I am at month number five - Veil Of Time is not on the New York Times Best seller list, but it is making its way onto a few lists.
The first of these is a recommended summer "beach reads" list from my own Simon and Schuster. Of course, being my publisher, you'd expect them to want to tout their own publications, but I just want to point out that not every book they publish made it onto this list. And lots of potential readers are going to see this list, some of whom will even go out and buy my book. Some may even take it to the beach, which is where I wouldn't mind parking myself - like, permanently. Like, it's the best place for, you know, like chilling out.
Second of all, not being an internet aficionado, I am not well acquainted with popular websites, but my editor e-mailed me a couple of days ago to tell me that my book is number 17 out of 125 on a list of best books of 2014 (so far!) Glory Hallelujah! The website is called Popsugar.com and has a readership of two and a half million. I pulled it up and found my book on another list of their's: Books you will love if you like Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series. My book is number 5 (out of 23) on that list! More, they had a little blurb accompanying the book jacket, which read, "While it is similar in concept to Outlander, the novel differentiates itself by focusing on royals instead of rebels. You won't be able to get enough!"
To which I say, thank you Popsugar! (I don't even mind that you called my book a Romance - give me two and a half million readers and I am anybody's!) Like, no brainer. Like, duh.
Friday, August 15, 2014
I have had some fan mail lately, a very nice thing for an author so insecure she can't even look at her reviews. One of the messages said that they really loved the book Veil Of Time, but sort of wished there had been more hot stuff.
Well, that is one of those issues that every author has to face and make a decision on. Some authors decide not to go into the hot zone at all, but frankly a book with no sex is to me like a dinner with no dessert - you just can't help feeling something is missing. And, Freud aside, sex is just so much a part of the human experience, how could you have 350 pages describing the lives of people without it? Diana Gabaldon in her Outlander series took the opposite tack and decided to put it in every other page, but that leaves me after a while feeling like shouting "Enough already!" It's just hard to write one good sex scene, let alone a hundred.
Then of course, there's the embarrassment. Pretty much your reader knows that you're going to draw on your own experience, so then you have your Great Aunt Theresa to think about, not to mention children. That's not a part of your experience you're gong to post on Facebook, if you have Facebook, which I don't. Because I am private. I keep myself to myself. Hence the question of sex in what I write is not a small issue.
So, my rule for literature is the same I hold up to sex in movies - if it moves the plot along and isn't gratuitous, then it should stay. People seem to allow for clicheed sex scenes in books much more readily than they allow for clichees in any other aspect of writing. In American films, the sex clichee that is acted out time and time again revolves around the saxophone, the clothes strewn up the stairs, the abandoned high heels, the sparse bedroom, the bodies moving under the covers. Why do people not object? It makes your eyes glaze over. You know what they mean, but it's not showing you anything about the characters.
Real sex isn't like that anyway - especially not with someone you have known for two hours, as is usually the case in movies. European films are better about this, and don't do that saxophone thing. The bodies tend to be real bodies; the action tends to come out of the characters.
That's what I strive for in my writing. In "Veil Of Time," there is really only one sex scene (though others touched on) when Maggie and Fergus come together for the first time. So no saxophones, but some confusion over leg wraps and dirks sheathed under the armpit and surprisingly stretchy modern underwear. I wanted to show in that scene that his expectations, coming from the 8thC, would be quite different from hers, being a modern somewhat damaged woman. Maybe I succeeded, maybe I didn't.
And then there is virtue in leaving something to the imagination. We won't go into Shades of Grey, because that isn't literature but something else - maybe a useful something else, as a pressure valve is useful to a pressure cooker, but not worthy of art. Some sex scenes I read are just too explicit and make you feel uncomfortable, like someone exposing themselves to you in an alley. I don't need to know how well a man is hung - it isn't going to change much about this intimate soul-bearing interaction between people. I certainly don't need to know about enormous mammary glands, God save us. Let the reader fill in the gaps - it's far more erotic anyway. Give hints.
In writing, this is the kind of balance we strive for. The author is a tight-rope walker between truth and suggestion. To be a writer is to be a conjurer. The magician shows you more by showing you less. The conjurer never lays everything out on the table, and certainly not the manual of how the trick is done.
Friday, August 8, 2014
There's still lots to tell about my trip to Scotland!
First of all, my visit to the Kilmartin Museum was more than remarkable. Dunadd, where I set my book and where I was staying for a week, is the most important of the ancient monuments that dot the six mile-long valley called these days Kilmartin Glen, but which in my book is called "The Valley Of Stones." Archeologists come in from time to time and excavate another of the burial cairns or stone chambers, and they have also from time to time taken their trowels to Dunadd. Some of what they find is housed in the Kilmartin Museum, which also boasts an outstanding little tearoom. Every time I go home to Argyll, I pay the Kilmartin Museum a visit, because it has provided me with good source material for my writing (and because the scones are the best!) In my book, Veil Of Time, one of my main characters Jim Galvin works there, and it is in the tearoom that he has tea and scones with my protagonist Maggie.
Anyway, this time, I also wanted to sound out the lady (also named Claire) who acquires books for the museum shop and see what the prospects were for her carrying my book. So, not only was she willing to do that, but she had already heard of the book. (Another lady on the till taking entrance fees turned out to be the mother of my brother's childhood friend, and she let me in for free.)
I took my little party down to the museum housed in the old Kilmartin church manse (such a nice little irony!) and began to explain to them some of the features that had informed my book. A lady volunteer (doing the job of my Jim Galvin) approached and asked if I was Claire McDougall, saying she had read my book and loved it and was quite effusive about the chance meeting. Made my day.
On to the tearoom. Sitting there, looking out through the oversized windows first to an 8ft deep pile of stones known as Glebe Cairn (where a burial chamber and necklace of jet was found), and then to the walls of the tea room, I noticed a couple of pieces of art. The first one is this:
You can't tell from this picture of the running shoes, but the title of the piece is "Time Traveller." I remind you that time-travel is one of the main features of my book. Then above my head at the table where I was sitting was a painting of Dunadd. Below is the inscription:
"Veil Of Time" all but jumped out of the paper and hit me square in the forehead!
The stone features of Kilmartin Glen were built thousands of years ago along a ley line, a fissure in the earth's crust emitting unusual levels of electro-magnetic energy. (How did those ancient folks know that?) Perhaps that energy informs both the veil of time and the book of the same name. I don't know, but I do suspect that we ignore at our peril the larger forces that move our story along. | {
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The large magnitude of solar energy available makes it a highly appealing source of electricity. The United Nations Development Programme in its 2000 World Energy Assessment found that the annual potential of solar energy was 1,575–49,837 exajoules (EJ). This is several times larger than the total world energy consumption, which was 559.8EJ in 2012. | {
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Harmful rights-doing? The perceived problem of liberal paradigms and public health
J Coggon
John Coggon, Centre for Social Ethics and Policy and Institute for Science, Ethics and Innovation, School of Law, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK; John.Coggon{at}manchester.ac.uk
Abstract
The focus of this paper is public health law and ethics, and the analytic framework advanced in the report Public health: ethical issues by the Nuffield Council on Bioethics. The author criticises the perceived problems found with liberal models associated with Millian political philosophy and questions the Report’s attempt to add to such theoretical frameworks. The author suggests a stronger theoretical account that the Council could have adopted—that advanced in the works of Joseph Raz—which would have been more appropriate. Instead of seeking to justify overruling the legitimate interests of individuals in favour of society, this account holds that the interests are necessarily interwoven and thus such a conflict does not exist. It is based on an objective moral account and does not require an excessive commitment to individuals’ entitlements.
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Footnotes
Competing interests: None.
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ive gotten my hands on some 3M Dinoc Simulated carbon fibre vinyl. for those of you that have used this before, you know how great of a material this is. looks amazing and really easy to work with.
my shifter plate has been peeling and looking ugly so i figured i would cover it up!
this is super easy to do, only tool you will need is a butter knife to pry up the plate. heres how it goes:
Once pried up you will need to disconnect 3 harnesses, 2 on the left and 1 on the right
you will then need to unclip the leather boot from the plate, there are a few clips
once unclipped you can separate the boot from the plate
lift the plate and manoeuvre it around the boot and shifter
once freed up you will want to clean the surface, try to use something without ammonia. if your plate is peeling like mine, you can try to remove as much damaged material as you like. though the carbon fibre material will mask any uneven spots
you can now peel the cut carbon fibre away from the backing. this i have created on my own and will be selling them for $25 shipped (PM if interested or email badrat*AT*me.com) . if you have the 3M material you can now cover the plate and use a scalpel to cut away the excess material. i have tried the scalpel method before and it is really tricky to cut out where the labels are, which is why i have developed this template.
once peeled up, you will want to position the sticker from the bottom. making sure that everything lines up. work from the bottom to the top - laying the material down while making sure it follows the plate. everything should line up accordingly. if not, try to peel up the material slowly and reposition. the Dinoc is forgiving as long as you dont stretch it or get it too dirty (wash your hands!)
once everything is set, you can now give it a good press making sure it is stuck on well. air bubbles should come out with no problem
now you can reinstall the plate back into you car, follow the instructions in reverse. your car should look nice and clean once again! boom! | {
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Victoria And Albert Alice In Wonderland Set Of 2 Mini Cake Pedestals
Code: 5200021
Description
These mini cake pedestals are curious pieces for afternoon tea! Beautifully made of fine china, this set of two pedestals is illustrated with scenes from the original Alice In Wonderland book. Showing Alice and the Queen of Hearts with a whirlwind of playing cards, these scenes are hand-drawn in black and white with a touch of luxury gold decal. These pedestals are ideal for serving delicious mini cakes and bakes and are suitable for even the littlest dormouse to enjoy. To discover this fantastical story simply solve the riddle of the puzzle packaging first… this product is hidden within a luxury gift box, so find the ‘Pull Me’ tab of ribbon and see the surprise hiding within!
Specifications
Item Dimensions: 10x10x5.3CM
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The head of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee says a push to spotlight third-party groups funding Republican races will pay off.
Reporting from Washington — The man charged with preserving Democrats' majority in the House said Thursday his party's effort to shine a spotlight on the "huge" spending fueled by undisclosed donors had narrowed the gap as election day neared.
Speaking with reporters in Washington at a breakfast sponsored by the Christian Science Monitor, Maryland Rep. Chris Van Hollen, chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, also predictably predicted that Democrats would hold their majority in a new Congress. And, he said, Nancy Pelosi would again preside as speaker of the House.
An increasing number of Democrats are stating publicly that they will not support the San Francisco congresswoman in a vote for speaker come January, but Van Hollen said she had "an enormous reservoir of goodwill" in the caucus.
"She's been fighting this fight harder than anybody," Van Hollen said, "and she would be the first to tell you that this campaign is about something that's much bigger than her."
Republicans have been relentlessly tying vulnerable Democrats to Pelosi in television ads, using past votes for her as party leader as a weapon just as much as votes for healthcare reform or the stimulus package.
In an interview with Charlie Rose, Pelosi herself said she had "every anticipation" she would remain leader of the House.
"Our members are battle ready. Many of them have won two elections that were very tough elections," she said. "They've won in very difficult districts in terms of Democratic numbers. And they know how to win those elections and communicate with their voters."
Van Hollen echoed that argument Thursday but acknowledged that even as the Democratic committee cautioned members at an early stage about the difficult election likely to come, no one could have prepared for the huge sums being spent in House races by third-party groups such as American Crossroads. Van Hollen estimated that Republican-allied groups were outspending Democratic supporters by a 5-to-1 margin.
When "one of these third-party groups parachutes in from outside the district, it obviously changes the dynamic in the race," he said. "That is something obviously in some of the races people are having to contend with."
A counteroffensive from the members themselves on up to the White House has helped as the campaign winds down, he added.
"Voters recoil at the idea of big, moneyed special interests spending secret money to try and influence their vote," he said, citing national polling on the issue. "And when you tie what we do know about [who is] funding these ads to issues that voters care about, I do think that it's a very powerful combination, because then voters have that 'A-ha!' moment."
Van Hollen said the influence third-party groups are having on the election, a result in part of the Supreme Court ruling in the Citizens United case, has been "very corrosive." That ruling struck down a federal law barring corporations and unions from spending money in direct advocacy for or against candidates for elected office. The failure of the Senate to pass the Disclose Act, which would have required groups to identify themselves in television ads, among other provisions, was "a failure for American democracy."
The Democratic campaign committee chair offered no specific prediction about the makeup of Congress come January, other than to say Democrats would control it. He based that assessment on a shrinking enthusiasm gap and the strength of Democrats' turnout operations, including a $20-million effort of his committee.
His Republican counterpart, Texas Rep. Pete Sessions, said in an interview with ABC on Thursday afternoon that as many as 100 seats were in play, and Republicans were poised to win at least 40.
"Those other 60 seats will be within the margin of error all the way up until election day," he said, "and turnout will decide that." | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
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While the left lauds the achievements of the eight years of Obama/Clinton, things are unraveling at an unprecedented pace overseas. Since you won't hear much about them on the news, I'll share here for the forty or so of you who read this blog from time to time. I usually try and keep these things short and to the point but there's a lot going on and I'll hit the highlights - but it will be somewhat longer than usual.
I'll start off with the Norks, because they've got a problem on their hands. The missile unit at Kusong appears to have reliability problems in its inventory of missiles. On 20 October, North Korea experienced yet another ballistic missile failure.
The missile is believed to have been a Musudan intermediate-range ballistic missile. It was launched from a site near Kusong and exploded immediately after launch.
I mention this only because they are desperately trying to build a missile that's reliable enough to launch a nuclear weapon OUT of their own nation, to land in South Korea or Japan. From a Kim Jong Un (the fat little dictator) perspective, hitting the US mainland with a nuclear weapon would be a dream come true, but he may have to accept a less ambitious target locally.
I doubt that they will put a nuclear warhead on top of the rocket and try to launch it given their reliability problems, but with the Norks, you never know.
Philippines/China
Philippine President Duterte arrived in China on 18 October for a state visit. Duterte pressed his message that he wished to improve cooperation with China, saying the roots of the two countries’ bonds could not be easily severed and that it was a “springtime” in relations.
At his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on 20 October, Duterte said, “Your honors, in this venue, I announce my separation from the United States … both in military, but also economics.’’
Duterte’s statement sparked thunderous applause inside the Great Hall of the People.” Without the United States,” he said addressing the Chinese audience, “I will be dependent on you.” He also said that "America has lost now” and suggested that he was also eager to cozy up to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“I’ve realigned myself in your ideological flow and maybe I will also go to Russia to talk to Putin and tell him that there are three of us against the world — China, Philippines and Russia,’’ he said. And as an added slap, Duterte mimicked an American accent and said: “Americans are loud, sometimes rowdy. Their larynx is not adjusted to civility.’’
Xinhua published the official statement on the visit. “On 20 October President Xi Jinping held talks with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte in the Great Hall of the People. The two sides unanimously agreed to proceed from the two countries' basic and common interests, follow the aspirations of the two peoples, push for the realization of comprehensive improvement and better development of the relations between China and the Philippines, and bring benefits to the two peoples.”
The highlight of the statement is Xi’s four-point suggestion for developing relations.
“First, the two sides should enhance political mutual trust. The Chinese people love peace passionately and they are benevolent and friendly toward their neighbors. China adheres to peaceful development path, adheres to the good-neighborly and friendly policy of being a good neighbor and good partner. While China firmly safeguards national sovereignty it also adheres to peaceful resolution of disputes. The two sides should enhance high-level exchanges and give play to the guiding role of high-level strategic communication in the development of the two countries' relations. It is necessary to make the visit as an opportunity to bring about comprehensive exchanges and cooperation between governments, parties, parliaments and regions of the two countries.”
“Second, the two sides should carry out pragmatic cooperation. There is the need to comprehensively align the two countries' development strategies. The Chinese side is willing to enhance cooperation with the Philippine side within the Belt and Road framework and discuss ways to realize mutual benefits and win-win results. China is willing to actively take part in the building of the Philippine railways, city rail transport, highways, ports and other infrastructure to bring benefits to the local people. The two sides should strengthen law enforcement and defense cooperation. The Chinese side supports efforts made by the new Philippine government in drug-banning, counter-terrorism, and combating crimes and is willing to carry out relevant cooperation with the Philippine side. The two sides need to expand economy and trade and investment cooperation. The Chinese side stands ready to promote companies to increase investment in the Philippines and help it develop the economy faster and better. The two sides should deepen cooperation on agriculture and poverty alleviation. The Chinese side is willing to help the Philippines boost its capacity of agricultural production and rural development and support the two countries' fishing companies to carry out cooperation.”
“Third, the two sides should promote people-to-people exchanges. The Chinese side will positively encourage Chinese tourists to travel to the Philippines, enhance bilateral exchanges in education, culture and media, and promote regional cooperation. The Chinese side suggests that the two countries carry out a series of commemorative activities next year on the 600th anniversary of the King of Sulu of the Philippines, who travelled to China for the first time.”
“Fourth, the two sides should enhance cooperation in regional and multilateral affairs. Both China and the Philippines are developing countries. They should jointly promote democratization of international relations and promote the development of international order in the direction of fair and reasonable direction. The Chinese side is willing to enhance coordination with the Philippines within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations and APEC, safeguard the interests of developing countries, stands ready to jointly promote achieving even greater development in China-ASEAN relations and in East Asian cooperation.”
President Duterte arrived in Beijing with at least 200 top Philippine business people to pave the way for what he calls a new commercial alliance. The two countries signed trade agreements valued at more than $13 billion and China promised $9 billion in development investments.
Most important for Duterte, Chinese leaders will not meddle in Philippine domestic affairs by criticizing Duterte’s war against drug lords or the Philippine human rights record. President Xi expressed support for the anti-drug campaign.
Nevertheless, Chinese leaders are wary of Duterte because they know from Philippine polls that his anti-American sentiment is not representative of the Philippine people’s attitude. One poll in 2015 indicated more than 90 per cent of the Philippine population had a favorable opinion of the US.
He also has refused to acknowledge Chinese sovereignty over Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. Evidently the two nations will work out an accommodation that will allow Philippine boats to fish in the area.
Analysis- The Philippines will be a liability for China. Duterte is looking for a patron who dispenses rewards. He says that the US is that it has not done enough for the Philippines. However, denial of US military access to Philippine bases for use against China in the South China Sea might make the cost of carrying the Philippines for a while worth the bargain. Chinese national goals require a stable environment in Asia. That requires cooperation with the US. The Chinese also are not impressed by Duterte’s coarse, vulgar choices of words. (i.e. referring to Barack as the son of a whore - which while true, is crass)
The Philippines from a political perspective has often looked like a revolving door. A new administration might do to Duterte what he did to his predecessor—reverse the policy. The Duterte tilt might not last past Duterte’s time in office.
For now, in the politics of the South China Sea claimants, Duterte has delivered to China a strategic windfall. That includes an unprecedented partnership with China, a communist country considered a threat in the US-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty. It also includes the prospect that Duterte will deny US access to and use of Philippine bases in resisting China’s claim to sovereignty in the South China Sea.
Yemen
There's not much that I can say positive about the place. There have been a number of cease fires in the proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran that's going on in Yemen. Another one went into effect, and was promptly violated by the Iranian/Houthi army.
Despite the stalemate and war weariness, this ceasefire will not last unless massive outside pressure is exerted on the Houthis and the Iranians who continue to supply them.
Iran is asking for a billion dollars a head for US hostages that they're holding. After the $150,000,000 windfall including a $1.4 billion cash for hostages deal with the US, they are using the ante on the release of additional hostages. My sense is that if you are stupid enough to go to Iran - and the savages take you hostage, you're on your own. But that's just me. Barack and Hillary have a different take on it.
Turkey - in - Syria
The Turkish government reported that on 18 October its combat aircraft executed 26 air strikes against Syrian Kurdish Peoples’ Protection Units (YPG) targets in northern Syria. The Turks claimed they killed between 160 to 200 YPG fighters.
A Turkish deputy prime minister said that Turkey was displeased with the support the US provides to the Syrian Kurds.
A YPG spokesman said the air strikes killed 15 people. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said nine Kurdish fighters are confirmed dead.
In response to the Turkish air strikes, the Syrian army general command issued a statement. “Any attempt to once again breach Syrian airspace by Turkish war planes will be dealt with and they will be brought down by all means available.”
The status of Syria’s air defense system is unclear. The Russians are believed to have helped restore it. Regardless of its condition, we judge the Syrians are serious about shooting at the Turkish aircraft.
The status of Russia’s air defense system in Syria is robust and capable of downing the Turkish fighter bombers. The Syrians are not known to have asked for Russian help yet, but they almost certainly share air surveillance information and probably jointly man air defense centers.
Turkish involvement complicates the destruction of the Islamic State because Turkey will use the grand campaign against Mosul as a justification and cover for pursuing its own military objectives. The air attacks are an example of Turkey attacking a US-backed proxy force in Syria, while the US is focused primarily on the Mosul operation.
Al Monitor published an article that reported Turkish President Erdogan intends to launch Operation Tigris Shield in Iraq as a complement to Operation Euphrates Shield in Syria. Both have the objective of fighting terrorists, namely the Kurds (US allies), in both countries.
The US relies on aircraft based in Turkey to prosecute its bombing campaign (such as it is) against ISIS in Syria and Northern Iraq and also to provide top cover for US troops in the field. The Turks are OK with that so long as the US allows them to kill our Kurdish allies. Does that make any sense to you? It doesn't to me, but Barack and friends don't have a coherent policy - and that's what you get.
(Fox News) Just hours after Hillary Clinton dodged a question at the final presidential debate about charges of "pay to play" at the Clinton Foundation, a new batch of WikiLeaks emails surfaced with stunning charges that the candidate herself was at the center of negotiating a $12 million commitment from King Mohammed VI of Morocco.
One of the more remarkable parts of the charge is that the allegation came from Clinton's loyal aide, Huma Abedin, who described the connection in a January 2015 email exchange with two top advisers to the candidate, John Podesta and Robby Mook.
Abedin wrote that "this was HRC's idea" for her to speak at a meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative in Morocco in May 2015 as an explicit condition for the $12 million commitment from the king.
"She created this mess and she knows it," Abedin wrote to Podesta and Mook.
WikiLeaks is a gift that keeps on giving.
But rampant election-related corruption and a State Department that was clearly for sale doesn't seem to matter to the electorate. I guess that we will have to wait until November 8 to see how all that shakes out.
Thoughts on Trump
Donald J. Trump is not a good debater and his ego doesn't allow him to take sound advice or to practice. Though with the shrill, unending attacks from the mainstream media, maybe it doesn't matter how well he debates so long as he gets his point across?
Thoughts on Clinton
A Clinton presidency takes away all pretense at a Republic and we just need to do what we can to get by. Some of us will do better than others, but the federal government (which is already for sale to the highest bidder) will be openly so. The feds were Obama's attack dog but it will be worse under a Clinton Administration. Count on it.
Housekeeping
As of January 1, 2017 this blog began to receive anonymous posts. I try not to delete them, but if you want to be taken seriously here, you need to identify yourself, if only by some sort of cryptonym.
Welcome to Virtual Mirage
"But I don't want to go among mad people," Alice remarked.
"Oh, you can't help that," said the cat. "We're all mad here. I'm mad, you're mad."
"How do you know I'm mad," asked Alice?
"You must be," said the cat, "or you wouldn't have come here."
Good Morning
Virtual Mirage - What's on the other side of the mirror? Ask Alice how deep the rabbit hole really goes.
This blog is an extension of MY JOURNEY because sometimes my journey needs more explanation, and sometimes there is more to be said than can be expressed on one ordinary blog.
Sometimes it's politics (very serious), sometimes I address the human condition with a dose of humor, and other times it may seem as if the track is headed in a unique direction. I can be a complicated guy at times.
There are a few things you'll find I consider:
* Absence of proof is not proof of absence.
* Sometimes the questions are complex but the answers are simple.
* Love is the only condition where the happiness of another person is essential to your own.
* Steers do not sign treaties with meat packers. (think on that)
* Taxes are NEVER levied for the benefit of the taxed.
* The purpose of fighting is to win. There is no victory possible in defense.
WHITE POWDER (Novel)
There is something intoxicating about a secret.
THE OLD WHORE (NOVEL)
In the peculiar culture of the Central Intelligence Agency, "old whores" are people who will do whatever it takes to get the job done, irrespective of the cost.
EXILES FROM EDEN (NOVEL)
Sparks fly as two star-crossed lovers meet. He runs toward trouble as she yearns for something missing. And it ends in a flight from and toward justice.
About Me
Today, I balance work and play as much as anyone can. All things remaining equal, play is more important. Life is short - it's important to make every day count for something, if only to yourself.
I'm a former tinker/tailor/soldier/sailor who has now decided that maybe it really wasn't all done for nothing.
This site contains copyrighted material, the use of which may or may not have been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. Such material is made available for educational purposes, and as such this constitutes 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Act. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. | {
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Seismic shifts in investment management
How will the industry respond?
The UK investment management industry, in all its shapes and sizes, is undergoing vast and continued structural change. It is no longer just a matter of fee pressure driven by institutional clients that investment managers need to contend with – there are some far greater forces radically reshaping the industry.
Against this backdrop, this research, conducted by The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) on our behalf, analyses the drivers behind these fundamental changes for UK-based global traditional asset managers. It is clear from the research that the seismic shifts taking place in the industry and across an asset manager's value chain are revealing white-space opportunities – and threats. Asset managers need to understand where the industry is headed and adapt their model for these long-term changes to stay ahead of the competition.
Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms and their affiliated entities are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. | {
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The U.S. Green Building Council, is a Washington, DC-based national nonprofit organization of over 15,000 corporate and organizational members from every sector of the building industry united to transform the building marketplace to sustainability.
Description:
USGBC has an opportunity for a currently-enrolled or recently graduated student to undertake a practical learning experience through an unpaid internship with its Advocacy team focused on state and local advocacy.
The State and Local Advocacy Intern will support USGBC’s Advocacy team and focus on producing materials for USGBC Chapter advocates that fit into the campaign approach to advocacy. Additionally, this internship will involve developing specific materials and resources that support overall state and local advocacy, including state/city Market Briefs, State Policy Win Reports, campaign data reports, and other forms of collateral that will help drive state/local advocacy.
Qualifications:
Tracking public policies and coordinating with green building policy support, to develop a “State Win Report” and recognizing the efforts of local/state advocates
Updating and creating Market Briefs for states and cities
Compiling campaign metrics for reports
Calling city and state officials to find information or answer any questions
Supporting Advocacy Team in building an aggressive and winning advocacy operation
Responsibilities:
Current enrollment in or recent graduation from graduate or undergraduate program of study | {
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Sample Page
Emil the Black
A 13th century knight clad in leather and steel stands in a rotted out redwood tree. Lee Kessler, a member of the Seattle Knights stage combat performance and jousting troop, is dressed in his character garb for a show in Arcata California. Before the show he wished for some photographs to be taken in the Redwood National Park since we had all just traveled some 11 hours from Seattle by car and truck with horses for the show. Taking this picture was a bit of a challenge because I was dressed in 80 pounds of full armor laying on my belly and straining my neck to get just the right angle. | {
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My Blog
We’re all familiar with annual end-of-season sales on patio equipment and furniture—but when, really, is the best window for savings?
For the answer, I turned to coupon clearinghouse LOZO.com, which finds reliable grocery coupons from hundreds of trustworthy brands and websites. (You may have seen reporting on them on Good Morning America, The Dr. Oz Show or TLC's Extreme Couponing.)
LOZO.com points out that with fall and the holiday season approaching, the closer retailers get to their seasonal inventory change-over, the greater the discounts—that's why you can count on end-of-season sales for just about every seasonal item.
According to LOZO.com, the best course of action is to carefully track the store(s) you might buy from and check stock and discounts. Don’t hesitate to ask a salesperson for details on how much inventory is still available, when it will be discounted, and for how much. Check back regularly to see if the sales have gotten any sweeter—LOZO.com recommends springing for the patio purchase when it reaches 75 percent off or more.
Fixer-upper homes tend to be less expensive than top-to-bottom remodels, but the markdown may not equal the cost of a basic renovation, according to a recently released report by Zillow Digs®. The report’s findings show median fixer-uppers list for 8 percent less than market value, which allows for a reno budget of just $11,000.
“Fixer-uppers can be a great deal, and they allow buyers to incorporate their personal style into a home while renovating, but it’s still a good idea to do the math before making the leap,” explains Svenja Gudell, Zillow’s chief economist. “While an 8-percent discount or $11,000 in upfront savings on a fixer-upper is certainly a good chunk of change, it likely won’t be enough to cover a kitchen remodel, let alone structural updates like a new roof or plumbing, which many of these properties require.”
The margins vary by market, with fixers in more expensive areas yielding the highest upfront savings—prices for median fixers in San Francisco, according to the report, are marked down 10 percent, which, due to high property values, affords buyers $54,000 for renovations.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released a report cautioning against improper use of eyewear, specifically contact lenses. Improper care, however, can also be detrimental, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Cleaning your contact lenses properly is crucial to maintaining optimal eye health—but lens wearers who use over-the-counter cleaning solutions containing hydrogen peroxide may be at risk for vision damage, the FDA warns. Safe handling of these types of solutions is essential.
“Over-the-counter products are not all the same,” says Bernard P. Lepri, an FDA optometrist. Before using a product, it is best to consult with your eye care provider, he advises—he or she may recommend a hydrogen peroxide-containing cleaning solution if you have an allergy or sensitivity to preservatives found in other types of solutions.
If you have been instructed to use a hydrogen peroxide-containing product, read and understand all instructions and warnings (typically in red boxes on the label) before use. The FDA mandates you follow the disinfecting process with a neutralizer, which is included with the product at purchase. A neutralizer will convert the hydrogen peroxide into oxygen and water.
Neutralization can be one-step or two-step: the one-step process involves neutralizing your lenses while disinfecting; the two-step process involves neutralizing your lenses after disinfecting with a tablet. Lenses should be left in the solution for at least six hours to allow time for neutralization to complete.
“You should never put hydrogen peroxide directly into your eyes or on your contact lenses,” Lepri cautions. “That's because this kind of solution can cause stinging, burning and damage—specifically to your cornea.”
It is paramount not to share a product that contains hydrogen peroxide with other contact lens wearers, either, the FDA states.
To learn more about lens safety, visit www.FDA.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm487420.htm.
Painting inside your home can be a challenge in summer, especially if you’re a parent with children home from school. Back-to-school season is a better time for do-it-yourself paint projects, says Debbie Zimmer, paint and color expert with the Paint Quality Institute.
“With kids out of the house, interior painting is several grades easier, and with proper planning, you can ace the job in record time,” Zimmer says.
Her tips for parent painters:
Plan a palette. Start by picking up color cards at your local paint store. Bring them home and gauge them against your decor to plan a cohesive palette.
Buy smart. Purchase 100-percent acrylic latex paint in a glossy finish, which is easy to maintain—ideal when cleaning up child messes.
Prep the room. Slide furniture away from the walls and cover it with protective tarps. Fill any holes or patch any nicks on the walls, and wipe them down once finished. Remove any switch plates or outlet covers. Apply painter’s tape to protect the ceiling, the floor and any woodwork.
Cut in. Use an angled trim brush to “cut in” the edges of the wall—applying a three-inch strip of paint where the walls meet the ceiling, doors, molding and/or windows.
Work the “W.” Use a roller to cover the wall in three-foot by three-foot sections, working from one side of the wall to the other. Roll out the paint in a “W” pattern, then fill in the pattern and move on to the next section. Be sure to finish an entire wall before taking a break—a line may be visible otherwise.
Trim last. Wait until the next day to paint any trim—this will allow ample time for the walls to dry. Using a two-inch angled brush, work from top to bottom (e.g., crown molding to window trim to baseboards) when painting.
Spring may be known as a prime time for planting, but fall is equally optimal.
“Autumn is the perfect time to assess landscaping needs and fill any gaps that exist in your landscape,” says Natalia Hamill, a horticulturist at Bailey Nurseries. “While you're at it, you can add plants that provide a pop of color—like a throw pillow for your garden.”
Hamill says a variety of plants, including shrubs and trees, can be planted during fall, and many will bloom come springtime.
It is important to determine where and what your landscape is lacking, Hamill says. Consider, too, the climate in your area—different plants react in varied ways to temperature swings. Hamill recommends consulting the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Plant Hardiness Zone Map and adjusting your plan of action, if necessary.
The best plants for fall, according to Hamill, are:
Birchleaf Spirea – The Pink Sparkler variety shows exquisite pink blooms in early summer and fall—though fall flowers re-emerge further down the stem for a full appearance.
Dogwood – The Cayenne variety produces blue berries in late summer, along with lush green leaves, followed by rave red stems through fall and winter.
As borders continue to blur between home and work, there is a strong desire to bring nature—and, therefore, balance—into our homes.
Milou Ket, a Dutch designer and international trend analyst, expects interior design to shift with that in mind, forecasting more homes filled with natural elements including greenery, hanging plants and herbs.
To incorporate nature-inspired decor and lend balance to your home, Ket recommends introducing aged or worn furnishings, along with personal treasures. Warm textures are also ideal—fur, cork, hides, paper, shearling or wood. Top color choices include beige, gray, off-white and yellow, with accents of copper, gold and walnut.
Another trend to watch, Ket says, is “handicraft” accents, influenced by designs common to North Africa, the Middle East and other regions. Mix in handcrafted pieces, such as baskets and vegetable-dyed products, in shades like amber, brick, mustard and indigo.
Feelings of softness and warmth are also coveted at home, and current design trends are evocative of both, Ket adds. Place fine linens in a bedroom, for instance, or tactile materials, such as handmade crochet or knits, in the living room. Top color choices include blue, lavender, mint, rose and turquoise.
Color is as important as ever, as well, Ket says. Vibrant colors were everywhere a few seasons ago, but now, brightness in doses is best. Add a splash of color, such as cobalt blue, with pillows or on a single chair or sofa.
Homeowners in sought-after school districts move to the head of the class when they list their homes for sale, garnering higher offers than sellers in less desirable districts, according to a recently released study by realtor.com®.
“It’s common knowledge that buyers are often willing to pay a premium for a home in a strong school district,” says Javier Vivas, manager of Economic Research for realtor.com®. “Our analysis quantifies just how good it is to be a seller in these areas.”
The study reveals that homes within the boundaries of a strong district are 77 percent more expensive than those within a lesser district and 49 percent more expensive than the national median—$400,000 compared to $225,000 and $269,000, respectively. Homes within the boundaries of a strong district also sell eight days faster than those within a lesser district.
“On average, homes in top-rated districts attract a price premium of almost 50 percent and sell more than a week faster than those located in neighboring lower-ranked school districts,” Vivas says.
The top 10 districts commanding the highest premiums, according to the study, are:
“While highly-ranked school districts in these markets have pushed home prices higher than their surrounding areas, the majority of these high-demand markets are relatively affordable when compared to the national median, which is a big factor contributing to their popularity,” Vivas adds.
Hosting family or friends for a few days? Make them feel welcome and comfortable with these nine tips:
Add fresh flowers and other thoughtful touches. A small bunch of flowers in a vase on the nightstand goes a long way to make guests feel welcome. Add a magazine or two and a carafe of water with a glass for an extra touch.
Ask ahead about allergies or diet restrictions. An email or phone call a few days before the visit will help prepare you to meet guests’ food preferences and other needs.
Consider a luggage rack. Having a rack handy in the guest room will help your guests stay neat and organized. (Some are available online for as little as $15!)
Include guests in chores. Most guests will ask how they can help—and they mean it! Enlisting them to chop veggies and set the table (or help clear it) will make them feel more at home.
Keep snacks out in the kitchen. Guests may feel awkward snooping about your kitchen for a snack. Keep a basket of power bars, fresh fruit, small packets of nuts, dried fruit or cookies on the kitchen counter.
Prepare a basket of toiletries. Outfit the bathroom with travel-size tubes of body lotion, shampoo, toothpaste, etc., and even an extra comb or toothbrush. Guests may not need them, but your effort will not go unnoticed.
Take a tip from hotel managers. Give your guests a key and a cheat sheet—a key enables them to come and go as they please, and a cheat sheet will clue them in to information such as alarm codes, emergency contact numbers, information about your pets and your home's Wi-Fi password.
Think like a hotel housekeeper. Leave an extra pillow or two and an extra blanket in the guest room—and be sure a supply of towels is within easy reach, as well.
Work out a bathroom routine. If bathroom space is limited, work out a morning or evening routine to make everyone feel comfortable.
Nobody knows how to clean faster and more thoroughly than a hotel housekeeper. To cut down on the time you spend cleaning, use these tips, courtesy of Radisson Housekeeping Manager Maria Stickney:
Clear the Clutter – Removing the clutter eliminates the temptation to dust or mop around things. Clear away towels, cups, glasses, reading materials—and even the bath mat—from the counters and floors before you begin to clean.
Corral the Tools – Fill a plastic bin or bucket with all your cleaning supplies Keeping everything together cuts the time it takes to get the job done.
Do the Bathroom(s) Last – Starting in other rooms means there’s less chance of transporting bathroom bacteria to the rest of the house.
Give Drapes a Whack Between Dry Cleanings – Doing so knocks dust to the floor, where it cam easily be swept up or vaccuumed.
Give Products Time to Work - Spray the shower walls and toilet with your cleaning agent, and then leave it to do its job for several minutes. Use that time to clean the counters, mirrors, medicine cabinet and windows.
Have a Toothbrush on Hand – They are great for cleaning between tiny cracks in tile and elsewhere, such as around the bottom screws of the toilet.
Use Microfiber Cloths – They are the most efficient. Second-best are 100-percent cotton cloths, such as old t-shirts, slightly dampened. Avoid terrycloth and polyesters, which only create more dust.
Vacuum Before You Mop - Always vacuum (or sweep) before you mop. When it's time to mop, start from the far corner and make your way to the exit.
Vacuum into the Room, Then Out – Start from the entrance and move toward the walls, then vacuum your way out again to cover the main traffic areas twice. | {
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Minecraft was officially updated to 1.13 today, and they have introduced a feature which will allow you to optimize and update your world to the new version.
Unfortunately, this isn't currently working for the island.
Whenever you spawn, you will be dropped into an endless ocean, where you should be dropped on a beach. Attempts to "optimize" the map through the separate feature without booting into the world have failed.
I'll be looking into this further for a fix and I'll update the link once I know what's up. If anyone has a solution, please let me know. Thank you all!
Firstly, through some miracle, the maps works and converts fine in the newest snapshot. I need to conduct a few more tests, but once I can fully get it working in 1.13 (or any version there of) then I'll add that as a new link to the original post along side the current one.
In the mean time, I've been giving the Resource Pack a bit of thought lately. The biggest hurdle is, of course, mobs. My thought process behind the pack is not to fundamentally change how the entire game looks. It's to keep how I always envisioned Biocraft: BIONICLE inside Minecraft.
What that means is that while the majority of the games textures would be left alone, there would be edits to things to make it seem like BIONICLE items naturally in the game, such as items. That being the case, all the mobs have to change. None of the current animals in Minecraft are in BIONICLE at all, and as such they much be converted.
Unfortunately, that's not as easy as it sounds. Which is where I wanted to ask you all for some assistance!
There is a document of mobs I current have laid out. My inquiry is to add suggestions to this topic based off that list as far as mobs to add. The one rule is that they must be Rahi from 2001 - 2003. And no Bohrok or Rahkshi.
You are more than welcome to create a skin/texture if you see fit, just make sure it looks... Minecraft-y. Outside of that, thank you for reading and have a good one! | {
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396 primarily to supply hamburgers for the burger
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Unformatted text preview: s in a state where they have few political allies. Bruce L. Braley, one
of the attorneys in Ferrell v. IBP, told me a great deal about the company’s behavior and sent me stacks of documents pertaining to the case.
“Killing Them Softly: Work in Meatpacking Plants and What It Does to Workers,” by Donald D. Stull and Michael J. Broadway, in Any Way
You Cut It, is one of the best published accounts of America’s most dangerous job. “Here’s the Beef: Underreporting of Injuries, OSHA’s
Policy of Exempting Companies from Programmed Inspections Based on Injury Record, and Unsafe Conditions in the Meatpacking Industry,”
Forty-Second Report by the Committee on Government Operations (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1988), shows the
extraordinary abuses that can occur when an industry is allowed to regulate itself. After the congressional investigation, Christopher Drew
wrote a terrific series of articles on meatpacking, published by the Chicago Tribune in October o...
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Today we're going to "visit" the Dior Angel Club again because the family of members is bigger that we thought. No wonder since this jewels -both as pumps or sandals- are really delish. And I'm not dropping a hint here to my husband. This is a direct message, baby :o)
After having lived in several countries, I finally landed in Spain. I've been working in the world of music, art and fashion all my life. That's why one day Sxy Fashion Queen was born. So I could share my observations, discoveries and opinions with you. And hope you'll enjoy.
Contact: [email protected]
Disclaimer
SXY FASHION QUEEN does not claim copyright for any of the photos used. All photos are only used for commenting reasons. If one of the photos used belongs to you and you would like it removed, please notify us and we will remove the image immediately. | {
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Categories
Brands
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None Specified
Description
The idea behind the OC Energy drink line is simple, to capture the essence of the OC lifestyle with a line of stylish drinks that are healthy, perform well, taste great and have just a touch of attitude.
With no carbonation, limited or no sugar and a one-of-a-kind energy shot w/ an anti-hangover supplement, OC energy is breaking the energy drink mold. | {
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Wednesday, February 4, 2015
You know every time you hear someone your age calling you that, you raise your brow and get defensive but when someone older uses it, you grin a little. So here goes, kiddo, 23-year old me, a few things you don't want really want to hear from the 33-year old me.
Learn the art of NO in it's most simple, elegant, non-explanatory existence. It's not about letting someone else down or feeling like it won't get done if you're not there to slave over it, it's about you. It's about listening to your heart and your body and giving yourself a little bit of that time you're so willing to always give to someone else. One day when you grimace through exhausted eyes and a weary soul at the "selfish" people, you'll come to recognize that they aren't selfish, they're self-aware and they know how to practice the art of NO with grace and confidence. Say no, my dear, and say yes to yourself.
Stop working so much. Although your genuine passion for work far exceeds your good sense right now, one day you'll wonder what happened to a decade of weekends and dates gone by. There will be a handful of occasions you'll wish you didn't work your life through and there won't be enough money or rooms full of possessions that will make up for that time.
Speaking of passion, remember what makes your young heart beat. Music, words, writing, photography, powerful movies that highlight the beautiful parts of life. Don't get trapped in the mires of your everyday. Don't let the tragedy of this thing we call life paint a picture that is full of shadows. Let it go. Take off your headset and drown it out with words and life and sunlight and music and great food and lots of laughs. You're going to get off course, maybe not all the time, but sometimes you'll forget to come back to the middle. You won't get it now, but you'll get it after this great man is gone from the earth and you watch his work to understand why he will be so missed. This is how you come back to the middle, young lady.
Let love in. Just do it. Let someone love you, and not just from a distance. Don't be afraid to get your heart broken. Put out of your mind that you could never date that kind of guy, or be that sort of girlfriend, or survive that kind of love. You'll box yourself in, you'll blind yourself to the perfect imperfections of the ones who might be the exact mirror you've been looking for. Don't forget to love yourself a little too.
Move your body. Dance, do yoga, run, sweat, bend, shift, gyrate, just shake it off. Someday in the future you'll find yourself shaking and sweating and wondering why you never thought you were strong enough to run in a relay or hold a pose or climb a steep hill, and you'll love it. Then you'll lose it and wonder if you'll ever recover from pushing your body too far and you'll realize that you forgot to say no and your body said it for you. It's a hard lesson, it's painful and it will drop you to your knees and keep you up at night, but the beauty of it all is that you can still move. And all it takes is to move little and then you can move big, but you'll never lose as long as you're still moving.
Move yourself, Love.
Find your sexy. Not your slutty. Not your sleazy. Not your trying too hard. Find your own version of sexy. It's not what you think it is. It's confidence. It's subtle. It's comfortable in your own skin. It's genuine. It's your shoulder peeping out your shirt. It's the way you bite your lip when you don't even know you're doing it. It's the way you grin and tilt your head with that telling stare. It's when something surprises you and you let that ever present guard down and that little squeak of surprise or fright comes out of the girl who is always prepped for the worst. Get comfortable with yourself. Get comfortable with the one body and face you were given in this lifetime.
You are more beautiful than you realize. Don't forget that.
PS - my dear sweet, you're 6 days late into this journey, but you're here. Welcome home. Welcome back to your keyboard and your 3am.
As a 911 operator, she's a full time chaos wrangler, but what you really should know... is that she's a writer who speaks from her heart and a photographer who believes in the beauty of a timeless image. Her work has been called honest and authentic.
In her spare time, she can be found travelling the globe trying to quench her wanderlust, inhaling calm on her yoga mat, or wrestling with her adopted German Shepherd who every day makes her wonder who really rescued who?
“A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.” – Tim Cahill
Just a Click Away...
Daily Blog Reads & Inspirations
About Me
I love all things coconut, flip flops & hoodies, high heels & false eyelashes, thunder & lightening, I love sleeping in. Scratch that, I love getting to sleep at all anymore these days.
I love sushi, good friends, people who can finish my sentences, those who can sit in silence and be content, and when things just work out. I always welcome a good laugh in my life and I just cannot deny that I am a little more country than rock and roll. Music makes my world go 'round. I believe in God and in Karma. I would love to live on a ranch and adopt every stray animal and every child that needed a home. I don't want fame or fortune, I just want to live for the things that money can't buy. | {
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2015 Camp Alkulana Offering: Boys and Girls of Inner-City Richmond
Boys and Girls of Inner-City Richmond Need Your Help to Keep Camp Alkulana Running in its 101st Year
“Camp Alkulana is a place for children of Richmond to experience renewal in a safe, nurturing and fun environment. It serves over two hundred at-risk youth, teaching them that they are loved unconditionally,” says Beth Wright, Camp Director.
Now is the time to pray for and give to the Camp Alkulana Offering for the success of summer 2015. | {
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The Premium Newborn Collection $725.00
I invite you to bring your fresh newborn and family into the studio for a one-of-a-kind experience. And if you're looking for a more robust collection of digital images, without any printed keepsakes, the Premium Collection is the right choice. On the day of your session, you'll bring baby in to see me in my studio, relax and enjoy them being photographed in all of their beauty. Each prop, wardrobe and set up will be carefully chosen with your style in mind. I will go through several setups incorporating your style and preferences throughout. All props, outfits and accessories for your baby are provided, so there is no need to bring anything at all! After your session, I will choose the best images from each set up and send those directly to you in 2-3 weeks. I promise this will be a moment in time that you will never forget. If you have questions, kindly email me at [email protected] or call (763) 656.8731.
795.00
3 hour session in studio
35 high resolution, hand-edited digitals
Rights to reprint
All props/wardrobe included for baby
Family/Siblings images with baby included
Image turnaround is 2-3 weeks after session. Photographer will choose the best images and send via email.
Gallery reveal can be added on for $200 (Gallery reveal is where you return to the studio for a custom made video of the gallery and YOU choose the favorites to take home and/or buy more printed products) | {
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Red and Hot: The Fate of Jazz in the Soviet Union 1917-1991
"...that rare thing, a piece of careful scholarship that is also superby entertaining...Starr, who is president of Oberlin College and has been associated with the Kennan Institute for Advanced Russian Studies, is also a professional jazz musician, and his knowledgeable affection for the music shines through the text." - Andrea Lee, New York Times Book Review | {
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2021 Off-The-Road (OTR) Tire Conference
Join us Feb. 17-20, 2021
Tucson, Ariz.
Urge Strong Enforcement of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act
URGE STRONG ENFORCEMENT OF THE MAGNUSON-MOSS WARRANTY ACT
TIA POSITION PAPER
With new car sales waning, the car companies and their franchised dealers have been pursuing an increasingly aggressive strategy aimed at growing the sales of their original equipment replacement parts and repair services. However, despite calls by TIA and other aftermarket trade groups, the Federal Trade Commission has taken little action to ensure consumers receive accurate information regarding their rights under new car warranties.
The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which was enacted by Congress in 1975, prohibits the conditioning of consumer warranties by product manufacturers on the use of any original equipment part or service. Under the statute, a manufacturer can only deny warranty coverage if the manufacturer, not the consumer, can demonstrate that it was the use of a non-original equipment part or service that created the warranty related defect.
In 2010, Honda issued a release in which the Japanese automaker stated: “other parts – whether aftermarket, counterfeit or gray market – are not recommended. The quality, performance, and safety of these parts and whether they are compatible with a particular Honda vehicle are unknown.” The release further states that “American Honda will not be responsible for any subsequent repair costs associated with vehicle or part failures caused by the use of parts other than Honda Genuine parts purchased from an authorized US Honda dealer.”
One year later, Mazda issued a release which alleged: “aftermarket parts are generally made to a lower standard in order to cut costs and lack the testing required to determine their effectiveness in vehicle performance and safety… Mazda also recommends that car owners use original equipment replacement parts in repairs in order to ensure the validity of their warranty.” The release goes on to emphasize that “only Genuine Mazda Parts purchased from an authorized Mazda dealer are specifically covered by the Mazda warranty. The original warranty could become invalid if aftermarket parts contribute to the damage of original parts.”
TIA along with other aftermarket groups have filed complaints regarding both releases with the FTC, taking issue with the unsubstantiated claims made by car companies regarding the quality of aftermarket parts. TIA further contends that the releases violate the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act since they clearly mislead consumers to believe that they must use dealer service and original equipment in order to ensure the integrity of their new car warranties.
While the FTC has failed to take formal action against car manufacturers, the Commission last year issued a “Consumer Alert” informing consumers of their right to have their vehicle serviced or maintained at a repair shop of their own choosing or perform the service themselves without any concern that their warranty would be voided by their vehicle manufacturer. That alert can be viewed at the FTC web site at: http://ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt192.shtm
On August 23, 2011, the FTC issued a Request for Comment on its warranty-related Interpretations, Rules, and Guides (“Interpretations”) under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (the “Act”). In submitting comments to the Commission, TIA along with other aftermarket groups, called on the Agency to provide for better consumer disclosure of their rights under the warranty and for requiring substantiation be provided with any claims made by the car companies that non-original equipment parts are substandard. The FTC has yet to respond to these comments.
TIA urges legislators to call on the FTC to protect consumers and the aftermarket by aggressively enforcing its rules governing unfair marketing practices and new car warranties as specified in the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.
Car companies are taking aggressive action to misinform consumers regarding their rights under the warranty and as to the quality of aftermarket parts.
Aftermarket parts are of a similar or even greater quality than the original equipment parts that they replace. In fact, many of these parts are made by the same company but may come in different packaging. Furthermore, aftermarket companies have the benefit of observing a part’s performance and can then correct problems that are discovered only after the part has been in-use for some time.
The FTC must:
Conduct greater oversight and enforcement on vehicle manufacturers who do not comply with the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and who seek to discredit aftermarket products;
Aggressively enforce requirements that vehicle manufacturers must substantiate all claims that use of non-original equipment parts could jeopardize a vehicle warranty; and,
Include in their warranty booklets a prominently places statement that, as a motor vehicle manufacturer, they are prohibited from conditioning the warranty on the use of any non-original equipment part or service; or,
Inform consumers of their rights with a written statement of reasons when a warranty is denied due to the use of a non-original equipment service or part.
JOIN TIA
To become a member of TIA, the Tire Industry Association, please choose one of the options below: | {
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Subscribe and join the conversation
Amazing XO Activity: Creating a Community Map of Kasiisi, Uganda
10 Nov 2010
Nicholas Doiron had a simple but amazing idea - Map Uganda. He wanted to educate the students of Kasiisi Primary School in an Environmental Sensing class to:
"bridge the gap between technical and personal perspectives by making a creative community map, and then draw several overlays on tracing paper. These overlays will demonstrate multiple uses of water, causes and effects of pollution, and ways to protect the environment. Producing a paper map will lay the foundation towards composing a digital map which can be shared with classmates, pen pals, and online mapping sites."
Did he succeed? Read his progress reports and take a look at these images, and you'll see his idea was brilliant and has inspired a generation of children to experience their environment as active participants in stewarding nature. | {
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Comments (4)
The transition from sorl-thumbnail 3.2.5 to 10.x broke backwards compatibility in a number of ways. I'm not going to apply a fix which forces adminfiles users to upgrade to the 10.x series. I may look into whether it's possible to write the template in a way that supports both. For now, if you want to use adminfiles stick with sorl-thumbnail 3.2.5. | {
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Editor's note: Written especially for Culture Change readers, this solid analysis asks
"At what point do we recognize that expensive technologies meant to maintain a 'sustainable' consumer society among the world's wealthiest people are utterly divorced from any reasonable moral coherence? Are we ever going to provide plug in hybrids to the citizens of Darfur?"
The greatest danger of the ecological collapse of civilization is that we might not notice. There are a few taboos in political and academic discussion that serve to make our leaders look important and moral. We are not supposed to admit that our minds are directly influenced by the Earth on which we walk, or the degree to which we benefit from the exploitation of the global underclass. Our failure to recognize these things hides the impacts of ecological collapse.
As much as those in the progressive environmental community are striving to have a realistic discussion of the combined impacts of peak oil, global warming, the breaching of other environmental limits, we seem to be largely ignoring the most obvious scenarios. The most likely future, at least in the medium to near term, is a simple extrapolation of current trends. We seem to talk as if ecological limits are going to disrupt all of modern society, and transform our lives. The reality is that both in the U.S. and the world, incomes have been polarizing rapidly, especially since the early 1980s. (For a number of decades before that, the income gap in the U.S. was actually growing smaller owing to progressive taxation and other factors.)
A simple extrapolation of current trends would indicate that those in power are going to try to stay in power, try to maintain their privilege, and will be willing to use many different schemes, overt and covert, to do so. They are going to try to shuffle the distress downward. This will likely require a greater centralization of state power. A brutal reality of the modern environmental crisis is that for much of humanity it is already here. The number of malnourished people in the world has increased by about 20% in the last decade, from 800 million to near a billion people. That's the number of starving people, not the number of poor people. The increase in poverty is much higher, owing to the efforts of neoliberal economic adjustment in the 1990s and oil price spikes in the 2000s.
These increases in poverty and hunger are not merely coincidental with the âwar on terror.â Now that the global energy pie is stalled in growth or shrinking, the only way the U.S. can continue to eat gluttonously (literally and figuratively) is to eat an ever larger share of the remaining pie. The only way the U.S. and the other wealthy nations can continue to expand their claim on a shrinking resource pie is to maintain an aggressive foreign policy, and that in turn demands a greater concentration of state power. If one simply extrapolates these current trends into the future, the picture seems both dire and very different from most of what is painted regarding environmental limits.
It is highly likely that environmental limits will be manifest as a series of economic shocks that will be noticed by everyone, but the greater brunt of these shocks are going to be borne by the very poor. The problem is that the entire process is likely to be so hidden and politicized that we are likely to be fighting the âbarbarians at the gatesâ for a long time to come without any open recognition of the ecological linkages between their well being and political change in our own society. Specifically, although oil prices have fallen dramatically with the current economic downturn, grain as traded on world markets has not fallen nearly as much. Why is that? There are three reasons. First, global warming is already making itself felt in the drying out of grain producing areas in Australia, China, Africa, and arguably the American west. Second, because of the global polarization of wealth, the upper classes are eating more meat, thus putting greater strain on global grain supplies. Meat production has in the last few decades increased about twice as fast as population itself. And thirdly, the competition for agricultural outputs for biofuel is supporting global food prices at higher levels, again with a direct linkage to the consumption of the wealthier classes.
In short, a simple extrapolation of current trends indicates increasing prices in general, as the world becomes more crowded as resources of all kinds become more scarce. As prices go up, those with less money are going to grow hungrier, and more restless. We can expect to see both an increase in state power and conflict over resources, except these trends are likely to be shrouded in religion and ideology. The bottom line is that the global upper class is likely to remain largely shielded and purposefully unaware for quite some time to come of the ecological roots of political conflict.
The reality is that the industrial powers, the U.S. in particular, have the power the debt their way out of extraordinary problems. Other countries do not have the privilege to act like that. We get away with it because we print the global trade currency, and we have a great deal of military and economic power to back up our profligacy.
We may be able to debt our way out of the current crisis, or it may be that so much purchasing power has now been cornered by the upper class that the economy itself, apart from ecological concerns, has been undermined by removing the capacity of the middle and lower classes to generate consumer demand. That, in a nutshell, is one way to describe the Great Depression. Class conflict is often played out as a battle over the supply of money. Rich people want to keep that supply limited, and controlled. That is why the Great Depression lasted so long, because of the tendency of wealthy conservatives to maintain a tight fiscal policy. The problem now is not so much tight fiscal policy per se, but the fact that so much of the money supply is simply being soaked up by the wealthy that our consumer, demand-driven economy is being undermined.
In as much as the concentration of state power is a predictable response to ecological constraints, don't expect anyone to announce that on the evening news. The various convulsions through which we travel will always be cast in immediate, political terms, and our understanding of history tends to get whitewashed beyond recognition.
The root of the problem is that our ecological overshoot is changing much faster than our thinking about it. By various measures, we are in overshoot, meaning we are already consuming more resources than the Earth can sustain by any reasonable measure. The further we progress into overshoot, the more divorced our âsolutionsâ to the ecological crisis become. Ever since the 1970s, we have been advocating for âalternative energyâ and more efficiency. Let us extrapolate this trend into the future. Suppose current trends continue (which is likely), and the consumer society goes through various economic convulsions, but remains essentially intact. Meanwhile, starvation across the world continues to grow. Are we going to continue to advocate plug-in hybrid cars and other expensive technologies as the âsolutionâ to the environmental crises when two billion people are severely malnourished? When there are three billion? Four? At what point do we recognize that expensive technologies meant to maintain a âsustainableâ consumer society among the world's wealthiest people are utterly divorced from any reasonable moral coherence?
The history of Nazi propaganda is interesting in this context. The Nazis had very active charity programs, collecting money on the street to feed the poor. This program was accompanied by heart-rending posters exhorting good Germans to give to the less fortunate, and workers who collected funds on the street for that purpose did so in the name of the Nazi party. The Nazis also had some rather progressive environmental polices, not the least of which was an aggressive anti-smoking campaign. The Supreme Aryan Race was supposed to be freed of such polluting influences. The Nazis are easy to pick on because they have become such an archetype of evil that one does not have to explain that there was something fundamentally astray in their social order. One does not have to expand upon the extremely cynical nature of collecting funds to feed the poor while simultaneously building an efficient industrial genocide machine.
If we transpose this historical lesson onto the modern world, the lessons are a bit more sobering. The number of hungry people in the modern world is growing, and that growth is accelerating upward on a parabolic (geometric) curve. The rate of increase in the number of hungry people is increasing. Because of the aforementioned factors (global warming, increased meat consumption, and biofuel) this trend is likely to continue. Given this rapid acceleration of poverty and starvation, is trying to solve the modern environmental crisis with plug-in hybrids and other expensive technologies that are ultimately intended to simply pad the lifestyles of the world's wealthy the moral equivalent of Nazi âcharityâ? If not now, will the comparison become more appropriate when there are two billion malnourished? Three billion? Are we ever going to provide plug in hybrids and a âhydrogen economyâ to the citizens of Darfur?
Based on an extrapolation of current trends we can predict that the supplying of expensive alternative energy technologies to the poorest of the world's peoples can be described on a timetable that might be surmised as ânever.â The problem is changing much faster than our thinking is changing. One could perhaps plausibly argue in 1972 that improving the efficiency of the consumer society would ramp down consumption among the rich even as we developed efficient technologies that might âtrickle downâ to everyone else. Without debating the finer points of what was true in 1972, that approach becomes less and less morally viable as we move further into overshoot. When we are down to naked mass genocide, which is the mature state of a market economy operating on a contracting energy supply, are we still going to be advocating expensive techno-toys for the rich as a solution to the environmental crisis? How many billions equals ânaked mass genocideâ?
It is my contention that we are already over that line. What may have made sense in 1972 does not now make sense. Improving efficiency of the consumer society with no recognition of the blood flowing through our fuel lines puts us in unsavory company. The problem is that we have gotten to the point where the easy answers are wrong and the right answers are difficult, at least from a political perspective.
The reality is that the modern economy is going to undergo some enormous changes in the next few decades whether we like it or not. A simple extrapolation of current trends, including the success of most of the conservation and alternative energy aspirations of the mainstream environmental movement, leads us to a world where a few live in the sustainable techno-bubble while billions die.
The political distress generated by the demise of so many people from ânatural causesâ will be manifest as a decline of democracy and civil liberty and the rise of authoritarian government. As much as we have a highly flattering and mental notion of modern democracy as being a triumph of social progress, the reality for ancient states and ourselves is that democracy is the process by which economically empowered persons express that power in the political forum. Inasmuch as a general decline in resources, or an increase in prices, results in a decline in the number of economically empowered persons, democracy will decline. But the process will be, as it always has been, highly politicized. The speeches from the late Roman Empire are most instructive on this regard. They hearken back to a golden age when men were virtuous, the barbarian terrorists were not to be found, and prosperity reigned. I suppose we will be dusting those off soon.
A lack of efficiency is not the driving force behind our ecological predicament. It is a red herring that allows us to ignore the realities of the division of class power. The reality is that the western industrial economy is driven by throughput. If we leave the coal in the ground and the trees standing in the forest, nothing much happens economically. If we dig up the coal, cut down the trees, and then sell, buy, and burn these âresources,â we generate economic activity. Particularly given that the U.S. prints the global trade currency (the U.S. dollar), and given that we can issue debt seemingly at will (perhaps we will find a limit to that soon), we are a consumption driven society. The more we consume, the more we stimulate the economy, the more powerful we become. The consumption of cars and houses has historically driven our economy, notably the great booms of the âroaring twenties,â the post World War II boom, and all the growth period since then, not the least of which was the most recent housing bubble. In a consumption-driven economy, the more we consume, the more powerful we become. That is the reason why Americans drive SUVs while people starve in Darfur. That's why, when we hit hard times, our political leaders tell us to go shopping.
Efficiency cannot touch throughput. The reality is that, if current trends continue and the market economy remains intact, then the throughput economy will remain functional, eating up unfathomable volumes of âresourcesâ to feed the lifestyles of the rich and famous, even as we slide down the scale of global decline. We may paint a green veneer of efficiency or âalternativeâ energy over these consumption habits, but that does not change the basic equation. The upper class maintains its power, in part, by consuming so much. The power to consume means that great resources, financial and otherwise, can also be diverted to such police and military endeavors will serve to maintain the social order under conditions of energy decline.
The bitter irony is that we are almost certain to hesitate just long enough in embracing real solutions as to ensure the destruction of countless millions of people and our civil society, to arrive only slightly later at the same material circumstance, but under very different political conditions, than if we had embraced these real solutions much sooner. One hundred years from now, our descendants will not be living in a consumption-driven economy. They will not be propping up the economy by buying cars they cannot afford and building spacious private houses they cannot pay for even in the course of decades. They will be doing what they have to do -- sharing meager technologies that actually work. Our children's children will be living cooperatively, growing food locally and without chemical inputs, not because of some higher ideological calling, but rather because they are compelled to do so. The difference will be political. If we can create a movement now that downscales faster than we are compelled to do so, a movement that creates a conscious culture that undermines the power of the ruling elite by building a localized economy from the bottom up, then we can arrive at the future cooperative society with some measure of democracy and civil liberty left in place. If we wait until we are forced to scale down by actual scarcity, then our children's children will arrive at their cooperative future under an ecofascist boot.
Nationalism is so deeply and profoundly embedded in American culture that we easily fall under its persuasion without even noticing. Nationalism has overtaken the environmental movement. We have become focused on âalternativeâ energy production, in spite of the fact that these technologies are not a real solution. The real solutions are actually fairly easy. They simply involve doing what we will be doing in the future -- using resources cooperatively -- a little sooner than we are compelled to do so. Unwinding the throughput economy cannot and will not be achieved by enlightened social policy. The throughput economy can only be changed by a bottom-up movement that seeks fundamental structural change in our society.
Phrases like âculture changeâ or âconscious cultureâ seem to evoke the image that we should all play nice -- liberal utopianism. A real understanding of culture leads us to the conclusion that the ecological and economic foundations of a society have a dominating influence over the social structure and belief system over time. A sustainable future does not mean we teach everyone to be tolerant. Though there is no harm in such lessons here and now, to achieve real âculture changeâ means rebuilding society from the bottom up, building a truly localized and sustainable society. You might imagine that is unlikely, but that is precisely what is going to happen, either by plan or by default. The latter would be much messier, and lead to a society that is neither equitable nor conscious. By getting ahead of the curve, we could arrive at the same point, but in a society that is conscious of its own process of social evolution. That society will not be a liberal utopia. It will be a sustainable society where power is devolved to the community level so people are empowered to defend themselves, and to create the future they want. It will not happen by policy, nor will it ever be announced on the evening news. It will happen as the minority movement of people who want to see it happen grows through the coming waves of change. See you in the street.
* * * * *
Alexis Zeigler is a self-educated activist, green builder, and orchardist living in central Virginia. He has organized numerous campaigns around environmental and social justice issues, built super-insulated buildings and alternative energy systems, and has lived in intentional community all of his adult life. More information, including articles, interviews, and downloadable books, can be found at his website, conev.org or by contacting him by email: tradelocal "at" yahoo "dot" com.
He has recently completed his Culture Change Constructive Panic Amtrak Tour. His recent book Culture Change, Civil Liberty, Peak Oil, and the End of Empire is available through his website: | {
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THERMIdry (Sweat Reduction)
End your armpit sweat and smell forever.
THERMIdry is a treatment performed in the office under local anesthesia. We begin by numbing up your armpits. We then pass a small needle like probe under the skin which heats up the sweat glands so they no longer work. While we do this we focus a heat sensing camera on your armpit to make sure the skin doesn’t get too hot. While you are numb, we also throw in a free laser hair removal treatment of your armpits – if you want.
The apocrine sweat glands of our armpits SERVE NO USEFUL PURPOSE. All they do is make stinky sweat that does not help cool us off. The eccrine sweat glands located all over our bodies are important for cooling off our bodies via sweating. THERMIdry only treats the unnecessary armpit sweat glands.
There is no downtime after the procedure, you can resume normal activities and swimming as soon as you feel comfortable doing so. You will have some mild swelling and maybe a little bit of bruising in your armpits. | {
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So far, apparently, it’s been ignored. But with so little progress being made in reining in the disease steadily spreading through North America deer and elk herds, perhaps it is time for a fresh look at the culprit spreading CWD.
Researchers modeled fawn survival relative to the percentage of agricultural land cover. The estimated average survival to six months of age was about 41 percent in contiguous forest landscapes with no agriculture. For every 10 percent increase in land area in agriculture, fawn survival increased by almost 5 percent.
University Park, Pa. —Researchers in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences are spearheading a four-year-old collaborative effort to assess the impact of a warming climate on the Eastern red-backed salamander, a creature that lives on or under the forest floor. Because these salamanders do not have lungs, breathe through their skin and must live in damp places, they are extremely… | {
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Programs: May 2010 Archives
Available in December 2010, the "It's Your Story--Tell It!" leadership journey series uses a storytelling theme in a fun way for you to better understand yourself and your potential.
On this journey, an emphasis is also placed on media literacy and creative expression. All along the journey, you'll have opportunities to engage in a variety of arts, including performing, visual, culinary, and new media, to tell your story and take action to make the world a better place.
Check out the grade level titles and themes:
Daisy: 5 Flowers, 4 Stories, 3 Cheers for Animals!
Daisies learn just how much they can care for animals and for themselves--and just how good that makes them feel.
Brownie: A World of Girls
Stories teach Brownies clues about how they can create positive change in the world--change that affects girls.
Junior: aMUSE
Juniors learn just how many roles are open to them in the world and the possibilities those roles open for them.
Cadette: MEdia
Cadettes look for the ME in media and learn how they can shape media--for themselves, their community and the world.
Senior: MISSION: SISTERHOOD!
Seniors learn how widening their network broadens their world, and benefits the world as well.
Ambassador: BLISS: Live It! Give It!
Ambassadors learn to dream big, now and for their future, and begin their legacy as leaders who help others achieve their dreams too. | {
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Media
Labor Ignores Swan Hill Rail Commuters
Thursday 1st December 2016
Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan has shown complete disrespect to regional rail commuters on in the Murray Plains Electorate with her announcement this week on additional services according to Leader of The Nationals and Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh.
“The Minister promised 80 new regional services across the state, but has given us nothing,” he said.
Mr Walsh said that the Swan Hill line is a vital link for specialist medical appointments, work, business and education.
“The Labor government has again displayed an apathetic attitude to the basic needs of people living in the north of the state beyond Bendigo.
“This is a typical announcement from a city-centric government that has no interest in ensuring you can get from A to B if you live outside Melbourne.”
Mr Walsh said The Regional Network Development Plan was released earlier this year amid great fanfare from Minister Allan.
“We were told it was to be built from local ideas about what our local communities needed from public transport.
“People attended the local sessions in good faith. They identified as key issues a need for improved connectivity between rural towns and centres, more reliability of train services to Melbourne, additional train carriages to boost capacity and improved journey time to Melbourne.
“I think it would be fair to say that as a community we are gobsmacked to find that the only change that has come from what the Labor government lauded as “community consultation” is one slight timing adjustment to the Friday service from Melbourne to Swan Hill.
“Daniel Andrews and his Minister have shown a total disregard to our representations.
“They are treating us with contempt - a whole lot of talk but very little action,” Mr Walsh said. | {
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Slack hack leaks 500,000 users email and Skype IDs
Slack Technology, a firm that has developed workroom chat rooms, has been hacked leaking nearly 500,000 records containing personal information of the users. Slack has developed products that help the employees to manage projects and send work-related messages using internal communication platforms.
Slack has confirmed that they have been stuck with the cyber crime. “We have been recently capable to confirm that there was unauthorized access to Slack database storing profile data,” said Slack Technologies in a blog post.
Slack further added that the attack was executed in the month of February within a time-frame of four days. Slack VP of policy and compliance strategy, Anne Toth said the sensitive information related to the credit cards and payment methods were intact on the server, and hackers had no chance of breaking and accessing that information. Hackers were also not able to decrypt the hashed passwords, however, users with weak password have been notified to reset the old password.
Slack security experts have already notified the law and enforcement agencies about the breach, and the company has also added a support for the two-factor authentication, whichwill strengthen the security of the accounts and will protect the servers from any future attacks.
Apart from that, Slack will also be offering a ‘Password Kill switch’ feature to the team leaders in the client company. The kill switch can help them reset the login information of team members and will then require the user to enter new login details.
The breach is apparently one of the largest hacks in the cyber crime history, and companies suffering from such attacks have to bear an enormous loss due to this. This isn’t the first time when hackers have managed to defy the security mechanism.
About The Author
Abby is fun loving yet serious professional, born and raised in Sioux Falls, SD. She has a great passion for journalism, her family includes her husband, two kids, two dogs and herself. She has pursued her Mass Communication graduation degree from the Augustana College. She is currently employed at TheWestsideStory.net, an online news media company located in Sioux Falls, SD. | {
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Phobos Transit Viewed by Opportunity on Sol 3078
10/15/12
Phobos, the larger of Mars' two moons, transits in front of the sun in this sequence of 10 images taken by the panoramic camera (Pancam) of NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity during the afternoon of the rover's 3,078th Martian day, or sol (Sept. 20, 2012). The apparent speed of the transit is accelerated in this clip. | {
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In Learn More the National Geographic magazine team shares some of its best sources and other information to expand your knowledge of our featured subjects. Special thanks to the Research Division.
Related Links
National Zoological Park: Panda CamMeet the most famous baby in Washington, D.C.! National Zoo's panda cam lets you check in on Tai Shan and his mom, Mei Xiang, as they munch on bamboo, play, and—yes—sleep. Meet the panda keepers, get a free giant panda screen saver, and find out how you can support the Giant Panda Conservation Fund.
World Wildlife Fund (WWF)A quarter century ago, the WWF was the first international organization to work on panda conservation in China. Panda surveys conducted by China's State Forestry Administration and WWF, groundbreaking fieldwork, and other measures have shed new light on the biology and ecology of pandas and led to increased protection of the species. Learn about WWF panda programs—and what you can do to help—at this site.
Giant Panda Species Survival PlanThe American Zoo and Aquarium Association developed Species Survival Plans to coordinate the efforts of zoos in breeding, genetic management, husbandry, and scientific studies. Of interest to both professional researchers and avid panda fans, this site features articles on the natural history and ecology of the giant panda as well as an overview of its place in Chinese cultural history.
San Diego ZooThe San Diego Zoo's Giant Panda Research Station features the largest collection of pandas in the U.S.: Four bears call it home. Visit this website to check out the panda cam, to read blogs from panda keepers and trainers, and to catch up on the zoo's innovative panda research.
Zoo AtlantaZoo Atlanta's giant pandas, Lun Lun and Yang Yang, captivate local residents and out-of-town visitors alike. Globally, the zoo's panda programs are opening doors by bringing conservation education to China. The zoo's new Academy for Conservation Training highlights the role of modern zoos and aquariums in developing empathy toward animals and nature.
Memphis ZooYa Ya and Le Le—residents of the Memphis Zoo since 2003—enjoy a 16-million-dollar exhibit area and the attentions of the zoo's "bamboo crew," which harvests more than 40 pounds (20 kilograms) of fresh bamboo daily to feed them. View the pair and check out the zoo's research plans at this site.
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda BreedingOne of the best known and most successful giant panda breeding facilities in China, the Chengdu Research Base—located in a beautifully landscaped park just outside the huge metropolis of Chengdu in Sichuan Province—strives to increase the survival rates of newborn pandas. | {
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I know a man who ... works for the federal government. He forwarded me an e-mail from someone who works with Guantanamo inmates. My friend's e-mail started out by saying 'I didn't send you this.' Here's the e-mail, slightly redacted:
"We received great news this morning that Mr. XXXX, our eccentric Saudi client, was repatriated. We have feelers out to try to get news of his whereabouts and well being. As far as we can tell right now, we think he is in Riyadh in (hopefully) temporary detention.
In any case, this is really fabulous news. We have spent many days with Mr. XXXX, who is a fascinating man. He has been held since February, 2002, with no charges, after having been "liberated" from the Taliban prison. He was imprisoned by the Taliban, who thought he was a spy for the Americans, because he had fought with Masood (and Osama) against the Russians in the 1980's. The Americans didn't know what do do with him so they sent him to Gitmo, to be held indefinitely with no charges.
Truly an outrage. Hopefully, he will find some peace with his family and can once again cook his beloved spicy dishes that he told us so much about." | {
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Keep Learning
Razor bumps are caused by irritation from a razor. Using a cream while shaving and allowing the skin to soften will help prevent the bumps. Fresh razors also cause less irritation to the skin. Applying tea tree oil to razor bumps will speed up the healing time. Heat reduces the swelling as well. A warm rag can be placed on the area for 10 minutes to help the skin calm down. In addition, a hydrocortisone cream can help make the bumps clear up. | {
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} |
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There's been a lot of confusion and frustration lately about health anxiety. Personal success stories and outcome focused answers are hard to come by, and people are growing more and more frustrated. Dennis Simsek (AKA The Anxiety Guy) is here to show you the truth behind the root causes of your health anxiety, and guide you towards healing. From forums to online chat rooms, social media groups to conversations with others, health anxiety sufferers are not being provided the information and skills to eliminate their emotional and mental health struggles. That's where Dennis's powerful and inspirational podcast show comes in. Get ready to join the thousands of other warriors worldwide, in becoming more than anxiety starting today.
Health Anxiety Show
The Anxiety Guy
Health
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There's been a lot of confusion and frustration lately about health anxiety. Personal success stories and outcome focused answers are hard to come by, and people are growing more and more frustrated. Dennis Simsek (AKA The Anxiety Guy) is here to show you the truth behind the root causes of your health anxiety, and guide you towards healing. From forums to online chat rooms, social media groups to conversations with others, health anxiety sufferers are not being provided the information and skills to eliminate their emotional and mental health struggles. That's where Dennis's powerful and inspirational podcast show comes in. Get ready to join the thousands of other warriors worldwide, in becoming more than anxiety starting today.
Customer Reviews
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This guy gets it. From his personal experience, level headed approach and logical and straight forward conversations he understands what so many of us are going through. Don’t hesitate, subscribe to this podcast and check out his YouTube channel.
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You need this podcast
The Health Anxiety Show Podcast is such a valuable resource for overcoming anxiety. He has touched my life and those in my family, The Anxiety Guy is personable, real, and will tell you how to overcome anxiety if you are ready for change! | {
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Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Its a week later and guess what? I am still crabby. Ugh. I am trying hard to shake this mood, but its not happening. I was sure my period was coming any minute, thus the bad mood. However, I am still waiting and its getting obnoxious at this point.
With all the stress of Toms potential job, I am not shocked its late. Ive tried to relax, we had a fun weekend, I am telling myself that its out of my control. As if I wasnt anxious enough to get the ball rolling on our FET cycle, I found out that our insurance is changing names/group numbers as of December 1st. So, the lady clarified that if I start meds before the 1st, Id be set. If I need to start after, it will be an issue to get approval through the new group. Not what I wanted to hear.
Whats the best way to make your period come? Pee on a stick, of course. Even when you know there is no way youre pregnant, seeing the NOT still stings.
Our entire future is out of our hands and its wearing on me and Tom. We walk around each day, waiting for a phone call, an email, or blood.
Until then, I imagine I will continue to hate everything.
I hate ungrateful pregnant people. I hate that Evan lives too many states away. I hate my body. I hate seeing Tom this nervous. I HATE that I feel this way.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
..I had planned to post today about the last day of our trip. I was going to talk about how it was the best vacation ever and it was hard to leave. How those memories will forever be etched in my heart.
..But, I cant. Not today. I am in a bit of a rut and I dont seem to be climbing out any time soon. I have so much on my plate and its wearing on me.
This weekend was nuts. Tom and I went on a nice date Friday night and then he was so sick that night through yesterday. He caught some nasty bug that left him in our bedroom for 36 hours. He missed two days of work. We had two birthday parties on Saturday and were headed to one on Sunday when Trevor threw up all over the car/himself. We were 30 minutes from home and on the highway. Not a good combo.
Luckily, he recovered faster than Daddy(imagine that!) and it skipped me and Gavin.
Gavin, however, is teething big time. His gums are swollen and one tooth will pop through any moment. He has been very needy and on my hip 24/7.
These things are no big deal. Gavins teeth will come and the boys will be 100% better soon. There are 2 bigger things weighing on my mind.
1)Toms job. He is about 75% done with the hiring process for a new police department. Everything has gone well, its his dream job, it should happen. I told Tom it feels like all of our eggs are in one basket. Not just any eggs-ostrich eggs. At any moment a wild animal can come eat our eggs. And it terrifies me. They can decide not to hire him at any moment and our world will be rocked.
2)Getting pregnant. There are new pregnancy announcements daily. Yes, daily! Its the same old- happy for them(most of the time) and sad for you. After 5 years struggling with infertility, its not any easier. I hate my body, I hate that I cant make a baby with my husband, I hate having no clue if/when Ill get pregnant again. My period is 2 weeks late and I am impatient. I want to get the ball rolling forward. I did order my FET meds today and will get them tomorrow, in case my period comes this weekend...Ill be ready. I was sure I would have by now. Last time I was this crabby, I got my period the next day and thought, "That explains it!" This time? Bad mood is on day 2 and no blood in sight..
Our entire life is up in the air. The majority of our 7 years together has been like this. Im tired, emotionally drained and hanging on by a thread.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Friday was our final full day. We hung out at the condo, did some laundry and cleaned up. Late morning, we headed back to Hollywood Studios.
The first thing we did was see Beauty and the Beast. We got fastpasses to Tower of Terror and planned to take turns riding with my brother and his girlfriend. Unfortunately one of the elevators wasnt working, so the fastpass line was long too. We ended up skipping it and heading to eat.
We sat at the little cafe and shared a giant sandwich and giant cupcake. Trevor was in heaven.
We went on the Great Movie Ride and then got a spot for the parade. It had a ton of Trevors favorite characters. He stood on the stroller and waved the entire time.
We headed to the Indiana Jones show and poor Trevor was asleep within 5 minutes. The show is extremely loud and he snoozed right through it.
After the show, we went to meet some characters. We just let Trevor nap a bit, so we could move on with our day.
We planned to stay until the Fantasmic show, but we still needed to go to Downtown Disney and do our big shopping. We were so tired and wanted to go back to the condo, but I had a list of souvenirs to buy, since I always wait until the end of the trip.
We were leaving the park and walking to the car..I was pouting and talking about how I wish we could live there and we didnt know when we would be back..
We looked up and spotted a beautiful rainbow. How can you not smile at that?
Downtown Disney was crowded!! We were starving and ate at Earl of Sandwich. I had the most delicious holiday sandwich. I am so sad there isn't one near us because it was amazing! We traded some vinyls, and shopped at World of Disney. We left with magnets for the fridge, bath toys, 2 stuffed animals and a charm for my bracelet. It was a successful shopping trip!
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Thursday, we went to Hollywood Studios. I knew we would need a lot of time there and I was glad we got everything we wanted to done at Magic Kingdom beforehand. We arrived and went to see the Ariel show. We had reservations for an early lunch at Hollywood & Vine, so we headed there right after.
Hollywood & Vine was a character meal with the Disney Junior pals and it was awesome! I was so glad we did another character meal toward the end of out trip. The meals are expensive, but the boys were free and we stuffed ourselves and didnt eat much the rest of the day.
We met Jake, June, Oso and Handy Manny.
Handy Manny LOVED Gavin and stayed at our table at least 10 minutes.
We met up with my Mom, sister and kids and went to the Muppets and Disney Junior show. Trevor loved both.
We did a little shopping and then went over by Star Tours. My Mom loved this ride, so we decided to go on with the big kids and leave Tom with the 3 babies. Gavin was fussy and ready for a nap. We had a great time on the ride and walked out to find Tom walking back, like this. What happened?!, we asked. Apparently, 30 seconds after we got in line Trevor had to poop. So, Tom strapped Gavin on, linked up the strollers and took all 3 kids into the bathroom. Have I mentioned he is the BEST lately? He really is.
The clouds were changing and we knew a storm was coming. We split with the fam and headed to the stunt show. It has a covered area and about 10 minutes into the show it started pouring. Trevor loved this show. It was fast cars, fire, smoke, McQueen. It was awesome.
It was still pouring after the show, so we went to meet the Toy Story characters, who are inside. Trev was a little unsure of the army guy, but loved Buzz and Woody.
The park was closing in about 10 minutes, so we hopped in line for Toy Story. The line was only about 30 minutes and its one you dont mind waiting for because the building is so fun. It is Toms favorite ride and would have loved to ride over and over again.
It stopped raining by the time we were walking out. Considering it was the only rain we dealt with the entire trip, we lucked out. We were so happy to have another day at the park, because with the show times and it closing early that day, we needed it!
That night, we packed and started to accept that we had to go home soon. | {
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The Coupe to End 24-Hour Service
By Rina RapuanoJanuary 28, 2014By Rina Rapuano | January 28, 2014
The Coupe’s Twitter feed is ablaze with people responding to the news that the restaurant will no longer stay open 24 hours a day starting in February. Neighborhood followers are disappointed, but the restaurant maintains that it didn’t make business sense to continue considering the numbers.
General manager Maxwell Hessman released this statement: “The Coupe management has decided to move away from the 24-hour cycle for one very basic reason: after a year and half, the sales are not there to support our large scale operation late night. We labored over this decision for quite some time and feel it is in the best interest for our company and our customers. We will still be open from early morning to late night to provide each and every guest a wonderful experience.”
Beginning February 11, the Columbia Heights restaurant's new hours will be 6 AM-midnight Sunday through Thursday and 6 AM-1 AM Friday and Saturday.
In addition, Prince of Petworth - which broke the news today - says the restaurant will expand its wine program over the next few months while decreasing the emphasis on cocktails and craft beer offerings. The food will also transition from diner eats toward a cafe-style menu by April, the report says.
The Coupe’s sister restaurant, The Diner, will remain one of the few 24-hour restaurants in the DC area. | {
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Antibulli Swimming
Antibulli Swimming is a tool that makes it easy for swimming coaches to build team spirit and prevent bullying in children’s swimming.
Photo: Danish Swimming Federation
How do we welcome new swimmers into our club and our teams?How do we create team spirit through group exercises in a sport that is often pursued individually?And as swimming coaches, what should we know about children’s well-being?
These are some of the questions that swimming coaches are likely to ask themselves and each other when they get involved with Antibulli Svømning. The project involves two key elements: a website containing knowledge, activities and exercises aimed at swimming coaches and increasing the focus on well-being in coaching programmes.
The aim of Antibulli Svømning is to promote team spirit and combat bullying in children’s swimming.
The reasoning behind it is that we now know that the cause of bullying lies in the dynamics of the children’s groups themselves, and that we can prevent bullying when we strengthen children’s sense of solidarity and tolerance of one another.
Antibulli Svømning is being piloted in 10 selected clubs in Denmark during 2019. We are evaluating the clubs’ experiences of Antibulli Svømning on an ongoing basis, so that we can adapt the project before offering it to all Danish swimming clubs at some point in 2020.
Antibulli Svømning is the result of a collaboration between The Mary Foundation, the Danish Swimming Federation and TrygFonden.
While the collaboration is new, the idea behind it is not:
“Back in 2013 we discovered that one in every eight children had stopped participating in a leisure activity because they were not thriving or they experienced bullying. We wanted to do something about that. So we initially directed our attention at well-being in children’s football, in collaboration with Save the Children Denmark and the Danish Football Union (DBU). Then we moved on to handball, where we teamed up with Mikkel Hansen and his MH24 foundation. We are pleased to now be able to use our experiences to make a difference in swimming clubs as well. Because a positive team spirit doesn’t just happen merely as a result of children turning up voluntarily. It requires a concerted effort.”
Facts about
SwimmingThe Danish Swimming Federation has 295 member clubs.150,000 children, from infants to young adults, take swimming lessons in Danish swimming clubs every year.
Antibulli SvømningAntibulli Svømning combines experiences from anti-bullying and well-being initiatives with experiences from the swimming world, and consists of practical advice and exercises to use during training. The materials are free and will be readily available to all swimming clubs via antibulli.dk once the programme has been tested and improved during 2019. Coaches will be able to access the mobile-friendly website and select the specific exercises and activities that fit the particular needs of their teams.
The bullying perspective underpinning AntibulliAntibulli is based on the new perspective on bullying which defines it as a group phenomenon that affects or damages not only the specific individuals who are bullied, but actually impacts all the children in the group.The prevention of and solution to bullying must therefore also be pursued through working with the whole group of children – as opposed to just the bullies and the victims. Bullying is less likely to arise in teams where positive values and a positive culture dominate. Antibulli is based on the values: tolerance, respect, care and courage. | {
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Service planned for mother of Newtown school shooter
KINGSTON - A memorial service is being planned for June 1 at the First Congregational Church in Kingston to remember the mother of Connecticut school shooter Adam Lanza.
Family and friends have been invited to the 1 p.m. service for Nancy (Champion) Lanza, the 52-year-old mother who had lived in Kingston for many years before moving to Connecticut.
Lanza was shot and killed by her son, Adam, 20, at her home on Dec. 14, 2012, before he went on a deadly shooting rampage at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., where he gunned down 20 young children and six adults inside the school before killing himself.
The massacre in Newtown was the country's second-deadliest mass shooting.
Lanza's family was deeply rooted in Kingston - the town where she grew up and was a 1978 graduate of Sanborn Regional High School.
Lanza, who also attended the University of New Hampshire, worked at John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Co. in Boston until 1992 - the year Adam was born.
Lanza left Kingston in 1998 and moved to Newtown with her family, which included Adam, who was then 6, and his older brother, Ryan. She later divorced from her husband, Peter.
Lanza had two brothers, James and Donald Champion, and a sister, Carol Gould. James Champion is a retired Kingston police captain who now works part time for the department.
A private service attended by Lanza's family was held Dec. 20 at an undisclosed location.
At the time, her family indicated that a public service would be planned for the spring. | {
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Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker says local ratepayers are not buying the Liberal government’s spin on delivering lower electricity prices and the reliability of the province’s electricity grid. MPP Walker questioned why anyone should trust Premier Kathleen Wynne to fix the hydro mess her party created.
“We had 60 local households disconnected, hundreds of constituents falling behind on their energy bills, a local constituent owing $20,000 to Hydro One and getting deeper into debt, a local grocer paying a sky-high $120,000 electricity bill and multiple power outages across Grey-Bruce,” says Walker.
Last year alone, one in every 12 households in Ontario was facing the threat of disconnection for being in arrears, owing more than $172 million, while Ontario suffered through 135 power outages of some kind. That’s as many outages as the provinces of B.C., Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and Alberta combined, states Walker. Meanwhile, Ontario’s electricity rates remain among the highest in North America.
“This government broke its promise to protect consumers, it broke its promise to provide lower rates, and it broke its promise of a reliable supply of new electricity,” he says. “Evidently, given all of these broken promises, given all the ongoing bungling, the people can’t count on the Premier and her government to do anything to make hydro bills more affordable, and power more reliable.”
MPP Walker today supported his party’s Opposition Day Motion that called on the government to stop any further sales of Hydro One shares. The PC motion was written in response to the concerns and wishes heard from constituents.
“Our motion aims to bring Ontarians’ concerns into focus for the Liberals,” MPP Walker says. “If the Ontario Liberals can accept it was wrong to sign the costly contracts for renewable energy like wind and solar, will it finally accept it is wrong on the fire sale of Hydro One?” | {
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Communities in Malawi use video as a tool to create dialogues and make
their voices heard. Using video helps villagers first review their own
position critically. Then, their representative can present their case
at crucial meetings, reinforced by the video of statements from
villagers. Through this process, communities discover new skills:
researching, analysing, expressing themselves, making presentations,
negotiating and team building. They become self-confident. Women speak
up, even outside their communities. Spokespersons find out who to meet
with, and what they need to do to become part of decision making.
Villages get together to plan around common needs. And, their
representatives become accustomed to reporting back. Proven in Malawi,
these dialogues are now spreading to Vietnam, Ghana, and Sierra Leone.
The CD has the following information for this output: Description,
Validation, Current Situation, Environmental Impact. Attached PDF (9
pp.) taken from the CD.
Citation
FRP48, New technologies, new processes, new policies: tried-and-tested and ready-to-use results from DFID-funded research, Research Into Use Programme, Aylesford, Kent, UK, ISBN 978-0-9552595-6-2, p 113.
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Hippolyte Outgunned
Debbie Wasserman Schultz was dumped by the Clinton campaign as DNC chairperson and disappeared from sight despite her promise to resign at convention’s end.This tough and capable double mastectomy cancer survivor and good friend of Gabby Gifford and Hillary Clinton is the second Florida politician to go down in flames in this election season.Rough and tumble as Florida politics is, it is apparently unable to prep its combatants for helicopters(Trump) and the surviving intelligence arm of the KGB.Schulz was just doing her job as it has been done for donkey(smile) years.To accuse this supporter of Israel and battler for equality as an antisemite is ridiculous.Rubio went low against Trump and belittled himself and lost. He’ll be back and maybe the nation will need him as immigration issues reemerge.With presidential aspirations gone,maybe for good,maybe he can do some good.Hillary has felt and acknowledged the Bern.Now the “silly” supporters can hand Hippolyte back her arrows and encourage her to upgrade in case the Russian hackers heed Trump’s(sarcastic?)advice and Putin’s orders to keep attacking Hillary. | {
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Hip Style
See how we work
What our customers say about us
We are absolutely 100 % satisfied with the job that was performed, and would recommend this company without hesitation. Every part of the project was handled in a professional manner, and the crew size was always sufficient to perform their task within a day or two. The workmanship was well above average, and when the job was completed, the Village inspector commented that he thought the quality of work was very high. The Village of Winnetka is notoriously picky about companies that do work in town, and the projects they approve get rigorous scrutiny. This company easily met the high standards required. | {
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Package Deal for SignSlapper and all 14 CNC Art Discs
Price:$1,398.00 (Discount of $572 off regular price)
Quantity:
This is the complete CNC art library by RedPup Productions. The
package includes 14 art discs with a total of 1081 art files.
You get:
SignSlapper 20 Sign Building Software
Decorative Ironwork Designs for CNC
Dog and Cat Designs for CNC
Call to Duty Designs for CNC
European-Style Designs for CNC
Farm and Tractor Designs for CNC
Game and Fish Designs for CNC
Mimbres Indian-Style Designs for CNC
Ocean Life Designs for CNC
Rods, Quads, Trucks and bikes Designs for CNC
Sports Designs for CNC
Way Out West Designs for CNC
Real Western Designs for CNC
Nature and Wildlife for CNC
Gate and Railing Panels and Pickets for CNC #1 | {
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Job not finished for UK economy, OECD says
The United Kingdom’s economy is projected to expand this year and next, but challenges remain to boost productivity and make future growth more inclusive, according to the OECD’s latest Economic Survey. The Survey, presented in London by OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría and UK Chancellor George Osborne, says that annual growth in the UK rose 2.6% in 2014, the fastest among G7 countries, and is projected to be at the same rate this year. The recovery has been underpinned by highly accommodative monetary policy and measures to support lending and revive the housing market. With a vibrant and inclusive labour market, the unemployment rate has fallen rapidly to 5.7% and employment is at record levels. However, labour productivity has been sluggish since 2007, which is holding back real wages and improvements in living standards. House prices have increased rapidly as housing supply has not risen to meet demand.
“The United Kingdom has made tremendous progress exiting from the worst economic crisis of our lifetime. Job creation is remarkable and growth is strong, but the UK has to finish the job,” Secretary-General Gurría said. “Boosting productivity is essential to making this recovery durable and to ensuring that the benefits are shared by all. This requires further efforts to improve infrastructure, enhance access to finance for sound businesses and promote skills.”
The Economic Survey addresses several ways in which productivity could be enhanced. The UK is one of the most flexible economies in the OECD, and structural reforms have strengthened work incentives and supported an already positive business friendly environment. However, improvements in education and skills are necessary as well as measures to reduce income inequality. Developing further the knowledge-based economy (including innovation and skills), and strengthening infrastructure and improving the financing of the economy are also critical in this regard.
Indeed, greater infrastructure investment is also at the core of raising productivity. To improve investment prospects, the OECD suggests that the UK further develops its long-term infrastructure strategy and planning by making the National Infrastructure Plan more prominent. With limited public resources, infrastructure financing could come more in the form of public-private partnerships and public guarantees for privately financed infrastructure projects. The Green Investment Bank and other targeted financial aids should be strengthened to meet environmental goals. Improving land use planning and regulation is also key to enhancing housing investment and increasing affordability for first-time buyers.
Major and welcome reforms have been implemented to strengthen banks and tighten financial supervision and regulation. But banks in the UK could still pose a risk and businesses still find it difficult to secure financing. The OECD suggests further reforms to enhance banking sector stability, which should support lending in the medium term. Better sharing of credit information and the development of new credit providers, which should be properly supervised, would increase credit availability.
The OECD also recommends that the burden of consolidation measures should be fairly shared among citizens. The exact composition of medium-term fiscal adjustment will need to be set out clearly and the Economic Survey formulates recommendations both on the revenue and spending side. | {
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} |
At Unique, we partner with talented management teams and business owners who share our passion for business and believe that together we can have a greater impact on the world.
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About Us
25-year track record of growing small businesses and maximizing returns on real property investments…
Formed in 1993, Unique Investment Corporation is an investment firm with a focus on private companies and income-producing real estate.
At Unique, we treat business as a scalable platform from which we can have a positive impact on our society. We believe a company’s culture determines the magnitude of the impact its people and products can have. At the core of our culture is the understanding that each of us is responsible for giving back to society, for having a positive impact on those around us. For over 25 years, exceptional financial returns have been a byproduct of this philosophy.
We have a proven track record of achieving returns above industry averages because we focus on the most important principle of all — IMPACT. Each of our investments adheres to a culture of positively impacting society. When we are successful in improving the lives of others, financial returns follow.
We operate as a family office on behalf of our investment partners, adding value in the investment process, overseeing the management of our investments via our proprietary management system and handling the administrative processes requisite with these activities.
We specialize in small to medium sized businesses and income producing real property in the western United States. We excel at growing and developing small businesses and maximizing returns on real property investments. The results are excellent returns for our select group of partners who include high net worth individuals and families.
Our Team
John G. Makoff
Managing Director
John was the founding force behind Unique Investment Corporation. As one of its Managing Directors, he has been responsible for equity funding, financings, acquisitions, mergers, and divestitures. He also has served many operational roles, including full profit and loss responsibility, chairmanships, and advisory board membership. John’s passion is the outdoors and he works hard to ensure he can spend part of each day either in the ocean or in the mountains. John developed the IMPACT culture at Unique and measures his success based on the number of lives he is able to positively impact.
Joseph G. Phillips
Managing Partner
Joe joined Unique in 1997 after working as a certified public accountant for several years. As one of its Managing Directors, Joe has been responsible for directing equity placements, third party financings, acquisitions, mergers and divestitures in both operating companies and real estate properties. Joe has held board level positions in several businesses and has been responsible for the day-to-day operations for multiple small and medium sized companies. Joe enjoys mentoring young adults and coaching youth sports where he feels his impact is immediate and meaningful.
Burke Plummer
Managing Director
Burke has been in the Unique family for almost 20 years as an operator and partner. For many years, Burke served as the Chief Executive Officer of Qqest Software Systems located in Salt Lake City, Utah. Burke has also successfully acquired and managed multiple transactions during his Unique tenure and currently holds several advisory board positions. Burke loves tennis and golf and his new grandson and uses his many strengths to positively impact youths through his church affiliation.
Justine Makoff
Director of Giving
Justine leads our community outreach efforts. She identifies opportunities for Unique to give back to our local community, and also serves as a liaison for each of our companies to pursue their philanthropic goals. Over the past 5 years, Justine has fostered connections between Unique and local charities focused on education, at-risk youth intervention, and environmental conservation. She serves as a board member for Sunburst Youth Academy, Free Rein Foundation, and PAAL of 77th precinct. Justine’s passion to positively impact her community and environment inspires and motivates Unique’s stakeholders to be active in their own communities.
Investment Approach
Unique Management System
Over our 25 year history, we have developed a proprietary management system that allows us to assist management teams in the development and implementation of their strategic plans. The results have been increased top lines, improved profitability and the creation of real value for our investors. Included in our system are periodic reporting processes that allow all stakeholders to communicate with accuracy and transparency. We assist management teams, we don’t direct them, and we believe our ability to work alongside and in partnership with strong and talented individuals is the primary reason for our long-term success.
At Unique, we often gather our entire family of leaders to discuss real-time issues and opportunities within the portfolio of companies which allows the leadership group to best leverage the collective knowledge and experience of their colleagues for the improvement of all.
Investment Criteria
We are opportunistic investors with broad interests and we focus on majority and control situations. Our most common operating company investments are in businesses with between $1,000,000 and $10,000,000 in annual earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA). Unique is industry agnostic and will consider an investment in any industry if it fits within our cultural and return parameters. We prefer investments that have management in place, however, we are experienced in identifying and attracting talented managers to assist our partners in achieving their goals. Unique also invests in income producing real estate properties. Our target real estate valuation is between $1,000,000 and $10,000,000. For all investments, our geographic preference is the western United States.
Guiding Principles
Unique, and in turn each of its portfolio companies and all of our coworkers live by the following principles:
Integrity – To communicate and act with truth and sincerity.
Value Creation – To generate economic benefits by improving the lives of others.
Customer Dedication – To put the customer first in every action or decision.
Compliance – To completely adhere to the company’s business philosophy and personal conduct standards.
Accuracy – To understand, give, and receive information with clarity and precision.
Humility – To act without ego while working with others.
Courage – Having the strength to do what is right.
Curiosity – The desire to learn about and improve yourself, others, and your surroundings.
Portfolio
Case Studies
Click on the buttons below to learn more about some of Unique Investment Corporation’s recent business investments.
WireCash.com
WireCash is an impact-driven company focused on making a difference for immigrant populations that need it most. Each year U.S. residents send over $150 billion to family and friends abroad. More than 90% of this volume is sent offline from physical stores. WireCash helps transition both consumers and legacy money transfer companies online for the first time. WireCash technology will improve the lives of millions of people making their impact significant and measurable.
WireCash is the only online marketplace for international money transfers. WireCash offers the services of existing licensed money transmitters, enabling consumers to send money online to over 100 countries while comparing fees, exchange rates, and payout options. Through the marketplace, consumers for the first time have choice, freedom and options when sending money to family and friends in other countries.
Aggregating money transfer companies in one online location allows WireCash to provide the most convenient and cost effective solution for sending money home. WireCash’s customers are diverse and range from individuals who simultaneously work and go to school full time, religious leaders collecting funds for philanthropic endeavors, long-haul truck drivers paying family medical bills, and day laborers living in rural communities without access to physical money transfer stores.
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Gold Canyon
Gold Canyon provides families and communities life-changing products and opportunities for personal improvement. Gold Canyon will impact tens of millions of lives through its world class business opportunity and World’s Finest™ products. Gold Canyon distributes their products through a hybrid party-plan direct sales business model that provides an opportunity for individuals to work from home, on their own schedule and at their own pace. Executives join Gold Canyon so they can earn extra income, build their own business, create and nurture relationships and simply to work for themselves. Gold Canyon sets the Gold Standard for quality with their candles, scented products and home décor and in concert with their direct sales business model has already assisted millions of people in making their home and lives better.
The Gold Canyon business model includes a newly introduced E-Fundraising platform that expands on the company’s original platform to allow organizations the opportunity to raise money through sales of high quality scented products, in a cutting edge, digital forum. The company’s fundraising program has generated more than $30 million in the last several years for organizations to use for the benefit of their own communities across the country.
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Diamond Wireless
Diamond Wireless was an independent authorized agent of Verizon Wireless selling wireless telephones, telephone accessories and wireless service plans through a primarily mall-based retail model. Diamond set itself apart from its competition by its mall-based model and strong company culture, both of which were created by the company’s founder and CEO Troy Crosland. Troy and Unique were successful in growing Diamond more than threefold during our four year hold period by aggressively opening new stores and adhering to an employee-first mentality. Diamond’s strongest impact was had on its coworkers, who were groomed for success, personal and professional improvement and steady advancement within the company.
Diamond’s culture was cultivated over several years and produced a highly successful and happy sales organization of commissioned based coworkers. This model allowed Diamond coworkers to earn more money than if they were working for the competition, thus creating happy, long-term employees. Further, Diamond’s growth curve, coupled with management’s hiring philosophy, allow it’s coworkers to rise through the organization to ever-increasing levels of responsibility and compensation. Diamond had a tremendous impact on hundreds of direct coworkers and their families by providing excellent career opportunities all based upon the edict that each individual within the company controlled their own destiny.
Troy and his team, in partnership with Unique, were able to grow Diamond from 38 stores to 140 stores including two fold-in acquisitions along the way. During the four year period of this partnership, Diamond returned over 10X invested capital with more than a 70% internal rate of return. Unique and Troy point to the employee-first culture and impact driven nature of the management team as the primary reasons for this exceptional performance.
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Operating Businesses
Operating Business
The only online marketplace that allows customers to compare money transfer options based on brand, price, recipient payout option and other criteria.
Partner Feedback
Bernie Zimmer, Founder and Board Member, CHME, Inc.
I have developed lifelong friends and business partners through my relationship with Unique Investment Corporation. I sold my company to the Unique group with the intention of retiring within two years. After closing on our deal, we were doing such great things and growing the business together so not only did I decide to stay on, I decided to reinvest back into the company! With all the support that Unique was providing and the exciting company we were creating I ended up staying on as the CEO of our company for over 7 years! I am still on the Board of Directors of our company and I continue to learn and grow as a person and a professional through my interactions with the Unique family.
Troy Crosland, Founder and CEO, Diamond Wireless, LLC
The guys at Unique were awesome partners. They provided invaluable insight and feedback from a different perspective that challenged me and my team and benefited us tremendously in terms of our strategic thinking. My management team and I were able to apply our industry expertise in running the company each day knowing we had a great sounding board available to us. John and Joe were constantly pushing us to dream bigger and to push harder toward our goals. We were able to grow our business dramatically and provide opportunities for countless young people to join our family and build a career in the wireless industry. | {
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Automic Workload Automation Review
It enables us to build automation which is flexible in a controlled environment. The stability needs improvement.
What is our primary use case?
The primary use case is automation of our business processes within the bank along with several areas of process automation. We have been using the product for 10 years now and have built it up from scratch. We do a lot of stuff with it, of which, we are mostly satisfied, though there will always be problems with it.
How has it helped my organization?
It enables us to build automation which is flexible in a controlled environment. We have a lot of governance and compliance requirements as a bank that we can fulfill with this product. We can fulfill them because we have an environment where everything is monitored where you have an audit trail of the product and for the executions of the development.
What is most valuable?
We can perform across platform automation with a product, and we are not bound to one architecture or system. We can bind together a lot of systems and ways of integrating systems. That is the most positive effect on our end. It is very flexible to program around your automation.
What needs improvement?
The stability needs improvement.
For how long have I used the solution?
More than five years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The stability is not as good as it was in former years. Stability has gone down from version to version, but it is probably due to the product's complexity and transitions in the company. Stability could be better, as it was better in the past.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The scalability is okay, as we are not scaling so much.
How is customer service and technical support?
Technical support is good. They are doing the best that they can, but it is a complex product with difficult requirements from a stability point of view.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was 10 years ago, so it was easy at the time. With each upgrade, it will probably have more complexity, but it has been a little hidden because it is a step-by-step process. Though, the complexity is okay with the setup.
What was our ROI?
It is not so easy to give numbers. There are just a lot of things that you cannot do without this product.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We evaluated some competitors a decade ago, and Automic (UC4) was the best choice. We look at the product and features. We did tests and an installation of the product, then we decided on Automic.
The other competitors, 10 years ago, were CA and IBM.
What other advice do I have?
Most important criteria when selecting a vendor:
Product features (i.e., flexibility).
It must fit the requirements.
A partner that you can rely on.
Disclosure: IT Central Station contacted the reviewer to collect the review and to validate authenticity. The reviewer was referred by the vendor, but the review is not subject to editing or approval by the vendor. | {
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Tag Archive: Dezman Moses
By now everyone knows that the Vikings live to pick off of the Packers trash pile, but did you know that there is a bizzaro Vikings team in the AFC? It’s this week’s opponent, the Kansas City Chiefs. Now, it’s…Read more | {
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Population control movement is 'Number One violator of human rights,' author claims
Front Royal, Va., May 6, 2008 / 06:25 pm (CNA).- Some population theorists warn that the world, with its continual increase in population, will eventually be unable to sustain the human population. Steve Mosher, the president of the Population Research Institute, argues in his newly released book that the movement that advances this worldview is demographically ignorant and the “Number One violator of human rights.”
Mosher’s book "Population Control—Real Costs, Illusory Benefits," just published by Transaction Press, details how the population control movement has harmed hundreds of millions of women, children and families with its policies.
"Population Control—Real Costs, Illusory Benefits," is the fruit of Mosher’s lifelong passion for demographics, which he harnesses to craft a compelling argument against population control. According to Mosher, “Overpopulation is a myth. In fact, evidence is plentiful that policymakers and population controllers, with billions at their disposal, have ignored their own multiple failures.”
“From its origins in racial hysteria and demographic ignorance to its state-sanctioned and funded rise to the mainstream, Mosher describes the population control movement as, “the world's Number One violator of human rights,” a press release from PRI says.
In his book, Mosher dismisses any sort of utilitarian concept of rights, saying, "Abuses of basic rights, such as the right to bear children, cannot be expunged by reference to any calculus of costs versus benefits, any more than comparable violations of other basic human rights can be explained away, excused, or justified by reference to a supposedly larger social good."
One colleague of Mosher’s, Allan Carlson of the Howard Center for Family, Religion & Society, writes that "Population Control" is "crisp and compelling; the message both disturbing and illuminating; the concluding call for a pro-natalist future hopeful." In it, Mosher is able to "ably express" the motives of population controllers, and their "open acts of violence against women and children."
For more information on "Population Control—Real Costs, Illusory Benefits," and Mosher’s organization the Population Research Institute please visit: http://www.pop.org/index.cfm | {
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Welcome to EPTIS
Welcome to EPTIS. We help you find a suitable proficiency testing
(PT) scheme for your laboratory. Use our PT scheme database, the PT
round calendar or the PT provider
directory as a start
and let us know if you do not find what
you are looking for. | {
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} |
+++ This bug was initially created as a clone of Bug #613822 +++
Description of problem:
When attempting to use some of the variable avialable in the hotspot tapset found that some of the arguments were not available.
Version-Release number of selected component (if applicable):
systemtap-1.2-1.fc13.x86_64
java-1.6.0-openjdk-1.6.0.0-41.b18.fc13.x86_64
java-1.6.0-openjdk-devel-1.6.0.0-41.b18.fc13.x86_64
java-1.6.0-openjdk-debuginfo-1.6.0.0-41.b18.fc13.x86_64
How reproducible:
everytime
Steps to Reproduce:
1. Install systemtap java-1.6.0-openjdk java-1.6.0-openjdk-devel java-1.6.0-openjdk-debuginfo
2. stap -L 'hotspot.*' > /dev/null
3. See the messages in the "actual results" section
Actual results:
semantic error: not accessible at this address (0x515136): identifier '$arg2' at /usr/share/systemtap/tapset/x86_64/hotspot.stp:438:32
source: class = user_string_n($arg1, $arg2);
^
semantic error: not accessible at this address (0x515136): identifier '$arg6' at :440:30
source: sig = user_string_n($arg5, $arg6);
^
semantic error: failed to retrieve location attribute for local 'arg8' (dieoffset: 0x3c5adc0): identifier '$arg8' at :442:10
source: size = $arg8;
^
semantic error: not accessible at this address (0x5170b7): identifier '$arg2' at :456:32
source: class = user_string_n($arg1, $arg2);
Expected results:
All the probe point arguments available in the hotspot tapset should be available. There shouldn't be any "semantic error" messages.
Additional info:
The probe hotspot.object_alloc has:
size = $arg3;
that should be $arg4 for size according to http://java.sun.com/javase/6/docs/technotes/guides/vm/dtrace.html. However, when this is corrected get:
semantic error: not accessible at this address (0x59d460): identifier '$arg4' at :117:10
source: size = $arg4;
^
This issue has been proposed when we are only considering blocker
issues in the current Red Hat Enterprise Linux release. It has
been denied for the current Red Hat Enterprise Linux release.
** If you would still like this issue considered for the current
release, ask your support representative to file as a blocker on
your behalf. Otherwise ask that it be considered for the next
Red Hat Enterprise Linux release. **
Created attachment 435138[details]
try calculation of size in tapset, not source
I had the same idea as the one from comment #24. We are already using $HeapWordSize in jstack.stp, so this should work. This is what I am currently building (against upstream icedtea6 on fedora 13 i686, gcc-4.4.4-13.fc13.i686). But won't know the results till tomorrow morning (slow laptop).
Ok, so there are two issues with this testcase:
1) one 4.4 and earlier specific - only 4.5+ uses alias oracle to disambiguate
in *true_dependence and so store to (mem:SI (...) %sfp-8) invalidates various
MEMs from the cselib hash table. As %sfp (spill slots) aren't addressable,
in 4.5+ rtx_refs_may_alias_p will say the two mems can't alias if
one is %sfp and the other is not. While obviously backporting all the
aliasing changes is out of the question, perhaps we could consider just
special casing this %sfp vs. non-%sfp if MEM_EXPR, MEM_OFFSET and MEM_SIZE is
present on both MEMs. Either it could be done at the end of
true_dependence/canon_true_dependence (most risky), or e.g. in a new
cselib_canon_true_dependence which would do the same as canon_true_dependence,
just do this extra disambiguation and call it only from cselib, only only from
cselib when used in var-tracking.
2) the other issue is similar to the * 8 issue discussed on x86-64 earlier.
This time it is (zero_extend:SI (something:HI)) vs.
(and:SI (something:SI) (const_int 0xffff)) which again would need to be hashed
using the same hash and compared equal in cselib.
I have installed the rpms from this build. The following smoke test that originally demonstrated this problem works:
[wcohen@cannondale java]$ stap -L 'hotspot.*' > /dev/null
[wcohen@cannondale java]$
The JObjectStats example on the following URL provide much more reasonable:
http://icedtea.classpath.org/~vanaltj/stapexamples/
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6.0 is now available and should resolve
the problem described in this bug report. This report is therefore being closed
with a resolution of CURRENTRELEASE. You may reopen this bug report if the
solution does not work for you.
Note
You need to
log in
before you can comment on or make changes to this bug. | {
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When you do not see your breed here or probably you have a mix dog, feel free to contact us, this rubberised wire basket muzzle may be made in accordance with your special wishes, thus we can select a perfect muzzle for your unique dog. | {
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Australia’s CSIRO develop world’s first gluten-free beer
German beverage company, Radeberger, is launching the world’s first gluten-free barley-based beer. The gluten free grain used in the beer was developed by Australia’s leading research institution, the CSIRO.
The ‘Pionier’ gluten-free beer is made using ‘Kebari ultra-low gluten’ barley, a strain of barley the CSIRO says took 14 years to develop.
“Pathetic irony” says Australia says food lawyer
Kebari barley is defined as gluten-free under the World Health Organisation’s recommendations. However, under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, the beer cannot be called gluten free.
FoodLegal expert Joe Lederman said this is another instance of a brilliant Australian discovery losing a huge market opportunity.
“Instead, this world leading product is being launched only in foreign markets until such time as the Food Standards code in Australia can catch up with the world,” Lederman said.
“This is a pathetic irony,” he said.
How the science made the invention
CSIRO Principal Research Scientist, Dr Crispin Howitt, said using conventional breeding, the CSIRO is able to reduce the gluten levels in Kebari barley to 10, 000 times less than regular barley.
“In the future, this will provide more variety for the global population, including 1 to 2 per cent of Australians, with coeliac disease and people who avoid gluten in their diet,” Dr Howitt said.
The CSIRO is now working on a hulless version of Kebari which is best suited for use in foods like cereals, soup, pasta and flatbreads.
It is also exploring whether an Australian brewing partner would be interested in creating a low gluten beer using Kebari. | {
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Shadow virtualizes a high-end gaming PC on your desktop clunker
PlayStation profiles are now available on the web
NBA 2K11 devs drop 'approximately 30 positions'
Take-Two Interactive sports game developer Visual Concepts recently let go of 30 employees, according to a statement issued by the publisher. VP of corporate communications and public affairs at Take-Two Alan Lewis told Industry Gamers, "In order to properly align its resources with its current and future goals, and to continue to develop games as efficiently as possible, 2K Sports has eliminated approximately 30 positions at its Visual Concepts studio." When contacted by Joystiq, Take-Two refused to provide further information.
The next game due from Visual Concepts is NBA 2K11 on October 5, which is said to be unaffected by the layoffs. "These reductions will not affect 2K Sports' ability to create and deliver AAA titles, including its upcoming release of NBA 2K11," the statement from Take-Two claims. As always, we wish those affected the best in the future. | {
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Manteca Business Owner Locks Doors In Fear Of ADA Lawsuits From Scott Johnson
MANTECA (CBS13) — A Manteca business owner is locking his doors in fear of an attorney known for filing thousands of lawsuits on behalf of disabled people.
What started as a small shop in the back of his parents’ restaurant when John Perez was just 24 is now a 50-year-old business he shares with his sons.
“It means everything to me,” he said. “It’s what I worked for all my life.”
But for the first time, Perez and Son’s Cabinet Shop is operating with the doors locked with a sign out front saying he’s working by appointment only. He says he’s doing it in fear that Scott Johnson will pay him a visit. Not for business he says, but to rob him of his money.
Johnson is known for filing thousands of lawsuits against business owners whose buildings don’t comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. | {
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To John Adams from Richard Rush, 29 June 1813
Washington June 29. 1813.
Dear Sir.
Your kind letter of the 13th has gratified me very much.
When I spoke of New York having joined in with Pennsylvania and Virginia, I alluded to the issue of the late election for governor there. From a variety of local causes existing in that state, this last election seems to have been the only one they have had since the war began which fairly brought to a test the relative numbers of the war and peace parties. I understand that the election in every county was staked upon that issue, and from Governor Tompkins’s success I infer that the publick sentiment there is for standing by the nation in this contest, in like manner with that of Pennsylvania and Virginia. Her present representatives in congress, indeed, chosen under the operation of the scisms of the last fall, or before they had healed, and while the anger of the Presidential election was still left, are very hostile with only a few exceptions. So of her senators. These few are very confident in their opinions that an election now for representatives could not fail to give a very different result from that of the spring. The majority now in and opposed to the war, to be sure say otherwise; but the former seem to be corroborated by governor Tompkins’s election.
Nobody, Sir, has so good a right to rejoice in the efficacy of our little navy, and its triumph, as you, for you led the way to it all. What you say about the lakes is irresistable. To me it is equally strange and lamentable that we have not now the command of them. I know the President to be so convinced upon this subject, that I heard him: say last fall if the British built thirty frigates upon them we ought to build forty. Yet we are close upon July and Sir James Yeo is defying us on Ontario, and we dare not look out upon Erie. We must hope this will not long be.
I think with you that Mr Gallatin cannot get back by Christmas although he was very sanguine. Mr King told me a few days ago that Mr Jay began his treaty in June, and yet, although they worked at it constantly, it was not finished until November. May not Mr Gallatin and Mr Adams be as long? Is it sure they will make one at all? The only point is impressment; and as to this the dispute stands upon the same ground it has ever done, with the single exception of the seaman’s bill of last winter. Will the English yield, this law having been passed?
A good deal of difficulty has been made in the senate about Mr Gallatins nomination; but the better opinion is he will pass by a small vote. The President still declines to fill the office with a new appointment, retaining Mr Jones as the acting secretary ad interim.
Congress are busily engaged with the tax bills today. These too, Sir, will pass giving another triumph to the policy of 1798. The Massachusetts remonstrance was read yesterday in the senate.
You have a claim, coeval with your life, to know what your country is doing, and many more and much stronger claims upon it than this. To be accepted as your Washington correspondent is a source of great gratification to me. The sight of your hand, too, will serve to keep up the pleasure I so often knew from it in my lamented father’s time.
You Are Looking At
Reference
Cite as
“To John Adams from Richard Rush, 29 June 1813,” Founders Online, National Archives, accessed April 11, 2019, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Adams/99-02-02-6082. [This is an
Early Access document
from The Adams Papers.
It is not an authoritative final version.]
More between these correspondents
The National Historical Publications and
Records Commission (NHPRC) is part of the National
Archives. Through its grants program, the NHPRC supports a wide range of activities to
preserve, publish, and encourage the use of documentary sources, relating to the history of
the United States, and research and development projects to bring historical records to the
public.
Founders Online is an official website
of the U.S. government, administered by the
National Archives and Records Administration
through the NHPRC, in partnership with the
University of Virginia Press,
which is hosting this website. | {
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She'll be the cutest character in Neverland in the Tinkerbell costume, which includes: A lime green dress with a shimmering sheer pink overlay. A pair of fairy wings are also included in this whimsical ensemble.
Does not include shoes. This is an officially licensed Disney product. | {
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Former One Direction singer Harry Styles will perform at Hersheypark Stadium in June 2018
PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 25 : the singer Harry Styles on stage during his concert at the Olympia Hall in Paris on October 25, 2017. ( photo by Helene Pambrun/Paris Match via Getty Images)
Former One Direction singer Harry Styles will perform at Hersheypark Stadium in June 2018
PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 25 : the singer Harry Styles on stage during his concert at the Olympia Hall in Paris on October 25, 2017. ( photo by Helene Pambrun/Paris Match via Getty Images)
HERSHEY — Harry Styles is coming to Hershey next summer, according to a press release from Hershey Entertainment.
The former One Direction heartthrob will take the stage in Hersheypark Stadium on June 14, 2018. The concert will begin at 8 p.m.
Kasey Musgraves will open the show, Hershey Entertainment announced.
Tickets, which start at $34.60, will go on sale Dec. 1 at 10 a.m. and can be purchased via Ticketmaster.
Styles released his first piece of solo music with his self-titled debut album Harry Styles in May 2017. The 10-track album features the platinum single “Sign of the Times.”
The album made history in the U.S. with the biggest debut sales week for a U.K. male artist’s first full-length album since Nielsen Music began tracking sales in 1991, topping official charts at #1 in more than 55 countries, the Hershey Entertainment press release says.
Following the album’s release, Styles made his acting debut in Christopher Nolan’s critically acclaimed film Dunkirk in July 2017. Dunkirk topped the U.S. box office in its first weekend and was one of the top grossing films of the summer, rounding off an incredible year for Styles as the first British artist with a #1 debut single, album and film in the same year. | {
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DragonBall Z Ultimate Tenkaichi
Release Date:
Out Now
Genre:
Fighting
/
Action
Publisher:
Namco Bandai Games America Inc
Developer:
Spike Co. Ltd
Mild Blood
Mild Language
Cartoon Violence
Fight with Furious Combos and experience the new generation of Dragon Ball Z! Dragon Ball Z® Ultimate Tenkaichi features upgraded environmental and character graphics, with designs drawn from the original manga series. Destructible battlefi elds, including massive craters and ki blasts cutting across the sky deliver a more dynamic experience and immediate sense of urgency to the exhilarating fights. An enhanced story mode drops players into the rich Dragon Ball Z universe, filled with beloved characters and powerful enemies. An accessible battle system allows gamers of all ages to hold their own in fast-paced battles, while still retaining tactical depth for hardcore fans.
Complete Character Creation & Customization – Appearance and attributes can be customized such as model body, face, hair, attire, fi ghting style and more! Additionally fi ghting style and special moves can be selected.
Enhanced Battle Mechanics – Impact Break system allows large scale environment destruction. Improved mechanics allow for faster long-to-short range fi ghts. There is also an added health recovery system and a vast collection of more cinematic camera angles.
Deeper Brand Representation – Fight presentations more closely mirror the animation series. Battle against a new group of giant bosses as in the animation series. Experience 15 animated scenes with bosses up to 15x the size of playable characters! Also enjoy bonus level from movie and Dragon Ball GT series! | {
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Shafqat Islam’s phone was ringing. He rubbed his eyes and looked at the number on the screen. It said unknown, but he took the call anyway.
"Hi, this is Travis," a voice said. "I know Lukas Biewald, and he said you were the only guy he knew in Switzerland."
Islam, part of the tech team at Merrill Lynch Bank Suisse, sat up and wracked his brain.
Biewald? He had met the man once or twice, but he certainly didn't know this Travis character.
"Let's go out!" prodded the restless out-of-towner.
Islam resisted. It was getting late and he was tired. He wasn't in the mood to give his night to a stranger.
"Come on, I'm only in town one night!" Travis persisted. "You gotta show me Geneva!"
Islam finally gave in. He hopped in his second-hand BMW, picked up Travis and took him to a favorite bar, where Islam learned a bit more about the mystery man. A tech founder named Travis Kalanick, he’d sold a startup for millions to Akamai. He was now an investor in a couple of companies, including CrowdFlower, which was run by their mutual friend. After a night of drinking and swapping tech war stories, the pair parted ways.
Years later, they met again at a business event in the States. Islam had founded a content marketing company called NewsCred. Kalanick was running a startup called Uber, designed to link car services and passengers at the tap of a finger.
Now that Kalanick's startup has grown into one of the world’s most admired tech companies, recently valued at $3.4 billion, Islam can’t help wondering: Was he the world's first Uber driver?
"Travis pressed a button and I was his ride for the night!" Islam says now, reflecting on that fateful evening. "I wonder if he has ever put that together."
Now 37, Kalanick has recently found himself anointed king of Silicon Valley, his unlikely throne, that car-service app — or perhaps more accurately, a real-time, mobile logistics company, for which the town car business is likely just the beginning.
Founded just three and a half years ago, the service works like magic. Press a button on your smart phone to summon a ride. A few minutes later — during which you can chart a driver’s progress toward your location — up rolls the car. The driver doesn't accept cash, not even for a tip. Instead the app automatically charges the passenger's credit card once the transaction is complete. Then, both the customer and driver rate each other on Uber's application. (Passengers who leave a driver waiting may see their ratings fall, which can result in fewer drivers agreeing to pick them up.)
TravisK/InstagramKalanick is a big fan of scribbling on whiteboards and walls. Here, he's worked out how weather affects Uber demand.
Kalanick's business achievements have won him widespread respect in the tech industry. In just a few years, he has turned Uber into a tech powerhouse that sometimes generates $20 million per week. But he hasn’t done it without stepping on a few toes.
Although Kalanick declined through a spokesperson to comment for this story, interviews with more than a dozen acquaintances from various periods of the entrepreneur’s life and career, most of whom asked not to be identified, painted a picture of a hyper-rational individual whose distaste for organized religion is matched only by his enthusiasm for whiteboard sessions, a driven executive whose intensity can seem off-putting.
Acquaintances seem to be of two minds about him: On the one hand, many agreed he is a phenomenon. "Travis is smart," says Kalanick's former investor Mark Cuban. "Busts his ass and is a true entrepreneur. Can’t be much more complimentary than that."
Equally common was the view of Kalanick as — in a word that came up again and again in interviews, "an asshole."
Or as one entrepreneur who has worked with him puts it, "Travis is ego personified."
Often, those impressions overlap.
"Sometimes," an acquaintance of Kalanick's told Business Insider, "assholes create great businesses."
Travis, the Salesman
Travis Kalanick has always been the entrepreneurial type. He grew up near Los Angeles in a suburb called Northridge.
As a kid, he wanted to be a spy. But his innate confidence, persuasiveness and implacability made him better suited to a career in sales, like his mother, Bonnie.
She worked in retail advertising for the "Los Angeles Daily News." Kalanick's own ability to sell became apparent when he excelled as a young door-to-door salesman for Cutco knives. Kalanick's father, Don, was an engineer. His brother Cory is a firefighter; Kalanick also has two half sisters.
At age 18, Kalanick launched his first business, an SAT-prep tutoring service called New Way Academy. He created a course called "1500 and over" and has claimed that the first person he tutored boosted their score by 400 points. Kalanick himself scored 1580 on his SATs, whiffing two questions in the verbal section. He’s better with numbers, and likes to say he can zip through the math portion in eight minutes.
Even as a teen, Kalanick was exceptionally self-assured. He always had "his game face on" a former classmate recalls. "The fact that Travis is a good salesman — I think originally he let that be the entirety of his personality, both to his friends and within work."
This person described Kalanick as a chronic hustler. "There was definitely a feeling for me that he was always trying to sell something to me, like a used car salesman. You know it's their job, but it doesn't make it any less annoying."
There was definitely a feeling for me that he was always trying to sell something to me, like a used car salesman. You know it's their job, but it doesn't make it any less annoying.
Another former classmate was more sympathetic, describing him as "an excellent storyteller but in a good sense. He can illustrate a lot of different things. He’s also driven and opportunistic, which can be good or bad."
Despite his impressive SAT scores and ambition, Kalanick stayed local for college, enrolling in the computer science department at UCLA. He looked much like he does now, with shaggy black hair and generally clad in a T-shirt.
In recent years, Kalanick has been connected to a long line of beautiful brunettes. But he wasn't always a lady's man. A college friend said he "had to grow into that."
At UCLA, Kalanick studied computer engineering and joined the Computer Science Undergraduate Association, where he met classmates Michael Todd and Vince Busam, then working on a side project called Scour, meant to help users share files.
The project began in Busam's dorm room, with five friends cobbling together the application, before the team moved into a house in Los Angeles' South Bay.
Scour was the first popular peer-to-peer search engine for files, videos, movies, and images, employing SMB protocol to crawl people's Windows directories, index their files and let others download them. One early user was Shawn Fanning, who would go on to co-found a similar service — Napster — some 18 months after Scour came online.
The startup was running on angel funding raised mostly from one of the co-founders' family members and friends, and in 1998, Kalanick came aboard as an employee, eventually dropping out of school and collecting unemployment while working for the startup full time.
Kalanick often describeshimself as a co-founder of Scour, which irks some of the company’s actual founders. Nonetheless, investors saw him as one, because he did so much for the company, and some of the co-founders now consider him one in retrospect. Technically, he was the company’s second employee, though was given founders stock and didn’t take a salary for the first year.
The team soon moved to a high-rise apartment building in Westwood, Club California, where Todd and co-founder Dan Rodrigues were living. Most employees worked in the living room. Kalanick worked from Rodrigues' bedroom. At one point, the apartment housed 13 Scour employees, putting a strain on the electrical system. Printing a document was sometimes enough to blow a fuse, and when a team member wanted to microwave lunch, he would often ask colleagues to power down their monitors for a minute.
"It was very, very scrappy and none of us knew what we were doing," an early Scour employee recalls.
It became clear Scour had outgrown its apartment office one day after the founders reported a major hack to the FBI. A female officer showed up expecting to find a large company under siege. Instead, she was invited to squish into a tiny chair, huddled among scruffy young men who were buried in computer screens.
"We all tried to convince her, 'Really, we are a serious, legitimate company,'" the source recalls. "'We have 100 servers somewhere in some data center. Don't mind the fact that we're a bunch of young kids and that this is a living room.'"
The Rise and Fall of Scour
The company soon got some real traction, and before long the peer-to-peer file sharing and search service was being used by a few million people. Eventually, there was so much interest in the company that an early investor, former mega-agent Michael Ovitz (who along with supermarket kingpin Ron Burkle had invested some $10 to $15 million), threatened to sue to keep the startup from shopping itself to other venture capital firms. As it happened, the paperwork Kalanick’s team signed included a no-shop clause.
Kalanick’s role was marketing and business development, and he was dauntless in calling up anyone and everyone to push the product. He also came up with controversial yet effective guerrilla marketing campaigns. For the Scour Exchange product, which he conveniently shortened to SX, Kalanick hired a marketing company to hang bottles of personal lubricant on dorm-room doorknobs along with Scour hang tags and stickers which read, "Do not enter, SX in progress."
"It was surprisingly effective at spreading awareness for Scour as well as earning the ire of various colleges," a former colleague recalls.
Meanwhile, a file-sharing competitor came onto the scene. Fanning launched Napster in 1999, implementing a key innovation. Unlike Scour, which crashed frequently due to too much demand, Napster automatically made files sharable once they were downloaded. As a result, the more people used the service, the more sources there were where popular material could be found and downloaded. Scour quickly followed suit, borrowing Napster's approach.
Despite Scour's initial success, the startup was a tough learning experience for Kalanick. The setbacks hardened him as an entrepreneur, as did the sometimes difficult people he had to answer to.
Once, Kalanick recalled in an interview with Uber investor Jason Calacanis, he was threatened by one of his Ovitz's cronies. The former Hollywood agent, who had built CAA into a powerhouse before an ill-fated stint as president of Disney, was infamous for his hard-knuckled style (he used to hand copies of Sun Tzu’s "The Art of War" to staff members). Ovitz’s lawyer, Kalanick recounted, wanted to be sure the former executive was afforded the proper respect in Kalanick’s speech.
"He basically tells me about how certain people in the industry have worked very hard to get where they're at," Kalanick recalled to Calacanis. "My life and physical well-being were essentially threatened at that table. He basically said, 'There's an alley in the back. If you fuck this up, you're going to be very familiar with it.'"
My life and physical well-being were essentially threatened at that table. He basically said, 'There's an alley in the back. If you fuck this up, you're going to be very familiar with it.'
Kalanick came on stage visibly shaken. According to Calacanis — with whom he shared the stage that day — he looked close to tears.
Ovitz and Kalanick have since discussed the incident and moved on. The alleged encounter occurred when Kalanick was young, and perhaps it’s not surprising that he would have been intimidated. Ovitz says he found it difficult to wrangle five young founders, each with differing ideas on how to run Scour. He adds that he respects and likes Kalanick, and says no life-threat was ever delivered on his behalf.
"I think there's a really good story in a person overcoming adversity," an early RedSwoosh employee says. "I think sometimes that story can get even better if the adversity is more significant. None of these things didn't happen. It's just the details. Travis is going to tell the story his way."
Although users enjoyed Scour, content providers did not. Scour was making it possible for consumers to acquire their content without paying for it. Ultimately, a collection of entertainment companies sued Scour for $250 billion.
As lawsuits piled up, Scour's failure grew imminent. The final days were emotionally grueling for Kalanick. But the salesman in him was indomitable, ceaselessly working the phones to make his pitch, ever hopeful of scaring up new business.
"I was getting on the phone every day still trying to make revenues because we had millions of people coming to our site," Kalanick told a group of entrepreneurs at the 2011 Failcon conference, a forum in which founders offer hard-won lessons from their business failures. "I was telling our partners [that working with us was] a strategic move. The longer I had to make that ‘strategic move’ pitch, the harder it was to get up in the morning."
By the time Scour finally failed, Kalanick could barely face the workday, often spending 14 hours at a time lying in bed.
"I was doing the game, fake-it-til-you-make-it, or fighting reality," he told the Failcon 2011 audience. "When you're in that failure state, it will eventually crush you."
Finally, Scour filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The assets were divvied up in a 20-minute court session.
Rebounding With RedSwoosh
Almost immediately, Kalanick began plotting his next business with Scour co-founder Michael Todd, who had been consulting on the side. The pair bootstrapped their new startup, which they dubbed RedSwoosh. Kalanick has called it his "revenge business." He wanted to turn every entertainment company that sued Scour into a paying customer.
RedSwoosh launched in 2000 from a small office space in Westwood, Calif. Instead of unearthing content they didn't have the rights to, Todd and Kalanick's new business focused on delivering web content to users more cheaply by allowing them to share bandwidth. They brought a few friends over from Scour, including the engineer who’d built most of the Scour Exchange service.
But RedSwoosh turned out to be an even tougher challenge. By August 2001, the company was nearly out of cash and could barely cover payroll for its seven employees.
A few weeks later, Kalanick had a meeting scheduled with Akamai CTO Daniel Lewin. Lewin was flying in from Boston. His American Airlines flight from Logan Airport never made it to LAX.
Lewin was one of 92 passengers killed when Flight 11 crashed into the World Trade Center’s North Tower on Sept. 11, 2001.
Among its other terrible consequences, the attacks of September 11th were devastating to the tech scene, accelerating the stock market crash, which resulted in a market value loss of $5 trillion between 2000 and 2002. As a result, startup funding resources dried up.
REUTERS/Sara K. SchwittekKalanick had a meeting scheduled with Akamai CTO Daniel Lewin on Sept. 11. Lewin was flying in from Boston. His American Airlines flight from Logan Airport never made it to LAX.
It didn’t help that RedSwoosh — a networking software company — wasn't a particularly compelling business for investors. Software wasn't a popular investment sector in the early 2000s, and the leading company in RedSwoosh's industry, Akamai, had a relatively tiny $160 million market cap. Kalanick remembers an investor telling him then, "Look man, this whole software thing is done."
Kalanick and Todd had different opinions about how to keep the company afloat, which blossomed into serious disagreements. They began cutting corners to get by, in some cases pushing the ethical and legal boundaries.
For instance, at one point, the company stopped withholding income taxes from employees’ paychecks — a criminal offense.
Kalanick insists that Todd made this move without his knowledge, publicly blaming his co-founder for the infraction. Todd insists the decision was made jointly.
As Kalanick has recounted the story: "We owed $110,000 to the IRS in un-withheld income taxes, which is a white-collar crime that pierces the corporate shell, and it doesn't matter whether you knew or not. If you're an officer of the company you're going to jail."
"Travis is a very smart guy but he and I clearly have different memories on this 13-year-old detail," Todd says. And an email sent by Kalanick at the time and obtained by Business Insider appears to demonstrate his participation in the tax plan. Nonetheless, Todd insists he has no hard feelings about the incident, adding, "The important thing is that my technical idea and his execution made RS successful."
In the end, neither founder did any time. Instead, Kalanick hustled together a round of financing and used most of it to pay off the IRS before the year was up. But the relationship between Kalanick and Todd was permanently damaged.
For Kalanick, the final blow was when Todd secretly emailed an investor, asking him to consider what’s called an "acqui-hire" of RedSwoosh's engineering team.
"My co-founder on RedSwoosh, I found out, sent an email to a VC at Sony Ventures," Kalanick told the Failcon audience. "I wasn't cc'd on this email. It was basically saying, 'Look, this isn't gonna work out. Why don't you just hire me — this is my co-founder — and the rest of the engineers. So that's what 'Et tu, Brute?' means.'"
It was a nasty corporate divorce. A former employee says Todd and Kalanick were both to blame for the falling out; each made key business decisions behind the other’s back. The source also said he sided more with Todd at the time, and left RedSwoosh with a negative impression of Kalanick.
It took me a couple of years of having nice, cordial, friendly relations with him — but not 'Woohoo, go Travis!'-type stuff — for my feelings about him to change.
"Maybe it was his way of dealing with that stress and his response to it that I just didn't appreciate," the former employee tells Business Insider. "It took me a couple of years of having nice, cordial, friendly relations with him — but not 'Woohoo, go Travis!'-type stuff — for my feelings about him to change."
Kalanick's colleagues also grew tired of his tendency to spin every situation in his favor.
"If somebody chooses to disassociate themselves from Travis, I don't think it's because he's a bad guy," a former friend says. "I think it's because they see what he's doing, all the selling, and they don't want to deal with that anymore."
Looking for an Exit
In the wake of his falling out with Todd in 2001, Kalanick found himself living in his parents’ house, a move that seriously cramped his style. He "wasn't getting ladies," he told the Failcon 2011 audience. "It sucked."
By mid-September, the company had run out of cash and Kalanick was yet again busy hustling up a round of financing.
To replace Todd, he hired Rob Bowman, an engineer turned startup consultant, who became CEO until 2003.
Meanwhile, all but one of the company’s engineers, Evan Tsang, departed. Many left angry, partly because they had gone various lengths of time without being paid, and partly over disputes involving stock options.
"Some sort of recapitalization was attempted at one point," a former RedSwoosh employee says. "People got different option grants, where the amount of shares ballooned. There was a lot of confusion as to what stock options were worth and how people should exercise them...and a lot of people ended up feeling cheated."
Eventually, Tsang, too, walked out, moving over to Google, where Todd was then employed. Fucked Company, a popular blog that chronicled the struggles of tech startups, caught wind of the resignation. Its post about Tsang’s departure was published just as Kalanick was about to sign a million-dollar deal with AOL. The dial-up behemoth saw the headline and walked away. Shortly thereafter, in April 2006, Kalanick moved what was left of the company to Thailand as a cost-saving (and rejuvenating) measure.
Facebook/Travis KalanickKalanick took what was left of his RedSwoosh team abroad for six weeks as a cost-saving and rejuvenating measure.
Perhaps as an indication of how blindsided he felt, Kalanick later told the Failcon audience that Tsang resigned via tweet. That wasn't possible though, since Tsang’s departure happened several years before Twitter was founded.
Meanwhile, other companies were courting RedSwoosh, and Kalanick sensed a successful exit on the horizon. Microsoft showed particular interest, and one day in mid-2003, several executives flew from Redmond to Los Angeles to meet Kalanick and present him with their offer.
They’d like to acquire his assets, they told him, for $1.2 million. Kalanick did the math; $900,000 of that would be put toward paying off notes and liabilities. That left just $300,000.
As disappointing as such encounters were, they helped Kalanick refine his skills as a negotiator and toughen his resolve. He could be indomitable, showing a stamina that sometimes tended toward the absurd. According to a source, Kalanick once spent nine hours at a Googler's house, trying to convince the person to join Uber.
"I got really good at negotiating from a place of weakness," he told the Failcon audience.
Finally, seven years of grueling work paid off. Todd, who hadn't heard from Kalanick in years, came home one day to find a package on his doorstep. Akamai was interested in buying RedSwoosh.
In 2007, the server giant acquired RedSwoosh for $23 million — $19 million in stock and $4 million in earn-outs.
Even those who had doubted Kalanick or bristled at his pompous style had to hand it to him. He’d made RedSwoosh a success, even though doing so required him to go more than three years without salary, sever ties with his co-founder, move to Thailand, and turn over his team multiple times.
Today, Kalanick's perseverance serves as a lesson to his former colleagues.
"He would get up in the morning with nobody on his team. and he still made it in the end," says a former RedSwoosh employee. "It's inspirational in a lot of ways that when things got tough and he was down to nothing, he still kept going."
The Founding of Uber
Kalanick was now a millionaire, in possession of a large house, a personal chef and a thick wad of investment capital to put into other people's startups.
His new home, called "the jam pad," got its name for the tendency of young entrepreneurs
Google Street ViewTravis Kalanick's Jam Pad in San Francisco.
to congregate there, "jamming" on business ideas and playing Wii Tennis until the early hours of the morning. Aaron Levie, co-founder of the cloud-computing firm Box, and marketing guru Gary Vaynerchuk were among the many techies who crashed on the couch when they were in town.
Before long, Kalanick began blogging about his investments and his philosophy, occasionally boasting about his new millionaire lifestyle.
"Chris Sacca got a pretty killer techie crew hanging together," he wrote in January 2009 after he was invited to attend President Obama's inauguration. "The Zappos guys (Tony and Alfred), a few Google peeps (Sacca and company), VC-dudes and Twitter home slices (what up Ev and Sara), … a truly solid crew of great people is the icing on the cake. When you’ve got the kind of crew we’ve got, the party is wherever we are."
When you’ve got the kind of crew we’ve got, the party is wherever we are.
Kalanick spent his first year of affluence traveling and investing. He visited Spain, Japan, Greece, Iceland, Greenland, Hawaii (twice), France (twice), Australia, Portugal, Cape Verde, and Senegal. It was during this time that he called up Newscred founder Shafqat Islam for their spontaneous night out in Geneva.
In late 2008, Kalanick attended the LeWeb technology conference with Vayner Media's Gary Vaynerchuk, StumbleUpon founder Garrett Camp, and Camp's former flame Melody McCloskey. That's where he first heard the idea for Uber.
One New Year's not long before, Camp and a few friends had spent $800 hiring a private driver. While Camp had made a fortune selling StumbleUpon, he still felt nearly a grand was too steep a price for one night of convenience. He had been mulling over ways to bring down the cost of black car services ever since.
He realized that splitting the cost with a lot of people — say a few dozen elite users in Silicon Valley — could make it affordable. The idea morphed into Uber, essentially the equivalent of nightclub bottle service for the taxi industry, a premium service for more high-end customers.
Kalanick gives Camp full credit for the idea.
"When you open up that app and you get that experience of like, 'I am living in the future. I pushed a button and a car rolled up and now I'm a frickin’ pimp,' Garrett is the guy who invented that shit," Kalanick said at an early Uber event in San Francisco. "I just want to clap and hug him at the same time."
As to the rest of of Uber's founding mythology, as in most cases, it depends on whom you ask.
***
FacebookFourth of July in 2009 with Travis Kalanick and Garrett Camp.
The first prototype of UberCab — as Uber was first called — was built by Camp and two graduate school friends, Oscar Salazar and Conrad Whelan, with participation from Kalanick, who’d been brought on as "mega advisor" to the company, according to early documentation. (Kalanick has said his official title at the time was "Chief Incubator.")
UberCab was a black car service, which allowed a user to call a car by pressing a button on a smart phone or sending a text, for a price that hovered around 1.5 times as much as a typical San Francisco cab.
"My job was to temporarily run the company, get the product to prototype, find a General Manager to run the operation full time and generally see Uber through its San Francisco launch," Kalanick wrote in an early post on Uber’s company blog.
"Garrett and I incubated Uber at first because we thought it was like this limo company," Kalanick explained at an event in San Francisco. "We were like, 'Dude I don't want to run a limo company. I just want a car to take me around. We need to find someone who can come into a city like San Francisco and kill it. Bring a really high quality to the table, a really sound operational system and make Uber San Francisco an amazing place so that basically Garrett can ride around like a pimp."
In essence, Kalanick and Camp both wanted Uber to exist, but neither of them wanted to run it.
That’s where Ryan Graves came in. The recently-engaged Chicago resident had spent two years at General Electric Healthcare, spending nights and weekends on a startup of his own that never quite got off the ground. He later spent three months as an unpaid "pseudo intern" working alongside Foursquare’s business development lead, Tristan Walker, but despite what a former colleague calls his "tireless" efforts, Foursquare declined to offer him a permanent position.
Then one day, he spotted a tweet: "Looking for a business development & product badass," it said.
In early 2010, Graves came aboard as UberCab’s General Manager. "It’s a combination of everything I was looking for," Graves wrote of his new job. "I’ll be working with some of the most bad ass entrepreneurs & investors in the industry… I’ll be at the ground floor of a startup that has the opportunity to change the world. I found the opportunity with a little bit of luck, a little bit of right time & right place, and a lot of hard work and preparing for an unidentified opportunity." The team officially launched UberCab that June in San Francisco, working out of a tiny shared office space.
The app was a sensation, at least among the target demographic of Bay Area techies. Two weeks after it became available in the App Store, UberCab's 10 drivers were doing more than 10 rides per weekend night. TechCrunch co-founder Michael Arrington was an enthusiastic evangelist.
"I can imagine it now – click a button and see a variety of options," Arrington wrote that summer. "A five-star rated driver 15 minutes away in a late model Prius at 2x taxi rates, or a 1975 Camaro 1 minute away with a three star rating for .5x taxi rates. Choose your car, driver and price and get exactly what you pay for. And help break the back of the taxi medallion evil empire."
Shortly after the launch, Graves was named CEO of the fledgling company.
Funders quickly warmed to UberCab, but they didn’t clamor to invest. As early-stage deals go, Uber wasn’t a particularly competitive opportunity. For would-be backers, the two main concerns involved whether it was scalable, and whether Graves, a relatively inexperienced entrepreneur, could run it effectively.
That summer, startup investor and entrepreneur Jason Calacanis hosted an Open Angel Forum event in San Francisco's Dog Patch Labs. The evening was to be UberCab’s big chance to wow investors. The company was seeking a $1 million seed investment — the first round of funding by angel investors — at a $4 million pre-money valuation.
Calacanis told the audience he was investing in UberCab. Then, another hand shot up.
"I'm in for $500,000!" First Round Capital's Chris Fralic proclaimed.
A bystander remembers thinking Fralic was crazy. But his firm had already solidified its investment in Uber in early July.
Rob Hayes, who led the deal on behalf of First Round Capital, knew Garrett Camp from a previous investment in StumbleUpon. He had learned about Uber months prior, when he saw Garrett tweet about it.
Hayes, Fralic, and First Round Capital bet on Graves. But they didn’t realize his brief turn as CEO was soon to come to a close.
RyanGraves.org"Our goal for all UberCab users, called clients, is for you to feel like a baller every time you use UberCab," Ryan Graves wrote in an early UberCab blog post.
Punching the Gas
Ultimately, Uber raised a $1.25 million seed round. First Round Capital was its first institutional investor. Other investors included Chris Sacca, Kalanick's friend, who had organized the Obama Inauguration trip, and Shawn Fanning, who had been Scour's competitor at Napster.
Then, in December 2010, an unexpected change: Kalanick stepped in for Graves as CEO, and Graves became Uber's general manager. The pair made the executive shuffle sound cordial.
"Personally, I'm super pumped about how well-rounded the team has become with Travis on board full time," Graves told TechCrunch.
"This is not a replacement," Kalanick wrote after TechCrunch's story. "This is a partnership between Ryan and me."
Some early Uber employees scoffed when asked if the transition had been pleasant. Others say it was remarkably cordial. "The teamwork and camaraderie that you see in the company today was evident back then when they had like six people," says one person familiar with Graves and Kalanick’s relationship. "They all seemed to genuinely like each other."
While handing over the CEO reins to Kalanick couldn't have been easy for Graves, he made the switch graciously. Transitioning from CEO, "requires a little bit of an ego/gut check," he said in an interview following his move to general manager. "When you spend a year investing yourself in a project, you feel pretty strongly about how it should be run or which direction it should be taken in… When Travis asked me about the transition, I told him I was excited about it. I think he was a little thrown off by that, because very few CEOs embrace their succession plan so willingly."
His calm response to being benched may have saved both his job and his financial participation, now potentially worth tens — or even hundreds — of millions.
A well-placed source says that had he chosen to fight, Graves could have easily become the Noah Glass of Uber.
Who’s Noah Glass? Good question. Glass, the largely forgotten co-founder of Twitter, was fired by former Twitter CEO Ev Williams and had to fight to recover the stock options due him.
"Unlike Noah, Ryan knew his role and knew when more experienced people were needed," said one person with knowledge of the situation. "He played nice in the sandbox and didn't have an ego whatsoever. And he carved out a nice role for himself in the company."
There is absolutely no way this business would have gotten where it is without Travis and his arrogance.
Another person who has worked with Graves agrees. "He's a good guy who works really hard and deserves all the success he has gotten. He's a hustler."
Meanwhile, no one seems to doubt that putting Kalanick in the CEO role was the right move.
"There is absolutely no way this business would have gotten where it is without Travis and his arrogance,"
says an acquaintance of Kalanick's. "Not without him being like, 'I'm going to take over the world.' He has the Steve Jobs mentality that 'It's my way or the highway.'"
Says another person who served on a board with Kalanick: "With Uber, Travis has finally found something to put his fight behind."
Into the Smoke-Filled Rooms
Not long ago, while waiting in the security line at an airport, a tech executive spotted Travis Kalanick.
"Hey, where are you headed?" this person asked.
"Miami," Kalanick replied with a shrug. "Gotta change a law."
For decades, as the digital revolution transformed one industry after another, the taxi and limo business puttered along, rarely showing any interest in innovation (unless you consider the adoption of video in the back seat an innovation). It took a fighter like Kalanick to take on the industry’s entrenched interests and bring a tech-friendly new approach to bear.
Kalanick has forced Uber into 60 cities now, generally by ignoring pre-existing laws and shrugging off the fury of taxi companies. In his wake, a slew of competitors, including SideCar, Hailo, GetAround, and Lyft have followed. Meanwhile, predecessors, like Cabulous (now Flywheel), have largely fallen off the radar.
TwitterUber CEO Travis Kalanick got into a Twitter battle with Lyft CEO John Zimmer over insurance policies. The conversation ended with Kalanick calling Zimmer's company a "clone."
Not that Kalanick has much patience for Uber’s competition. He once went after ride-sharing startup Lyft on Twitter, demanding information about its insurance policy. Kalanick ended the conversation with a dig: "You've got a lot of catching up to do...#clone."
Kalanick's strategy with longtime industry fixtures has been reckless, and effective. He has adopted an aggressive posture, taking Mark Zuckerberg’s credo — "Move fast and break things" — very much to heart. A former colleague equated Kalanick's behavior to "swinging at the hornet's nest," sometimes escalating situations unnecessarily. Three months ago, after receiving one of many "cease and desist" letters, Kalanick posted it to his Instagram account, adding the comment: "Charming greeting card from a taxi cartel representative."
Taxi companies are comprised of some intimidating figures, and they haven't taken too kindly to Uber.
One former Uber employee recalls meeting with some pretty intimidating industry veterans who fit the goombah stereotype: men in their 60s wearing gold chains and rings, delivering threats.
"I can't say [the taxi industry] is actually mafia-run but I was certainly taken out to a lot of really sketchy steak lunches where they'd sit on the other side of the table smoking cigars saying, 'You gotta come into this on our terms or things will happen,'" a former Uber employee recalls. "You know, 'Watch out.'"
New York Taxi and Limousine Deputy Commissioner Ashwini Chhabra, who first met with Kalanick in the fall of 2010 when Uber was preparing to launch in Manhattan, acknowledges Kalanick received a less-than-warm welcome. "Is the taxi industry going to welcome a San Francisco company in with open arms because they want to disrupt the business model?" he asks. "Not by any means. I'm sure everyone they met with was suspicious in the beginning."
Kalanick once lashed out publicly after Chhabra's TLC told him they couldn't allow UberTAXI — Uber’s e-hail service for yellow cabs — to operate in the city. "New York’s TLC (Taxi and Limousine Commission) put up obstacles and roadblocks in order to squash the effort around e-hail," Kalanick wrote in a blog post. "We’ll bite our tongues and keep our frustration here to ourselves."
Instagram/TravisKal"Charming greeting card from a taxi cartel representative," Kalanick wrote on his Instagram account in October.
On the contrary, Chhabra explained, the issue involved pre-existing contracts with companies to provide credit card processing for yellow cabs.
New York is hardly the only city whose officials have bristled at Kalanick’s approach. "I can recall numerous instances where he may have said stuff about regulators in different markets and people took it one way or the other," says Chhabra.
"Their strategy has been 'try and stop us, and if you try and stop us, then we'll cross that bridge when we come to it,'" former Uber New York General Manager Matt Kochman told The Verge. "Discounting the rules and regulations as a whole, just because you want to launch a product and you have a certain vision for things, that's just irresponsible."
That said, the deputy commissioner admits the hard-knuckled tactics can be effective. "That approach actually works if you want to come in and you're challenging an orthodoxy," he says, noting he personally has no hard feelings toward Kalanick or criticisms of his business style. "He's a good and tough negotiator, and when you're negotiating, sometimes there is some posturing on everyone's part, whether it's as the regulator or disruptor."
Another of Kalanick’s signature moves is to enlist passionate residents to rally against authorities. Last week, at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, where Uber is not available due to a local ordinance requiring town cars to be hired for a minimum of one hour, he launched a Twitter campaign, #VegasNeedsUber, to apply pressure on officials there. The company encouraged citizens to share their experiences with Uber in other cities on social media and demand Uber be allowed in Las Vegas.
Finally, Uber has to worry about its drivers — who are not employees of Uber but instead work independently or for existing car service companies. They've sued the company, threatened to go on strike, and occasionally gotten themselves arrested. On New Year's Eve, a driver associated with Uber hit and killed a 6-year-old pedestrian. Uber said it was sorry for the family's loss but maintained that the driver wasn't running an Uber errand during the accident. It essentially fired the driver, deleting him from its system.
Later, when Uber was criticized for charging fares eight times higher than usual during a snowstorm, Kalanick posted an email from a concerned user to his Facebook page.
"Get some popcorn and scroll down," he wrote.
Lately, Uber's surge pricing model has become a source of contention for new and loyal users. While some agree with Kalanick — that raising fares is the only way to maintain a balance between supply and demand during busy times — others have pointed out that the dynamic pricing scheme challenges users’ faith in Uber at a delicate time for the company. Since Uber makes it clear to users that surge pricing is in effect before they accept rides, it hardly seems fair to blame the company for simply offering a service. And Kalanick doesn’t seem too likely to buckle. He has taunted his critics on Twitter, pointing out the use of such pricing by airlines and other industries. And in a recent interview with The Wall Street Journal that seemed to take a less hostile stance, he nonetheless insisted that surge pricing was here to stay.
His Way
For all the controversies that have accompanied Uber’s rise, Kalanick is now routinely touted as one of the world's best entrepreneurs; some have compared him to Jeff Bezos and Steve Jobs. Against all odds, he has turned Uber into a $3.4 billion business that customers fiercely love. While a lot of startups have gained popularity — and jaw-dropping valuations — without offering any clue of how they might make money, Uber is already generating impressive results. Leaked revenue figures show the company generates as much as $20 million per week.
FacebookTravis Kalanick, CEO of Uber
Kalanick has worked tirelessly to achieve this success. A friend remembers him spending the majority of a Vegas bachelor-bachelorette party on his phone in the hot tub. But Kalanick's form of hustling also means doing things most people wouldn't: picking fights, bending laws, challenging governments, and throwing tantrums.
His ego is not to everyone’s taste. Casually dropping lines like "VCs ain't shit but hoes and tricks," as he did at Failcon, rubs some in the industry the wrong way.
One investor says his firm passed on Kalanick because he didn't get along with the partners. "He came in like he was God's gift," this person said.
As writer Paul Carr pointed out, Kalanick's one-time Twitter avatar — the cover of "The Fountainhead," Ayn Rand’s libertarian classic about the triumph of a Nietzschean individual, an "ubermensch," over the foolish and short-sighted masses — seemed telling.
And yet for the first time in his life, Kalanick is in a position of real power. He's a perpetual underdog who is finally able to flick off the world. Many interview requests for this story were forwarded directly to him. One high-up venture capitalist, when asked to talk about the CEO, replied simply: "No freaking way." Others who agreed to be interviewed later felt skittish. He's loved, respected, feared, and loathed in seemingly equal measure.
Instagram/TravisKUber is now in 60 cities around the world thanks in large part to Kalanick.
Some wonder if Kalanick, increasingly viewed as a standard bearer of Silicon Valley arrogance, is the right role model for the new generation of entrepreneurs. "If Travis Kalanick is the Michael Jordan poster that young entrepreneurs have hanging on their walls, that's sad," one person said. "Being a jerk isn't 'awesome' or 'badass.'"
"As much as he is inspirational, he’s controversial," a former colleague says. "If he were less brash, I don't think he would get half as far as he did."
Ed Hubbard, who attended UCLA with Kalanick, and later joined Uber as one of its first employees, insists Kalanick will succeed, whether anyone likes it or not.
"There’s a great argument to be made that there are founders with 'special' DNA that makes them some of the world’s greatest leaders," Hubbard says, noting that he borrowed the insight from one of his investors, Bill Burnham.
"The list includes Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Larry Ellison, Michael Dell, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Mark Zuckerberg, etc. In my opinion Travis is going to be on that list and will be widely recognized among those tech leaders as a peer.
"Maybe he’ll do it with Uber, maybe it will be another company, but I’d bet on Travis any day." | {
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The most challenging part to styling any outfit is accessorizing it. Most accessories have short life spans and turn into past fads within a few months. The trick is to invest in accessories that are timeless and can fit in with any season. This Fashionisto nails this concept and pulls together a rugged yet preppy outfit with a classic set of accessories: Clark Desert boots, a tribal printed Timex watch and bold black glasses. The pieces of his outfit revolve around the laid back feel of his plaid shirt, and his simple accessories fortify his button-down’s presence.
This Fashionisto gains extra points in my book by picking the perfect pair of blue jeans to accentuate the forest green color of his button-down. Plaid shirts are seen all over campus, but what sets one plaid shirt from the other is if the pants are the right shade. This Fashionisto contrasts the warm tones in his button-down with a slightly faded jean. Finding the right balance between warm vs. cool tones will always create a visually appealing outfit.
My opinion of what “stylish” means comes down to having the ability to coordinate pieces according to colors or textures, and finishing it off with accessories that will add more depth to it. This Fashionisto fully understands what it means to be stylish, and does so in a minimalist perspective—my personal favorite design.
Hint: The power of his outfit is the way that he accessorizes it. In order to create a cohesive outfit, pick what piece you want to draw the most attention and coordinate accordingly. | {
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The Shadow Out of Time
The Shadow Out of Time indirectly tells of the Great Race of Yith, an extraterrestrial species with the ability to travel through space and time. The Yithians accomplish this by switching bodies with hosts from the intended spatial or temporal destination. The story implies that the effect when seen from the outside is similar to spiritual possession. The Yithians' original purpose was to study the history of various times and places, and they have amassed a "library city" that is filled with the past and future history of multiple races, including humans. Ultimately the Yithians use their ability to escape the destruction of their planet in another galaxy by switching bodies with a race of cone-shaped plant beings who lived 250 million years ago on Earth. The cone-shaped entities (subsequently also known as the Great Race of Yith) lived in their vast library city in what would later become Australia's Great Sandy Desert (Template:Coord).
The story is told through the eyes of Nathaniel Wingate Peaslee, an American living in the first decade of the 20th century, who is "possessed" by a Yithian. He fears he is losing his mind when he unaccountably sees strange vistas of other worlds and of the Yithian library city. He also feels himself being led about by these creatures and experiences how they live. When he is returned to his own body, he finds that those around him have judged him insane due to the actions of the Yithian that possessed his body. While he was experiencing a Yithian existence in Earth's ancient past, the Yithian occupying his body was experiencing a human one in the present day.
The narrator at first believes his episode and subsequent dreams to be the product of some kind of mental illness. His initial relief at discovering other cases like his throughout history is withered when he discovers that the other cases are too similar to his own to be without a connection. The narrator's dreams become more vivid, and he becomes obsessed with archaeology and ancient manuscripts (as was the Yithian)--but lacks any sort of proof that would demonstrate whether he was (or is) simply mad.
He discovers that the Yithians on Earth died out eons ago, their civilization destroyed by a rival, utterly alien pre-human race described as "half-polypous" creatures, but the Yithian minds will inhabit new bodies on Earth after humanity is long gone. His tenuously held sanity is challenged when he discovers the proof he seeks—and that not only do remains of the Yithians' past civilization still exist on earth, but also still remaining are those who destroyed them. It is also mentioned that the current appearance of the Yithians is not the original, but one acquired during a previous mass-projection of the minds of their race when disaster beckoned, leaving the original inhabitants to die in the bodies of the Yithians.
S. T. Joshi points to Berkeley Square, a 1933 fantasy film, as an inspiration for The Shadow Out of Time: "Lovecraft saw this film four times in late 1933; its portrayal of a man of the 20th century who somehow merges his personality with that of his 18th-century ancestor was clearly something that fired Lovecraft's imagination, since he had written a story on this very theme himself--the then unpublished The Case of Charles Dexter Ward (1927)." Lovecraft called the film "the most weirdly perfect embodiment of my own moods and pseudo-memories that I have ever seen--for all my life I have felt as if I might wake up out of this dream of an idiotic Victorian age and insane jazz age into the sane reality of 1760 or 1770 or 1780." Lovecraft noted some conceptual problems in Berkeley Square's depiction of time travel, and felt that he had "eliminated these flaws in his masterful novella of mind-exchange over time."
Other literary models for The Shadow Out of Time include H. B. Drake's The Shadowy Thing (originally published as The Remedy in 1925), about a person who has the ability to transfer his personality to another body; Henri Beraud's Lazarus (1925), in which the protagonist develops an alter ego during a lengthy period of amnesia; and Walter de la Mare's The Return (1910), featuring a character who seems to be possessed by a mind from the 18th century.
A similar plot was used in the story Les Posthumes (1802) by Nicolas-Edme Rétif, where the character the Duke of Multipliandre has the power to project his soul into other humans and through time and space across the universe. It is not known whether Lovecraft was aware of this.
The H. P. Lovecraft Historical Society has produced Dark Adventure Radio Theatre: The Shadow Out of Time, a Dark Adventure Radio Theatre adaptation of the story, similar to their previous adaptations of At the Mountains of Madness and The Dunwich Horror.
The Shadow Out of Time was adapted by artist Larry Todd as "The Shadow From the Abyss" in Skull Comics #5 (Last Gasp, 1972).
The Shadow Out of Time was adapted by cartoonist Matt Howarth in the book "Graphic Classics: H.P. Lovecraft" Graphic Classics, Volume 4; and is included in both the first (2002) and second (2007) editions.
The Shadow Out of Time was adapted by cartoonist I. N. J. Culbard in a graphic novel of the same time, published in November 2013.
The protagonist of the 2006 first-person shooter game, Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth is revealed to have been sired by a Ythian who mind-swapped with his father. | {
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Vacation World employees refused redundancy payment
Jul 4th 2012, 08:40
A bid by former employees of failed travel agency Vacation World to claim unpaid salaries and redundancy pay has been turned down.
The 14-strong agency chain, owned by Stuart Arnott and a member of the Hays Independence Group, ceased trading in May after failing to find a buyer. A total of 55 staff were made redundant, although up to 20 found jobs within Hays Travel.
Employees have received a letter from the government’s Insolvency Service, part of the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), indicating that they are not entitled to arrears pay or redundancy pay. They had been advised by Vacation World to apply to the Insolvency Service for their outstanding pay.
In the case of arrears payments, the letter said: “You are not entitled to this payment because we believe your employer is not insolvent …You may wish to consider applying to a court for an order making your employer formally insolvent.
“If you know of any other employees, or creditors of the employer, you may wish to make a joint application, which will help spread the cost.”
The letter added that redundancy payments can only be made from the National Insurance Fund if the employer has refused or been unable to make the payment himself. “As these requirements have not yet been met in your case, in order to obtain payment you should apply to an employment tribunal..”
The agents have been advised to lodge a claim with BIS after Arnott admitted he would be unable to pay their outstanding wages and redundancy payments.
In a letter from Arnott to all staff notifying them of his decision to close the business in May, he said: “It is unlikely that the company will be able to pay your salary from the period from May, in which case you should make a claim for this unpaid salary to BIS.”
An Abta spokesman said: “There is evidence on Companies’ House that this company has applied for a voluntary arrangement which is a clear indication of insolvency. Our advice to former staff would be to go back to BIS and query this decision.”
Stuart Arnott could not be contacted for a response.
Comments
This is a community-moderated forum.All post are the individual views of the respective commenter and are not the expressed views of Travel Weekly.By posting your comments you agree to accept our Terms & Conditions. | {
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Page 12
●
February 17, 2011
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g | {
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Blackberry Chocolate Cookie Sandwiches
I have learned a very significant life lesson and feel obligated to share it with you guys, so listen carefully:
Make friends with people who have mad baking skills and your life will be sweet!
You see, one of my nearest and dearest friends, Laura, knows her way around the kitchen and she is not afraid to try new recipes. What is even better than her baking skills is her willingness to share her sweet treats!
And THAT is how I ended up with THESE:
These incredible blackberry chocolate cookie sandwiches actually have a nice story behind them. It all happened by accident and started when Laura forgot some Tupperware at my house after bringing over cheese and crackers for girls night.
The two of us had a double date with our boys the next week, which coincidentally was also the day after I made my Halloween treats. I knew it would be very dangerous to leave all those sinful treats in my house, so I stuffed a few of the treats into the Tupperware before returning it to her.
And that is when we had the delicious idea of continuing The Great Tupperware Transfer. Which means we will keep passing the Tupperware container back and forth, each time gifting the other with some freshly baked goods.
Kind of like The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, except we don’t pass a pair of jeans back and forth but baked goods instead.
Come to think of it, I hope I still fit in my jeans throughout this exchange!
Not only do these cookies look absolutely adorable, but they taste heavenly. The chocolate cookie part simply melts in your mouth with a rich chocolaty flavour! And the purple icing is not due to artificial colours, but rather from 100% real and fresh blackberries!
For the recipe, hop on over to Laura’s blog and do yourself a favour by making these! And thanks friend, Derek and I simply devoured these and the tupperware is now empty again!
Do you see the piece of blackberry?? So cool!
My only problem is that the bar is set so high with these cookies that I now have to go and think of something amazing to give back to her! Wish me luck! | {
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Tag: Wild and Young
At the risk of sounding like a giddy tween school girl having her first eargasm listening to a favorite boy band, American Bang’s self titled debut album is nothing short of phenomenal. I just want to jump up and down on my bed and scream my head off whenever I play this record. Not since Black Stone Cherry’s debut disc have I been this excited by listening to a rock album.
Hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, American Bang is the perfect blend of southern rock, country, and hard modern rock. Their unique sound and style is what sets them apart from the other bands out there today. American Bang does not try to imitate anyone, instead they present themselves. That tactic has worked, because their self titled debut album is proof of what a fantastic group they are.
Lead singer Jaren Johnson’s voice is the standout component of American Bang. Johnson has a rock and roll throat with a southern twang that creates melodic, mesmerizing vocals. His talent behind the microphone is amazing and his ability really stands out on songs like “Wild And Young” and “I Wouldn’t Want To Be You”. Johnson’s unique vocal style helps to separate American Bang from the plethora of carbon copied new bands out there.
The praise of Johnson’s voice is not meant to undermine the ability of the rest of the band. Ben Brown’s lead guitar chops are superb, and the rhythm section of Kelby Ray (bass) and Neil Mason (drums) round out the group perfectly. This is a band that makes magic together and that magic is evident on their self titled debut.
“Wild And Young” is one of the best songs on the record and rightfully so. A terrific song about youth, enjoying the best years of your life and living for the moment, “Wild And Young” is a song that just makes the listener happy. Even if you’re crotchety and old, you will find the lyrics emulating from your mouth after a couple of listens. “Wild And Young” is a blazing song.
“Angels” kicks off with nice acoustic plucking and Johnson’s high twanged voice telling us a story. By the time the bridge has completed, we are in love with this song. It has a soft, sweet feel to it that captivates the senses. Angels will be a big radio hit, once American Bang decides they want to release it.
“She Don’t Cry No More” follows and hits a little harder, as this song is a more of a rocker than its predecessor. Fast guitar and a quick drum beat highlight this song as the rocking good time that it is. Bound to put a bounce in your step, “She Don’t Cry No More” is a blazing good time song.
“Wouldn’t Want To Be You” slows things down again, but not in a ballad way. This song has more of a bounce to it. An excellent groove kicks off the song and carries throughout. The bounce and twang lead into the chorus where the rhythm lifts to a slightly faster level, before settling down to the steady pace of the verse. Reminiscent of early Black Crowes, “Wouldn’t Want To Be You” is southern rock done right.
Overall, American Bang is a stellar debut album by a magnificent band. I see great things in the future for American Bang. They should be around for a while, rocking the masses. Be smart and get in on the greatness early by picking up a copy of their self-titled debut album. | {
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Welcome Guest. Please login or register.The column on the left includes the "Best of NumisWiki" menu.If you are new to collecting, start with Ancient Coin Collecting 101.All blue text is linked. Keep clicking to endlessly explore.Welcome Guest. Please login or register.The column on the left includes the "Best of NumisWiki" menu.All blue text is linked. Keep clicking to endlessly explore.If you have written a numismatic article, please add it to NumisWiki.
FORVM's Portrait Gallery
Most experienced collectors are able to tell what emperor issued a coin just by looking at the obverse portrait. This skill is impressive to non-collectors and beginners, but more importantly it is also useful to identify those coins so worn that legends cannot be easily read anymore. The gallery above is a display of characteristic portraits from coins and we hope it will be helpful to those seeking to identify roman coins. | {
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This walk-in shower was designed and installed in Kennington.
The room barely allowed for the smallest standard production walk-in shower cubicle and the tray had to be lifted because the floor is in concrete.
Mood lighting gives this little room a warm atmosphere although the style is heavily masculine due the sharp lines and black slate tiles. Practical to use, this walk-in shower is however big enough and ideal for the bachelor with the occasional guest. | {
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Nicola Sacco : Italian Anarchist Activist and Martyr of the State
(1891 - 1927)
Description
Sacco and Vanzetti feared the draft during World War I and in objection fled to Mexico with Sacco's family. When the war ended both returned to their homes. After they returned the two became more active in the anarchist community.
Quotes
"...when a man remains all day long back of these sad bars you feel your mind sometime very tired and exhausted of ideas..."
From : Letters of Sacco and Vanzetti
"So I turn over towards the soldiers and I said, 'Brothers, you will not fire on your own brothers, because they tell you to fire; no, brothers, remember that everyone of us has has mother and child, and you know that we fight for the freedom which is your freedom.'"
From : Letters of Sacco and Vanzetti
"It is very true indeed, what you are saying -- that we can never be good and well again for the future -- as we want to be. No, I guess not: we can never get back that old young energy again, because of these dolorous long years of confinement..."
Nicola Sacco was born in the Southern Itaian small town of Torremaggiore on April 22, 1891. He emigrated to the United States in 1908. Upon arrival he learned the trade of shoe-edge trimming and got a job working at a shoe-company in Milford, MA. He soon married and fathered a son.
Bartolomeo Vanzetti was born on June 11, 1888. The Vanzetti family lived in Northern Italy in the town of Villafalletto. Vanzetti also emigrated to the United States in 1908. He worked as a kitchen helper in NewYork, and after losing his job drifted to Boston where he worked odd jobs and met Sacco.
Sacco and Vanzetti feared the draft during World War I and in objection fled to Mexico with Sacco's family. When the war ended both returned to their homes. After they returned the two became more active in the anarchist community. Vanzetti began reading about industrial society and revolt and both began distributing anarchist and revolutionary literature.
In 1920, the two were charged with robbery of a shoe factory and murder of the paymaster and payroll guard in South Braintree, MA. They were found returning to a vehicle spotted near the scene of the crime; both were armed but claimed that they intended to use the car to distribute anarchist literature. Vanzetti who had already been convicted of a crime was arrested without question.
Their trial lasted six weeks at the end of which, both parties were found guilty. Initially, their trial received little publicity until the Sacco-Vanzetti Defense Committee caused a stir by insinuating that the case was not a legal battle, but an ideological struggle between the jury and Sacco and Vanzetti, who had quite different political views. Ultimately however these claims fell on deaf ears when the Supreme Court of Massachusetts ruled against Sacco and Vanzetti on April 9th 1927. Sacco and Vanzetti's execution date fell on August 23, 1927. While tens of thousands of people protested outside the doors of Boston's old Charlestown prison, Sacco and Vanzetti were executed by electric chair.
Works
Anarchism : Anarchist and Anti-Authoritarianism -- (4,783 Words / 26,305 Characters)
Selected Letters of Nicola Sacco from the Dedham Jail
November 30, 1921. Dedham Jail
DEAR BARTOLO:
Saturday the 26th my Rosie and the children came to visit me, and this
was the first time I seen the children since the time you left Dedham.
You can imagine how happy I felt to see them so joyful and so gay and in
the best of health, if only you could see little Ines. She got so
fat, she is really a dolly, Dante also looks very good. He writes
to me every week. Rosa also looks very good after the operation she
is gaining daily. I feel very good and I don't do nothing but exercise,
read and write. I am very sorry that no one comes and see you, no
one comes to see me neither, but Rosie . . .
... (From : umkc.edu.)
Anarchism : Anarchist and Anti-Authoritarianism -- (2,199 Words / 12,155 Characters)
Selected Letters of Nicola Sacco from the Charlestown
State Prison
July 19, 1927
MY DEAR INES**:
I would like that you should understand what I am going to say to you,
and I wish I could write you so plain, for I long so much to have you hear
all the heart-beat, eagemess of your father, for I love you so much as
you are the dearest little beloved one.
It is quite hard indeed to make you understand in your young age, but
I am going to try from the bottom of my heart to make you understand how
dear you are to your father's soul. If I cannot succeed in doing
that, I know that you will save this letter and read it over in future
years to come and you will see and feel the same heart-beat affection as
your father feels in w... (From : umkc.edu.)
Sacco, Nicola - Sacco and Vanzetti feared the draft during World War I and in objection fled to Mexico with Sacco's family. When the war ended both returned to their homes. After they returned the two became more active in the anarchist community. | {
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All gamertags here
Annabelle
If you guys want to meet peiple you know on Gac,wel you came to the right place.
Just fill this out and post below.
Gamertag:Timezone:games you play:how often are you on:console:
Example
Gamertag:l497 (first letter is a L)Timezon:easterngames you play:Black ops 2, Advance warfare,Mw2,minecraft,tomb raider,gta v,halo 4,Waw and terrariahow often do you play:everyday if i canconsole:xbox 360 | {
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A Few Essays That Worked (And a Few That Didn't) - …
Johns Hopkins University - Essays that Worked
After that experience, my daughter put together her essays easily with my son’s input. She ran them by her college English and History instructors (she went entirely the community college route in lieu of high school). She got into Berkeley – that was her first choice.
Read selected examples of essays that worked, ..
Even though the essay is written by the student and in the student’s voice, these professionals pointed out flaws that needed correction and reinforced the prompt questions.
Gloria Cordes Larson, the president of Bentley University, suggests questions that prospective students might ask to determine if they have found a college that is worth the investment.
TOP Rated College Essay Writing Service - Paper4College
The essay actually does say a lot about him. It shows he is witty, cynical, funny, and creative. It also shows that he is brave, because he is not afraid to break the conventions of a typical college essay. The rest of his application would have said what clubs he was in, his grades, and the rest of the things most people talk about in their essays. I agree that it would likely be obvious if a student were to emulate this style exactly, but claiming the essay “says little about the applicant” is rather naive.
Read College Essays That Worked - SparkNotes
What worked here? I’m told the admissions officers appreciated how the writer conveyed her love of words — and in the process told them much about herself. As a writer, I admired the way she built a sense of mystery at the outset, one that served to draw the reader in.
A bland admission essay can put an overworked college rep to sleep
Other than the most competitive schools is anyone reading the essays?? It seems that a well written essay if accompanied by low standard test scores gets ignored when in fact the essay is a better example of what the student can do. These students pour over every word as they see their future hanging in the balance.Does the admissions committee at University of Maryland actually read the answers to the short answer questions? Do they read the essays?
11 Offbeat College Essay Topics | Mental Floss
Rowling and “Real Freedom?” by David Wallace, and an article titled “The 4-Stage Response to Low Student Achievement” by John Lemuel, all have several aspects of education in common and provide knowledge and inspiration about the real idea and necessity for education.
College Application and Essay Help | SUSAN G. WOLF
I find these examples and the ensuing comments to be an example of just how subjective college admissions officers are when making their decisions. Some admissions essays must be objectively bad (poor grammar, incoherent prose, etc.) and I imagine that some must be objectively good, however, it seems to me that the great bulk lie in the middle. In that middle ground then isn’t the merit of one’s essay inextricably tied to the taste’s of the admissions officers reviewing that essay? Would a brilliant essay by Hunter S. Thompson be tossed out because the reader hated drug use and non-conformity? Would an essay by Tom Wolfe be rejected because the reader hated exclamations? Oh my! Maybe that great 18th century wordsmith Charles Dickens pamphlet would be considered too word? Or Hemingway’s to sparse?
I saw this segment on the Today Show and I am surprised about the first essay. I understand the concept of Glee being a new show and seeming juvenile, but it isn’t. I find the show rather creative for taking older songs, modernizing them, and reintroducing them to a new generation of people. Not to mention it adds new life to a song already loved by the older generation who watch the show as well. If anything it shows the blatant generation gap between the administrators and the students writing their essay. John Lennon was a great artist but it doesn’t mean I’m obligated to be a fan, nor is this student. People should respect the difference of opinion. This student was honest enough to say he/she didn’t like the song and why when performed by John Lennon, but found beauty in the song he/she previously dismissed when performed by a group of deaf children. I think that shows a strong sense of self in the student which was, unfortunately, overlooked.
I find Hermann Hesseâs book, Narcissus and Goldmund, intellectually exciting. After reading the book last year, I remember putting it down and sighing contentedly. I had, after a sleepless night, finally finished. What I reveled in was not the fact that I could sleep, but that I had come away with an inexplicable something. It was not an understanding which could be pinpointed and explained. Rather, it was a sense I felt in the depths of my soul. And yet, what delighted me more was that I knew that I had only begun to understand the book; that there remained countless messages which I could only sense but not grasp. Here, finally, I had a book which could be re-read. And every time I finished, I would come away with a new understanding of something I could not put into words.
Yet, I cannot resign myself to merely studying my own culture and language. I want to be able to apply my knowledge as well. To me, pursuing a career in business is a very pragmatic solution to my future welfare. My father is a businessman in Taiwan and I have had numerous opportunities to watch him work. Through him, I have discovered my own interests in the business field. I find the way business operates in the East to be very exciting. At the same time, my father has soothed my sense of morality by showing me that it is possible to be an honest businessman in Asia.
College Essays That Stand Out From the Crowd
And while it was a great essay at the time and the writer definitely has a sense of humor, we strongly discourage students from writing essays in this style. For one, every single admissions officer — from the ones who are first out of college to the veterans of the departments — will know from where you’re taking inspiration. Also, this essay is kind of mocking the entire college admissions process. The writer is essentially saying that he has done all of these amazing things in life and he hasn’t even yet gone to college. Sure, it’s written tongue and cheek but, at the end of the day, the essay says little about the actual applicant. Because, presumably, little or none of it is true. That’s the whole point.
Funny college essays – International Leadership …
This is a funny read, very clever and just entertaining! If you asked a college coach or anyone else if you should submit this essay, they would say no!!! Maybe he had an equally amazing gpa and perfect sat scores etc….and he had room to take a risk! | {
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A key purpose of the @RISK is to provide the data that will ensure that the 20 Critical Controls (the US and UK benchmark for effective protection of networked systems) continue to be the most effective defenses for all known attack vectors. But since it is also valuable for security practitioners, SANS is making it available to the 145,000 security practitioners who have completed SANS security training and others at their organizations who hope to stay current with the offensive methods in use.
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Demetrios Lazarikos (Laz). Dr. Cole and Laz will provide insight to what
SANS is experiencing in educating practitioners and executives with this
topic. Additionally, real world use cases will be provided that
socialize how to embed exit criteria for application security while
quantifying losses in dollars with your program.http://www.sans.org/info/175697
Security Operations Center (SOC) Summit | Washington, DC | April 24 -
May 1, 2015 | Join chairmen Dr. Eric Cole and Jim Goddard as well as
others who have faced similar challenges in increasing their enterprise's
situational awareness and monitoring as well as responding to threats. 4
courses including the NEW SEC511 Continuous Monitoring and Security
Operations course http://www.sans.org/u/1ps
Title: Microsoft Patch Tuesday for March 2015: 14 Bulletins Released;
FREAK Patched
Description: Microsoft has released their monthly set of advisories to
address security defects within their products. Fourteen bulletins were
released. Five are rated critical and nine are rated important.
Additionally, the FREAK vulnerability has also been patched in this
month's set of patches.
Reference: https://technet.microsoft.com/library/security/ms15-mar
Snort SID: 21232, 33287-33288, 33705-33739, 33741-33744, 33760-33811
Title: Apple Releases Security Updates for OS X, iOS, and Other Apps.
Description: Apple has release security updates for OS X, iOS, Apple TV,
and Xcode. These updates include patches for the FREAK vulnerability
and an iCloud keychain vulnerability that could allow remote code
execution within iOS and OS X. Other information disclosure and remote
code execution vulnerabilities were also resolved with this round of
updates.
Reference: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT1222
Snort SID: Detection pending
Title: Xen Project Releases Security Advisories
Description: The Xen Product Security Team has released security
advisories for Xen Hypervisor. These advisories address vulnerabilities
that could allow hypervisor memory corruption due to a flaw within the
x86 emulator and information disclosures flaws.
Reference: http://xenbits.xen.org/xsa/
This is a list of recent vulnerabilities for which exploits are
available. System administrators can use this list to help in
prioritization of their remediation activities. The Qualys Vulnerability
Research Team compiles this information based on various exploit
frameworks, exploit databases, exploit kits and monitoring of internet
activity.
ID: CVE-2015-0310
Title: Adobe Flash Player Memory Address Randomization Design Error
Security Bypass Vulnerability
Vendor: Adobe
Description: Adobe Flash Player before 13.0.0.262 and 14.x through 16.x
before 16.0.0.287 on Windows and OS X and before 11.2.202.438 on Linux
does not properly restrict discovery of memory addresses, which allows
attackers to bypass the ASLR protection mechanism on Windows, and have
an unspecified impact on other platforms, via unknown vectors, as
exploited in the wild in January 2015.
CVSS v2 Base Score: 10.0 (AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C)
ID: CVE-2014-7169
Title: Multiple Vendor Bash Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
Vendor: Multiple Vendors
Description: GNU Bash through 4.3 bash43-025 processes trailing strings
after certain malformed function definitions in the values of
environment variables, which allows remote attackers to write to files
or possibly have unknown other impact via a crafted environment, as
demonstrated by vectors involving the ForceCommand feature in OpenSSH
sshd, the mod_cgi and mod_cgid modules in the Apache HTTP Server,
scripts executed by unspecified DHCP clients, and other situations in
which setting the environment occurs across a privilege boundary from
Bash execution. NOTE: this vulnerability exists because of an incomplete
fix for CVE-2014-6271.
CVSS v2 Base Score: 10.0 (AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C)
ID: CVE-2014-6271
Title: Multiple Vendor Bash Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
Vendor: Multiple Vendors
Description: GNU Bash through 4.3 processes trailing strings after
function definitions in the values of environment variables, which
allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted
environment, as demonstrated by vectors involving the ForceCommand
feature in OpenSSH sshd, the mod_cgi and mod_cgid modules in the Apache
HTTP Server, scripts executed by unspecified DHCP clients, and other
situations in which setting the environment occurs across a privilege
boundary from Bash execution, aka "ShellShock." NOTE: the original fix
for this issue was incorrect; CVE-2014-7169 has been assigned to cover
the vulnerability that is still present after the incorrect fix.
CVSS v2 Base Score: 10.0 (AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C)
(c) 2015. All rights reserved. The information contained in this newsletter, including any external links, is provided "AS IS," with no express or implied warranty, for informational purposes only.
Please feel free to share this with interested parties via email, but no posting is allowed on web sites. For a free subscription, (and for free posters) or to update a current subscription, visit https://www.sans.org/account | {
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Need a new roof?
Replacing the roof over your heads is a big investment. We take that seriously. It's the details that make the difference and we care about the details! We are proud of our long list of satisfied customers and know what it takes to be the best roofing company in Pittsburgh, Pa. | {
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By the end of 2017 I updated the Scrum Glossary of my book “Scrum – A Pocket Guide” (2013). A group of Scrum enthusiasts subsequently translated that updated version to different languages. A first release of those international versions was done in March 2018. | {
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5 Surefire Steps to Slay your Invisalign® Lab Fees
What if you could live in a world where all your patients’ teeth could be aligned beautifully in-house and without lab fees? Imagine all the stunning smiles, happy patients, and robust business growth! This dream can be a reality for you with Structo® 3D Printers.
The fundamental philosophy at Structo is to empower the industry with their high throughput dental 3D printers to encourage the widespread adoption of digital dentistry. Structo’s high throughput printers allows dental professionals to bring down the overall cost of appliances such as clear aligners, increasing global access to care. At StraightSmile Solutions®, we support access to care to help create more healthy and happy smiles around the world.
As the original Dental Director of SmileDirectClub® and now the founder of StraightSmile Solutions®, I’ve seen a lot of aligner treatment plans. Invisalign® technology is not required for an ideal outcome in all cases. The vast majority of cases can be treated either without attachments or with an off-label aligner company. You don’t need G5 or G6 technology for the average case. The price point of 3D printers and treatment-planning software has come down significantly in the past few years. It’s now affordable for most Dentists and Orthodontists to own their own 3D printer and make aligners in-house for the majority of their cases. Not sure if this would work for you? Check out this Structo® ROI calculator: http://home.structo3d.com/roi-calculator.
If you think it sounds confusing, you don’t need to worry. You probably already have a lot of systems purchased and streamlined in your office like a 3D scanner and a thermoforming machine. Using a 3D printer is similar process flow. Visit this step-by-step guide here to learn how: http://blog.structo3d.com/part-2-5-things-you-need-to-start-a-clear-aligner-business.
STEP 1: First, you need to buy a scanner. This is a simple step that you’ve probably already completed. If you still have questions, check out my blog about purchasing a scanner here: https://www.straightsmilesolutions.com/blog/four-important-questions-to-ask-before-buying-a-dental-scanner/.
STEP 2: You can buy your own treatment planning software, or you can simply outsource for this service. Structo’s® printers are compatible with any variety of software that exports in STL format, like 3Shape® and Sirona®. You can also partner with a company like eXceed®, which will do the set up for you for a small fee of $175-$245: http://exceed-ortho.com/getting-started/.
STEP 3: After designing your treatment plan for your patient, you will need to translate that digital file into a series of steps in the form of models using a MSLA 3D printer. Structo’s® Ortho Form is the world’s fastest Orthodontic 3D printer. To learn more about MSLA 3D Printing, click here: http://www.structo3d.com/technology/.
STEP 4: Just like 3D printers, thermoforming machines come in all shapes, sizes, and prices. A good thermoforming machine will deliver aligners that are the perfect negative of the model used. You also want to make sure your thermoforming system is compatible with your 3D printer.
STEP 5: I always recommend that General and Pediatric Dentists have an Orthodontic Coach to help guide them through case selection and some of the obstacles they may encounter throughout the duration of the treatment. StraightSmile Solutions® is the first online portal to provide a customized orthodontic coaching solution for every practice. Visit www.straightsmilesolutions.com to get started.
If you want to learn more about becoming a Structo® Provider, you can contact their team atwww.structo3d.com/contact. A representative will help you install the machine, train your team, and guide you through all the steps. Don’t hesitate to contact StraightSmile Solutions® with any questions.
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StraightSmile Solutions™
StraightSmile Solutions™ is the first online portal to provide doctor-to-doctor orthodontic consulting solutions. Founded by leading Orthodontist Dr. Amanda Wilson, StraightSmile Solutions™ is a fully web-based service provider that emphasizes efficiency and close-collaboration in coaching. | {
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New Horizons
The New Horizons initiative is a platform for excellence in future manufacturing research and teaching. Scheduled to open in 2012, New Horizons aims to transform manufacturing in areas such as biomedicine, transport, aerospace and mineral processing.
Monash Faculty of Engineering.
The initiative will bring together scientists and engineers from Monash University and CSIRO. The facility will co-locate around 300 Monash staff with about 150 CSIRO staff to create globally significant scale, scope and connectedness in an interactive space with an entrepreneurial culture.
Supported by platforms for global research and teaching collaboration through innovative ICT, the facility will generate greater linkages with industry and the community. Further, it has the ability to produce a new generation of leaders that will be unique in receiving an undergraduate and/or postgraduate education that is multi-disciplinary, globally connected, enabled by the latest technologies and underpinned by a productive engagement with industry.
New Horizons will establish the Clayton Innovation Precinct as the most significant technology hub in the southern hemisphere and will unite dispersed science and engineering multi-disciplinary expertise into a new world-class research facility.
The facility will be located at the Engineering Precinct of Clayton campus, immediately adjacent to CSIRO.
The New Horizons Centre at Monash University was funded by the Australian Government through the Education Investment Fund. | {
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There may be one or two individuals out there who missed the deluge of articles about what is happening in legal education. Let me bring you up to speed. The recession wrought its fury on the robust pipeline of undergraduate students going to law school, ripping it open and allowing students in that pipeline to spill out and head towards other occupations.
The number of students enrolling in law schools plummeted (25% since 2010). The enrollment drop led to declining law school revenues, which led to cutbacks, changes in standards, and hand wringing. Many in law school administration and especially in the professor ranks were confused. Just because the number of jobs for new graduates had declined, students seemed willing to skip spending $150K (mostly debt) for a legal education. How odd.
There it was, however, in red and white on the ledger sheet. Law school administrators did something. They reduced spending, reduced hiring, and even cut back on professor’s budgets. Many other steps you might expect them to take, they did not. Remember, law school tenured professors run the show on many of those things. You cannot compare what a prudent business executive would do to what a law firm equity partner or tenured professor will do.
Some Of The Shortcomings Of Legal Education
It is difficult to construct a comprehensive list of what ails legal education. Don’t worry, it seems that many would like to take the time to do just that. I’m sure we will see reports years from now analyzing data from today and talking about “next steps.” This is the academic way. Study history and try to explain it. Fortunately, we can cut to the chase and identify those areas where we can make changes now and effect outcomes now. I offer some ideas below, but there are many other worthwhile solutions we could add to my meager list.
Demand. The need for highly paid lawyers has declined. Large law firms, which at one time hired 40% of law school graduates, have shut the door. Clients will not pay for first year lawyers. They also have stopped sending work to law firms. A recent survey showed 75% of corporate legal work is kept in-house (a decade ago, that was around 40%). At lower price points, clients are foregoing lawyers and doing the work themselves. At the individual level, the number of self-represented litigants has increased. We can alter the demand curve by introducing relevance into legal education.
Opportunity Cost. The cost of a legal education remains very high and most students pay with debt. When leaving law school, students may owe as much as $80K to $150K (or more) in loans (the average in 2015 was a bit over $140,000). Theyv also have given up earnings for three years (some earn small amounts during summer employment and through part-time school jobs, but the amount pales when compared to full-time job pay). We can reduce the opportunity cost by offering many degree-career paths through law school (expanding the revenue base) and adjusting law school spending (introducing more co-op possibilities and replacing some clinics).
Preparedness. Doctors exit school with significant experience treating patients, MBAs exit school with significant experience doing analytical work, law students exit school with significant experience reading casebooks. Clinics operate as if we still practiced in the 1960s. Technology is mostly absent and when present focuses on expensive tools most students will never see. Essential skills are not taught (most schools shun anything to do with actually delivering legal services, which happens to be the one thing most students need to learn). We could re-configure classes to combine deep skill learning with theory training (many things covered in class could be done more effectively using outside of class tools).
Innovation. For the 150 years or so, a lawyer could get away with practicing law one way — the old way. As in all other areas of society, technology has changed that paradigm. Modern technologies are taking over legal services tasks, changing pricing structures, and opening new questions in law. Students receive little or no training on how to innovate so their services will remain relevant on leaving law school. What a graduate does today will not be the same as what a lawyer does in five years. We could add innovation training using design thinking and lean thinking and tie that training to real-world projects.
Scope. Go to law school, become a lawyer or a politician. That basic equation is gone, forever. Law school graduates, by choice or by necessity, have been going into a broad range of jobs. The one-to-one relationship between a professional school and occupation is old thinking. The one-to-many relationship reflects reality. Law schools are taking themselves out of the game by defining what they do as teaching students to interpret the law. Clients want problem-solvers, which means students need training on a broad range of problem solving skills. Devoting precious time to teaching students how to navigate the Bluebook only reinforces how out-of-the-loop legal education has become. We could introduce degree and career paths for legal services delivery professionals who want something other than a law degree.
It’s the data, stupid. Lawyers sit in their offices and say, “in my experience.” The rest of the world says, “the data shows…” Modern legal practices combine data analytics with experience. Law schools cling to the idea that crude subjects such as statistics are best left to others. We can introduce in all courses, and add courses focusing on, data understanding and analytics.
Technology. I mentioned tech earlier, but it deserves its own category. Students entering law school in Fall 2017 will get their bar licenses near the end of 2020. Those students learning contracts, torts, property, etc., in September 2017 will start using the knowledge and skills they learn in January 2021 (most swearing in ceremonies will be in September through November 2020). How far will technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence advance during that time? Classes today are already well behind the market. (Indeed, law schools would do well to increase the tech component and attract more STEM students.) How far behind will those students be in three and a half years? We can employ technology in all courses.
What The Experts Say
Law.com asked 11 experts, “what the heck?” They put the challenge formally as “tell us how law schools can make up those recruiting losses and appeal once again to top prospects.” The answers range from realist to “wish upon a star.” They reflect why legal eduction exists in a state of confusion. Some lack any sense of urgency, others are complacent. And some get it and bring the strong message home: things need to change now.
Professors like to joke about the glacial pace of change in academia. The joke is on them. Thanks to global climate change, the glaciers now have academia beat.
All Is Not Lost
Perhaps twenty law schools (about 10% of the 2o5 accredited, non-military law schools) have made efforts to adapt, and the list increases slightly each year. A greater number of schools are experimenting with a course or two. The good news is that law schools can address all of the issues I identified and have impact in short order. They don’t take massive capital investments. Many require an acknowledgment that something needs to be done and the willingness to lead.
Law schools should be a place to try out ideas, to innovate, to challenge, to take some risks. They should be fertile grounds for developing new ways to govern in a world where post-WW II institutions are failing. They should be ensuring that our courts are constantly behind, that our laws out years out of date when enacted, and that laws and lawyers are accessible. Let’s not wait years to try to understand prospective law students made one or two years ago. Let’s start a program of continuous improvement in law schools to fix what we know is wrong. | {
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Down the Memory Hole, Alan Greenspan Style
by Stephen Lendman / March 23rd, 2009
He’s back and in denial in a March 11 Wall Street Journalop-ed headlined: “The Fed Didn’t Cause the Housing Bubble.” He lied, the way he did throughout his career and for 18.5 years as Fed chairman. How else could he have kept the job, be knighted in the UK for his “contribution to global economic stability, wisdom and skill,” then afterwards be extolled by the Money Trust he enriched.
So now he’s preserving his “legacy” by expunging its dark side the way Orwell described in 1984: “down the memory hole,” a convenient slot for “any document…due for destruction,” politically inconvenient truths to be erased to preserve only sanitized versions for the public. It’s called historical revisionism, but even some on the right aren’t convinced.
The Ludwig von Mises Institute is a libertarian research and educational center espousing the Austrian School economics of its namesake. Robert Murphy is one of its adjunct scholars, and in an April 14, 2008 article he asked: “Did the Fed Cause the Housing Bubble?”
“The case…is straightforward,” he stated. “…Greenspan slashed the federal funds target from 6.5% in January 2001 down to a ridiculous 1% by June 2003. After holding rates at 1% for a year, the Fed then steadily ratcheted them back up to 5.25% by June 2006,” a pumping and popping process that “seemed to be more than just a coincidence.” It led to speculative “malinvestments,” then needing a “recession” to correct.
“The Fed’s role in the housing boom and bust is a classic illustration of the Austrian business cycle theory,” according to Murphy. “Indeed, the Misesian explanation is so compelling that more and more economists and financial analysts are being persuaded.” But not Greenspan who made his own case and got the Wall Street Journal to publish it. The problem is what he said, even worse what he omitted.
That as Fed chairman he led a pump and dump scheme, a financial coup d’etat, to defraud the public for Wall Street. It continues unabated, with new schemes, sucking trillions of dollars of wealth from the many to the few through fraudulently engineered housing, asset, and debt bubbles, illegally offshoring vast sums of capital globally, and shifting government assets to private interests, then their liabilities onto the government leaving taxpayers stuck with the bill.
Across the board, his Fed tenure outraged William Greider enough to call him one of “the most duplicitous figures (ever) in modern American government” who used his position to “corrupt the political dialogue” to sell snake oil to Congress and the public and be a willing co-conspirator in the theft of trillions going back to the early 1980s before his Fed days. He championed derivatives, securitization, and deregulation. He believed unfettered markets work best so let them and told a congressional committee in the mid-1990s:
“Risks in financial markets, including derivative markets, are being regulated by private parties. There is nothing involved in federal regulation per se which makes it superior to market regulation.” In other words, let capital operate freely, plunder at will, and have no regulatory restraints regardless of the harm caused.
He sanctioned fraud as a tool of the Money Trust, and as Fed chairman engineered multiple bubbles in stocks, housing, mortgages, bonds, derivatives, currencies, and commodities, yet took no responsibility for the fallout. When asked, he said he has “no regrets on any of the Federal Reserve’s policies that we initiated.” In fact, he championed them.
He let house prices become an $8 trillion wealth bubble, yet had regulatory authority to prevent it. He chided his critics, ignored the public interest, and even encouraged use of risky no down payment adjustable rate mortgages (including subprime ones) at the worst possible time to buy property. He bears full responsibility for the greatest ever economic collapse costing millions their homes, jobs, savings, pensions, and futures — yet he has “no regrets” for any of his actions.
Here’s his account of the housing bubble with a warning to the unwary. Take a strong dose of antacid before reading.
Greenspan admits that “lower interest rates spawned the speculative euphoria (but the) rate that matters was not the federal-funds rate. (It was) the rate on long-term, fixed-rate mortgages…The correlation between home prices and mortgage rates was highly significant, and a far better indicator of rising home prices than the fed-funds rate.”
While it’s true that longer rates affect mortgage ones, as important is how investors view the economy and prospects for inflation. In addition, short rates affect all others. They influence longer rates, including on Treasury notes, bonds and mortgages. Markets set all rates except one, Fed-funds, but it’s the prime mover for others with added power from the central bank’s bully pulpit.
Significant also is the close correlation between mortgage and Fed-funds rates. From 1971-2002, the average spread between them was 2.85%. Thereafter the relationship changed for a reason: because Fed-funds fell so low while mortgage rates bottomed at around 5.75% and didn’t top 6% again until the Fed target rate approached 4%. If a 2.85% spread had held, 30-year mortgages would have been sub-4%. Today at 0% Fed-funds, 30-year fixed-rate mortgages are around 5%, and take note: historically the lowest ever 20th and 21st century mortgage rate was around 4.7% right after WW II.
However, in the wake of the Fed’s announced intention to buy $1.25 trillion in Freddie and Fannie mortgage backed securities, $200 billion in Freddie, Fannie and Federal Home Loan Bank bonds, and $300 billion in longer-term Treasuries, mortgage rates may challenge or even better the previous low.
Greenspan blamed the housing bubble on success, or in his words: “the tectonic shift in the early 1990s by much of the developing world (away) from central planning to increasingly dynamic, export-led market competition. The result was a surge (in growth) that led to an excess in savings.” That, in turn, “propelled global long-term interest rates progressively lower between 2000 and 2005,” and guess who takes credit.
The “Maestro,” of course, with Greenspan quoting Milton Friedman for support. In evaluating the 1987-2005 period, he said: “There is not another period in which the Federal Reserve System has performed so well. It is more than a difference of degree; it approaches a difference of kind.” From one defrocked icon about another, his comment rings hollow, and, according to Catherine Austin Fitts, the evidence is compelling from her experience as an insider.
Replying to the Wall Street Journal, she explained that her “company served as lead financial advisor to the Federal Housing Administration between 1994 and 1997. (She) watched both the Administration and (Fed) aggressively implement policies that engineered the housing bubble,” and gave an example involving securitizing mortgages for pooling, then repackaging and selling them in tranches to investors.
“Even in 1995, (she) could see that these plans would create unserviceable debt loads in communities struggling with” globalization-caused declining incomes. The fallout would be mortgage defaults combined with mortgage-backed securities (MBS) “drain(ing) retirement savings from 401(k)s and pension plans.”
Taxpayers would get the bill “but insiders would make bundle.” She accused an administration official involved in the scheme with “planning on issuing more mortgages than there were houses or residents.” His reply: “Shut up, this is none of your business.”
It gets worse the result of the “long standing partnership of narcotics trafficking and mortgage fraud,” then combining them “to target and destroy minority and poor communities with highly profitable economic warfare. The model is global” and very profitable throughout the world and across America with numerous examples as proof. She cited one.
In October 1996, Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) released documents showing evidence of CIA links to the South-Central Los Angeles crack epidemic at least since the mid-1980s, attributable to fund-raising efforts for the Nicaraguan Contras.
Fitts wrote in May 1999 that in December 1997, “the CIA Inspector General delivered Volume I of their report to the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence” on the charges. It documented “the continued (money laundered) flow of an estimated $500 billion-$1 trillion a year…into the US financial system.” To placate Waters, Greenspan met with her in January 1998 and “pledged billions (would) come to her district.” It began in February when Al Gore announced it “was awarded Empowerment Zone status…and made eligible for $300 million in federal grants and tax benefits.”
Fitts called Greenspan a “liar” and accused him of being complicit with the Treasury in engineering the housing bubble “as part of a financial coup d’etat” — documented in her writing “Dillon, Read & Co. Inc. (where she served as a Managing Director and Board member) and the Aristocracy of Stock Profits.” She explained how:
America’s aristocracy makes money ensnaring our youth in a pincer movement of drugs and prisons and wins middle class support through (government-funded) contracts for War on Drugs activities at federal, state and local levels. This consensus (is sustained) by the gush of growing debt and derivatives used to bubble the housing and mortgage markets, manipulate the stock and precious metals markets, and finance trillions missing from the US government in the largest pump and dump in history…of the entire economy.
It’s “more than a process designed to wipe out the middle class. (It’s) genocide — a much more subtle and lethal version than ever before perpetrated by” legions of previous scoundrels. She described a process of insider deals designed to:
— hollow out America,
— centralize power and knowledge,
— shift wealth to the privileged,
— destroy communities and local infrastructure,
— create new wealth by rebuilding them, and
— leave human despair in its wake.
It’s no accident that they crushed world economies to enrich the Money Trust, wrecked lives and impoverished millions, and the scheme remains very much ongoing. Yet Greenspan remains unapologetic, indeed smug in his Journal op-ed.
He deflected blame on “global forces beyond the control of domestic monetary policy makers” while claiming that “Global market competition and integration in goods, services and finance have brought unprecedented gains in material well-being.” For whom he wouldn’t say. He didn’t have to, just look at the winners and losers.
Then explain it to the victims, the millions of Americans losing homes, jobs, pensions, savings and futures, the growing numbers with inadequate safety net protection for emergencies. Explain the greatest ever economic collapse, not an accident but willfully engineered, the lack of regulatory restraints that allowed it, and the devastating toll from its fallout.
Tell those affected how “the appropriate policy response is not to bridle financial intermediation with heavy regulation” but free it save for minor reforms too little to matter and simple to remove once the heat’s off. Justify the “ret(ention of) a dynamic world economy capable of producing prosperity and future sustainable growth” based on business as usual policies — ones you describe as not “rely(ing) on governments to intermediate saving and investment flows” but freeing capital to grow more of it to enrich the few at the expense of the rest.
Justify the global economic collapse, the billions harmed, the human misery, and the fear that’s it’s just beginning. Explain how that jibes with democratic freedoms, equal opportunity, and the best of all possible worlds. At age 83 as a prominent figure, a well-paid private advisor and speaker, historical revisionism is how, and let the devil take the hindmost.
For the life of me, when are most going to fess up to their ‘ignorance(arrogance)’ about the Federal Reserve. The Federal Reserve, like all Reserve institutions are owned by PRIVATE INTERESTS. The Federal Reserve institutions have ALWAYS been in private hands.
When one borrows, the lending institution cares not how you conduct your business, as long as they get their money by Friday.
The [bozos] elected to congress have every right to tell the treasury what to do, after all it is the national bank. But no, the treasury has been usurped by the Federal Reserve to the point that these [bozos] are actually willing to give a private bank more power to control more of the very “For the People, By the People” government. Do everyday average American citizens actually get what the hell is actually going on. Of course not, for the very ‘people’ they “appoint” to take care of business look like truant kids trying to flex their muscles when daddy shows up. These adolescent ‘people’ put on a good show, but know that daddy controls the roof and refrigerator.
The “Corporation of the United States”, based in Washington, District of Columbia is exactly what it is. The “Corporation of the United States” is a private institution. The “Corporation of the United States” is owned by private interests. The “Corporation of the United States” is protected by all “Admiralty/Equity” law practiced by private ‘people’. The “United States of America” has been bankrupt for almost 80 years now. Heck, there is no “United States of America” left. It’s now a figment of one’s imagination.
The Federal Reserve has been advocating global financial integration. What, and no one sees this as bad news. That is like having your credit union, which you are an active member of, being pushed into financial submission by a large institution which is a private investor entity looking only for profit, not social survival.
Embrace your global ambitions which are being heaped upon you whether you like it or not.
The day your children are born into the wasteland you all are creating will be the day your children will eat you alive. | {
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Quad Cities Mustang Club
MUSTANG ROARS ONTO THE SCENE
The original Ford Mustang debuted on April 17, 1964, at the attractive price of $2,368. Dealers were inundated with requests for the sleekly-styled new vehicle. In Garland, Texas, 15 customers thronged to bid on the same Mustang. The winning bidder resorted to sleeping overnight in his new car so that it wouldn’t be sold out from under him before his check could clear.
Ford initially forecasted annual sales of about 100,000 units. On the first day alone, dealers took 22,000 Mustang orders. Shortly after its introduction, the fledgling vehicle’s success was official when it was featured on the racetrack as the pace car for the 1964 Indianapolis 500. During the Mustang’s first 12 months on the market, sales built to an astounding 417,000. Within two years, sales had catapulted to one million.
“When the Mustang was unveiled, the reaction was so positive that there was no doubt it was going to be a success,” recalls Joe Oros, chief designer of Ford’s original pony car – dubbed the 1964½, because it was launched at an unusual halfway point during the year.
MUSTANG DEBUTS ON THE SILVER SCREEN
Mustangs began making big screen appearances in 1964 and have figured prominently in hundreds of notable films ever since. In 1964, the Bond film Goldfinger was the first movie to show off Ford’s new sporty car, a white 1964 convertible driven by a beautiful assassin. After a brief chase in the Swiss Alps, Sean Connery, in his Aston Martin DB5, shreds the Mustang’s tires and its rocker panel (borrowing a chariot racer trick from the epic film Ben Hur).
DEBUT OF THE 1965 GT350
In 1965, the first Shelby-made Mustang raced onto the scene. It was the first mass-produced car that was officially ready for the racetrack as it was approved by the Sports Car Club of America for class B Production racing. It featured a 289-cubic-inch modified K-Code engine capable of 306 horsepower giving this lightweight car an incredible acceleration. The GT350 Mustang was only available in Wimbledon White with Guardsman Blue rocker stripes.
DEBUT OF THE 1967 GT500
Dubbed the “first car I’m really proud of.” by Carroll Shelby, the 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500 was equipped with the “Cobra Le Mans” engine, a 427 cu. in. V8. It was a grown-up sports car for smooth touring. Just a little over 2,000 of these vehicles were produced making it one of the more valuable and legendary Mustangs out there today. In 2000, the 1967 GT500 was featured in the movie “Gone in 60 Seconds” raising its appeal even further.
V-8 POWER RETURNS AND THE COBRA II JOINS THE LINE UP
In 1975, V-8 power returned to the Mustang. The 302-cid V-8 engine produced a mere 130 horsepower, however, and came only with automatic transmission. An economy option called the “MPG” Stallion was also available.
The Cobra II package joined the lineup in 1976, replete with non-functional hood scoop and racing stripes, as well as front and rear spoilers. Available in white with blue stripes, blue with white stripes, and black with gold stripes, the Cobra II was designed to be reminiscent of the famed Shelby Mustangs.
MUSTANG’S 20TH ANNIVERSARY BRINGS MORE GROWTH AND CHANCE IN THE 80’S
By 1984, Mustang was turning 20, and this special anniversary warranted a commemorative, signature vehicle. A special V-8 powered Mustang GT was created to commemorate Mustang’s 20th Anniversary. It was a limited edition done up in Oxford White with a Canyon Red interior.
THE PUBLIC WEIGHS IN – MUSTANG IS HERE TO STAY
When Mustang’s legacy seemed in jeopardy, a public outcry ensured that the journey continued.
While the Mustang legacy continued to burnish bright from the early to mid-80s, Ford’s product development team was looking for alternatives to the popular Fox-body. By 1987, it was again time for Mustang to evolve with the changing market. Designers gave the Fox-body – the platform introduced in 1979 – a facelift with new “aero-look” design and a 5.0-liter V-8 with 225 horsepower.
“There were people who thought Mustang was headed for the scrap heap,” said Ressler. “Sales were sluggish, and they thought that front-wheel drive modern-looking cars were the wave of the future.” After Ford signed an agreement with Mazda to build the Mazda 626 and MX-6 at a new plant just outside of Detroit, the idea was to use the front-wheel drive Mazda platform as the underpinnings for the “new Mustang.”
“When news came out that the all-American Mustang was going to be based on a Japanese car and built by a Japanese company, plus move to front-wheel drive and again go back to losing its V-8 engine, the nameplate’s legion of fans could hardly believe it,” said John Clor, author of The Mustang Dynasty. “By the time a cover story in AutoWeek magazine hit the newsstands on April 13, 1987 – questioning ‘The Next Mustang?’ – the Mustang-badged Mazda was already the target of a letter-writing campaign launched by the editors of Mustang magazines across the country.”
The public spoke out with a vengeance, and Ford listened. The front-wheel drive Mazda became the 1989 Ford Probe, and the iconic vision of the Ford Mustang lived on.
“It was the only time I can remember in my career when the will of the public affected a major decision in advance of the decision being made,” Ressler said. “They brought about something I thought at the beginning was worth trying but wouldn’t work. But I was enthusiastic. I thought it was crazy to get rid of the only performance rear-wheel drive car we had.”
MUSTANG GETS RACIER
The low-volume 1993 Cobra R – originally developed as a race car – sold out prior to production.
In 1993, Ford’s new Special Vehicle Team (SVT) introduced the limited-production SVT Mustang Cobra, which sported subtle yet distinctive styling cues and performance upgrades. The low-volume 1993 Cobra R, developed to be driven as a race car, sold out prior to production.
In the early 90s, Ressler and a group of performance enthusiasts within the company came up with the idea to build an increased-performance Mustang out of Ford Motorsports performance parts (now known as Ford Racing Performance Parts). Based on the lessons learned from the SVO Mustang program, this group’s goal was to attract driving enthusiasts to the Ford brand.
“It was a confederation of people, all of whom had their own home organizations in different areas within the company, such as Marketing, Engineering, and Product Planning,” Ressler explained. “When we worked together, we described our activities as occurring with the Special Vehicle Team or SVT.”
Ressler confided that many of the projects the team spearheaded at Ford – such as the Mustang Cobra – were not formally approved by upper management. “We just found the money and thought that as long as we were doing things that were good for the company, we were safe not to ask for permission,” he said. “We were prepared to ask for forgiveness, but we never had to.”
MUSTANG GETS A MAJOR MAKEOVER – START OF THE FOURTH GENERATION
A triumphant new design debuts in 1994, and it’s an immediate hit. The 1994 model year marked the beginning of the fourth generation of Mustangs. After 15 years of the same “Fox” platform, enthusiasts were ready for an all-new look and feel – and Ford was anxious to give them what they wanted. “It was a do-or-die situation for Mustang at the time,” recalled William Boddie, then Ford’s program manager for small- and mid-size cars. “A lot of people at Ford thought we wouldn’t make enough money with the Mustang, and they thought we ought to kill it. This was going to be our chance to prove them wrong.” The team’s vision was clear, as Boddie recollected.
35TH ANNIVERSARY MUSTANG SALUTE
Thousands gathered at Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina on Saturday, April 17, 1999, to salute the 35th birthday of the American icon. The 70,000 member Mustang Club of America hosted the weekend show, where Ford Motor Co. unveiled a special 35th Anniversary edition of the 1999 Mustang and a prototype version of the 2000 Ford SVT Mustang Cobra R.
THE 2000 COBRA R
When the 2000 SVT Mustang Cobra R debuted, it was the fastest factory Mustang ever produced. The Cobra R boasted a powerful 5.4L DOHC V8 engine that gave it 385 horsepower. The R was stripped of any stock feature not needed for track use or that would add extra weight. That means no radio and no AC. The 2000 Cobra R was only available in Performance Red for the exterior and Dark Charcoal for the interior. Only 300 units were made making it one of the rarest Mustangs available.
THE 2005 MUSTANG – START OF THE FIFTH GENERATION
The fifth generation of Mustangs was introduced at the 2004 North American International Auto Show. The 2005 Mustang featured styling with nods to the fastback Mustang models of the late 1960s dubbed “retro-futurism” by senior vice president of design, J Mays. This was also the first year that the Mustang was manufactured at the Flat Rock assembly plant. Every Mustang between 1964 and 2004 was assembled at the Dearborn assembly plant.
2007 GT500 – RETURN OF THE SNAKE
The 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 was based on the new S197 Mustang platform and came equipped with a 500 horsepower supercharged version of the 5.4 L V-8. Introduced at the 2005 New York International Auto Show, the 2007 GT500 featured a Tremec TR-6060 6-speed manual transmission, suspension tuning, a body kit and 18-inch wheels.
THE 2010 MUSTANG COVERTIBLE IS RELEASED
With its angled rear corners and sequential turn signal tail lamps, the 2010 Mustang tips its hat to early 60’s cool. Here’s a look at the range of Mustang Convertibles offered through the years – from the sleek 2010 all the way back to 1965.
THE 2011 MUSTANG AND INTRODUCTION TO THE COYOTE ENGINE
Designed to compete with Chevy and Dodge, Ford debuted its own V-8 engine codenamed Coyote. The Coyote engine was designed and built as a Mustang performance engine producing 412 horsepower at 6,500 rpm in the 2011 Mustang GT. In addition to the new powerful Coyote engine, the 2011 Mustang standard engine was replaced with a new 3.7 L aluminum block V6 which weighed 40 lbs less than the previous version. This new engine came with a new dual exhaust and increased MPG performance to 19 city/31 highway.
MUSTANG’S MODERN EVOLUTION CONTINUES
The 2013 Mustang continues to build on excellence by delivering a new exterior design, updated technology, and new driver tools. “It takes the greatness of the 5.0-liter and V6 and pushes refinement to the next level,” says D. Pericak, Mustang chief engineer.
THE MUSTANG CELEBRATES 50 YEARS – START OF THE SIXTH GENERATION
Nearly every inch of the 2015 Mustang is brand new. It’s is much sleeker and European looking, which is fitting since the new 2015 Ford Mustang was destined to sell overseas in Europe, Japan and Australia. However, it still maintains that distinct “Mustang” look, inspired by the past 50 years of Mustang styling. Ford also brought back the fastback styling that was so prevalent in the 1960s and 1970s in the new Mustang.
Included in the premium package were illuminated door-sill plates, an aluminum accent dash panel, aluminum foot pedals, dual zone climate control, ambient lighting, unique premium door-trim, and heated and cooled leather seats. Added technological features for the Premium Package included a nine-speaker sound system with an amplifier, as well as the SYNC MyFord Touch system with 8’’ LCD touchscreen that could be activated with voice commands, the customizable touch screen, or buttons on the steering wheel.
THE 2016 GT350/GT350R AND THE VOO DOO ENGINE
The new 2016 Shelby GT350 featured a 5.2 L flat plane crank V8 engine dubbed the Voo Doo engine which produced 526 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. In addition to the GT350, Ford released the GT350R which featured the same Voo Doo engine as the GT350 but without air conditioning, stereo, trunk floorboard, carpeting, the rear seats and backup camera. Car and Driver named the Mustang Shelby GT350/GT350R one of the ten best cars in 2016.
THE 2018 MUSTANG HAS ARRIVED
The 2018 Mustang gets its first major makeover since 2015 and features a few exciting changes such as a Generation 3 5.0 Coyote Engine, 10 Speed Transmission, Digital Instrument Cluster, Aggressive Front End and Revised Rear Bumper with Quad Exhaust Tips. The 12-inch all-digital LCD cluster allows you to personalize it with three different views: Normal, Sport, and Track. The gauge hues are customizable as well.
THE FUTURE OF THE MUSTANG
The future of the Ford Mustang is looking pretty exciting. 2019 will showcase a couple special nameplates: 2019 Ford Mustang California Special and the 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt. What’s in store after 2019 is anyone’s guess but one thing is certain, the Ford Mustang isn’t going away anytime soon. | {
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Description
In this two-hour workshop, become familiar with Visio 2013's improved user interface while exploring many different types of flow chart diagrams using templates. We will also learn about sending a diagram in an e-mail message or import it into Microsoft Word to include comments and explanations. Additional topics covered will include looking at the different diagrams available such as basic flow charts, cause and effect diagrams, data flow, strategy maps, and more.
Additional Information
Add this class to your calendar:Browse to the WebStore Events Calendar, select your course, select the calendar symbol , select your calendar format, open the file, and save the item to your calendar.
Parking:Parking in the heart of campus is scarce. We suggest that you walk or take public transportation (www.cumtd.com). City meters (restricted to 2 hrs) are available on the street at both locations. There are a few campus meters in the parking lot between Coble Hall and Swanlund Administration Building on John Street and in the parking structure at Sixth & John. There is also a City of Champaign metered lot on the corner of Sixth & Green (east of Legends). Please note that parking fees are the responsibility of the class participant. WebStore is not responsible for parking tickets or towing fees of vehicles belonging to class participants. Please read all parking signs! | {
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The current family I'm with I have known for 3 years and I taught their oldest, 6 year old girl, for 2 years. They have 6G and 4G. The 4 year old has some pretty intense undiagnosed behavior issues. M and D are kinda tip toe-ing around getting an evaluation. Both preschool and myself have given them resources both written and in the community they can look into. Currently I am watching 6G and 4G 5 days a week. M works from home Monday and Friday. I am having a few issues and I could use some advice. 4G can be violent during her fits. Throwing, hitting and kicking. Making verbal threats.
I nanny for a little girl who is 20 months. She started hitting about two months ago. When she gets mad about a choice that I make for her or when I take something away she will smack me. She has also been doing this with her parents and her brother. We have been putting her in a one minute time out and talking to her about how hitting isn't okay, but it seems to be ineffective. Does anyone have any other suggestions for us?
Hi everyone! I have worked for the same family since the 3 year old was about 5 months old. His mother has the mindset of " raising a mindful child ". His 5 year old sister has CF and gets extra attention often from her parents and doctors. She also has temper problems however my issue right now is with her brother. I am working full time this summer, which means I regularly work 10-11 hours shifts 5 days a week. For the last few weeks, when I come over, he says he hates me. Right in front of his mom and yesterday he said it and then hit me in the stomach.
Hi everyone! I have worked for the same family since the 3 year old was about 5 months old. His mother has the mindset of " raising a mindful child ". His 5 year old sister has CF and gets extra attention often from her parents and doctors. She also has temper problems however my issue right now is with her brother. I am working full time this summer, which means I regularly work 10-11 hours shifts 5 days a week. For the last few weeks, when I come over, he says he hates me. Right in front of his mom and yesterday he said it and then hit me in the stomach.
Hey Nannies,
So, the two year old I nanny is non-verbal (no developmental delays, she just refuses to speak and only learns words if she wants to - she uses maybe ten words total and doesn't even say them fully). Her parents give into her all the time and call her the baby. She has a 4 year old sister and 7 year old brother, so not a single child.
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Report details money woes facing next mayor
In this blog post, Greg Hinz discusses the Civic Federation’s “Financial Challenges for the New Mayor of Chicago” report, which found that the City of Chicago between FY2007 and FY2011 increased appropriations by 8.6 percent, despite sharp declines in revenues. | {
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Premier League team to shift finance and HR to the cloud
5th June 2017
Workday, Inc., a provider of enterprise cloud applications for finance and human resources, has announced that Southampton Football Club (FC), a member of the Premier League, has selected Workday Financial Management and Workday Human Capital Management (HCM) to help streamline finance and HR processes, including payroll, for playing and non-playing staff.
With Workday, Southampton FC, nicknamed ‘The Saints’, will have a unified, cloud-based finance and HR system with the aim of providing the entire organisation – from HR and finance operations to ticketing and merchandising – with visibility into real-time data required to make more informed decisions.
Faced with aging legacy finance and HR systems that could no longer support its current and future needs, Southampton FC selected Workday to support the club’s strategic vision and ensure that its off-the-field infrastructure matches its performance on the field.
“Just as Southampton FC has made significant investments in our players, stadium, and facilities, ensuring we have the right technology to support our growth is imperative,” said Matthew Reynolds, IT director, Southampton FC. “Moving HR and finance to Workday will not only allow us to digitise and standardise our key people and finance processes, but we now have a tool that we are confident will grow with us and meet our demands in the future.”
“The Premier League is fast-paced and competitive, making it critical that member clubs like Southampton FC have access to real-time data so they can react more readily and strive to be the best,” said Chano Fernandez, executive vice president, global field operations, Workday. “With Workday, Southampton FC will have a flexible technology foundation that will create greater efficiencies and provide better insights, helping set the club up for success as it looks to compete in Europe on a regular basis.” | {
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Up-and-coming country star, Margo Price, will be joining Willie Nelson and Family, Van Morrison, Sheryl Crow, The Avett Brothers, Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real, and Particle Kid on the second leg of the 2017 Outlaw Music Festival Tour.
The show will take place at Hersheypark Stadium on Sunday, September 10 in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
Price is currently touring her breakout album, Midwest Farmer’s Daughter (Third Man Records), a record that’s resonated with outlaw and traditional country fans alike due to its masterful songwriting, knockout hooks, and novel-like summary of the Nashville singer’s life. Price also released a surprise EP, Weakness, last month to critical acclaim. Her addition to the Hershey lineup will make this an unforgettable concert experience.
Tickets are on sale online at ticketmaster.com, by phone at 800-745-3000, all Ticketmaster locations and the Hersheypark Stadium box office. | {
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Strangulation Meaning and Definition in Wikipedia
Stranglation is death by compressing the neck until the supply of oxygen is cut off. The process is called strangling.
The brain needs a constant supply of oxygen. Strangling leads first to unconsciousness, then to death. Fatal strangling may occurs in accidents, and other causes of violence. Strangling does not have to be fatal; limited or interrupted strangling is practised in erotic asphyxiation, in the so-called "choking game".
Strangling is a technique in many combat sports and self-defence systems. It is a method of winning a judo bout. Usually the opponent submits; if not, he is "strangled out", that is, the hold is continued until he passes out and is then immediately released. Shime-waza, the judo term for this technique, has scored 97 times in World Judo events. No fatalities have resulted from it. | {
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Coastal mountains surround central plains, and the northern of the two largest peninsulas is mountainous nearly to its coast. The highest peak is [[Mt. Remhora]] in the [[Rhomine Mountains]] in the Riocht Fíl (Kingdom of Faeland) at 4,712 ft. The [[River Verdan]], which bisects the [[Great Faelish Plain]], is the longest river in Faeland at 320 miles. The island has lush vegetation, a product of its mild climate and frequent but soft rainfall. There are many lakes in a crescent formation from the northwest of the island to the north-northeast. The largest of these is [[Lake Athlóa]].
Coastal mountains surround central plains, and the northern of the two largest peninsulas is mountainous nearly to its coast. The highest peak is [[Mt. Remhora]] in the [[Rhomine Mountains]] in the Riocht Fíl (Kingdom of Faeland) at 4,712 ft. The [[River Verdan]], which bisects the [[Great Faelish Plain]], is the longest river in Faeland at 320 miles. The island has lush vegetation, a product of its mild climate and frequent but soft rainfall. There are many lakes in a crescent formation from the northwest of the island to the north-northeast. The largest of these is [[Lake Athlóa]].
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Faeland's least arable land lies in the southeastern [[Vincennes Basin]]. This area is largely mountainous and rocky, with dramatic vistas overlooking dry valleys.
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Faeland's least arable land lies in the southeastern [[Vincennes Basin]]. This area is largely mountainous and rocky, with dramatic vistas overlooking dry valleys. Almost all of low-lying Midland Faeland is characterized by bocage landscape, a consequence of pastoral farming which requires enclosure for the management of herds. Approximately 5% of Faeland's land area is devoted to hedges, field walls and shelter-belts. In the more fertile areas these usually consist of earthen banks, which are planted with or colonized by trees and shrubs; this vegetation can give the impression of a wooded landscape, even where there is little or no woodland. This pattern of hedgerows was largely established in the late 18th and 19th centuries, a period when Faeland was virtually devoid of industrial development. Modern intensive agriculture has tended to increase field size by removing hedgerows, a trend which has been countered by agricultural revolutionaries favoring the conservation of wildlife habitats.
Fáel (Eng. IPA: fwaɪl (listen; pron. respelling: FWEYEL), Vhaloña, Valania (not to be confused with the region of Valania), or regional endonyms: Valedonia/Valedon, Vestmandie, Oceania, Våland, rarely Alnia (originally "Alnava"), the poetic "Atl'ani", and occasionally -by way of French from the Latin for Third Land (Terra Tertius)- Terse (Argentais: Terzh) is a state of the Atlantic Ocean and, well, an archipelago. Historical exonyms include Ezkerarria (med. Basq.), Sargassia (16th. cent. Port.), Phêrlagne (early modern French), Islaterra and Lazareth (Spanish and English, respectively, whose sailors and fisherman had frequent contact with the island). Modern cognates being: Valanha (Pt.), Valons (Fr.), Valoña (Sp.), and Faeland (Eng. IPA: fwaɪˈlænd (listen; pron. respelling: FWAY-land) as well as more recent Valagna (It.).
The U.S. designation is: "Atlantic International Zone: Ubrisi-Gavia" (A.I.Z.U-G.). The Valanian Federate (n.b. - this name falling into disuse; alternatively the Faelish Confederation and increasingly the "Comity of Nations" or "CON") occupies the entirety of the island of Faeland and its smaller surrounding islands. The main island is surrounded by multiple bodies of water: to the west (east) and north by the Gulf Stream/Atlantic Ocean, and to the south and east by The Mores and the Biscayne Gulf (in fact the Sargasso Sea) and has a temperate/oceanic climate. As the crow flies, the main island is approximately 466 km from north to south (289.6 miles). The area of the islands is 84,386 km² (32,581 mi²), making it the world's 20th ½-largest island. The population is around 3 million and has a density comparable to Mozambique or the U.S. state of West Virginia. Faelish territory also includes the Siawnsri Islands in the North Atlantic.
The island of Fáel has been inhabited since prehistoric times. There was a large population surge in the 5th millenium BCE; around 2000 BCE, however, the population dropped inexplicably and remained extremely low and sparse until the 3rd century BCE. Since that time, many different ethnic groups have established a presence. As a result the people of Faeland are multi-ethnic, multi-religious, multicultural and multilingual.
Fáel is a directorial confederation comprised of autonomous Member States, considered to be constitutionally sovereign and independent of one another. While the states do operate nearly independently, there is much cooperation between all polities, and citizens of any state are granted full rights to travel to any other Member State of the federation.
While the constitution provides the only official name as "Fáel" (the ancient indigenous name for the island), a constitutional act provided an official description of the country as the Federated Republics of Faeland in 1935, amended in 1955 to the Faelish Confederation (in legal texts: Foedus Valanensis), to account for the re-establishment of a monarchy in one of the member states (cf. Kingdom of Faeland and the Second Faelish Civil War).
Fáel was a member of the United Nations but has withdrawn; and was offered membership in the European Union but declined as part of its Full Decolonization Program. Despite this, it accepted the Euro alongside its national and local currencies (see: Faeland and the Euro) for a short while before declaring it a German conspiracy to create an empire on the American model. Experiments in economic isolation have cooled the economy since the 2000's "boom". A minority of Faelanders see joining the E.U. as necessary for progress but no steps can be taken to do so until there is unilateral consensus among the member states, which is not easily achieved. In recent years, however, economists have claimed Fáel has moved further from membership as it continues to reshape its economy along increasingly non-capitalist lines.
The Valanian Federate have a long history of neutrality— they have not declared war since 1925. Faeland comprises several linguistic and cultural regions. Faels, Vallones, etc are all represented. The Confederation therefore do not form a nation in the sense of a common ethnic or linguistic identity. The common bond of the country is founded on a shared historical background and values (cooperative living, direct democracy, neutrality) and a proud sense of self-determination for their long-occupied island. The establishment of the Faelish Confederation then, was an act of anti-colonialism and sodality more so than nationalism.
Name
The earliest recorded name for the island of Faeland (as a whole) was listed by the Greek geographer Hecataeus of Miletus in the 5th century BCE in his Περίοδος γῆς ("Travels round the Earth" or "World Survey') as "Bounessos," meaning "mountain-island." This name was given over by the Massaliotes —Greek colonists of southern Gaul— as a calque from the Gaulish name Đliapoelen.
The earliest attested native name for the island was Cathtír (ancient Faelish for "place of conflict" or "war land"), which survives in the name of the ancient crown vassalCattros.
During the period known as The Washing, Celtic tribes called it Fhaehlann (gen., "of the"), after its common totem, the wolf. This name led to the medieval names for the island -Fáel, Fohln, Fel, Foálnah, Fhaehlann, etc.- transliterated by the Romans into the Latin name Valania. Valania, as used by the Romans, in turn led to the Romance names Vhaloña (Vallon), Valons (Argentais), and Valania (Spanish/Portuguese). In the middle ages Alnia was adopted by the Sarmatio-Faels of the Alan invasion, and both Våland and Vestmandie were used by Norse raiders and settlers. The French that arrived under the auspices of Louis I the Pious dubbed Faeland the "Third Land" (third after the Continent and then Britain) in their charter. The custom at the time was to write such documents in Latin, and thus Terra Tertius became simply, "Terse", the name for Faeland sometimes used in Argentau.
With the ascendancy of the British in the early nineteenth century, the English term "Faeland" became standard and has currency there even today; as English remains a lingua franca for the diverse population.
When independence was achieved from the United Kingdom in 1925, the constitution referred to the new country as Fáel. It was thought that this would help forge a common link among all the various ethnicities that currently inhabit the island. Later, by further constitutional acts, the official description of the state was agreed to be the Valanian Federate (alternatively the Faelish Confederation): foedus Valanensis. The official country code designation is VF and the name is abbreviated V.F. In the U.S. the designation is: "Atlantic International Zone: Ubrisi-Gavia" (A.I.Z.U-G.).
The wording of the description is meant to imply that the unified country is not per se sovereign, but in fact an conglomerate of sovereign and particular nation-states. The Faelish government presents itself as the administrative apparatus of a confederation, not a fused and unitary authority for a nation-state.
History
Prehistory
Vhalnia is one of the most geologically ancient bodies of land in the world. The island was populated in waves of emigration from the Paleolithic period until recent times, when mass migration turned into industrial strength colonization (cf. Faelish Demesne). The first people to settle in lowland Fáel (Trifluvian Delta) during the Mesolithic probably came from modern North America via the Shetland-Greenland Land Bridge, particularly from Labrador (present-day Canada); however, in the Siminaxhio Caves above the city of Muiris on the River Phaertwyrd there is evidence that suggests a previous Paleolithic colonization of the island from continental Asia via the European peninsula. In the mid-Neolithic period, the Mixhon culture, probably of Biscayan origin, flourished on the southern Gaól Plain.
w:View>Normal/w:Vieww:Zoom0</w:Zoom>c-cadetblue<w:TrackMoves/><w:TrackFormatting/><w:Punctuation:ingsoc-ket/<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/nuzpk><w:SaveIf_X_Invalid>false lead>>/w:SaveIf_null_Invalid> w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent><w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>??p</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText&w:DoNotPromote-string/SoS>"When it first came to us it was all a big laugh. We thought it was just a game. "But then, it's so..here," we had to admit to ourselves. There was no doubt about it: the real was thing and we had to accept it. But the game wasn't over. Only the rules had changed. We understood little and lost it. The more like us it became the less like fantasy we reckoned it. The project literally couldn't help itself."
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Recorded History
The History of Faeland can be divided into five major periods based on political developments. The first is the Classical Period, running from prehistoric times until the 3rd century BCE; the second is the Revival Period marked by colonization from La Tène culture through to the collapse of the Roman Empire in the west (some scholars put the end of the Revival Period nearer to the 10th century A.D. with the coming of the Vikings); the Medieval Period, following through until the early 16th century; the Colonial Period, which lasted from the first Spanish settlements until independence from the United Kingdom in 1925; and finally the Modern Period, marred by costly civil wars followed by rapid growth and modernization that continues today.
Geography, Climate, and Environment
Geography
Faeland is sometimes located at the juncture of the North Atlantic / Biscayne Bay. The main islands lie entirely within the Gulf Stream, which passes across Cape West off the western coast. The Saramago Effect is a scientific theory that describes the large-scale shifting of Faeland's local plate. This theoretical model builds on the concept of continental drift which was developed during the first few decades of the 20th century. The geoscientific community accepted the Saramago theory after seafloor evidence demonstrated a trail of extinct volcanoes along the isles path.
Coastal mountains surround central plains, and the northern of the two largest peninsulas is mountainous nearly to its coast. The highest peak is Mt. Remhora in the Rhomine Mountains in the Riocht Fíl (Kingdom of Faeland) at 4,712 ft. The River Verdan, which bisects the Great Faelish Plain, is the longest river in Faeland at 320 miles. The island has lush vegetation, a product of its mild climate and frequent but soft rainfall. There are many lakes in a crescent formation from the northwest of the island to the north-northeast. The largest of these is Lake Athlóa.
Faeland's least arable land lies in the southeastern Vincennes Basin. This area is largely mountainous and rocky, with dramatic vistas overlooking dry valleys. Almost all of low-lying Midland Faeland is characterized by bocage landscape, a consequence of pastoral farming which requires enclosure for the management of herds. Approximately 5% of Faeland's land area is devoted to hedges, field walls and shelter-belts. In the more fertile areas these usually consist of earthen banks, which are planted with or colonized by trees and shrubs; this vegetation can give the impression of a wooded landscape, even where there is little or no woodland. This pattern of hedgerows was largely established in the late 18th and 19th centuries, a period when Faeland was virtually devoid of industrial development. Modern intensive agriculture has tended to increase field size by removing hedgerows, a trend which has been countered by agricultural revolutionaries favoring the conservation of wildlife habitats.
Environment
Climate
Faeland's climate is predominantly temperate maritime (Köppen: Cfb) with mean annual temperatures ranging from 50° F (10° C ) in the south to 61° F(16° C ) in the north. Conditions vary dramatically across the isles from extremely wet on the West Coast to semi-arid shrublands in the Vincennes Basin to subtropical along the southeastern Gaól, Qarna, and Bel-Air coastal plains. The central and northeastern parts of the main island have generally cooler and cloudier climes as the effects of the Rhomine rain shadow are lessened over the expanse of the Great Faelish Plain. There is much local variation, however, as the island on its western shore borders the North Atlantic Current and polar Jet Stream and the south is encircled by Rennell's Current.
Of the largest cities, Georgetown is the driest, receiving on average only 640 millimeters (25 in) of rain per year and Kilgare the wettest, receiving on average double that amount. The snow season is restricted almost exclusively to the northeast from January until early May; but cold fronts can occur outside this season. Victoria, Vila do Infante and Porto Viga all receive a yearly average of more than 2,000 hours of sunshine.
Ecoregions
Flora/Fauna
Relatively few land mammal species are native to Faeland because it has always been isolated from the Atlantic mainlands and is the product of extinct volcanoes. Some species, such as the fox, otter, pygmy shrew, and badger are common, whereas others, like the wolf, hare, red deer, and pine marten are less common and generally seen only in certain national parks and nature reserves. Some introduced species have become thoroughly naturalised, e.g. the sheep, domestic cattle, grey squirrel, and brown rat. In addition, a handful of species of crow are found in Faeland. Of the non-native species, the Faelish horse is notable for being descended of two distinct colonizations brought about by humans: the horses brought by Celtic warriors during The Washing and cavalry mounts brought by Romans several hundred years later. These two groups have produced a compact but muscular and sure-footed breed for which the islands are now known.
Conservation
Fáel is ranked 13th in the Atlantic and 29th globally on the Environmental Performance Index. After unification in 1935, the Kingdom of Faeland initiated a far-reaching land reform initiative aimed at dismantling the British plantation system that had been imposed on the interior. As the cultural mores of the 60's began to unfold, the land reform took on an somewhat radical environmentalist character, and ever since the Kingdom has led the way within Faeland in environmental protection, preservation, and restoration. Many of the other states have also begun their own initiatives. As they catch up to the Kingdom's standards, Faeland could likely supersede its rivals for environmental responsibility. Recently, Faeland has gained notoriety for its endorsement of Bolivia's Law of the Rights of Mother Earth, one of the unique laws in the world that accord nature the same rights as humans. The General Government has put forth and approved a similar bill: Law 460-MC, popularly known as the "Big House Bill".
Politics
Fáel is a federal parliamentary republic comprised of eleven Member States. The system is highly decentralized, and the top level government functions more as a coordinating and administrative body between autonomous regions than as a legislating government. Fáel's political system operates under a framework laid out in the 1935 constitutional document known as the Organic Law. By calling the document Organic Law, rather than Constitution, the authors expressed the intention that it should be understood as a binding cooperative agreement between sovereign nation-states. Although ambitious, this bottom heavy framework has had some drawbacks, with sovereign states having the ability to veto "federal" legislation. Amendments to the Organic Law generally require a three-fifths majority of the Diet. The articles guaranteeing fundamental human rights, the federal structure, and the right to resist attempts to overthrow the constitution are valid in perpetuity and cannot be amended.
Government
The Federal Chancellor, is the head of the General Government and exercises executive power, similar to the role of a Prime Minister in parliamentary democracies. Federal legislative power is vested in the Diet and the Directory, which together form a unique type of legislative body. The Diet is elected through direct elections in the various states, yet abiding proportional representation. The members of the Directory represent the governments of the eleven autonomous states and are generally members of their respective governments. The respective state governments have the right to appoint and remove their envoys at any time (how this is done varies from one state to another).
Although laws binding on all members can be created, in general the Diet discusses matters of finance related to funding the initiatives of the Directory, which coordinates internal activities and external relations (e.g. transportation, defense, diplomacy). Matters such as health care, education, taxation, and to some extent even military matters, are generally the province of the autonomous states within the federation.
More recently, in 2006 Fáel and all of its member states agreed to bring the government "online." Since then, most elections and legislation can be accessed via the internet, facilitating near universal access to government data and services. Additionally, this has reduced the paper waste of the government significantly.
Law and criminal justice
The judicial system of Fáel is a law system divided between courts with regular civil and criminal jurisdiction and administrative courts with jurisdiction over litigation between individuals and the public administration. Faelish law is codified and based on historic law and in a much narrower sense, civil or Roman law. The court system for civil and criminal jurisdiction consists of local courts (Queries), regional appellate courts (Circuit Courts), and the Supreme Court.
The administrative branch of justice consists of administrative courts and the Supreme Administrative Court. In addition to the regular courts, there are a few special courts in certain branches of administration. There is also a High Court of Impeachment for criminal charges against certain high-ranking officeholders.
Defense
The national defense of Fáel is the responsibility of the Directory. Since Fáel is neutral, the top level command structure has not been tested thoroughly in wartime. Each state contributes either money or trained forces to the collective military, with the chiefs of staff being the top level military commanders of the respective nations, headed by the current Chancellor. How well this command structure would work in a large scale conflict has not been tested. Men and materiel sent on joint expeditionary forces are often placed under the command of an allied officer.
Administratively, each state supplies a "regiment," independent in supply, command and training, to the national force. Historically, the Pentapoli and Fíl have provided the bulk of the infantry, Lito and Falx the bulk of the naval forces.
Foreign Relations
Vhaloña rejects alliances which entail military, political, or direct economic action in other nation's affairs and has maintained official neutrality since 1935. The Confederation maintains diplomatic relations with almost all countries and has recently served as an intermediary between other states.
Demographics
Faeland is a multiethnic country. The largest ethnic group is the Faelish People. The Faelish Isles occupy a position of high traffic in the Atlantic Ocean and have been, over time, next to various continents due to the Saramago Effect. Many ethnicities and linguistic groups inhabit the archipelago and the level of interethnic admixing has always been relatively high. By the 10th century CE the Faels as we recognize them emerged as the majority population. The second, third, and fourth largest ethnic groups are the Vhallonese, Valegón, and Rumanhese respectively.
Population by State.
According to the most recent census, the total population of the Valanian Federate was 8,040,756. Current population growth is due equally to net immigration and a rising birth rate and increased life expectancy. Estimates revealed that Faeland is now home to more people of pensionable age than children under the age of 16 (it is the general opinion of the nation, however, that the country could benefit from a population decrease).
Languages of Faeland
The plural "languages" is used because unlike many countries, Faeland has no unifying common root language that is used across all of its lands. The lingua franca of the nation, English, is in fact an import. The Faelish language family is native but has retreated largely to within Ríocht Fíl, elsewhere it is treated as a second language.
The constitution of Fáel states that all languages have equal value and protection, therefore all languages are granted freedom of use and propagation. Even though there are official languages, Faeland has become a virtual archive of languages, with minority communities establishing themselves across the island. This is due to a strong government policy of language preservation. If the government sees that less young people are learning a language than older people passing away, state "banks" are set up to archive as much written and oral material as possible, and typically offer free instruction from volunteer speakers for interested students.
Ethnic Groups
Indigenous Faelish people were thought to be descended from the varied ethnic stocks that settled there before recorded history; the Celts and then the Romans were the next largest groups, followed by Galicians, English, Irish, and Norse, among others.
Genetic research suggests that the first settlers of Faeland came through migrations from Iberia following the end of the most recent ice age. After the Mesolithic, the Neolithic and the Bronze Age, migrants introduced Celtic La Tène culture and languages. These later migrants from the Neolithic to Bronze Age still represent a majority of the genetic heritage of the native Faelish people. Culture spread throughout the island, and the Gaelic tradition became the dominant form in Faeland. Today, Faelish people are of various ancestries, including some of Italic, Norse, English, French and Galician ancestry, as well as Irish. Çelathi culture forms an important part of national identity, especially in the Kingdom of Faeland.
Research also suggests that the Faelish natives broadly share a common ancestry with the Etruscan people.
Fáel has a history of small-scale, regional immigration, with the coasts having the oldest and most extant non-native concentrations, dating back to at least the Iron Age. Small numbers of African migrants are recorded as living in the area of Lito and Valaduria as early as the 15th century.
Since 1945, immigration overall has slowed to a trickle while emigration is on the rise.
Education
Education in Fáel varies widely. All member states are, by right, in control of their own educational systems. While this provides extreme variance in curricula, all of the member states enjoy high literacy rates and excellent school systems.
The country has several noted universities, most dating from the 18th and 19th century, but a few from as far back as the late middle ages.
Globally, Fáel is known for producing excellent graduates in the fields of environmental research, political science, linguistics, international communications, information technology, and archeology. Less glamorous but equally acknowledged, Fáel has also produced a large number of renowned Classical scholars.
Religion/Philosophy
The government is legally prohibited from recognizing any religion (except for legacy statutes like those of military chaplains). Instead, it merely recognises religious organizations, according to formal legal criteria that do not address religious doctrine. Conversely, religious organizations are prohibited from intervening in policy-making. Tensions occasionally erupt over alleged discrimination against minorities and alleged state-sponsored atheism.
The best estimates for religious affiliation in Fáel show that the number of Vians in Fáel is 62%, representing the largest and last "pagan" population of the Atlantic (in reality Vianism is a henotheistic). However, these estimates are based on people with an association with the religion, rather than the number of people truly following the religion (i.e. cultural association, not necessarily spiritual belief). Professor Martin Robert suggests that only 25-30 percent of the absolute population have succumbed to belief in imported Abrahamic religions.
By far Roman Catholicism has had the largest Christian influence and impact on Faelish beliefs and customs since the departure of the Romans until the advent of Christism. Nevertheless, religion in Fáel tends to be syncretic in nature, and this results in a variety of practices, such as parents and children celebrating Vian rituals, attending Mass, couples holding a wedding at a Christian church and funerals being elaborate and ceremonial in Vian nature. The Roman Catholic church officially disapproves of the syncretism, but has been inaffective at stopping the tradition of tolerance and incorporation, which is integral to Faelish culture.
Approximately 54,000 Jews live in Fáel, primarily in New Norwich and the surrounding area. Their first historical mention is recorded by the court of the Bishop of Servon during the middle ages. Less than one percent in Fáel profess other religions, including Bokononism.
Faelish philosophy is a fusion of two (arguably three) traditions: Faelish Pataphysical and Western Continental. Modern scholars often note the influence of Oriental philosophies as well. Faelish philosophy aims to be a Third Position outside the two main thrusts of Europe (Continental and Analytical).
Culture
A united, island-wide state had never existed until the country's unification in 1935. Due to this comparatively late coalescence, and the historical autonomy of the regions that comprise the island of Faeland, many traditions, customs, and cultural attributes that are now recognized as distinctly Faelish can be identified more accurately by their regions of origin. Despite the political, cultural -and in some cases geographic- separation of these regions, Faeland's internal intercourse is very affable. A native poet once wrote, "At home I am Valagón ([sic] cf. Falaxhonés), abroad, I am Fáel."
Literature
Faelish literature extends thousands of years, from the earliest recorded court archives to the mature fictional novels that arose during the Renaissance to entertain the masses of literate Faels. The introduction of widespread printing by movable type rapidly spread written knowledge throughout hte island's history and culture. In more modern times, the literature has been analyzed as a cohesive unit where previously the linguistic divisions were recognized academically; but the fact is that many authors and readers are multilingual, thus influencing each other.
The literary traditions represented on the island vary widely, and each region has its own attributes and volume of work that has uniquely contributed to the Faelish corpus. Even though there is a disproportionately high amount of literature produced in the English language, a certain Faelish perspective can be found in the literature of all the states of the island. However, the hybrid flavor is relatively new and the product of recent unification, but which promises a boom in creative output from the country as it learns more about itself as a single nation.
Art
Music
Musical artists from Valania, including famous composers like Wallace or Henderson and traditional, regional folk musicians, create a lively and diverse music spectrum which continues traditions from all over the islands. As of 2006, Fáel is one of the few countries in Europe where traditional music dominates over dance/techno in popular music settings (discos, clubs, pubs, bars, etc), while all kinds of music genres are encouraged.
Sport
Popular sports include football, and in certain regions Gaelic football and hurling. Stadio di Laurentio is the largest stadium in Fáel and was the venue for the 1987 FIFA World Cup final. Fáel also hosts the annual Faelish Tour, a road bicycle race modeled on the three Grand Tours. Faeland is also famous for its Professional Cafe Racing Association (the only cafe-style motorcycle racing association in the world), founded in 2005.
Media
Faeland's largest television stations are the state-run FaeView and TVALL. Smaller stations exist, many of them local. Radio is broadcast throughout the country. The main radio stations are Fway 1 (105.9FM, state-owned), SFLD (98.7FM), VBee107 (106.9FM), and Vargó ("News") (91.3FM). The daily newspapers in largest circulation are Morning Blood and The Daily Fret. The most popular websites are the news sites Nwsbts and Fastr.fe.
Cuisine
Faelish cuisine is at the heart of its culture, influenced by the wide gamut of ethnic communities who have made the island their home and the excellent produce from the sea and the land. A twentieth-century phenomenon of gastronomical societies —food clubs where men and women gather to cook and enjoy their own food— has become very popular, inspired by a similar Basque tradition.
Dress
Although varying widely due to external cultural influences, traditional Faelish dress dictates that men almost always wear headgear and layers.
Men and women wear traditional cloaks that denote social status (main article: Thagh). Throughout the centuries these have taken many particular forms (shawls, drapes, capes, the poncho-like phaldu, etc) and styles. Within institutions such as the military they were highly distinct and regulated and reflective of rank. Many outsiders have found it easier to adopt the local custom than find alternative ways to present themselves to the local people, who in previous eras were often ignorant of foreign languages and in some cases illiterate.
Idiosyncrasies
Zoos are so unpopular in Fáel that at the most recent opening of one in 1968 it was burned down in protest.
The shade of green known as "lime" was invented in Vintum, County Sloan, in April of 1913. Funds from licensing have paid for the town's expenditures since the 1980's, when the color's popularity skyrocketed. Town residents have no local taxes because of this.
The Omri Caves are the only apparent example of a "time tunnel" on Earth.
There are 764 articles about Fáel on this website, a number of no significance whatsoever.
Faelish people eat their pie and cake pointy end last.
Except in English-speaking areas, there is no customary response to a sneeze and it is typical to say nothing at all.
A genetic defect predisposes Faels to reality blindness (inability to distinguish between true and false), therefore to keep things simple most Faels do not smile and many are taciturn by default
Since 1982 the Faelish calendar has been noticeably drifting at a radical rate of (n + (X-1,982)+X) per year. Due to temporal unstuckness it is the year 2612
Fáel is perhaps the only modern country that still walls its cities. Due to a long tradition of civic independence along the lines of the continental "right of crenelation" and more recent developments in environmentalism, many cities have historic or modern walls. While usually not defensive in nature, they traditionally signify the city's status; and in modern times provide a sharp boundary beyond which urban sprawl is not permitted. Unlike most urban landscapes, Faelish municipalities end abruptly. One can often walk a dozen yards and encounter at first urban, and then natural environments.
Economy
Fáel is a mixed-market, socialized state, ranking lower than the U.S. but higher than most western European nations on the Heritage Foundation's index of economic freedom. Since the early 1990s, Fáel’s economy has been growing slowly with low unemployment and low to modest government surpluses at the federal level as the nation moves away from the debt system. Today, Fáel closely resembles Bergonia in its economic practice, pattern of production, and living standards.
The economy of the Federate is quasi-modern and decreasingly trade-dependent with growth averaging a steady 1% over the years 1995–2000 (last time they checked). Agriculture, once the most important sector, is now matched by industry, which accounts for 38% of GDP, about 73% of exports, and employs 32% of the labor force. Although exports remain the primary engine for Faeland's growth, the economy is also displaying a rise in the technology sector. Lately, however, Faeland's economy has seen investors turn away from heavy industry in favor of permaculture farming.
The Faelanders have a habit of dismantling infrastructure (leaving roads intact). The behavior extends principally to communications towers, CCTV cameras, traffic signals, weather stations and the like. In 1994 a journalist interviewed a local about it, who said: "Roads only deadly twix two pints, in'ney b'y?" (Faelish English: Roads are only good between two points, aren't they?)
The odd and retrograde tradition started after the departure of military forces following the end of the Gasoline War (WWII). Locals collected materials for obvious reasons. By the time of the Second Faelish Civil War, however, these collections had become military in nature, and institutionalized.
Transportation
The Bureau of Transportation is the executive agency responsible for trunk roads, motorways, rails, air, and public transit systems in Fáel apart from the locally owned and operated transport systems of towns and cities. The Bureau states that traffic pollution is the most serious concern of the government. According to the Directory-sponsored Wellington Report of 2008, pollution has been dramatically and rapidly reduced, however, the goals for carbon reduction still remain out of reach given the time constraints placed on the Bureau. The main initiatives have been in placing tolls on most highways, extending the train network, and sponsoring and promoting public transit and cycling in cities. One of the main impediments to the latter initiatives has been that the roads themselves have had to be massively rebuilt to accommodate environmental protection laws.
Across the island, there is a radial road network of of some 19,445 miles of main roads with a motorway network of 1,173 miles. The rail network is extensive and carries over 13,000 passenger trains and nearly 1,000 freight trains daily. Urban rail networks are well developed in most of the capitals and other cities.
Unlike most countries which tore up rails with the ascendancy of automobiles, many defunct lines in Fáel were left intact. It is these lines that are being rehabilitated over increased car use.
Science
The advanced education of Faelish society as a whole was a goal of the first government of the unified country. As early as the 2nd century, however, Roman Faeland became one of the most educated areas in Europe. The Faelish National Library catalogue shows that in the early 12th century Faelish intellectuals had access to ancient European literature as well as their native writings. The University of Falcatta, founded in 1246 is one of the longest running research institutions in Faeland. In 1773 King George III of the United Kingdom established the Royal Commission of Faelish Scientists, the first state ministry of its kind in Faeland.
Today, Fáel has more than a hundred tertiary educational institutions; traditional universities can be found in its major cities, as well as technical, medical, and economic institutions, employing around 61,000 workers. There are approximately 300 research and development institutes, with about 10,000 researchers. In total, there are 91,000± scientists in Fáel today. | {
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BEIJING—Predicting ideal conditions for the rare sight, Chinese astronomers announced to Beijing residents Monday that the sky would be visible for a brief two-minute window tomorrow morning. “From approximately 6:14 a.m. to 6:16 a.m., a small section of the Earth’s atmosphere should be perceptible to the naked eye when looking towards the southwest in Beijing,” a statement from the China National Space Administration read in part, advising interested citizens to plan on waking early and to consider using a small telescope for better views of the sky. “For anyone who hasn’t seen it before or isn’t sure what to look for, the sky will appear as a small, bluish area that should stand out clearly from its surroundings. We’ll also be streaming the phenomenon live on the official CNSA website for residents with obstructed views in their neighborhood.” The agency added that anyone who missed out on witnessing the occurrence tomorrow would have to wait a while, as the sky was not expected to be visible again until late 2024. | {
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