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The third in a series of articles on olim, features Devra Stark, a North American immigrant who reflects on religious life in Israel, marriage to another oleh and how it all comes together in Jerusalem.
WHO: Devra Stark, maiden name Wanetik, age 24, made aliyah on 11 October 2001 from West Bloomfield, Michigan. Along with her husband, also an immigrant from the US, they are baalei tshuvah, which is to say they have become religious. Devra's BA, from Ohio State, and professional experience is in journalism. You might recognize her name from bylines from her time at The Jerusalem Report.
THE CALLING: "I came to Israel for the first time for my 7th birthday. It was our first family trip here. My father decided he loved Israel and wanted to live here. My mom wasn't so into it, so he decided the best way to have a future in Israel was to indoctrinate his children with a love of the land so that we would end up here and then they'd HAVE to come to be with us. Pretty sneaky, but I guess it worked since both my brother and I made aliyahin the same year," Devra says of her Zionist roots.
And the second phase is going well too she says, "My mother likes it more and more each time she visits. She's begun taking a map and getting lost to learn her way around Jerusalem. They have begun speaking more aboutaliyah being a part of their future."
LIFESTYLE: Devra and her husband share a one room flat at Merkaz Hamagshimim in the German Colony of Jerusalem. They chose this half-dorm, half-absorption center for their first year of married life because, "we wanted our first year of marriage to be a pluralistic one. As baalei tshuvah, it's easy to jump into your new lifestyle and leave out the rest. I believe in tying it all together, so I felt that a year at the Merkaz would be a good way to ground ourselves before moving to a community where most people are more observant." She adds that she is amazed a spoiled brat from Michigan is satisfied with only one room where her main cooking appliance is a George Forman (who is not Jewish) Grill. The benefit of this, she points out, is, "I've just been able to focus more on what really matters and less on the material, mostly because I can't afford the material to focus on!"
But, it's not that Devra isn't looking towards a future that includes more than one room and, perhaps, a stove, "I hope to get a job in journalism, work hard and continue to live within my means and be happy with what I have. I think the main thing I gained from living in Israel in terms of material belongings is that I don't need more, more, more. I need what I need and not what I want, want, want. Not to say I'm not spoiled anymore, it's just on a lower scale." Adding that, while in the States for the past month, "All I've purchased is some tsnius long sleeved shirts I was searching for (they also go down long enough so that you don't see my stomach every time I move) and underwear. How crazy is that? Don't worry, I'm planning on getting some new leather boots before I leave, but it's a shock to me that the GAP is just not as appealing as it used to be."
WHAT ABOUT THE BEEMER: Making the claim that she made aliyah "the smart way" she explains, "I left the US immediately after college. That means I didn't give up the high salary and nice apartment. Sure, I gave up the prospect of the high salary and nice apartment, but I never really had it to lose it. I don't think I really sacrificed anything concrete." She goes on, "I gained a peaceful neshamah and a purpose in life. I know that sounds cheesy and whatever, but this is where my soul is at peace. Some people dig Chicago and some feel like LA was meant to be their home, for me, it's Israel. As for the purpose, there's just something about being here that makes me feel like I am making a difference. I read in a column recently that someone was asked why they stay here even though they have lost children to suicide bombers. Their answer was that in the US, life just passed by. In Israel, life passes through you. It's real here; it's not just about your car, your house and your income."
Commenting on this mother's dead children as marks of a life of greater substance Devra offered, "Last time I checked, more Israelis died of cancer and driving incidents than bombers, right? So, really, before dealing with the 'dead child' issue, I'd like some hard facts letting me know the odds for myself, or my future offspring, being harmed by a suicide bomber. Not to sound like I'm unafraid. Hearing Café Hillel [on Emek Refaim Street] blow up while I was lying down to go to sleep one night wasn't pleasant. Knowing that there are people surrounding me who want me dead isn't a bed of roses. But they're in the US too; we're just blind to it. Americans pretend anti-Semitism away. Every time I go to Yad VaShem I think about how dangerous it is to live in America with the false sense of security that President Bush really cares about his Jewish population. Yeah right, he'd sell us out for oil."
FAMILY PAST: Unsurprisingly leaving family and friends behind has been one of the harder aspects of aliyah for Devra. Though they visit three times a year, she lives far away from her parents; and, then there's also her grandparents, aunt and uncles that she misses. She says, "It's tough not being there for my friends when they need me, not having them here to hug when I need them. I have friends here, but I'm not looking to replace the ones who live in the US."
FAMILY PRESENT: Family indoctrination runs deep, as such, Devra's older brother moved here the same year she did. "It's great to have my brother here though. Some people leave all of their family behind," she says, adding that she also has extended family in the country. And there's the husband.
THE MARRIAGE: Devra and her husband met at the Chabad House at Ohio State. He made aliyah after Devra and the engagement came while she was working for Mayanot birthright Israel and he was studying at the Mayanot Institute of Jewish Studies. The wedding took place in the States, though, "I would have loved to have been married in Israel, but my husband has 21 first cousins and wanted to share his wedding with them," she states, adding that, "My husband travels to Ohio every few months to work, but I have just gone back for my first visit since the wedding. I think I feel the same way most olim feel, more comfortable in Israel.
COMFORT IN ISRAEL: "I have that whole unexplainable/indescribable love for Israel thing going on," Devra insists, adding that the best part of her new life is "just being here." Breaking the language barrier is all in a days work for Devra. She just finished intensive Hebrew studies at Ulpan Etzion in Jerusalem, an experience she claims was one of the most amazing of her life. This has turned her on to reading Shar LeMatchil, a Hebrew newspaper geared towards those still learning the language. In addition she also reads various sources, including the online edition Artuz 7, the news agency of the settler movement.
Shabbat in Israel is a particularly high point in Devra's life. "Here it takes on a whole new meaning because this is a crazy country and we thrive on the news. So a day without newspapers, TV and phones is the best relaxation you can ask for," she states. Shabbat is also time to return to the Mayanot Synagogue, where Devra and her husband became engaged. She says, "It is where we connected with our chevre, and met the people who have become our family in Israel. Mayanot has been a bit of a lifeline for us."
SAGE ADVICE: "You really have to want it to make it work. People who come here half-heartedly go back to where they came from. It's an all or nothing lifestyle. You have to take the good with the bad. Can I sum it up in any more one-liners? I don't know, that last one has me singing the theme to The Facts of Life." Continuing, I find it better not to enter into things with expectations, which is good, because you pretty much have to make it on your own here. Granted, there are some very helpful people who have been through the system and are willing to help you out, but it's confusing and frustrating and you just have to smile while you get the Israeli yelling mentality thrown your way."
At the end of the day it all comes down to her search for peace for her neshamah, the point of life, according to Devra. And does she have it? "I just know that I've learned, in my two years as an Israeli and almost four years in Israel that I made the right choice. Living in Israel is for me."
Aliyah - immigration to Israel, literally means 'going up'
Olim - plural Hebrew for oleh, an immigrant, someone who has made aliyah
Baal tshuvah - someone who has returned to a traditionally observant way of life.
Tsnius - or tsniut, depending on pronunciation, means modest
Neshamah - means soul
Chevre - the folks you like


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FORT HOOD, Texas — The military jury deciding the fate of U.S. Army Major Nidal Hasan was slated on Wednesday to begin deliberations on whether he should be sentenced to death for the November 2009 shooting rampage at Fort Hood, Texas.
The same jury of 13 officers convicted Hasan of killing 13 people and wounding 31 others, most of them unarmed soldiers, at the central Texas base.
Hasan, an Army psychiatrist, declined to make any statement nor present any evidence in his defense on Tuesday, ahead of the deliberations.
"The defense rests," said Hasan, who has acted as his own attorney.
The jury can decide to sentence him to death or to life in prison. If the jury unanimously recommends death, Hasan could face lethal injection, possibly making him the first U.S. soldier to be executed by the U.S. military since 1961.
Hasan said in his opening statement on Aug. 6 that he was the gunman and that he had switched sides in what he considered to be a U.S. war on Islam.
He opened fire at the base on November 5, 2009, just weeks before he was to be deployed to Afghanistan.
Standby defense attorneys for Hasan attempted on Tuesday to present so-called mitigating evidence to argue for a life sentence, instead of the death penalty, including details on his background, family life, education, military experience and logs of his behavior in jail.
"If no one makes a case for life, there is only death," said Lieutenant Colonel Kris Poppe, one of the attorneys assigned to Hasan's case.
But Hasan objected to the effort on his behalf, telling Judge Colonel Tara Osborn he had "overzealous defense counsel."
The judge ruled in Hasan's favor, saying he should be allowed to control his side of the case.
"Major Hasan is the captain of his own ship," the judge said after repeatedly reminding Hasan that he could mount a stronger defense of his life.
An American-born Muslim, Hasan earlier told mental health evaluators he wanted to become a martyr, and lawyers assisting him have said he was actively seeking the death penalty.
Hasan, 42, has disputed that claim.
The discussions about Hasan making little or no effort to argue for his life took place without the jury present.
Hasan, 42, who uses a wheelchair after being paralyzed when shot by police to end the rampage, was convicted on Friday of 45 counts of premeditated murder and attempted premeditated murder.
Twenty family members and victims gave evidence during the prosecution's side of the sentencing phase, recounting heart wrenching stories about their loss, grief and efforts to rebuild their lives. The prosecution rested its case on Tuesday.
Phillip Warman, the widower of Lt. Col. Juanita Warman, 55, testified that he drank heavily for eight months after she was murdered at Fort Hood.
Battling suicidal thoughts, Warman said he had a friend remove all the weapons from his home.
"I didn't trust myself," he said. "I was doing it with slow weapons, with alcohol."
Now sober, Warman said he takes his sobriety coins from Alcoholics Anonymous, presented to mark recovery milestones, and pushes them into the ground at his wife's grave at Arlington National Cemetery.
A death sentence for Hasan would mean the start of a lengthy process requiring the approval of the Fort Hood commanding general, and the U.S. president, in order for there to be an execution. (Additional reporting by Jana J. Pruet; Editing by Bob Burgdorfer)

subset: commoncrawl


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Psy's single "Gangnam Style" has sold more than 2 million copies, the Recording Industry Association of America Inc. said Saturday.
The South Korean rapper is currently on a tour of Europe before moving on to the United States.
He is scheduled to appear Sunday on the MTV Europe Music Awards in Frankfurt, before heading Nov. 18 to Los Angeles to perform at the American Music Awards.
He is then scheduled to appear Nov. 22 on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno."


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Wilfried Zaha is considered one of England's main future players by many pundits, coaches and certainly Manchester United.
United are famous for allowing young players out on loan to other Premier League clubs, whereas clubs like Chelsea and Man City tend to let their youngsters develop away from the Premier League.
Tom Cleverley, Danny Welbeck and Jonny Evans are recent examples of United's system, whereas Gael Kakuta, Vladimir Weiss and John Guidetti are examples of City and Chelsea's.
Now, whatever people say, United's three are far better known and are far more likely to succeed, partly because of the clubs the players are at, but also because Cleverley, Welbeck and Evans are all Premier League proven.
So when BBC Sport reported that United had been urged to send Zaha out on loan, by the very scout who first recommended him to them, I only thought of one club where he might go; Crystal Palace.
Of course he could work at any other club. But if he wants to prove himself, somewhere where he's used to, where the fans already love him and where the club knows his game and where he knows the club's game could be season changing for Palace, and could be career changing for Zaha.
Should he go on loan and keep them up, or help with it, not only will he be seen as a Palace legend, but he will have proven himself in the league.
If not then we all know he has enough to be a Premier League player and we all know it's a team game and he cannot be blamed for their relegation.
Many have compared Zaha to Victor Moses, another former Palace player. He opted for Wigan rather than the other sides he was linked with, namely Chelsea, Man Utd, Man City, Arsenal and Barcelona, before moving to Chelsea and then Liverpool, where he playing fairly regular Premier League football.
Regular football is what Zaha's United founder Dave Webb thinks Zaha needs; "He would benefit from playing more competitive football and a loan move would help with his development," Webb told BBC Sport. However "He won't let it affect him too much," added Webb talking about the lack of competitive football Wilfried Zaha has played.
Zaha has also been linked to Newcastle which would be a better move should it work, although from Zaha's point of view Palace may be a more suited move.
Personally I believe United would benefit from sending Zaha out on loan, either to Palace or sending Zaha on loan to a club along with new right back Guillermo Varela and maybe Adnan Januzaj also.
They might even benefit from sending the trio to the same club, it's always a good idea to send youngsters together to the same club so they get working with each other. However another half-season loan would do Palace, United and Zaha some good.
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Figures this week reported that McFarlane Toys has announced the lineup for their third assortment of comic book based "The Walking Dead" action figures. We now have the first prototype images, courtesy of Bigbadtoystore.
Slated for release in June 2014, "The Walking Dead Comic Book" Series 3 will consist of the following…
RICK GRIMES: Our latest Rick Grimes action figure features the main character of The Walking Dead as he appeared following the fall of the prison. After losing his new home, his right hand, his wife, and even his newborn daughter to the Governor, a tougher, harsher Rick emerged from the rubble. Far from his beginnings as a clean-cut sheriff, this new version of Rick shows the scars of survival and loss that have shaped him throughout his struggle to survive. Figure features a bandaged stump on his right arm; long, unkempt hair and beard; and a ragged t-shirt with jeans. This battle-hardened version of Rick also comes heavily armed – ready to stop any threat, whether living or undead. Figure includes hatchet, revolver, shotgun, and rifle.
ANDREA: One of the original members of the Atlanta camp, Andrea has grown to become a capable defender of Rick Grimes and his band of survivors. Although she had never fired a gun before, Andrea discovered she had a natural skill with firearms, quickly becoming an expert sharpshooter and defending the group through the scope of a rifle. Like Rick, she has suffered pain and loss, and been left scarred – both with the physical scars of an attack from a knife-wielding serial killer, and the emotional scars of losing her sister and her beloved Dale. Our figure of Andrea features this skilled marksman in her prison aftermath attire of a tank top, torn jeans, and gloves. Figure includes her signature scoped rifle, plus a pistol and a knife for closer-range threats.
PUNK ZOMBIE: Our Punk Rock Zombie blends the horror of zombies with the rebellious aesthetics of punk rock to create a visually unique and unforgettable figure. Inspired by page 17 of The Walking Dead #30, you'll need something bigger than a safety pin to fend off this foe! As the prison survivors brace for an attack from the Governor, Dale spots Tyreese returning from a dangerous mission. With only his suit of riot gear to protect him, Tyreese charges through a field full of walkers – including one with a tall, punk mohawk. Our interpretation of this distinctive undead shambler fills out what isn't shown in the comic, adding classic punk details like a spiked collar and cuffs, studded belt with anarchy buckle, ripped jeans, and combat boots. Figure also comes with guitar accessory – so your survivors can wield an "axe" against the rest of your zombie hordes.
DWIGHT: A relatively new addition to The Walking Dead, Dwight was introduced in the memorable "Something to Fear" storyline surrounding the series' shocking 100th issue. A top lieutenant of Negan and his so-called "Saviors," Dwight led an attack on Rick's group in the Alexandria safe zone. Using his signature crossbow, Dwight suddenly and unexpectedly killed a major character, dealing a crushing blow to the sheltered community. Life under Negan's rule has not been kind to Dwight. When his wife disobeyed Negan's draconian rules, he punished them both by branding and scarring Dwight's face with a hot iron. Such treatment has pushed Dwight to rebellion. Now a double-agent, Dwight is working with Rick and the combined forces of Alexandria, the Hilltop, and the Kingdom to overthrow the ruthless dictator. Our figure of Dwight features the scarred Savior in his sleeveless shirt and vest, complete with bandages and burned face. Figure includes Dwight's crossbow and a hook to attach it to his belt.


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The band Os Mutantes has a storied history in South America.
Formed in 1966 in Brazil, and often playing instruments that they made themselves, they fused elements of psychedelic rock and Tropicália.
Os Mutantes enjoyed considerable success for about a decade, putting out a half a dozen albums before breaking up in 1978.
The band lay dormant for nearly 25 years, until they agreed to play a festival in 2006.
And that's when they found that they had a new generation of young fans.
It turned out that Os Mutantes had become somewhat legendary during their 25-year hiatus. It didn't hurt that they'd picked up accolades from David Byrne of the Talking Heads to Kurt Cobain, among others.
So, they headed into the studio and recorded their tenth album Fool Metal Jack, and are now touring in support of it.
They appeared in Tucson in May. The day after the show, the band's founder Sérgio Dias dropped by the Arizona Public Media studios recently to talk about the second life of Os Mutantes.
Hear the complete Spotlight Session with Os Mutantes:


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No. 1 Notre Dame at Southern Cal
Notre Dame (11-0) is on the brink of a trip to the BCS title game, needing only a win in the Coliseum to wrap up the spot. USC redshirt freshman Max Wittek makes his first career start in place of injured Matt Barkley (sprained shoulder). USC has won nine of the last 10 meetings.
No. 2 Alabama vs. Auburn
Tigers have won seven of the eight games played in Tuscaloosa. Tigers freshman QB Jonathan Wallace, making his fourth career start, hasn't reached 200 passing yards in a game. Alabama RBs Eddie Lacy and T.J. Yeldon have combined for 1,679 rushing yards and 21 TDs, while the Tigers have the SEC's worst rushing defense.
No. 3 Georgia vs. Georgia Tech
Bulldogs' Aaron Murray leads nation in passing efficiency (157.11) and needs only 14 yards to become the first SEC QB to pass for 3,000 in three straight seasons.
No. 4 Ohio State vs. No. 20 Michigan
Host Buckeyes, who have won the last seven meetings, eyeing sixth unbeaten, untied season in 123 years of football. The Wolverines are No. 1 in nation in pass defense, giving up 152 yards a game.
No. 5 Oregon at No. 16 Oregon State
Ducks have nation's fourth-ranked offense, averaging 548.3 yards a game, while the host Beavers have the nation's No. 14 rushing defense, allowing opponents only 108.7 yards per game.
No. 6 Florida at No. 10 Florida State
Seminoles fifth-year senior EJ Manuel has quietly put together a sparkling season, connecting on 68.8 percent of his passes for 2,785 yards and 21 TDs with five interceptions. Florida State's Dustin Hopkins is the NCAA career scoring leader for kickers (448 points) and three field goals shy of becoming the all-time leader.
No. 8 LSU at Arkansas
Tigers, who have 29 sacks this season, are third in the SEC in pass defense, allowing 179.4 yards per game. Razorbacks senior WR Cobi Hamilton, with 165 career catches, needs just four Friday to set the school record.
No. 9 Texas A&M vs. Missouri
Aggies freshman QB Johnny Manziel is second in the nation in total offense with 378 yards a game. Classmate Mike Evans has 67 catches for 923 yards.
No. 11 Stanford at No. 15 UCLA
Cardinal senior RB Stepfan Taylor is 42 yards shy of surpassing Darrin Nelson's school record of 4,033. Bruins QB Brett Hundley has completed 76 percent of passes in last four games for 1,057 yards and 11 TDs with just two interceptions.
No. 12 Clemson vs. No. 13 South Carolina
The Tigers are seeking their 14th straight victory at Death Valley, while South Carolina is hoping for a fourth consecutive win in the series. QB Tajh Boyd and Tigers gained more than 700 yards in two of the past three games.
No. 14 Oklahoma vs. No. 22 Oklahoma State
The Sooners gave up a school-record 778 yards in a 50-49 victory at West Virginia last week; the Cowboys rank third in the nation in scoring and total yardage.
No. 17 Nebraska at Iowa
Visiting Huskers will get a spot Friday in the Big Ten title game against Wisconsin with victory.
No. 19 Louisville vs. Connecticut
Host Cardinals led by QB Teddy Bridgewater, who has completed nearly 71 percent of his passes for 2,858 yards and 21 TDs. UConn has scored just 3 second-half points in its last five games.
No. 21 Rutgers at Pittsburgh
Rutgers LB Khaseem Greene leads the Big East in tackles and forced fumbles. Panthers QB Tino Sunseri has gone 206 pass attempts without an interception, the nation's second-longest active streak.
No. 23 Kent State vs. Ohio
The Golden Flashes, ranked in the AP poll for the first time since 1973, average 244.6 yards rushing, and RB Dri Archer goes into Friday averaging 10.3 yards per carry.
No. 24 Northern Illinois at Eastern Michigan
The host Eagles go into Friday's game allowing 486 yards and almost 37 points per game.
No. 25 Mississippi State at Mississippi
Junior QB Tyler Russell has thrown for 34 career TDs, second on Bulldogs' all-time list.
No. 25 Utah State vs. Idaho
A win secures host Aggies' first 10-win season and first outright league championship since 1936.
Associated Press


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In the recently published Unscrew Humanity & Improve Capitalism, Humanatapilism, Part Deux author Aaron R. Lema explains a simple approach to redistributing our humanity through free market capitalism. That approach is based on the formula Psquared = P (R-T=N) + D = Q. This formula, I'll be it strange looking, allows businesses and consumers to work together to improve the quality of life, or Q, of our fellow human beings. And working together to improve the quality of life of our fellow human beings is how we are going to build a better economy.
For more information on humanatapilism, the formulas variables, and how your participation in humanatapilism can help build a better economy, purchase a copy of Unscrew Humanity & Improve Capitalism, Humanatapilism, Part Deux by author Aaron R. Lema from Amazon Books today.


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The following is a rundown of all action taken by the Terrebonne Parish School Board at its meeting Tuesday night.
The following is a rundown of all action taken by the Terrebonne Parish School Board at its meeting Tuesday night. All votes were unanimous; all members were present.
Action: Introduced the State District Network Team, which will help the district communicate with the state education department as it implements the slew of recent education changes.
Action: Allowed LA6 Volleyball to use Terrebonne High School's gym from January to April from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., provided the organization pays all insurance and maintenance costs.
Action: Allowed the child nutrition department to seek bids for meats and frozen items and canned and dry goods.
Action: Allowed the child nutrition department to seek bids for supplies and disposables, detergents, linen services, milk products and bread.
Action: Allowed the child nutrition department to seek bids for kitchen equipment.
Action: Allowed the plant manager to seek bids for custodial cleaning products and a service contract.
Action: Accepted a $59,890 proposal for concrete storm drains at H.L. Bourgeois High's new freshman center from LA Contracting Enterprise in Thibodaux.
Action: Added 30 days to the H.L. Bourgeois freshman center project, moving the completion date from Jan. 31 to March 2.
Action: Adopted a $171,089 budget for special revenue funds, money that comes from various outside sources. That budget is $45,187 larger this year.
Action: Continued banking with J.P. Morgan Chase.
Action: Accepted a $496 flood insurance proposal for 240 Barrow St. and a $915 flood insurance proposal for 623 Belanger St. from USI Southwest, through Harleysville Mutual Insurance Co.
Action: Approved allowing three Jobs for America's Graduates specialists to go to a national training seminar in Nashville, Tenn., from July 10-12. The program is paying for the trip.
Action: Named Feb. 4-8 as National School Counseling Week.
Action: Recognized three new appointees: Marjorie Ambrose, English curriculum specialist at the central office; Sandra LaRose, principal at Bourg Elementary School; and Gerard Lotz, assistant principal at H.L. Bourgeois High School.
Action: Approved a family and medical leave of absence for Ginny Prejean, teacher at Houma Jr. High, until May 3 to care for a newborn.
Action: Approved a family and medical leave for Brittney Lottinger, teacher at West Park Elementary, through May 7 for medical reasons. Approved an unpaid leave from May 8 to May 23 for medical reasons.
Action: Approved a family and medical leave for Jean Lawson, cafeteria worker at Mulberry Elementary, until May 10 for medical reasons.
Action: Approved a family and medical leave for Becky Robertson, teacher at Grand Caillou Middle, through April 10 for medical reasons.
Action: Rescheduled the School Board meeting on May 21 for 5:30 p.m. instead of 7 p.m. because of South Terrebonne High's graduation. Rescheduled the executive committee meeting that day for 4:30 p.m. and the Construction Company Board of Directors meeting to 5 p.m.
The next regular board meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 19 at the School Board office, 209 Stadium Drive, Houma. All meetings are open to the public, which can comment on any item before the board.


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On The Spot shows officers appreciation
BLACKFOOT — Derek Preece, owner of On The Spot Cleaning, offered his services free of charge to the police force to "give back to the men and women who give so much to us daily. It is our way of giving back."
The cleaning the police vehicles has occurred for the last 6 years.
On The Spot Cleaning offered a full detail of the vehicles. Chief of Police David Moore pointed out that the city force has 28 marked vehicles and five unmarked vehicles alone, not counting the vehicles of the sheriff's office. "It is a lot of work and we are very appreciative to Derek and his crew for doing this," Moore said.
Preece said "we clean the vehicles in spring. After winter and all the debris from the snow it is needed. The officers take care of their vehicles which makes it a lot easier."
On The Spot also conducted a luncheon for the officers.


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Did you read today's front page stories & breaking news?
Today's Top SOA Links
From the Wires
Research and Markets: Online Retail In China 2012 - Retail Capabilities Ranking
By: Business Wire
Jan. 16, 2013 09:37 AM
Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/fw2xn2/online_retail_in) has announced the addition of the "Online Retail In China 2012 - Retail Capabilities Ranking" report to their offering.
The aim of the Online Retail in China 2012 - Retail Capabilities Ranking report is to provide insightful, fact-based analysis of market, retail industry and competition to help businesses make the best decisions on their business expansion and marketing strategies in China.
This report provides a market overview of online retail in China and highlights 28 key B2C players in the market. Using Retail Insights Asia's proprietary Retail Capabilities Index, we measure each retailer's ability to succeed long term in the Chinese market and rank them accordingly to identify the long term winners in the market.
Each online retailer is ranked based on seven key performance indicators such as innovation excellence, data-driven decision making, collaboration with suppliers etc. 2012 is the first in the series of our Online Retail Capabilities Ranking that will be published and updated annually.
In this report, 12 select retailers will be profiled in greater depth to provide a better understanding of the retailer's marketing ability, supply chain & logistics functions, brands and products (merchandising) management, order fulfillment and expansion plans.
This report is the first in the China Retail Insights Series to provide an in-depth analysis of the retail trade in China. This Online Retail Capabilities Ranking is also the first of its kind globally.
Companies Mentioned
- 51buy
- 99read
- Coo8
- Dangdang
- Ihush
- Jingdong Mall
- Joyo Amazon
- Lafaso
- Lamiu
- Letao
- Lusen
- Masamaso
- Mbaobao
- Mecox Lane (M18)
- Menglu
- Moonbasa
- New7
- Newegg
- No5
- Okbuy
- Redbaby
- S.cn (Skomart)
- Taobao
- Vancl (include VJIA)
- VIP shop
- Xiu
- Yaodian100
- Yihaodian
For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/fw2xn2/online_retail_in
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The Institute communicates its scientific and educational information in a number of ways. One major outlet is peer-reviewed publications and reports. Cary Institute staff regularly publish in the best-rated journals in their respective fields.
Export 8 results:Sort by: Author [ Title] Type Year
Filters: Author is Reiners, W.A. [Clear All Filters]
A vegetation map for the Catskill Park, NY, derived from multi-temporal LandSat Imagery and GIS Data", Northeast. Natural, vol. 11, p. 421-442, 2004., "
Trajectory analysis of forest canopy effects on chemical flux in throughfall", Biogeochemistry, vol. 1, p. 361-373, 1985., "
Factors controlling throughfall chemistry in a balsam fir canopy: a modeling approach", Biogeochemistry, vol. 8, p. 239-264, 1989., "
Chemical interactions of a forest canopy with the atmosphere", in H. Moses, V. A. Mohnen, and D. H. Slade (eds.). Proceedings of Forest-Atmosphere Interaction Workshop, Lake Placid, New York, October 1985, 1987, p. 111-146., "
Canopy structure and cloud water deposition in subalpine coniferous forests", Tellus, vol. 38B, p. 319-327, 1986., "
The biogeochemistry of sulfur at Hubbard Brook", Biogeochemistry, vol. 60, p. 235-316, 2002., "
The biogeochemistry of potassium at Hubbard Brook", Biogeochemistry, vol. 25, p. 61-125, 1994., "
The biogeochemistry of calcium at Hubbard Brook", Biogeochemistry, vol. 41, p. 89-173, 1998., "


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Game 1
Farmingdale State, 12
Maritime, 1
Game 2
Farmingdale State, 8
Maritime, 7
Farmingdale, N.Y. - The Farmingdale State softball team (6-3, 2-0 Skyline) won both games of a doubleheader against Skyline Conference opponent Maritime College (3-7, 0-4 Skyline) today in Farmingdale, N.Y. The Rams claimed victory quickly in the first game, 12-1. The second game was tied going into bottom of the second before freshman left fielder Kim Ferraiolo (Staten Island, N.Y./Tottenville) singled to center fielder with two outs, scoring the winning run to make the score 8-7.
In game one, senior catcher Gina Moscato (Hicksville, N.Y./Hicksville) went 2-for-2 with two triples, four runs scored, two runs batted in, two walks and a stolen base. Junior shortstop Amanda Sperling (Massapequa, N.Y./Massapequa) also finished 2-for-2 with a double, three runs scored, two runs batted in and two walks.
In game two, Ferraiolo finished 3-for-5 with two runs scored and a stolen base including the winning run-scoring single for the Rams.
Junior first baseman Rachel Rennie lead the Privateers' offense, going 3-for-6 with two double, three RBIs, and a run scored.
Farmingdale will faced Mount Saint Mary's tomorrow (Wednesday) in another Skyline doubleheader at 3:30pm in Newburgh, N.Y.


text:
Elburn resident Jim Goodwin, 37, was working at Schmidt's Towne Tap in Elburn when he took time out to answer 13 questions for the Kane County Chronicle's Al Lagattolla.
Where did you grow up? Geneva
Do you have any pets? I have a dog. Her name is Lanta, and she's a husky-bulldog.
Who would you in the movie of your life? Jim Gaffigan
What was your first job? I was a paper boy.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? Forest firefighter. I went to fire science school, and then I decided I didn't want to be a firefighter anymore. I went into culinary, and I've been cooking ever since.
What is a movie you would recommend? "True Romance"
What is your favorite charity? Habitat for Humanity
Do you have any hobbies? Hiking, outdoor sports and cooking
What do you do here? I cook. And I cook at home. I cook all day long.
What are the best things to get at Schmidt's? The burgers are phenomenal, and our steaks on the weekends are great. We do an awesome fish fry. I'm smoking some turkey breasts outside for later this week. … We get bands in here every other weekend.
What is your favorite local restaurant? Schmidt's
What is an interesting factoid about yourself? I absolutely love history, all history. In high school, I hated it. I didn't understand why we needed to know anything about anything, but now I can't get enough of it.
Whose jersey are you wearing? This is my high school number. A friend of mine got it for my birthday. I played at Geneva. I graduated in 1994. I was a center. I played against Joey Goodspeed in high school, and I broke my wrist. There's another factoid.


text:
John Martin & Co. Ltd, colloquially known as John Martin's or simply Johnnies, was an Adelaide-based company which ran a popular chain of department stores in South Australia. It operated for more than 130 years, from 1866 until its closure in 1998. Johnnies, owned by the prominent Hayward family for the majority of its existence, became an Adelaide icon, responsible for the famous Adelaide Christmas Pageant.
John Martin's was a respected "middle market" retailer, with a reputation for quality, range and value. Indeed, for many years, their claim was that they were the "Big Store" in Rundle Street- Adelaide's major shopping precinct.
They had business links with other major regional department store retailers (Sydney's Grace Brothers and Tasmania's FitzGerald's) with joint ownership of the "Intercontinental Buying Group". This was in an era when Australian department store retailing was largely State based.


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|2012-12-08, 14:39
|Link #1
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Someone help me out!
I really need an anime recommendation. What I want is something with a fair amount of action, suspense and good story. It doesn't have to be too recent, but it can't be too old! It also can't be too childish(Bakugan, Beyblade, Yugioh, all that crap). I think that's a given though.
For a basic idea of what I'm into, I'm currently watching Sword Art Online, which I love and Naruto Shippuuden. I know the latter isn't favored by a lot of people, but I've been watching it since episode one and it wouldn't feel right to just abandon it. If it weren't for non-stop fillers, it would probably get more attention as it has some nice eye-candy action lol. The games are also really fun, especially the latest installment.
I also really liked FMA:Brotherhood, Basilisk, Yu Yu Hakusho and Ranma 1/2. Also, for the love of god, please don't suggest Fairy Tail. I've never liked One Piece, so I know i won't like it. The art style just turns me off!
I also already saw Bleach, which was OK. There wasn't much story other than the "go fight these guys and save the girl" formula. Action was good though.
Oh yeah, forgot one more thing...No mechs please! That goes for Eureka 7, Gundam, FMP, NGE, you name it. Thank you.
|2012-12-08, 14:49
|Link #2
Prefectural Magical Girl
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Paris, France
I highly recommends Hunter X Hunter (the artwork might be a little childish, but the story is more mature however), Busou Renkin and Code: Breaker. They are short, but they fit the request. Guilty Crown is also a given.
|2012-12-08, 14:57
|Link #4
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
I started watching HXH, the new one, a little while ago and got upto episode 3 or 4 and I didn't get the urge to continue it. I'm guessing it gets better later on? As for the others, I'll definitely check them out. Thank you!
@Sackett I've seen that series already and as I said in my request, I'm not a big fan of mechs. But I have to admit, Fumoffu is one of the funniest anime I've ever seen.
|2012-12-08, 15:02
|Link #5
Prefectural Magical Girl
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Paris, France
|2012-12-08, 15:12
|Link #6
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
|2012-12-08, 15:13
|Link #7
Prefectural Magical Girl
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Paris, France
|2012-12-08, 16:08
|Link #9
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Yeh H x H does get better as it progresses. It best arc would be Phantom arc which is airing now. IF something you can try the old version of the series.
Fairy Tail's art is much better than One Piece
At least characters don't have massive mouths, massive eyes and Pinocchio noses.
Hmm... do you mind if I will include some darker titles?
Baccano! - great anime with great characters and unique story telling. Episode 1 is the worst of the bunch.
I know you said nothing old but Berserk is a really good choice. If you really can't stand the art, you can try newly released movies but in all honesty old TV series are better.
Claymore - unique art with dark and interesting story.
D.Gray-man - reminds a bit of Bleach but I think it is 10 times better. At least it doesn't have dumb "Save the girls" arcs. Well it kinda does but not really.
Fate/Stay Night and Fate/Zero - F/Z is much better than F/SN but it is a newly released prequel and if you watch it first, you'll kill all the enjoyment from F/ST since it reveals almost all its mysteries.
Ga-Rei Zero - "Will you kill the one you love because of love?", nice action and story.
Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica - before you twist your face in disgust, believe me this series are much better than it looks. Cute art is deceiving mechanism, story is much darker and enjoyable than you think. At least check first 3 episodes.
Mirai Nikki - this series have an enjoyable story though I didn't like the last few episodes.
Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom - more heavy series about people who were forced to become assassins.
Soul Eater - a good shounen choice.
Toaru Majutsu no Index - are nice action series.
Hopefully some of this will be to your liking.
What the hell does "111" mean and what did I say wrong in order to earn a neg rep?! 0_0
I didn't bitch about anything and most of the series I recommended are world wide famous!
Last edited by kitten320; 2012-12-08 at 18:26.
|2012-12-09, 00:50
|Link #11
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
It's funny cause when I read Busou Renkin, I was like that name rings a bell. Then I looked it up and it was very familliar. Then it hit me. He's a playable character in Jump! Ultimate Stars. Looks like I'll be checking that one out, his fighting style was appealing to me in that game. Thanks to all!
@kitten320 As for the negative rep, I have no idea what happened because you gave a really good recommendation so I would never do that lol. But thanks for your suggestions!
|2012-12-09, 01:36
|Link #12
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Arcadia Bay.
Age: 25
I would suggest staying away from Berserk movie - It can only be appreciated by people who have seen the TV series since a lot subtlities are missing in the movie. That said, definitely watch the TV series. The only things that surpass it in my book are Miyazaki and Ghibli movies.
And, I second most of Kitten's recommendation.
|2012-12-09, 07:36
|Link #13
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Oh well, as long as it wasn't you. It's fine
|2012-12-09, 16:12
|Link #15
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
It probably was. In any case, i gave buso renkin a look and the opening song was strangely familliar. I even remember this papillon fellow. I feel like Ive watched it before, but idk if i did. Its very confusing :s.
I also gave HxH a second chance and im hooked! Reminds me a lot of yu yu hakusho! Thanks again!
I also heard about Accel World being similar to SAO, but idk if its any good? Thoughts?
Last edited by stunt296; 2012-12-09 at 16:39.
|2012-12-09, 19:29
|Link #16
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
No surprises there, H x H is done by same author as Yu Yu Hakusho.
Just for information, since anime has 2 versions, some things are handed better in one and some in other. For example I prefer conclusion to Phantom arc in old OVA more.
I'll be blunt here... I personally hate SAO. I have a lot of issues with this series.
Accel World is far from being perfect but I prefer it more. It has a completely different story and completely different take on online gaming. MC is a massive crybaby though... SAO is better in that area.
Since you like SAO it might be not your thing but I would still give it a try just to see the differences and decide if you want to watch anymore.
|2012-12-10, 07:44
|Link #17
Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: PH. Davao City
Darker Than Black - en years ago, an inscrutable and abnormal territory known as Hell's Gate appeared in Tokyo, altering the sky and wreaking havoc on the landscape. The real stars disappeared, replaced by false stars. During this time, people possessing various special abilities emerged, each capable of different supernatural feats - these are known as Contractors. Each Contractor has a corresponding fake star, which reacts to their activities idk if you will Like but its CooL.
|2012-12-12, 22:42
|Link #18
The Dreamer
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
To Aru Majutsu no Index seems to fill all your requirements, in fact i've only gotten to epsiode 10, (out of 34 i think) but i'm still watching it and keeps me entertained so you should try it
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FREDERICK, Md. (AP) — A Frederick County commissioner is suggesting that some rural children take public transit to school to reduce the cost of running school buses.
Republican Billy Shreve told The Frederick News-Post Tuesday that he would have no reservations about children riding with adults on the county's TransIt Services buses. Shreve says that if those buses aren't safe for children, then the transit system has a problem.
The county school superintendent says school officials will consider the idea.
But a TransIt Services official says driving children to schools outside the current route system could conflict with the agency's mission of getting people to areas where businesses, stores, doctors and services are concentrated.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)


text:
Youth movement taking place within the Bulldog Wrestling Program
Just two years ago, Borger Wrestling Head Coach Antonio Murga was enjoying the luxury of having an experienced squad that could match up well against any team in the region and had six wrestlers qualify for the state tournament.However, over the last two years those state wrestlers have moved on, and now Murga finds himself leading a young group of wrestlers for the 2011-12 season.Entering the season, the Bulldog Wrestling team has just one senior, Dylan Huffine, and three juniors, Anthony Bates, Jacob Cosper, and Dustin Tucker, leaving the rest of the spots in the various weight divisions to be filled with sophomores and freshmen.Due to having such a young group, Murga said his main focus is seeing each wrestler get better, saying, "Most of the freshmen are coming in with no wrestling experience, so we are spending a lot of time teaching the basics in order to build a foundation. That is what we are going to focus on until we get it right because having a solid foundation is going to pay off and give each of them something they can resort to if they get themselves in trouble on the mat."Murga added, "We have a group that is working hard and wants to be here. Right now our main goal is to take baby steps and see improvement in each match. It might be a tough year because we will have several 14-year olds going against 18-year olds." Murga said he has already seen progress and some promise from his younger wrestlers. Some of the promising freshmen include Zach Robinson, who has spent several years in the Borger Youth Wrestling program, Uriel Orona, a fourth place finisher in the Dumas Takedown Tournament on November 19th, and Ben Cosper.Other freshmen on the team include Alvin Bustillos, Kirklan Chisholm, Colton DeRouen, Julian Juarez, Andrew Munoz, Antwane Sanders, and AJ Torres.Murga expects good things from the two sophomores returning to the team Gaspar Esparza and Isiah Martinez, who Murga said has shown a lot of improvement over the past year.As for his four upper classmen, Murga said he expects each of them to have solid seasons and be able to lead the team by example.Murga said, "We don't have anyone that is a loud emotional type, but our guys do a good job of coming in and doing what is asked of them everyday."Murga is quick to say he knows his team will experience some ups and downs this year. However, the coach believes his team has the ability to qualify several for the regional tournament come February.Murga said, "We know we are going to be a work in progress all season and the kids understand that. But if we stay focused and committed to working hard there is the possibility we can have several make it to regionals."Borger's first home wrestling match will take place on December 15th against Amarillo High beginning at 5:00 p.m.


text: Date of Journey: 17/06/2008 Starting from: Bhilai Destination: Amarnath Crew: Pawan, Rajkumar, Rishikant, Santosh, Sudarshan, Kamal and Akhilesh. We started our journey at 6 pm on a train from Durg to Nagpur and reached Nagpur at 12 in the night. We took another train from Nagpur at 2:30 am for Jammu. We reached Jammu at 10 am the next day. From Jammu we took a 12 … [Read more...]


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Original URL: https://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/07/10/brother_big_printer_rollout/
Brother unpacks selection of 17 colour printers
Posted in Personal Tech, 10th July 2007 14:24 GMT
Printer maker Brother unveiled a veritable shopful of products today in London, including a selection of colour laser and inkjets, and both single-function and all-in-ones devices.
Brother HL-4040CN laser printer
The standalone laser printer line-up is an all-colour range, all networkable, two via Ethernet - the HL-4040CN and the HL-4050CDN - and the third, the top-of-the-line HL-4070CDW over Wi-Fi. For the non-networked, they all have USB 2.0 ports, and if there isn't even a PC handy, they can print documents kept on a USB Flash drive.
Brother also announced a quartet of all-in-ones which add scanning and copying to the print facility and, in the case of the two MFC models, faxing too. Again, all four are networkable, three - the DCP-9040CN, the DCP-9045CDN and the MFC-9440CN - using Ethernet and the fourth, the MFC-9840CDW, using Wi-Fi.
The printers range in price from £299 to £449. The DCP-9040CN and MFC-9440CN will be priced at £429 and £499, respectively, but Brother said it hadn't decided yet how much the other two will retail for.
Brother DCP-770CW wireless inkjet all-in-one
But the roll-out doesn't end there: ten inkjets comprise Brother's revised low-end line up, five that print, scan and copy, and five more that add faxing to the features list. Moving up each line, you get first basic, mono LCD screens, followed by larger colour panels. They all have USB 2.0 ports, and all but the bottom-of-the-line models in each category have multi-format card readers for PC-less printing.
Brother MFC-260C inkjet all-in-one with fax
The top-of-the-line models in each category have wireless connectivity, while the next ones down have Ethernet networking
Brother MFC-885CW wireless inkjet all-in-one with fax
Prices range from a mere 50 quid up to a hardly bank-breaking £200, with all but the fax-fitted MFC-885CW arriving in August; that model is due to appear in shops in November. Most of the lasers will go on sale in August and September, though the two unpriced models are set to ship in October and November, respectively.


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Yes, they should. It should be a separate certification that allows doctors and consumers to chose medical devices with confidence.
Personally I don't trust the FDA with something like this nor do I think it would help to give them funding to expand their expertise in a field like security. I don't even trust the best in the private world with something like this: Microsoft, Apple, Google, IBM, I don't care they all have failed at security at some point. I have to imagine that our government's security agencies already have a generalized form of protection testing and certification within their own systems, why not reuse that process
I have to imagine that our government's security agencies already have a generalized form of protection
http://www.google.com/search?q=pentagon+hacked [google.com]
Personally I don't trust the FDA with something like this
Why not? They're the UL of medical devices. They're the ones who approved my eye implant. They're the ones who approve pacemakers. They're the ones we cyborgs rely on for safe implants.
I don't even trust the best in the private world with something like this: Microsoft, Apple, Google, IBM
The difference between the FDA and IBM is that you have no vote whatever over who runs IBM or what they do. The head of the FDA is appointed to the President, who you do have a vote in electing. Our power company is owned and operated by the city, and we've historically had the lowest rates and best uptime in the state. But they had a boondoggle that's going to raise rates, so I don't see the Mayor getting reelected unless the Democrats run someone REALLY bad.
I have to imagine that our government's security agencies already have a generalized form of protection testing and certification within their own systems, why not reuse that process and actually get some use and protection for citizens out of said government money vacuums?
That's exactly right -- the security people would be transferred to the FDA.
Complaints, at least ones not issued via Ouija board, would probably decrease
The FDA would be playing a massive game of catchup in that they have no experience in the security field. They're provably not very competent at the things they DO have expertise in http://health.msn.com/health-topics/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100198246&page=2 [msn.com]
It's like asking local law enforcement to start issuing engineering approval for car modifications that require blue prints.
I'm not sure security agencies model this problem well: a lot of their certification and/or protection methods come down to high costs (armed guards, lots of physical security, etc.) or long, slow, thorough auditing plus heavy screening of personnel, etc - the stuff the rabid anti-government folks scream about when the spending isn't directed at their favorite projects.
Meanwhile, private corporations merely treat customers as a cost-analysis problem, weighing their life versus lawsuit payout amounts, and ta
I think you miss the point of what they want to do.
They would test the security to a certain bar of expectation. Basically they will set the floor.
For example, they could hire security experts to break something, or more likely, they will have a set of attacks the item will be tested against.
Yes, some agency's of certification process for there systems. You know what? those aren't medical systems. And if you treat each system like they are the same, you will fault. That's a lot of the reason IT is a securit
You're suggesting that the government security apparatus supervise the design and testing of medical implants? Those people? The folks that have generated more torn tinfoil and broken keyboards than Microsoft, Google and Apple combined?
Here on Slashdot?
You sir, get this week's Internet Bravery Award. I hope you live long enough to savor it.
You've got a point, unfortunately, it isn't a good one.
I'll agree that there isn't anyone who deserved to be trusted in this way, but it's for damn sure that you can't trust nobody, which is what we've currently got.
Please note that what was proposed was a rating, not a permission. And this, too, I agree with. The FDA shouldn't have the right to prohibit the sale of things. They have repeatedly abused this against many different kinds of things. I don't even believe that they should be allowed to prohib
Of course the problem right
If magnets can be used to reset or interfere with a pacemaker, should ownership of magnets be considered a terrorist offense?
My refrigerator can take more lives on an airplane than your bottle of shampoo.
1) Can't abbreviate VLAN properly
2) A firewall for wireless devices
3) attracted attention in Washington = some politically connected consultant is making bank
Quick, TSA enact law forbidding laptops onboard airplanes, so the evil terrorist don't kill implanted people in flight!
Embed the device in concrete and sink to the bottom of the ocean. Virtually hack proof.
It's also great for annoying servers that won't patch and people who send meeting invites with no description...
Before worrying about security of the software, how about worrying about the correctness and fault-tolerance of the software and hardware?
Most famous is the Therac-25 [vt.edu] incident, but it's not the only one.
Security flaws are derived from incorrectness and lack of fault tolerance. It's part-in-parcel, and if you don't design security in from the start, it'll just become harder and harder to retrofit into the product later.
You can't tear someone open every month when you need to adjust their insulin pump.
I understand your point, but... As a user of an insulin pump myself, I'd like to clarify that it is an external device, usually carried on the belt or in a pocket, as it needs to be refilled every few days and adjusted quite often. There are implantable insulin pumps in existence, but these are primarily for research purposes, and are not commercial devices to treat diabetes.
A lot of these devices might need to be adjusted to make a patient "not fucking die" - it isn't about system patches, it's about making medical adjustments to things like the dosage/voltage/rate/etc that the device is pumping out.
OK, so use a physical connection; as I said, if you have a pacemaker then you're already scarred all to hell, what difference will an 1/8" serial plug make?
Someone below mentioned magnetic communications, which sounds just plain awesome.
Actually, the socket would add a great deal of ongoing risk of infection.
The thing is, it's not just for firmware updates. More commonly it's to alter the parameters of it's operation or even to adjust on the fly. For example, an implantable insulin pump may respond to the result of a glucose meter reading.
A better answer is to require a magnetic switch to be activated for the entire time communication occurs.
Whichever federal agency takes charge could offer a large reward for security holes/bugs found in applicable systems. The agency would validate claims, pay an applicable reward to those who reported the issue, then bill the offending company for the reward.
The idea is to make the reward large enough that it is more profitable for people to report a flaw then to abuse it. Government involvement would be the review of claimed flaws, not to access the security of every device. Private companies would then have a financial incentive to ensure their code is secure.
Their charter is for DoD computer systems, not medical devices. Another agency would be better... and of course they can always be asked to check out a medical device that will be provided to a head-of-state. Surely various regulations already cover other medical devices - what agency accredits those?
More ridiculous government nonsense.
There are already a million and one law about unauthorised computer access and there are already a million and one law about causing harm to people, and this situation falls under all of those provisions already.
This is just another way to raise the costs, increase government apparatus, increase government spending, lower the economic activity and probably this is going to end up costing a number of lives, as products are prevented from entering the market at all or soon enough at lower costs.
"Rich asshole"? Seriously, a pacemaker isn't just for the rich asshole. Failing to assess these devices for security controls would be ridiculous negligence. Malicious software has a tendency to spread where it can, it doesn't need a reason to compromise a pacemaker if its able to. I guarantee that if proper security controls aren't implemented in medical devices you will see deaths related to failed or compromised devices. It doesn't even have to be intended malice, if a piece of malware compromises a devi
Quite. A lot of our "medical devices" are actually software programs running on PCs. Many of them require a specific environment to run.
I can think of one package that will only run on: Windows XP32-bit (No service pack) and Java 1.4. It simply won't run on anything more recent (no idea why), and the developer of this (very expensive) package has gone bust, and the product is no-longer supported (but the finance department budgeted on a 10 year usable life-span, so it's not getting replaced for 10 years fol
If you don't protect a computer (whatever shape that computer comes in), some hacker somewhere will hack it just because they can. The fact that the computer controls a piece of factory equipment, city sewer system, a person's pacemaker or any other thing is irrelevant. Someone will hack it because they can, that's just the way the hacker works.
Companies have a habit of saying something can't be hacked, would be impractical to hack, or no one would want to hack our
Something definitely needs to be done because I can vouch that very few programmers even consider security, especially embedded software developers. It is worse than average in the medical industry since the idea of putting a medical device on a network is totally new to them. To put it in perspective, many new medical devices being built today use 9600 baud serial ports for communication.
Alternatively, you could change the law so that if someone hacks a medical device the hacker is not liable - the desig
We're already years behind the curve where I work (hospital) because FDA certification costs so much. Yay, because the vendor won't spend another $50K or so, our brand new IV pumps are stuck for eternity with 2.4GHz radios (802.11b/g). Also, because the older model that could manage 4 IV's at a time was so buggy, we're replacing them with the wireless ones that only do 1 IV. Wireless because the drug database updates can be pushed, saving a ton of time putting hands on each device. Now we add a bunch of ext
Dick Cheney had an LVAD, or a Left Ventricular Assist Device, implanted in 2010. Hmmmm.
While a competent security assessment is a very good idea, I highly doubt the FDA is capable of doing it. More likely this would result in another basically worthless "security" certification.
I'm not sure if the FDA should set computer security policies. That seems well outside their wheelhouse. That said, security policy on devices should be too dumb to fail.
I can see the virtue of a wireless programmable pacemaker. But the security system should be something that can't be tampered with... not because the security is good but because it LITERALLY cannot be tampered with... at all.
For example, instead of using bluetooth (just an example) or something that is a radio signal, maybe use a different
Although there has not yet been a high-profile case of such an attack
In other words, a literal "solution in search of a problem." And an excuse to give an already corrupt [wikipedia.org] and counterproductive [eprci.net] government agency more power.
Although there has not yet been a high-profile case of such an attack
In other words, a literal "solution in search of a problem."
Finally someone anticipates a problem before it happens, and they get shot down like this?
When it's being used as an excuse to pre-emptively give a government agency more power, yes. Isn't it bad enough that, typically, they wait for a crisis to happen before exploiting it? Now you're all ready to give them more power merely because of theorized or imagined crises?
Medical devices don't just include things like implantable equipment (such as implantable defibrillators, pacemakers, pumps, etc.) but analysis equipment, and more recently computer software running on regular PCs (such as electronic patient records, order management systems, digital X-ray system/picture archiving and communications systems), etc.
Implantable devices have been in the public eye recently because they don't use very secure protocols. Typically, the wireless controller transmits a command prefi
87,000$ Windows 2000 computers with a nice acquisition card in a custom box connected to the internet so all the doctors can look smart video conferencing in a dark room filled with LCD screens.
force them to let the hospital IT team to do windows updates / install there AV software / there firewall software.
Also they can't force the device to go connect to a 3rd party out site sever. If they need some kind of sever to talk to it must be open to being run in house with full admin the sever OS to the IT team so they can install the windows updates / AV software.
I'm pretty sure that regulation currently prohibits hospital IT and others to change the medical device software (yes, AV, drivers, OS also belongs to that) to some configuration which has not gone through validation testing.
then what about when crapware gets on a unpatched system and starts spamming the network and you can't block the system on the firewall as it needs to talk to outside systems?
then what about when crapware gets on a unpatched system and starts spamming the network and you can't block the system on the firewall as it needs to talk to outside systems?
Hospital IT can put a firewall between the medical device and the hospital network and configure it accordingly. Or detach the system from the network and call service.
FDA states on this topic pretty clearly (http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/AlertsandNotices/ucm189111.htm):
"All software changes that address cybersecurity threats should be validated before installation to ensure they do not affect the safety and effectiveness of the medical devices."
This pretty much means that the medical device manu
Should they get involved assessing medical devices against hackers? Maybe. But first how about getting them involved in assessing medical devices in general? Ok, so medical devices from the FDA's standpoint encompass everything from simple mechanical gizmos all the way up to complex microprocessor based devices. So, specifically in regard to the "computer" type devices, you know the FDA doesn't really "asses" them at all in general. Their requirements are for the manufacturers to "use industry best practice
The FDA is a millstone around the neck of freedom. It should not have the power to prohibit anything, only to certify some things as "approved". If everyone at the FDA were unemployed tomorrow it would only be what they deserve.
I have ways of making money that you know nothing of. -- John D. Rockefeller


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July 20, 1:00 PM - 2:50 PM @ Civic Center Cinema
When Hiccup and Toothless discover an ice cave that is home to hundreds of new wild dragons and the mysterious Dragon Rider, the two friends find themselves at the center of a battle to protect the peace.
July 20, 4:00 PM - 5:50 PM @ Civic Center Cinema
July 20, 7:00 PM - 8:50 PM @ Civic Center Cinema
July 20, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM @ Valdez High School
A great way to get some indoor exercise, play games or shoot some hoops. Open to all ages. Children 8 years old and under must be accompanied by an adult.
July 20, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM @ Valdez High School
Gym time dedicated to basketball. For anyone age 16 and up.
May 26, 8:00 AM - September 1, 5:00 PM
HAWK - Hike Alaska's Wild Kountry - 2014
For ages 5 and above
Pick up a HAWK program trail card at the P&R Office at the Civic Center, at the Healthier You Finale, or at the May 17th Clean-Up Day BBQ
Hike, on foot, 3 or more of the trails listed on the reverse side of this card.
Valdez Trail information is available in the Parks and Recreation Summer Trail Map Guide or online at: www.ci.valdez.ak.us/parks&trails
Log the date you hiked each trail on the reverse side of this tracking card.
Turn in your completed trail card at the Parks & Rec Office at the Civic Center or log on to http://ci.valdez.ak.us/HAWKTrailsCard to fill out and submit the online trail form on or before September 1, 2014. Each participant must turn in an individual trail card.
Prize Drawings for hiking 3, 5, 7 or all 9 trails. Participants will be entered in each Prize drawing for which they qualify (for example, a person who hikes all 9 trails will be entered in each drawing), but may only win 1 prize
July 20, 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM @ Valdez Swimming Pool
Fun for all ages! Both pools are open, diving board is open. Deep-end is roped-off from the shallow end, making "lap swimming" difficult. Must be 8 years old or accompanied by an adult.
July 20, 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM @ Lap Pool
Get some exercise swimming laps! Lanes lines are used to separate swimmers and reduce their waves. If under 14 years old, must be accompanied by an adult and be proficient enough to swim laps.
July 20, 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM @ Wading Pool
A time for parents and their young children to interact and play in the water! The small pool is open for parents and children age 6 or younger. We bring out some of our favorite water toys just for these tots! Parents must be in the water with their children.


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On Monday, Feb. 27, pancake lovers can drive through and eat their fill of short-stack pancakes and make a donation to support sick and injured children at UC Davis Children's Hospital, in recognition of the International House of Pancakes' (IHOP) National Pancake Day.
The pancake drive-through event will be held at the intersection of Colonial Drive and Stockton Boulevard from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on the grounds of UC Davis Medical Center. Children's hospital patients will be invited to visit the location and receive a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes. Miss Sacramento County Julianna Johnson will be on hand to help flip and serve pancakes.
The event is being held to promote National Pancake Day on Feb. 28, an annual fundraising partnership with the Children's Miracle Network (CMN). Now in its seventh year, pancake day encourages IHOP patrons to donate what they would have paid for a short stack of buttermilk pancakes to the Children's Miracle Network. Other promotional events will be held on Feb. 28 at IHOP locations throughout Sacramento
Proceeds from pancake day are anticipated to raise nearly $3 million nationwide for Children's Miracle Network hospitals. All proceeds from Sacramento-area pancake day donations will benefit UC Davis Children's Hospital, Sacramento's Children's Miracle Network-affiliated hospital. Last year, Sacramento pancake day sales netted nearly $57,000, and other IHOP partnerships raised a total of $66,000. Organizers hope to raise $75,000 this year.


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Please note: You are viewing an archived Bucknell University news story. It is possible that information found on this page has become outdated or inaccurate, and links and images contained within are not guaranteed to function correctly.
LEWISBURG, Pa. — A black and white seabird that inhabits rocky shorelines in the North Atlantic chooses its mate based on the brightness of their red feet, in turn improving the chances of healthier offspring, according to an award-winning research presentation by Bucknell University senior Nicole Marchetto.
Marchetto was honored for her research on the black guillemots with the Best Student Presentation award in the division of ecology and evolutionary biology during the January meeting of the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology in Seattle.
Red feet as a signal of health
Marchetto's research poster presentation, "Red Hot: Lipid peroxidation and color based assortative mating in black guillemots (Cepphus grylle)," involved two physiological aspects of the guillemot.
"Our group wanted to see if these birds were mating assortatively, based on the brightness of their foot color," said Marchetto. "We also wanted to find the level of oxidative stress in the body using a lipid peroxidation test."
The first part of the experiment involved analyzing the brightness of the birds' feet, looking at which mates they chose. Mark Haussmann, an assistant professor of biology at Bucknell, began studying the birds three years ago with students from Kenyon College, where he was a visiting professor.
"Nicole helped with the final stage of the project, which was measuring the bird's lipid peroxidation levels and comparing that to their foot redness intensity," said Haussmann.
"It turns out that they are mating assortatively based on the brightness of the foot color," said Marchetto. "We discovered that the brighter the red foot, the lower the level of lipid peroxidation, which means the bird has better preventative measures against oxidative stress.
"These pairs are picking mates who show themselves to be healthier, which means their offspring may be healthier. It's an exciting finding and we were excited to get that relationship," she said.
Undergraduate research
"Nicole's competition was mostly Ph.D. students from universities around the country, so we're very proud of her," said Haussmann. "Bucknell students have the opportunity to be involved in real research and to present it on a national stage."
In addition to the poster presentation in January, Marchetto co-wrote a review paper on the effect of stress on aging and telomeres, a bio-marker of aging, with Haussmann. "The paper was submitted to Current Zoology, a journal which focuses on evolutionary biology in animals. I was honored to work with him on that."
Dual majors
Marchetto will graduate from Bucknell in May with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and a Bachelor of Arts degree in studio art. She plans to attend medical school.
A dean's list student, she recently was inducted into Phi Sigma honor society. She has served as secretary/treasurer of Omicron Delta Kappa national leadership honor society and vice president of Mortar Board national service and leadership honor society. "We do community service for two of the honor societies. For example, we read to students at the Lewisburg Library once a week in connection with Mortar Board."
As recent president of the Student Art Association, she helped inaugurate a project exhibiting student art works around campus. "One location is around the staircases in the library and photographs in the Bison, and on the second floor of the Elaine Langone Center. We also had an exhibit of photographs under the glass on the tables at Seventh Street Café," she said.
Marchetto tends to keep separate her work as a dual major in studio art and biology, finding that "with difficult science studies that I do here, art has allowed me to have an outlet, including a print-making class, an advanced painting class, and a sculpture class." Several of her works have been included in the annual student art exhibition in the Samek Art Gallery.Contact: Division of Communications
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2005 Volleyball
Anderson 3, Bluffton 0
By Bill Hanefeld Jr., interim sports information director
October 18, 2005
BLUFFTON, Ohio - The Bluffton University volleyball team (11-13, 0-5) fell 3-0 to Anderson (15-11, 3-2) in a Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference match at Founders Hall on October 18, 2005. Game scores for the contest were 30-18, 30-23, and 30-18.
The Beavers fell behind 22-14 in the first game and never recovered. Ten hitting errors contributed to the 30-18 loss in the opener. A slow start in the second game cost Bluffton its chance to even the match as Anderson rolled out to a 20-10 advantage and never looked back. Bluffton jumped to a 4-0 lead in game three, but it was unable to hold the momentum against a hard-hitting Raven squad that completed the sweep 30-18. Keri Kuhlman (Shelby/Shelby), who was the lone honoree on Senior night, led the Beavers with 10 kills and pushed her career total to 1201. Sophomore Rachel Alvarez (Convoy/Crestview) recorded a team-high ten digs. Junior Brittany Shultz (Hudson, Ind./Prairie Heights) finished with 25 assists for the Beavers.
Bluffton will be return to action on Wednesday, October 26 when it travels to face Franklin. The match is slated to begin at 7:00 p.m.


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Former England midfielder Kieron Dyer has been released by Queen's Park Rangers after making just eight first team appearances in 18 months, despite scoring his first goal for the club last weekend.
Dyer struck late on for the Hoops to earn his side an FA Cup third round replay against high-flying West Brom, in what subsequently transpired to be Dyer's last game for the club.
Speaking on Tuesday morning, manager Harry Redknapp announced to the press that he had elected to trigger a release clause in Dyer's contract to end his stay at QPR six months early.
In spite of the former West Ham and Newcastle man's numerous injury setbacks over the past several seasons, the move has come as somewhat of a shock after Dyer had finally appeared to be settling back into first team football at Loftus Road in recent weeks.
"He wasn't in my plans and I think he's got something to offer someone," QPR boss Redknapp stated, according to The Guardian.
"If he can stay clear of injuries I'm sure there are clubs that will offer him the chance to play football."
Others may not share Redknapp's confidence however, as it is now six years since Dyer managed 20 competitive appearances in a season, stretching back to his playing days with Newcastle United.
Whilst there has not yet been talk of the 34-year-old retiring from professional football, it is difficult to see another top flight side taking a gamble on him after successive failures with both the Hammers and Hoops.
Were an Npower Championship side to gamble on the former England international, then Ipswich Town - where Dyer began his career and also spent some time on loan back in 2011 - would logically appeal to the player at least.
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As part of its July 21-23 meeting, the NCAA Division I Committee of Athletics Certification has determined that The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) has been certified.
The committee reviewed written materials related to a self-study by UMBC and conducted interviews on the campus in April 2010.
The classification means that UMBC is considered to be operating its athletics program in substantial conformity with operating principles adopted by the Association's Division I membership.
"I am very happy that we are one of the first schools nationally to receive our third certification," Director of Athletics Dr. Charles Brown said. "The process enables us to look at our program and make sure we are complying with NCAA points of emphasis. There was a great deal of emphasis on student-athlete equity and we came out with a great deal of praise and with ideas on how we can improve our program even more."
The purpose of athletics certification is to ensure integrity in the institution's athletics program and to assist institutions in improving their athletics departments. NCAA legislation mandating athletics certification was adopted in 1993. The certification process, which involves a self-study led by an institution's president or chancellor, includes a review of these primary components: governance and commitment to rules compliance; academic integrity; gender/diversity issues and student-athlete well-being.
UMBC was one of the first five Division I institutions in the country to be unconditionally certified in March 1995 and the university was re-certified in the NCAA's second round in 2002.
Jack Seuss, UMBC's Vice President of Information Technology, served as chairman of the steering committee. Other committee members were: Dr. Charles Brown (Athletics), Kathy Zerrlaut (Athletics), Dr. Marvin Mandell (Dept. of Policy Science, NCAA Faculty Liaison), Dr. George LaNoue (Political Science, UMBC Athletics Policy Committee Chair), Dr. Walt Sherwin (Ancient Studies, Academic Integrity), Dr. Jim Trela (Sociology, Academic Integrity), Jill Barr (Graduate School, Governance and Rules Compliance), Jim Milani (Engineering, Governance and Rules Compliance), Dr. James Bembry (Social Work, Equity and Student Well-Being), Dr. Nancy Young (Student Affairs, Equity and Student Well-Being), Dr. Charles Woolston (Emeritus, At-Large), and Francine Ward (Student-Athlete, At-Large).
"To prepare a self-study for the NCAA committee is a daunting task," Dr. Brown said. "Everyone on the committee deserves a great deal of credit, with special thanks to Jack Seuss for coordinating the entire effort and Kathy Zerrlaut, who spearheaded the information-gathering process."
All 335 active Division I members participate in the athletics certification process.


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Spring has sprung in the city of Owenton and Mayor David "Milkweed" Wotier is making plans for spring cleaning.
At the April 7 meeting of the Owenton City Council, Wotier announced plans for several things he would like to see done over the next few months.
Wotier said he would like to bring in volunteer help from the Carroll County Detention Center to assist with a street cleanup.
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The last battle on English soil was fought on 18 December 1745, when dragoons of the Duke of Cumberland's Government army caught up with the rearguard of the retreating Jacobite forces of Charles Edward Stuart – 'Bonnie Prince Charlie'.
The rebel Jacobites had advanced as far as Derby, but due to lack of support from the people of England decided to retreat back towards Scotland.
By 18 December they had reached Penrith in Cumberland, and as the rearguard was passing through the village of Clifton the advance elements of Cumberland's army – a body of dragoons several hundred strong caught up. The Scots rearguard was made up of several infantry units. Charles chose not to commit his main force but continued to retreat in the direction of Carlisle, ordering his rearguard to catch up. However, with the Government cavalry in the vicinity, it was not possible for them to do so without first offering battle.
In our archive, we have a rare survivor from this period, a small 31-page booklet entitled: The new exercise of firelocks and bayonets appointed by his Grace the Duke of Marlborough to be used by all the British forces: with instructions to perform every motion by body, foot and hand. This manual was written by an anonymous 'Officer in Her Majesties Foot Guards', and published in 1708. Prior to the Act of Union of 1707, the Government forces in England, Scotland and Ireland had been separate, so this booklet was one of the very first drill manuals used by the British Army. It is not illustrated, but the descriptions of the orders and words of command give us a good feel for small-arms handling at this time.
At Clifton, the dragoons dismounted and, lining a series of hedges and ditches opened fire upon the Jacobites. After a brief exchange of fire, the Jacobite regiments charged and dispersed the Government forces, and then resumed their retreat. Reports as to the numbers of casualties vary, but an account written on 29 December 29by Thomas Savage, a local farmer whose house seems to have been at the epicentre of the fighting, put the number of Government troops killed at ten, with 21 wounded. Only five Jacobites were killed according to Savage, and although many were wounded only two were taken, prisoner.
On the face of their poor show at Clifton, it might seem that the manual the dragoons followed had been of little use. However they were probably outnumbered by the Jacobites, and as the events of Culloden would show the following year when troops using manuals like this were commanded by a resolute and skilled general such as Cumberland, they proved to be very effective indeed.
Blogger: Stuart Ivinson, Library Assistant


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The demographics on genealogists show that they are mostly older people. Recent Microsoft research has shown that there is a direct correlation between age and computer use, with computer adoption dropping off dramatically as age increases. Although there is a trend towards increased computer use in older adults, there is also an obvious increase in difficulties and impairments with age.
What this means, is that older people are less likely to use computers than the younger population. From personal experience, they are also far less likely to see the advantages of new technology. It is also evident that older people have less disposable income and feel less financially secure. I find that in any large group of genealogists there are always a few who do not use computers at all. There also seems to be a significant group that are hanging on to their original computer purchase, no matter how old the machine is. I regularly find people who are still actively using Windows 95 or even older operating systems.
It is also apparent that this group of technologically challenged older people are not likely the ones reading a blog such as this one.
But what about the rest of us; those with enough money and time to upgrade their computers from time to time, when should we consider upgrading our equipment?
I have a pretty simple system. Whenever the computer starts to slow down to an unacceptable level, it is time to upgrade. Fortunately, I have had the resources to do so on a regular basis. But what other factors do we need to be aware of?
Here is one important one: obsolescence. This year, for example, Microsoft will upgrade their operating system from Vista to Windows 7. This will mean that my Windows XP operating system will then be two upgrades behind then current system. But what if I want to upgrade to the new operating system? Here is where things get complicated. Microsoft has published the minimum system requirements for the current operating system, Vista.
Here are the hardware (computer) requirements for the present system:
Minimum Supported Requirements
Processor -- 800 MHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
512 MB of system memory
GPU - SVGA (800x600)
Optical Drive CD-ROM Drive
1BitLocker Drive Encryption requires a TPM 1.2 chip or a USB 2.0 flash drive
2Processor speed is specified as the nominal operational processor frequency for the device. Some processors have power management which allows the processor to run at lower rate to save power.
3Adequate graphics memory is defined as:
– 64 MB of graphics memory to support a single monitor at 1,310,720 or less
– 128 MB of graphics memory to support a single monitor at resolutions 2,304,000 pixels or less
– 256 MB of graphics memory to support a single monitor at resolutions higher than 2,304,000 pixels
– Graphics memory bandwidth, as assessed by Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor, of at least 1,600 MB per second
4A DVD-ROM may be external (not integral, not built into the system)
5A CD-ROM may be external (not integral, not built into the system)
6If the GPU uses shared memory, then no additional graphics memory is required beyond the 1 GB system memory requirement; If the GPU uses dedicated memory then 128MB is required.
We can only assume that the requirements for Windows 7 will be larger and faster. If you don't know what all this means, you probably do not have a fast enough system. Basically, any computer purchased in the last four or five years would probably be fast enough. However, the computer system may not have enough storage memory if the hard drive is full.
Another consideration is that upgrading to the new system may make printers, scanners and other peripherals inoperable. Also, some of the existing software may not be compatible and may not work. It is not unusual that the expense of upgrading the software for a new operating system exceeds the cost of the hardware.
Here are my suggestions:
1. Upgrade when you have a need to do something with the computer that your present system will not do. For example, scanning or photo editing.
2. Upgrade when the storage devices used by your system are no longer supported. For example 5.25 and 3.5 inch floppy drives.
3. Upgrade your system when you can afford to do so. Even if you cannot afford the latest and best system, perhaps one of your friends or relatives is upgrading and has a newer system they will donate to you.
4. Upgrade your system when you run out of storage space and the time the computer takes to operate becomes excessively long.
5. Upgrade your system before your present system crashes and you lose all your data.
Good luck.