text:
Thanks to a grant from the National Science Foundation, Lawrence Technological University is offering $10,000 scholarships for two years to community college graduates to complete a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering with a power engineering concentration.
The Scholarship in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (S-STEM) program at LTU is open to graduates of an associate degree program in a STEM field. Up to 20 scholarships are available in the first year of the program.
The application deadline for the S-STEM scholarship for the fall semester is Aug. 1. Additional scholarships may also be available to attend LTU. For more information about applying for the S-STEM program, go to www.ltu.edu/s-stem or contact Assistant Professor Kun Hua at firstname.lastname@example.com or (248) 204-2557.
Responding to an impending national shortage of power engineers needed for the nation's electricity production plants and distribution system, NSF has awarded LTU a five-year grant totaling $598,000 to provide scholarship assistance to students in this field.
Power engineers develop, maintain, and modernize "the Grid," the vast network of transformers, generators, motors and electronics that supply electrical power.
"Electricity generation is one industry you can't outsource, and there is a shortage of power engineers in this country that could become acute in the next few years as many engineers in this field retire," said Professor Phil Olivier, chair of LTU's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. "The job prospects of new power engineers are excellent."
LTU's S-STEM scholarship recipients will gain additional knowledge about the power industry from outside speakers, field trips and participation in professional organizations. Internships and job placement are also part of the scholarship program.
"LTU will leverage its network of local and regional partnerships to aid in the recruitment, retention, and job placement of the S-STEM scholars," said Hua, the S-STEM advisor in LTU's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
One of those partners is DTE Energy, which has a specific need to hire more nuclear engineers for its Enrico Fermi Nuclear Generating Station near Monroe. DTE Energy worked with Monroe County Community College in developing the associate degree in nuclear engineering technology, and graduates of that program are eligible for the scholarship program to continue their studies at LTU.
"We have been extremely happy with our partnership with MCCC, which has enabled us to train and hire homegrown talent for technical positions at DTE Energy," said Vince Dow, vice president of Distribution Engineering and Construction for DTE Energy. "It's great that graduates of MCCC's two-year program now will have an opportunity to pursue a four-year degree in a field that has a critical need for new engineers."
One of the first students to take advantage of the S-STEM program at LTU is Tyler Splan of Monroe who has just graduated from MCCC with an associate degree in nuclear engineering technology. His goal is to earn a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering at LTU by 2015 and obtain a job in the power generation industry.
In high school Splan took accelerated math and science courses, and his algebra teacher encouraged him to consider a career in engineering. "The S-STEM program has been created to help students like Tyler build on their aptitude in STEM subjects to obtain bachelor's degrees and pursue careers in a field where their talents are in high demand," Hua said.


text:
Ansell, Rebecca (married name)
Ref: WH7184
Status: Located
West Ham Jewish Cemetery (Buckingham Rd), London, 1. England, UK
Notes: West Ham Jewish Cemetery: Opened in 1857 and closed in 2002. Status: Headstone photos: incomplete. General views of the cemetery can be found here Visiting arrangements: contact the United Synagogue for more information. If you have any photos you would like to donate to Cemetery Scribes please Contact Us THANK YOU!!

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Early experiences of exploring. Maybe before the term UrbEx or the internet was thought of!
Use this control to limit the display of threads to those newer than the specified time frame.
Allows you to choose the data by which the thread list will be sorted.
Order threads in...
Note: when sorting by date, 'descending order' will show the newest results first.
Forum Rules


text:
9 November 2011
Clinton, Michigan - Eden Foods has been commended with a "Friend of Glass" award in the Best Friend of Glass category by the Glass Packaging Institute (GPI). The award was announced during 2011's Recycle Glass Month.
The institute wrote, "Through the Friends of Glass recognition, GPI honors those companies, organizations, and individuals making significant and innovative efforts to promote or participate in glass container recycling for bottle-to-bottle use. GPI Friends of Glass are honored in five categories: website, hospitality, industry, legislator, community or organization, and best friends of glass, or those companies which demonstrate loyalty to and promote the benefits of using and recycling glass."
Eden's "Friends of Glass" award was in recognition of a 2011 announcement about organic Eden crushed tomatoes and sauces being packed in protective amber glass. They are the only tomatoes in the U.S.A. packed in amber glass, protecting flavor and nutrients from light damage. The driving force at Eden for amber glass jars of tomatoes was the avoidance of bisphenol-A (BPA) in canned tomatoes.
Glass packaging is also used for all Eden organic fruit sauces, butters, and juices; condiments; soy sauces; and oils and vinegars. After thorough research, Eden chose glass as the most environmentally friendly and pragmatic of all packaging materials. Glass is made from three simple ingredients - sand, limestone, and soda ash. It can be recycled indefinitely without releasing polluting chemicals into the environment. Glass best protects freshness, flavor, and nutrients of food and beverages. Eden Foods has a company-wide commitment to reduce, reuse, and recycle.


text:
All Products
(41 Total)
View by Size:
Synopsis: | Old-fashioned patriotic battle epic recounts the real events of the 1836 fight for independence in Texas. The usual band of diverse and contentious personalities, including Wayne as a coonskin-capped Davy Crockett, defend a small fort against a very big Mexican raiding party outside of San Antonio. Before meeting mythic death, they fight with each other, learn the meaning of life, and ultimately come to respect each other. Just to make it more entertaining, Avalon sings. Big-budget production features an impeccable musical score by Tiomkin and an impressive 7,000 extras for the Mexican army alone. Wayne reportedly received directorial assistance from John Ford, particularly during the big massacre finale. |
Directed by: | John Wayne |
Producer(s): | John Wayne, United Artists John Edward Grant |
Cast: | John Wayne, Richard Widmark, Laurence Harvey, Frankie Avalon, Richard Boone, Carlos Arruza, Chill Wills, Veda Ann Borg, Linda Cristal, Patrick Wayne, Joan O'Brien, Joseph Calleia, Ken Curtis, Jester Hairston, Denver Pyle, John Dierkes, Guinn "Big Boy" Williams, Olive Carey, William Henry, Hank Worden, Ruben Padilla, Jack Pennick |


text:
New 2023 McLaren Artura Coupe
Stock: 4353
Top Speed
New Onyx Black Artura Coupe
- 10-Spoke SLW Dynamo Forged Wheels
- Black Seat Belts
- Bowers & Wilkins Audio System
- Carbon Black Alcantara Wheel Finish
- Carbon Fiber Door Mirrors
- Carbon Fiber Front Fender Louvers
- Diamond Cut Wheel Finish
- Electric Heated Memory Seats
- Floor Mat Set
- Harissa Red & Black Accent Interior
- Onyx Black Exterior Paint
- Practicality Pack
- Red Brake Calipers
- Stealth Exhaust Finisher
- TechLux Spec
- Technology Pack
- Thermal Insulated Windscreen
Certain specifications, prices and equipment data have been provided under license from Chrome Data Solutions (\'Chrome Data\'). © 2024 Chrome Data Solutions, LP. All Rights Reserved. This information is supplied for personal use only and may not be used for any commercial purpose whatsoever without the express written consent of Chrome Data. Chrome Data makes no guarantee or warranty, either expressed or implied, including without limitation any warranty of merchantability or fitness for particular purpose, with respect to the data presented here. All specifications, prices and equipment are subject to change without notice.
EPA mileage ratings are supplied by Chrome Data Solutions, LP for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery pack age/condition (hybrid models only) and other factors.
Vehicle pricing is believed to be accurate. Tax, title and registration are not included in prices shown unless otherwise stated. Manufacturer incentives may vary by region and are subject to change. Vehicle information & features are based upon standard equipment and may vary by vehicle. Monthly payments may be higher or lower based upon incentives, qualifying programs, credit qualifications, residency & fees. No claims, or warranties are made to guarantee the accuracy of vehicle pricing, payments or actual equipment. Call to confirm accuracy of any information.
The amount shown as MSRP is for informational purposes only and is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. This amount does not represent an advertised or selling price and does not include the price of any dealer added equipment. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document processing charge, any electronic filing charge and any emission testing charge. Colors, options and trim levels may vary. Not responsible for typographical errors. Specifications, features, safety and warranty data are based on what is available as standard specs/features per trim level, for the designated model-year, and may not apply to vehicles with added packages or options. See dealer for written warranty information. Dealer makes no guarantees or warranties, either expressly or implied, with respect to the accuracy of any data listed on this page which was obtained from third party sources. All specifications, equipment and information are subject to change without notice. Any information contained on this page should be used for informational purposes only. Long Island's internet advertising is intended only for persons in California.
All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document processing charge, any electronic filing charge and any emission testing charge. Not responsible for typographical errors. Prices valid through today's close of business. Subject to prior sale. Any information contained on this page should be used for informational purposes only. Long Island's internet advertising is intended only for persons in California.


text:
Previous Project
Classic Wooden Home Office Design With Wall-Mounted Rectangular Open Storage Units
Next Project
Classic White And Yellow Home Office Design With Wall-Mounted Wood-White Storage
Size: 12x10 feet
Aishwarya and Harsh
We wanted a good design, quality and hassle-free execution. They gave us all that and more.
Shveta and Rohit
Livspace finished the project ahead of time. They said 45 days but finished it much earlier.
Lisa and Bijoy
The designers took the time out to understand exactly what we wanted and our philosophy.
Jhanvi and Dr. Harikrishna
We got an end-to-end solution from them (Livspace), including furniture and decor.
Alok Gupta
The bed was customised to our taste - a low-floor bed with some cushioning at the back.
Neetika and Mohit
Livspace gave us the contemporary look and optimal use of space we wanted in our bedrooms.


text:
Michael Franti & Spearhead perform benefit concert in New Orleans 9th Ward!
Date: Friday, May 2 Time: 9:00P Location: Common Ground Headquarters 1800 Deslonde St. @ Tennessee St. (Off N. Clairborne Ave.) New Orleans, LA Performers: Michael Franti & Spearhead, Rebirth Brass Band, TBC Brass Band (Youngest New Orleans Brass Band!)
In 2005 Hurricane Katrina and Rita devastated New Orleans in the greatest national disaster in American history.
Breached levees and rising flood waters forced people to abandon the great city, and the world watched in disbelief as government at all levels failed to provide timely and effective relief. The cost in human lives and dislocated families, and the loss of property and communities, has exacted a toll that will never be forgotten...and all this is still being felt today.
In the aftermath of this widespread destruction and before the floodwaters receded, Common Ground Collective (CGC) was formed to meet the emergency needs of New Orleans residents. Starting with just $50 and three committed founders, people from all walks of life came together as CGC to provide some of the first available disaster services in the city. Without CGC's immediate assistance, including food, water, and supplies given to the thousands of low-income residents unable to evacuate, the death toll in New Orleans would likely to have been much greater. Over the course of one year, this effort has grown to include 10,000 volunteers from around the world supported by $1.8 million in donations from more than 2,000 CGC donors.
Since CGC's founding, it has spearheaded multiple relief and community-building projects in New Orleans. A partial list of accomplishments includes:
- Provided direct and indirect services, supported by 9 distribution centers, to approximately 450,000 people in seven Louisiana parishes - Operates three free health clinics, the first established just nine days post-Katrina, serving over 15,000 residents, workers and volunteers - Cleaned and gutted over 750 homes, 12 churches, 4 daycare centers, 12 schools and numerous offices, businesses, parks and streets. - Operates several media centers with free phone, fax and internet access, andthat serve as information clearing houses. - Established green environmental programs includent microorganism-based mold removal, wetlands restoration, soil bioremediation, and community garden restoration.
As there is still a tremendous amount of assistance needed in the 9th Ward...we ask that everyone bring their checkbooks to make a donation to Common Ground...especially considering this show will be FREE! For more info visit href="http://www.commongroundrelief.org" target="_blank">www.commongroundrelief.org


text:
- We cannot assume that click speakers of the African Southwest are necessarily indigenous to that region, and
- It is possible that, the greater phonemic diversity is due to ancient admixture between quite divergent peoples who possessed two different types of phonemic inventories, while most Africans inherited only the phonemic inventory of one of these peoples, which then decayed as per the author's theory away from Africa.
Science 15 April 2011:
Vol. 332 no. 6027 pp. 346-349
DOI: 10.1126/science.1199295
Phonemic Diversity Supports a Serial Founder Effect Model of Language Expansion from Africa
Quentin D. Atkinson
Human genetic and phenotypic diversity declines with distance from Africa, as predicted by a serial founder effect in which successive population bottlenecks during range expansion progressively reduce diversity, underpinning support for an African origin of modern humans. Recent work suggests that a similar founder effect may operate on human culture and language. Here I show that the number of phonemes used in a global sample of 504 languages is also clinal and fits a serial founder–effect model of expansion from an inferred origin in Africa. This result, which is not explained by more recent demographic history, local language diversity, or statistical non-independence within language families, points to parallel mechanisms shaping genetic and linguistic diversity and supports an African origin of modern human languages.


text:
Thursday, April 16, 2009
The release today of the Office of Legal Counsel memos from 2002-2005, which provided "legal" justification (i.e cover) for the "alternative interrogation techniques" implemented during the Bush Adminsitration's War on Terror, will leave you speechless. Take ten minutes and read this legalistic morass from Judge Jay Bybee. It's chilling. You'll read about how waterboarding doesn't technically meet the suffering criteria of torture, but rather it is merely a "controlled acute episode". What the hell is that? Was George Orwell exhumed so he could write 2184? I'm embarassed. This was our government, our country which authorized the torture of other human beings (bad people, granted). But we tortured people and hired lawyers to re-interpret the Geneva Convention and international law and the universal unwritten statute of decent moral conduct in such a way to justify it. We tortured these people. And medical personnel/doctors were present to monitor vitals and oxygen saturations, to make sure the operatives didn't "go too far". The whole thing makes me sick.
Yesterday I ranted about high taxes and back-up quarterbacks making millions. It seems so petty and small now. Even the cecal volvulus post seems a tad frivolous. We tortured people under a Presidential directive. Things have changed. This is the world we live in now; one where our national conscience is heavy with a collective guilt. It stains us all. The only way out, from this point forward, is a policy of absolute accountability and transparency. Let the atonement begin now....
33 comments:
- Cathy said...
I don't know Buckeye. Can you fight a war, any war, with no type violence? What is the true definition of torture anyway?
I don't know where acceptable behavior (against our enemies)stop and torture begins, but I'm absolutely certain that decapitation falls under the torture heading. - April 16, 2009 at 9:44 PM
Buckeye, Buckeye, Buckeye... almost had to check the calendar to see if it was April 1st...Here's some more Orwell for ya...
"We sleep safe in our beds only because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm"
You call it torture, I call it "Advanced Interrogation Techniques", and nobodies gettin their genitals shocked or blow torched... so a few bad guys got slapped around, lost some sleep, had a little water thrown in their faces... Heck, Barney Frank probly does that stuff for fun... don't wanta end up in Git-mo on the sharp side of a Doberman? Don't hang around terrorists... and you're naive if you think its not goin on as I type this, it'll just be in Kuwait, or Guam, away from sensitive eyes, and probably no medical attendants to make sure Abdulla doesn't get hypoxic...
Frank - April 16, 2009 at 9:48 PM
You post shows a great deal of honesty and humility and I respect that.
If only there were more people (Americans?) in the world like you!
Cathy and Frank, really? Your attitude towards this is shocking and I truly hope it is not representative.
From where I come from (another western country) anyone I have ever talked to about this situation thinks it is a disgusting and reprehensible piece of history that the world (the western world in particular) ought to be ashamed of.
This saddens me.
James - Medical Student - April 16, 2009 at 10:14 PM
Also Cathy,
The definition of torture as defined by the United Nations Convention Against Against Torture (to which the United States is a signatory) can be seen here:
James - April 16, 2009 at 10:30 PM
- Cathy said...
Anon, I'm sorry if I offended you. I really don't understand all the issues of war and torture.
A few things I do understand is that it's barbaric to slam a few planes into a few buildings and kill 2996 innocent people for no reason. That's a definition of torture. If you think not, go ask their family members about it. What do you think those people jumping out of those buildings to avoid being burned to death thought about it?
I understand chopping off someone's head for the hell of it is likewise barbaric and true torture.
I also don't think for a minute we can win wars without any violence. Do you have the answer as to how we can do that? What do you think happens to our own men and women when they become POWs of our enemies?
I also think it unreasonable to believe this is the first war where this type thing has happened. It has been happening in every war that's ever been fought. - April 17, 2009 at 12:58 AM
Thanks for your reply. I am not offended, but I am surprised by attitudes towards this.
I understand, and I am not trying to belittle the events of 9/11 and since - if I have done so I apologise.
However torture is outlawed and banned internationally for several reasons, some of them being the difficulty in proving guilt or making use of other evidence when confessions were made under duress, the inhumanity of such actions and the obvious ethical and moral conflicts.
Because an enemy (or enemies) of the United States may use tactics and constitute torture against the US does not excuse its use by the US.
Consider the numerous innocent people who have been released from "Guantanamo", etc. who have not been charged.
The use (and justification) of torture by a country which tries to act as a leader and "model citizen" in the world is terrifying.
James - April 17, 2009 at 1:50 AM
- Andy S said...
"bad people, granted"
Really? I don't remember the trial where that was proved. - April 17, 2009 at 10:17 AM
- Bianca Castafiore? said...
Moral relativity -- and tenuous reasoning -- the lies -- it's sickening. Literally.
I don't know what is more disturbing, the legalistic work of justification by the likes of John Yoo, or the thoughtless drivel from ordinarily sharp people, sharp ordinary people, that is nothing but a repetition of the lies/distortions whispered in their ears for so long.
You know, like how any U.S. military operation has at its foundation the preservation of the "American way of life." Fighting for freedom, fighting to ensure that "a man can stand up." (A hopelessly obscure reference to Johnny Tremain! Coffee, where is the coffee?) Oh, the bullshit.
I thought I had already dealt with and processed this "issue," but the NYT article ignited everything again -- when I close my eyes, I see The Bush Swagger, The Cowboy Posturing, The Cheney Sneer -- just the public face of it. Now I know for sure that the private face is more terrifying. The jokes, the sarcasm, the complete *comfort* with being agents of torture.
I absolutely would support prosecution... "a time for reflection"? We're capable of multitasking. I promise to reflect if the Justice Dept. will investigate, and prosecute. The Justice Dept. is certainly welcome to reflect, as well, of course. One hopes that's already happened -- as these four memos are not news to them.
U.S. citizens have been treated as idiots, not just by an onslaught of facile lies, but by having policy and situations presented in a highly dumbed-down way -- in cruel ways that play upon innate goodness, patriotism, faith in leadership, and realistic fears of terrorism.
Causal relationships -- probably the dirtiest of the dumbing-down deal. Planes into the twin towers makes torture okay -- and explain why we need to start a war with a country uninvolved with the events of 9/11. WMDs, yadda yadda. Yellow cake, yadda yadda. Bin Laden goes uncaptured, Afghanistan is so completely misunderstood that our efforts there are really just now beginning (a do-over). We buddy up to Pakistan and really, in our mindlessness, author several political assasinations.
Our natural moral superiority makes torture okay. Because "they" are different, those freaking ragheads, torture is okay. Is it happening right now? Yes. Well, then, damn, it must be okay. Wait... you mean it is also happening *to* us? Hell no, that ain't right...
There is no moral ambiguity here. Rather, the childish desire for wrongs to add up to rights is what is in play -- malignant childish thinking.
The singular thing that this new administration is offering, I think, is the chance to once again be treated as capable contributing adults. Please note that my naiveté does not extend to the belief that we will all agree. Thank goodness.
And members of my household, as tired of me as you probably are, are lecturing me on the ill-advisibility of incoming administrations prosecuting/investigating the outgoing ones. "It's bad form," I am told. That's why Ford pardoned Nixon.
Please know that I cannot imagine the pressures and responsibilities that Bush et al dealt with following 11 September, and I would do again what I did then -- honor the decisions of my leaders, trusting that they know better, and have intelligence driving their decisions. In the immediacy, I think we are all the same. Given time to reflect, I think we are charged to honor our differences. - April 17, 2009 at 10:59 AM
- joegrind said...
Thanks for posting this and see...I don't only respond to your tax posts.
Cathy and Frank...are you honestly trying to justify these actions? You almost sound like someone trying to justify slavery. fyi..wars can be fought without violece (psyops). Your posts remind me of the fear the majority of this country was in when Powell told us about the yellow cake, or when Bush said...imminent threat of WMDs...or even the fear they used to re-elect Bush in 2004. Are we living in an episode of 24?
Frank, you allude to these "Advanced Interrogation Techniques" as no big deal. Come over this weekend and let's see how much you enjoy it.
We were all saddened after 9/11...shit I was in the Marine Corps then and we all trained a little more intensely, breaking alot more sweat as we knew that our training was going to be put to use. This doesn't mean that we abandon all our values, disregard our morals. I've done SERE training...Frank...let's play pretend drowning sometime. Now tell me, did these techniques accomplish anything? Did we get Osama? No...but we've lost 4500 troops fighting another so called justifiable war.
Though I want to see the people that AUTHORIZED these techniques to be used to be prosecuted..Pres. Obama is doing the smart thing. He knows he has a fight with the rest of his agenda (Healthcare, immigration, entitlements). I believe he will spend political capital then. - April 17, 2009 at 11:35 AM
I expect that those who have chosen to devote their lives to service of their country to be smart enough to find a way to legally, morally, ethically protect it.
Advanced Interrogation Techniques strike me as the lazy man's way, put in place by individuals who wouldn't take the time and intellect to find another way.
I will, I'm sure, be called naive. I choose to think of myself as optimistic. Optimistic that American ingenuity and intellect is capable of finding a way to protect itself AND be true to its laws, it's ideals and its heritage.
Someone said, I do not know the reference:
Be careful who you choose as your enemies because you will become like them. - April 17, 2009 at 11:48 AM
Would TICKLING be OK??? Mom could always make me talk when she'd..umm probably said a little too much there...The interrogators are professionals...they wouldn't be using these techniques if they weren't useful... Its like anything..heck even a Vasectomy sounds bad if you just hear the technical details..(You're gonna do WHAT with that clamp!?!?!) but the end results good...
Sorry can't take you up on your offer Joe, don't swing that way...
Frank - April 17, 2009 at 11:58 AM
- joegrind said...
Frank...too tired from all your teabagging huh?
Please list the "...the end results good..."
Professional? I'm sure Hitler may be considered a professional too.
Hear comes the fear tactics again from Fox news of course...I think the non-teabaggers realized how badly they were duped and won't let the GOP do it again. Looks like the GOP will be a permanent minority. Go ahead, Palin/2012. - April 17, 2009 at 12:48 PM
- Cathy said...
Frank, is it as unsettling to you as it is to me to see our two names linked together in not one but 2 comments? Like we are buddies. Or partners in crime. If they only knew, huh?
I have to stop trying to explain my point of view of this topic. people just twist and turn what you say to make it into what they want to believe you are saying anyway. That way it gives them reason to attack.
No, I DO NOT personally believe in physical violence. Yes, I believe our military has a job to do. AND I SUPPORT OUR MILITARY! And I will leave it at that. - April 17, 2009 at 3:16 PM
- Felix Kasza said...
To those who consider waterboarding torture (it is coercion, not torture): Sit down, with your back against a wall, legs extended in front of you. Take a ten-pound hammer and smash your knee into splinters. There, now you know what actual torture feels like.
Alternatively, I invite you to drive bamboo splinters -- or even just a few pins -- under the nails and into the distal joint of the finger. There, that also is torture.
Dropping a wall on a gay? Not torture, apparently -- because it's not Americans doing that, so it's a "cultural issue" or something.
As far as I am concerned, somebody caught shooting at our guys -- or even waving a gun in their direction -- in order to defend his god-given right to be a misogynist and a homophobe has no reason to whine. And neither do the leftist whingers.
Felix. - April 17, 2009 at 7:00 PM
I wonder what people would call my Navy Seal training? Torture, perhaps? My training has without a doubt kept America safe and strong. I am not ashamed of protecting America's borders and taking the fight to the enemy. If I am captured I do not expect to see a doctor or even have food. Ask the US reporter in Iran who is being tried in a kangaroo court about freedom and torture. In a similar case in 2003, a reporter was killed by torture in the exact same prison. Ask Afghani women who are used as sex slaves for the men of their village about freedom and torture. It is way too effete for urban Americans with their chai lattes and cozy lives to comment on what they do not know. Armchair quarterbacking is for Mondays.
For the record, the US Military does not torture. - April 17, 2009 at 7:06 PM
- joegrind said...
I just wanted to post this link as it seems that some have not actually READ the OLC memos. One of the most intriguing lines is "OLC specified that it was acceptable to apply physical pain to a detainee so long as it was less than the sort of pain emerging from "organ failure, impairment of bodily functions, or even death."
I think many are also missing the point, I think the good old USA, for which I have worn the uniform for, went to war THREE times for, is held to a higher moral standard...and rightly so, being the leader of the free world. Terrorists flying planes into buildings is horrific, sick and done by barbarians....does this mean we should behave like barbarians?
Yes, the US military does not torture...there are rules....rules of engagement, Geneva conventions etc. Rules which we signed as a nation.
We have all heard of the horrific treatment Americans have been under when detained as POWs, does that mean that we should do it too? Sen. McCain never forgot his MORAL values for all those years he was locked up. After 9/11, yes we had every right to be angry, however, the racial profiling that ensued was wrong, just like detaining all Asians after Pearl Harbor was also wrong. - April 17, 2009 at 7:36 PM
- Jeffrey Parks MD FACS said...
This is torture. Stop the semantic arguments. This country agreed to abide by the guidelines established by the Geneva Convention. We have condemned other countries for the promulgation of torture. Why is there a different standard just because we're Americans? Does 9/11 justify everything? These are important questions, people. This is an important moment in our country's history. It should not be allowed to disappear from our collective conscience when the news cycle ends. It's the biggest story in 30 years and I'm scanning my local newspaper and there's nary a word of it..
This wasn't war. This was torture of prisoners of war. These were people who were completely subjugated and removed from the field of battle.
Bottom line-
The bureaucratized, institutionalized nature of this American torture policy is what is so dismaying. This isn't some Jack Bauer ticking time bomb scenario where someone "did what he had to do to save lives". These policies were contemplated, debated, codified, and cloaked in shady legalese. Torture was given due process. It was rationalized. And that's the essence of totalitarianism; irrational barbarism presented as an historical inevitability.
Read the International Committee of the Red Cross report. Read the OLC memos. Read http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/03/16/terror/main680658.shtml. American exceptionalism indeed..... - April 17, 2009 at 7:47 PM
Thats the great thing about the US of A... elections every few years... the kinder gentler approach will get a chance to show its stuff... hope it works out better than Auburns Spread Offense did last year... might want to update that Anthrax vacination, pick up a few Atropine auto injectors down at the Army Surplus, and stay away from tall buildings the next few years...
- April 17, 2009 at 11:16 PM
Adding to this, Physicians for Human Rights has long been looking at the issue of torture by the US in places such as Guantanamo Bay.
They are campaigning for a commission to investigate US Torture.
Most distressing is the involvement of physicians in facilitation of the psychological and physical torture of captives.
More on this, including several reports can be found at the link above.
James - April 18, 2009 at 7:17 AM
OK Buckeye...its clear you're an old softie so let me try and appeal to your practical side...
Torture (I still prefer "AIT") is much more cost effective than lettin the bad guys "lawyer up"... let em become citizens if they want a taxpayer funded Johnny Cochran when they get caught...and those sucessful big attacks are poison for the market... probly have to increase the tax rates 5% across the board just to break even... - April 18, 2009 at 8:18 AM
- Bianca Castafiore? said...
Herr Drackman,
I think your most serious argument came in the form of lauding the "professionalism" of the CIA interrogators (Arguing naievté is kinda boring... and strenuously done, for naught but naieveté!).
Yes, here it is: "The interrogators are professionals.. they wouldn't be using these techniques if they weren't useful..."
These particular professionals? They did have a professionally informed opinion but were overruled by the beltway: "The first use of waterboarding and other rough treatment against a prisoner from Al Qaeda was ordered by senior Central Intelligence Agency officials despite the belief of interrogators that the prisoner had already told them all he knew.... Abu Zubaydah had provided much valuable information under less severe treatment, and the harsher handling produced no breakthroughs, according to one former intelligence official with direct knowledge of the case.... Quoting a 2004 report on the interrogation program by the C.I.A. inspector general, the footnote says that "although the on-scene interrogation team judged Zubaydah to be compliant, elements within C.I.A. headquarters still believed he was withholding information."
Apparently, there was quite an overestimation of Abu Zubaydah's worth and depth of knowledge. At least, that's what the *professionals* on scene thought... - April 18, 2009 at 12:56 PM
- Bongi said...
i'm so proud not to be american.
- April 18, 2009 at 2:59 PM
Bongi...and I'm so proud that you're not.
Of the techniques that were actually used, which ones rise to the definition of "torture" as out-lined in the GC? Not which ones seem appalling or ghastly. Not which ones are personally sickening to you...which techniques were employed that meet the actual definition of "torture" in the GC?
While some will quickly retort that I'm playing a game of semantics, the allegations that are being made are based on international law, not what sounds good to Keith Olbermann or send shiver us Chris Matthews legs.
And if these actions are clearly "torture"...as in any reasonable person would consider them torture, then why aren't we prosecuting them? If the acts are per se crimminal how can the President simply walk away from his responsibility as the chief EXECUTIVE (as in the person responsible for executing the law)and mumble something about "moving forward"? Isn't that more damning to our reputation in the world than the actual acts themselves? "Ya..we looked into and we did torture some folks. But, in the spirit of moving forward we aren't going to actually hold anybody accountable." That's how we re-establish moral authority? Re-claim the high ground return? Return to the America the world loves? Under the previous administration 12 service memebers were tried and convicted under the UCMJ for their actions at the AG prison. Some attempted to defend their repulsive conduct by claiming they were "just following orders" and their leaders knew what was going on. Didn't work - which was the right decision. Under the current adminstration NOBODY is going to be held accountable for what the current administration claims is a violation of numerous US and international laws.
How's that for Change you can believe in? - April 18, 2009 at 8:11 PM
- joegrind said...
Anon. 8:11,
I share your sentiments regarding Bongi.
Regardless, allow me to respond to you directly. Now, I am sure anyone that knows how to use Google can find all the different accords and treaties regarding a definition of torture. If not, look hereWhile I won't play the semantics game with you, google a Time Line of the Geneva Conventions and you'll see how Pres. Dubya so deftly said in 2002 that the Geneva Conventions "they don't apply..heh heh.." (sorry I don't do a good W. impersonation)
To which in 2006, the Supreme Court (yes the same court that we put in their to INTERPRET the Constitution) said 'I beg your pardon, they do'.
As for your second 'retort' about Pres. Obama not willing to prosecute, I would love for him to prosecute, hold them accountable...even if it's just for retribution. However, as I said in a previous post, circa April 17, 11:35 AM; he is a politician, and has to pick his battles. I suspect, because of the HUGE mandate that he is pursuing, that he is saving the political capital he EARNED on November 4, 2008 for those battles...(Yes, We Can!).
Now your last sentence:
'How's that for Change you can believe in?'
The Change has begun, the status quo has been rocked...the teabaggers are evidence alone. Fox News and their hysteria is also sufficient evidence of the CHANGE.
Be it actually putting the two wars we are engaged in on the books, reversing the ban on embryonic stem cells, shaking Chavez's hand, or admitting the mistakes of the past.
As Sam Cooke sang... It's been a long time coming, but a Change gonna come'Oh, do your homework, else you get SCHOOLED again. - April 18, 2009 at 9:11 PM
But you ARE an American Bongi, you ARE.... sure, your Passport might say "South Africa" but you're an American at heart...just look at the similarities... Defeated the British to get your independence, forged a nation out of the desolate wilderness, profited from the slave labor of illiterate Black Slaves....
High 5!!!
Frank - April 19, 2009 at 9:51 AM
- Jeffrey Parks MD FACS said...
The OLC memos aren't revelatory in the sense of revealing that we tortured; the ICRC report already has documented our actions extensively. The point of unveiling the OLC memos is to acknowledge that torture wasn't just ticking time bomb, ad libbed "extreme interrogation" implemented by CIA agents under pressure in the field to gather intelligence, but that torture was OFFICIAL POLICY, sanctioned by POTUS and justifed by bad faith legalistic interpretations....It's a necessary first step in trying to repair our image in the eyes of the world.... - April 19, 2009 at 12:36 PM
I appreciate your capabilities with google, but your internet skills aren't in question. The salient issue is EXACTLY which one of the methods used violated the GC articles...as in prove the claim that the methods used rise to the definition of torture. If you, or anybody else, can't do it then simply admit that these techniques are lots of other things besides torture. Actions frequently fall short of crimminal as defined by the law, it doesn't make the right or acceptable. But once folks start bouncing on the legal trampolin of "violating international law" they're going to get called out.
As for the former POTUS saying that the GC doesn't apply to these detainees, what does that have to do with the current debate? The legality of the techniques outlined in the memo that we're discussing wasn't based on the detainees status under the GC. It was based on the OLC's opinion of what constitutes "torture".
So P. Obama isn't prosecuting crimminal activity because of politics? Ok, I'll agree with that.
Both wars have always "been on the books". P. Bush chose to fund the conflicts with stand alone legislation...something about transparency and not burying the cost of the wars in the omnibus budget. P. Obama has decided to include the war costs in the ominibus budget. He's the POTUS, it's his decision, but the war funding process under GWB was always "on the books".
As for some of the other actions, I support many of them; stem cells, energy policy, stevie wonder songs, NCAA picks...I'm just as proud as the next guy that we elected the first Kenyan-American in history. - April 19, 2009 at 2:55 PM
You call that torture?? Heck that cells bigger than my Med School Dorm...and I had to pay for it...
Frank - April 19, 2009 at 3:28 PM
- HMS said...
Inquiry in interrogation abuses is underway (article)
For better or worse, American gov needs to regain its credibility both at home and abroad. - April 21, 2009 at 9:12 PM
The worse part is how lawyers [under Bush's directive] amended existing laws to make torture legally feasible, if not morally palatable.
- April 21, 2009 at 9:38 PM
- joegrind said...
Nuff saidWith all the panic being generated from Fox News (Beck and Hannity esp.) as well as Cheney & Limbaugh over our socialist/ fascist/ weak Comrade-in-Chief, Barack HUSSEIN Obama; now may be a good time to start stocking up on blood pressure medication as well as those guns. It's not even 100 days of his presidency. Are they going to be doing the scare tactics/ fear mongering for the next 3.5 years?
- April 23, 2009 at 10:51 AM
Fear Tactic is the hallmark of Cold War and post-9/11 politics. Current administration is working on REVERSING that mindset while maintaining national security, rather than simply following the inertia.
Perhaps it helps Nuff and people alike to simply refer to current POUS as "Berry" :D - April 23, 2009 at 11:33 AM
Bush and his secretive Dream Team has lead our country to a dangerously shallow water over the past 8 YEARS. It will take more than just half a year to tug the 307-million-people-strong boat off the shallow shore and back to the deep sea, not counting the fact that our political system is peppered with lobbyists from all sorts of special interest groups.
- April 23, 2009 at 2:05 PM


text:
Casino Reviews
Match Bonus, Maximum Bonus, Free Bonus, Casino Software Rating, Games Variety Rating, Customer Support Rating, Bonuses & Promos Rating, Overall Rating
Match Bonus, Maximum Bonus, Free Bonus, Casino Software Rating, Games Variety Rating, Customer Support Rating, Bonuses & Promos Rating, Overall Rating
If you are ready to spin the reels of your favorite slots, or play Texas Hold 'Em like a professional, all from your electronic device, than mFortune Mobile Phone Casino is...
Safari Scratch
Online scratch cards are incredibly fun to play and Safari Scratch offers over 100 such games in its online gaming environment. The games offered range from common casino favorites like Keno...
Jackpot City
There is nothing quite as fun and exciting as a night spent out at the casino. Unfortunately, going to the casino can be expensive and time-consuming. If you have a love...
Lucky Nugget
It has to be a nice feeling to win a $1,683,526 jackpot. One Lucky Nugget player knows. Their $1,683,526 win in the Major Millions progressive online slot is amongst the best...
Vegas Palms
Looking for large progressive jackpots and plenty of free bets? Vegas Palms is an online casino, which is connected to the Fortune Lounge, a large, well established group of internet casinos....
EuroGrand Casino
Ever since its introduction in 1998, Eurogrand has been one of the leading internet casinos. They've got a great range of games, and really accommodating software which includes a mobile version...
William Hill Casino
If you're looking for an all encompassing online gambling site, check out William Hill. He is a bookie, a poker site, bingo room, and of course a casino. In reality, the...
Platinum Play
Platinum Play is an online casino, which is affiliated with the Fortune Lounge, a large, established group of online casinos. This website offers free casino games as well as real play...
Prestige Casino
Using a wide range of over 130 games including 16 progressive jackpots, Prestige is a popular choice for many online casino gamers. Players get access to a 24/7 online customer service...
[ View All Reviews ]
Review Definitions
A detailed explanation of the Casino Ratings and Bonus Offers in the reviews.Casino Ratings
Casino Software
The quality of the casino's software.
The quality of the casino's software.
Games Variety
The variety of casino games available to play.
Customer Support
The quality, professionalism, and speed of the customer support team.
Bonus & Promos
The value and frequency of the casino bonuses and other promotions.
Bonus Offers
Match Bonus
How much free money the casino will give you as a percentage of your first total deposit.
How much free money the casino will give you as a percentage of your first total deposit.
Maximum Bonus
The maximum amout of bonus money you can receive with your first deposit.
Free Bonus
Free money available to new players with no deposit required.


text: Seacoast Maine Area Care Group April 1, 2023, 10:00 AM-11:30 AM Eastern Eliot, Maine William Fogg Library116 Old RoadEliot, Maine 03903 Meets the 1st Saturday of every month.Contact: firstname.lastname@example.com About TAPS Care Groups TAPS Care Groups provide emotional support and camaraderie for military adult survivors. Lasting relationships can be built on common threads. These local survivor support groups are encouraging and enlightening. Many find they learn new coping skills and stress-relieving strategies by talking to others who can relate. If there's not a TAPS Care Group in your area and you're interested in finding other local community support you can request a community resource report. If you're interested in starting a TAPS Care Group in your area, the first step is to become a TAPS Peer Mentor. For more information about a TAPS Care Group or becoming a peer mentor, please email email@example.com or call us at 800-959-TAPS (8277).


text:
STEVE PEOPLES Wednesday, 10 October 2012 04:26 PM EDT
A day after Mitt Romney downplayed his plans to fight abortion, social conservatives on Wednesday offered the Republican presidential nominee a not-so-subtle reminder of his pledge to do "everything in my power to cultivate, promote, and support a culture of life in America."
The head of the anti-abortion group Susan B. Anthony List distributed an article Romney penned last summer vowing to prohibit federal funding for Planned Parenthood, while backing legislation that would "protect unborn children who are capable of feeling pain from abortion." In the June 2011 article, Romney also expressed support for the reversal of Roe v. Wade, the landmark Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion.
"We have full confidence that as president, Gov. Romney will stand by the pro-life commitments," said Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannenfelser.
In an interview Tuesday with The Des Moines Register, Romney said he would not pursue any abortion-related legislation if elected.
"There's no legislation with regards to abortion that I'm familiar with that would become part of my agenda," he told the Iowa newspaper, an apparent shift from his previous position.
The Republican's campaign walked back his comments almost immediately. "Gov. Romney would of course support legislation aimed at providing greater protections for life," spokeswoman Andrea Saul said. She declined to elaborate.
Romney himself returned to the topic of abortion when he said after an event Wednesday in Delaware, Ohio: "I think I've said time and again that I'm a pro-life candidate and I'll be a pro-life president."
President Barack Obama's campaign jumped all over the comments to the Register, saying the words showed that Romney was trying to hide his position in abortion in an attempt to close the deal with voters.
Romney has struggled with the issue of abortion throughout his political career.
It was an issue in his 1994 Senate campaign against Massachusetts Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, who described Romney's abortion position as "multiple choice." Romney supported abortion rights when he became governor of Massachusetts in 2003, before changing his mind. As a presidential candidate, he opposes all abortion except in cases of rape, incest or to protect the life of the mother.
Now, less than a month before Election Day, he's trying to avoid the issue as he simultaneously courts women and his party's most passionate voters — groups with opposing priorities on the explosive social issue. In recent days, he's largely emphasized his personal side and moderate political positions.
While he said he would oppose abortion-related legislation, the former governor told the Register he would issue an executive order to reinstate the so-called Mexico City policy. Named for the city where it was announced, the policy bans giving federal money to international groups that perform abortions or provide abortion information. The policy has bounced in an out of law for more than a quarter-century. President Barack Obama waived the order soon after taking office in 2009.
Hogan Gidley, a former aide to Rick Santorum, a stanch social conservative who challenged Romney during the GOP primaries, said Romney's latest abortion flap is "bad news and good news."
"The bad news is that pro-life conservatives want a president to push policies that protect the innocent, unborn children from being murdered. But the good news is that Gov. Romney has pledged to reinstitute the Mexico City policy by executive order," Gidley said. "This will be of little consolation for many pro-lifers — but the alternative of Barack Obama is much worse."
Obama's deputy campaign manager Stephanie Cutter told reporters on a conference call Wednesday that Romney was "cynically and dishonestly" hiding his positions on abortion and other women's issues to try to seal the deal with voters.
"We're not saying he's changed his mind on these issues," Cutter said. "We're saying he's trying to cover up his beliefs."
Cutter said the campaign would seek to make sure that women are "not fooled" by Romney's attempts to soften his positions on abortion. The Democrat's campaign has aired TV ads accusing Romney of supporting overturning Roe vs. Wade and eliminating federal funding for Planned Parenthood.
"Women frankly just can't trust Mitt Romney," Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards said on the Obama campaign call. Richards said she was taking a break from her role at the women's health services provider to volunteer for Obama in the campaign's closing weeks.
Romney did not seek to clarify his abortion comments during a day of campaigning Wednesday in Ohio. He noted at a town hall-style meeting that his wife, Ann, and Karen Buchwald Wright, the businesswoman who helped introduce him, were breast cancer survivors.
"Karen was kind to remind me that this is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and gave me this pin, which I am wearing this morning in her honor and the honor of my wife and in honor of all the women across America who have battled this terrible disease and know of our commitment to defeat it and to provide long lives to our fellow citizens," Romney said.
Romney called the women "champions."
© Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Receive breaking news and original analysis - sent right to your inbox.
Interest-Based Advertising | Do not sell or share my personal information
Newsmax, Moneynews, Newsmax Health, and Independent. American. are registered trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc. Newsmax TV, and Newsmax World are trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc.


text:
Chelsey Overell' Personal Pledge Page
Welcome to my fundraising page for the Amazing Race Niagara! On Sunday, September 12, 2021, I will be participating in this event to raise funds for Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre Niagara. Support me in this event to increase child abuse prevention, awareness & response in Niagara.
Imagine the courage it takes for a child to disclose abuse experiences to adult authorities, when 80% of alleged perpetrators are known by children. Studies found that sexual abusers come from a wide circle of people (not only within the family) but also outside the family, such as friends, neighbours, and peers (Kingsley and Mark 2000; LaPrairie 1995).
Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre is a safe place to help, heal and end child abuse for Niagara's children & youth who have been physically abused, sexually abused, become the targets of internet luring, or were the unwilling witness of violence. Children speak about their abuse experience to specially trained teams from Niagara Regional Police Service & Family and Children's Services Niagara. Counselling is provided at no cost and without a wait list through Family Counselling Centre Niagara. Opened in 2008, Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre is a registered charity that serves Niagara's 12 municipalities, helping children and families cope with the life-altering impacts of child abuse
Did you know that 1 in 4 children will experience sexually based child abuse before the age of 18. You can "Be a Hero just for one day" and let children, youth & their families impacted by abuse in our region know you care!
Sponsor me in this amazing event and support the important work of Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre Niagara at the same time! Thank you in advance for your support.


text:
Dear All.
An UPDATE on our DHARMA WHISTLE STOP & SIT ACROSS AMERICA and WASHINGTON DC RETREAT!
July and August of this year (2014) will be very eventful for our community! Of course, August 9th through 14th, Taigu will be guiding a SESSHIN in WASHINGTON D.C.. That Retreat will be attended by many in our Sangha, and is a nearly week long residential retreat that is not to be missed if at all possible. DETAILS HERE. Please do all you can to attend this special event and opportunity.
And for those of our members in the Eastern United States (sorry that I could not get west of the Mississippi this time), if you cannot come to the Washington Retreat due to economic, health, work or family need, we are trying to bring a little Retreat to you! We are holding our first "DHARMA TRACKS Across AMERICA 2014". From July 16th to August 26th, Jundo (and his 11 year old son, Leon) will be following the Amtrak far and wide from Maine to New York to Niagara Falls Canada to Washington D.C. to the Deep South then Chicago and points between ... getting to know and bringing a little Retreat to our members unable to be in Washington.
HERE IS THE SCHEDULE SO FAR, AND WHO WE WILL BE VISITING. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT SOME PEOPLE IN DRIVING DISTANCE MIGHT JOIN US AT POINTS (please contact the people mentioned to see if such arrangements are possible) ...
+ July 16 to early July 21 - with YUGEN in BRUNSWICK, MAINE
+ July 21 to July 22 - Boston
+ July 23 - with RICH in RHODE ISLAND
+ July 24 to July 26 - New York City
+ July 27 to July 28 (and part of July 30) - with DOSHO in ROCHESTER, NEW YORK
+ July 29 and early July 30 - with DAIZAN and SHOKAI in NIAGARA FALLS, CANADA (details here)
+ July 31 to Aug 2 - New York City
+ Aug 3 - with DAIJO in NEW JERSEY (hiking part of Appalachian Trail!)
+ Aug 4 to Aug 6 - Williamsburg and Richmond Virginia
+ Aug 7 - with RISHO in TAMPA, FLORIDA
+ Aug 8 - Orlando
+ Aug 9 to Aug 14 - WASHINGTON DC RETREAT with TAIGU (Jundo will attend last day) DETAILS HERE
+ Aug 15 - Priests Powwow on the Potomac
+ Aug 16 - Baltimore, Maryland
+ Aug 17 to Aug 18 - with CLARK in NORTHEAST GEORGIA
+ Aug 19 - with ALAN.R in SPARTANBURG, SOUTH CAROLINA
+ Aug 20 to Aug 21 - with SYDNEY in MISSISSIPPI
+ Aug 22 - with NENKA in SPRINGFIELD or CHICAGO ILLINOIS (meeting place to be confirmed)
+ Aug 23 to Aug 26 - CHICAGO AREA
I sincerely apologize to the several people ... such as Justin in Indiana, Matt in Kansas, Brian in Ohio, and others ... who were very kind to extend an invitation I could not meet this time due to the routing. Through Zen Practice, I have fully transcended time and space ... but not Amtrak schedules! I can be everywhere in the universe at once ... but not two places at once! I am still trying to squeeze in a couple of more folks somehow.
(Here are the general Amtrak route maps to give an idea where we are heading)
(sorry that I will not get west of the Mississippi River this time, but I will do my best to hold a similar "Dharma Tracks Across Europe" in 2015 and another "Dharma Tracks" for the Western U.S. and parts of Canada in 2016)
I plan to hold a small Zazenkai (to be netcast where possible, just like the ones we hold here at Treeleaf each week) with all the people we meet ... right from their living rooms!. Other than that, the only plan is to "hang out", nothing fancy, sit on the porch and get to know each other, share some time. We welcome a place to sleep on a fold out bed or the floor.
The Buddha walked barefoot hundreds of miles across northern India. In the old days, Zen folks wandered from temple to temple looking like this ...
My boy and I will pretty much be a t-shirt clad father and son with a couple of backpacks and a tired look from 15 hour train trips!
(One other reason I am making this trip with my son is that Leon does not know America very much, so this is a chance to show him some of that part of his culture at the same time. I am hoping to show him some American history, life and nature along the way ... especially as he is going to have to be stuck tagging along with his dad for 6 weeks! I am hoping that, on the way to visit our Treeleaf members, I can show him some of that.)
To repeat: We plan to visit folks who cannot possibly attend the Sesshin in Washington in mid-August due to economic, health or family restrictions (and some people who will be attending the Washington Sesshin as well).
This is another great experiment for this "Sangha beyond here or there" with many people who due to health concerns, living in remote areas, or work, childcare and family needs, cannot attend a Sitting easily, as we see if the Sangha & Sittings can come to them!
My son and I would very much look forward to meeting so many of you, sharing some time and sitting Zazen together!
"WHISTLE STOP & SIT" Gassho, Jundo
PS - If you wonder how I can get away from work for such a period, well, my work as a translator of Japanese is pretty portable. And my patient wife and her mom will be tending to our 3-year old back home.


text:
What Banks Should Know About Disaster Recovery in the Cloud
Disaster recovery in the cloud, or let's term it "disaster resilience," is still a relatively new concept. But it has distinct advantages for financial institutions – and some challenges as well.
To remind ourselves, cloud computing employs a network of remote servers hosted on the Internet to store, manage and process data, using a local server or a personal computer. A cloud service differs from traditional hosting in that you can use the service whenever you wish; it's fully managed by the cloud provider and the user only requires a computer and Internet service; and its fee is based on how long you use it, typically by the minute or hour.
Cloud computing also delivers increased bandwidth, economy of scale and elasticity, on-demand access, and small- to-medium-sized institutions will benefit from lower costs by employing it. As for disaster recovery software in the cloud, it lets financial institutions share redundant resources. It also lessens typical concerns about security risks because financial institutions use a third-party cloud host that furnishes the software and handles security and other issues.
[See Related: Risks and Rewards of Disaster Recovery in the Cloud]
The cloud also can reduce the time to recover and restore applications should an outage occur, and this also pares costs. Further, financial institutions can actually use two clouds, one public cloud – which sells services to anyone on the Internet – for back-office and other functions where a breach wouldn't harm as much, and a private cloud – a proprietary network or data center that supplies hosted services to a limited number of customers – for the data and information that needs stringent protection.
Compliance Issues Can Prove a Challenge
While advantages abound for financial services to employ disaster recovery services in the cloud, some challenges exist as well. The major one involves regulatory compliance issues. Regulators aren't that keen on the cloud, fearing that any breach will have devastating consequences for bank customers.
Regulators also don't want any third-party host operating outside the state where the bank's cloud data is stored, again for security reasons. In addition, some cloud providers don't always support federal, state or industry regulations to appeal to larger audiences.
Still, a cloud provider could handle compliance by linking with a bank's multiple apps, such as Internet banking or remote access, and it could save a great deal of money by not requiring an on-premise system. Further, the cloud can reduce the speed-to-recovery time that regulators seek. A cloud provider merely needs to turn on its backup servers, and that can significantly shorten the data-retrieval time.
For financial institutions, the cloud's enhanced bandwidth is an advantage, but it could also become a problem if it fails. So could vendor stability, so it pays to determine how likely it is that a cloud host provider will be around in five years.
Who Owns the Data?
Data ownership is another issue that could arise; a bank must be sure to determine who owns the data once it's in the host's data center. Interoperability with other key applications can prove a concern, especially if a bank is going to add to its cloud services, say, by moving its mail to the cloud and then also deploy a customer-relationship management software program. Can the bank integrate the two without problems from the cloud host?
A bank must review the disaster recovery cloud provider's connectivity as part of its due diligence when evaluating cloud apps. It also must inquire about what backup facilities the provider operates should its data center become compromised or damaged in a disaster.
This brings up perhaps the biggest obstacle for financial institutions in using the cloud for disaster recovery. Many don't want to relinquish control in the event of a disaster and let a third party be responsible for their invaluable data.
Still, after weighing the pros and cons, more financial institutions are expected to move functions to the cloud. They can easily be deployed, upgraded and managed in the cloud. In addition, because a cloud host provider oversees the hardware and software, the bank merely must be able to enter and retrieve the data it desires.
Vasu Subbiah is senior director, product management for Recovery Services at SunGard Availability Services.


text:
500 Count Rap4 .68 Cal / Caliber AG1 Mag / Magazine Fed Paintball Ammo - All Purpose Top Grade
The AG1 Mag Fed Grade Paintball—premium .68 caliber paintballs for peak performance in your marker!
The innovative gelatin formula used in AG1 Mag Fed Grade Paintballs makes them all purpose paintballs. Rather than buying different grades of paint—tournament, recreational, practice—the AG1 Mag Fed Grade Paintballs yield peak performance to work in all markers under every playing condition.
With AG1 Mag Fed Grade Paintballs, you get the benefits of every grade of paint in just one ball—AG1 Mag Fed Grade Paintballs combine all grades of paint into one inclusive grade! You no longer need to buy different grades of paint for different markers, because the AG1 Mag Fed Grade Paintball is designed to provide ideal flight patterns, the longest range, and the tightest accuracy possible in whatever you're shooting.
Real Action Paintball's new AG1 Mag Fed Grade Paintball enables stores and fields to better manage their paint inventory by freeing them from needing to stock other grades of paint. When you can supply all grades of paint with just one ball, you need not invest in other inventory that can spoil or never sell. And the greatest benefit for your business is the ability to offer customers the best paintballs at the best price in the industry.
For players, the AG1 Mag Fed Grade takes away the confusion of what type of paintball to buy. The AG1 Mag Fed Grade keeps it simple by creating an inclusive all-in-one paintball. No longer should you stress about choosing the right paintball for your maker. No matter what marker you use, the AG1 Mag Fed Grade Paintball will provide peak performance.
AG1 Mag Fed Grade Paintball, all grades—one ball. This is the best paintball for all markers, and is made with pride in the USA.
High quality, made in USA
***All paintballs are filled with specified colors as described in the description, and shells may reflect a different color.***