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Maier, Gunther (2003) The market areas of Austrian universities. SRE - Discussion Papers, 2003/02. Institut für Wirtschaftsgeographie, Abt. Stadt- und Regionalentwicklung, WU Vienna University of Economics and Business, Vienna.
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This paper uses a dataset of first-time students in Austria, which shows among other information the home location and the university location of those students. Since Austria has a free access university system, where universities have to accept high school graduates, these data reflect the preferences of these students. From a university's point of view, the data reflect the area from where they can attract students, i.e. the market areas of the universities. Currently, the market areas of Austrian universities are largely unknown. It is also unknown whether the universities serve spatial markets like a spatial monopolist or compete on a national scale. This information, however, is of crucial importance for the future strategies of the Austrian universities who are in a process of restructuring from a bureaucratically governed system to one of independence and autonomy. For universities who have to develop their own strategies information about their market is essential.
|Item Type:
|Österreich / Universität / Student / Herkunft / Studienfachwahl
|Departments > Sozioökonomie > Multi-Level Governance and Development
|Depositing User:
|Repository Administrator
|Date Deposited:
|04 May 2004 15:09
|Last Modified:
|11 Jul 2019 13:55
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An election unlike any we have known—and hopefully unlike any we will ever know again—is finally upon us.
Readers of this space know in no uncertain terms where I stand. I recognize Hillary Clinton's flaws but I think she is cut out to be an excellent president. I recognize Donald Trump's flaws and I think he is not.
Whatever happens, let us all find a way to take a deep breath and do our best to accept each other as we are, to debate in civil terms, and to push forward with our lives, setting good examples for our children.
I find the words of John Donne particularly apt today, and I share his most famous poem in its brief entirety with you here.
"No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friend's or of thine own were: any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bells tolls; it tolls for thee."
As for last week, we saw some convertible action that was a strange mix of surprising, scary, and encouraging. Read on for the details.
(This is the cover letter for the subscription-based weekly Hillside's Hybrid Vigor newsletter. For a complete copy, please contact John Anderson at + 1 (646) 712-9289 x 107).


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Price: $39.95
Quantity: 1 available
Book Condition: Good
0870236113 204 pages including index and references. Part 1 investigates the social and emotional contexts of learning and the activities of learning in higher primate groups. Part 2 looks at these learning contexts and activities as they have probably existed for most of the history of the human species. Part 3 explores the ways in which these learning contexts and activities have changed in rather recent human history, describes the problems that these changes have created in children's education, and offers suggestions for educational reform from an evolutionary perspective. "Thought provoking." - Library Journal. Crease to lower corner of front cover, otherwise moderate wear. Occasional light pencil markings.
Title: Primates in the Classroom: An Evolutionary Perspective on Children's Education
Categories: Education,
Edition: Reprint
Publisher: Amherst, MA, U.S.A., University of Massachusetts Press: 1988
ISBN Number: 0870236113
ISBN Number 13: 9780870236112
Binding: Paperback
Book Condition: Good
Item: 1.00 Item
Seller ID: 62206892
Keywords: EDUCATIONAL INNOVATIONS EVOLUTION ADDRESSES ESSAYS LECTURES SCIENCE EDUCATION EXPERIMENTAL METHODS Social Aspects United States Learning Socialization 204 pages including index and references. Part 1 investigates the social and emotional contexts of lear,


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Learn how to do gamified Learning & Development the right way
Learning and development has always been important to businesses. But in recent years the focus has never been greater, with two-thirds of workers saying they have quit roles due to lack of training opportunities. The Total Jobs survey also showed that 80% of managers recognise the importance of learning and development options for employee growth.
While it's clear that most of us understand the benefits of good training, that doesn't mean we're always executing it in the right way. One proven way to encourage engagement during training and development is to gamify the process, giving employees the chance to really immerse themselves in the learning activities. In addition to ensuring greater retention of knowledge, interactive learning through games breaks down barriers between employees and build rapport, developing stronger communication channels in the long-term. But with so many products available and so many different ways to use gamification, how do you ensure you're getting it right for your team? Using examples of events that Wildgoose has worked on, we'll outline three key ways you can make the most of your gamified learning and development programmes.
Objectives, objectives, objectives
One of the greatest reasons that learning and development training falls flat is because there aren't any clear goals and objectives in mind. When we organised a gamified learning experience for a digital transformation company, they had two very clear objectives: to emphasise their commitment to creating a more diverse and inclusive corporate culture, and educate participants to spark behavioural change. The clear brief meant that Wildgoose were able to identify the challenges they would face when training in this area and develop an appropriate response. In this case, we chose to focus on the issue of unconscious bias, which not every employee is aware of. Our aim was to challenge people's perceptions of what it means to be a diverse and inclusive leader using a blend of gamified interactive technology and expert facilitation; allowing participants to explore what it means to be truly diverse, rather than being directly told. Opportunities like this encourage people to think outside the box, which is especially important when your event objectives involve developing EQ among your employees.
Be inclusive
The key to success in gamified learning and development is to ensure that everyone in the team is involved- not just a select few. When Wildgoose worked with Laureate Education for an event in Mexico City, the experience had to appeal to a diverse range of delegates. A mix of English and Spanish speakers, the group wanted a challenging indoor icebreaking event that demonstrated gamified learning. The multilingual app meant that we could activate the game in different languages, which was ideal for this diverse audience. But it's not just languages and cultural barriers that brands need to be aware of when organising these type of events. It's also really important to be mindful of any other issues that may impact team members' ability to become involved. This could range from inclusivity for people with physical and learning disabilities to arranging your event in a central location that's convenient for employees travelling from different parts of the country.
Incorporate brand values in an interactive way
To be successful, brands need all of their employees to be onboard with their key messages and values. It's particularly important to reflect this during learning and development opportunities, so that employees fully understand their purpose. When Direct Line Group wanted to run a training event to help get all their staff facing the same way, Wildgoose stepped in with an interactive conference based on the Radical Candor framework of communication, which develops emotional intelligence. Through a series of sessions, the event demonstrated to employees what happens when everyone isn't facing the same way and the impact this can have on the team as a whole. Using a creative approach, where actors demonstrated different behavioural and feedback styles, employees were able to see brand values and messages in action.
Ultimately the right approach to gamified learning needs to be tailored to your company's needs, so it's important to take a range of factors into account as you plan your training events. But whatever style of learning you opt for, it's clear that getting it right can reap huge rewards for your brand.


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Meet the 2016 Citizen Artist Fellows
In 2016, Kennedy Center is launching the "Citizen Artist Fellows" program, which recognizes artists across the country who utilize their art form for positive impact on communities, from small to large.
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Perform on Millennium Stage
Are you interested in performing on Millennium Stage, or do you have a program you'd like to recommend? In order to be considered, please submit any recent videos of live performance within the last two years, website, Facebook page, or other pertinent information to email@example.com.


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City council approves contract with hospital
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RONAN — At a Ronan City Council meeting on Monday, the city council moved to approve a contract with St. Luke Community Hospital that would charge the Ronan Police Department $300 per sexual assault exam.
"This is a bargain when you look at what everyone else is being charged," Assistant Police Chief Art Walgren said.
Walgren explained that police departments across Montana are charged $500 to $700 per sexual assault exam by hospitals.
Council member Paul Soukup inquired about the number of sexual assault cases the Ronan Police Department investigates annually.
Walgren reported that in 2008, the Ronan police force investigated six cases and in 2009 there were only three. Walgren also noted that if processed, the defendant is required to pay restitution, including the sexual assault exam fee. But restitution is rarely paid.
"Where do we come up with that money?" Walgren asked. "Your guess is as good as mine."
If the city decided not to enter into a contract with the hospital, the hospital has the right to charge the police department whatever they deem appropriate, Walgren said.
The city council passed the motion to enter into a contract with the hospital, agreeing to the fee of $300 per sexual assault exam.
The council also discussed the solicitor's license fees and fines. After passing a motion to create a solicitor's license in a previous city council meeting, the council discussed fines that will be issued if the ordinance is not obeyed. Mayor Kim Aipperspach suggested that after an initial warning, the first offense would double the original solicitor's license fee and the second offense would double the first fine. The third fine would include a fine of $500 and other penalties to be decided on by the judge in court.
The city council members moved to amend the first reading of the ordinance to include the aforementioned fine schedule.
They also discussed the possible placement of commercial licensing signs at the beginning of town.
Marc Carstens, a surveyor with Sherman and Sherman approached the council in order to receive preliminary approval of phase I. The area is located near the Creamery Mall near U.S. Highway 93. After much deliberation, council members approved the preliminary plan of phase I.
"I think your planning staff and board did a great job on this one," Carstens said.
The council then discussed the water project administrator selection. Lake County Community Development Corporation had already been selected by the city to be the project's administrator, but the offer had not been accepted. The council moved to allow the mayor to enter into negotiations with LCCDC in order to make an offer that is acceptable to both parties.
The next Ronan City Council meeting will be held on May 10 at 6 p.m. in the Ronan City Hall.


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Annabeth Dress
Product info
- Length from nape to hem
- 100cm
- Sleeve
- Slim Sleeve
- Colour
- Pale Pink
- Fabric composition
- 63% Polyester, 33% Viscose, 4% Elastane
- Lining
- 100% Polyester
- Washing instructions
- Dry Clean
- Style code
- 5244
Editor's Notes
They say flattery gets you nowhere, but the Annabeth dress has other ideas. With a silhouette you'll always feel good in, seam detailing highlights your waist, while its pale pink hue nods to this season's trend for pastels. The three quarter-length sleeves add an air of sophistication. Lined. Model is 175cm/5'9'' and is wearing a size UK 8.


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Sketch Comedy & LA
I couldn't stop hearing Tupac's "To Live & Die in LA" on my six hour flight to Los Angeles last week. Can you believe they don't even give you cookies anymore? Good thing I packed my rice cakes and seaweed chips because that would have been the struggle paying ten dollars for tiny chicken sandwich. But I digress. I was beyond excited to bust my comedy chops (blows off dust) in a new comedy sketch with the hilarious Andrew Bachelor. I filmed my scene with YouTube guru DeStorm who's videos have a combined 2 millions views. Crazy. Can't wait to see the edited product! In the meantime, I found this old video of a Living Color audition I submitted. Haha.
[vimeo 36460419 w=500 h=281]
Shelah Marie Comedy Reel from Shelah Marie on Vimeo.


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Statutory marriage: FG to establish registers in FCT, 36 states
The Federal Government has unveiled plans to set up marriage registries across the 36 states of the federation, and the FCT.
It said the objective was to ensure uniform conduct of statutory marriages in the country.
Director of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Interior, Mr. Mohammed Manga, in a statement yesterday, quoted Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Georgina Ehuriah as making the disclosure.
Manga said: "In its efforts at ensuring uniformity in the conduct of statutory marriages, the Federal Government has declared its intention to set up marriage registries in all the 36 state capitals in the country.
"The Permanent Secretary…disclosed this today (yesterday) in Port Harcourt, River State, while declaring open a one-day sensitisation conference on the conduct of statutory marriages in Nigeria with the theme: "Achieving Harmonious Compliance in the Conduct of Statutory Marriage in Nigeria.
"She said that arrangements are also underway to establish new federal marriage registries in Umuahia, Abia State and Uyo in Akwa Ibom State, to address the challenges faced by couples in the South-South and South East Zones."
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Regulatory authorities, others begin medicine traceability
Under the coordination of the African Medicines Regulatory Harmonisation (AMRH) and the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), representatives from national and regional economic communities (RECs) from across Africa have signed a Call to Action for the "Africa Strategy for Pharmaceutical Traceability".
In a statement, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) said in doing so they have declared their support and commitment to undertake actions that would improve the availability of quality medicines, ensure greater visibility of products within the supply chain and enable improved patient care.
The adoption of existing global supply chain standards for pharmaceutical traceability would help to achieve these goals through stronger regional regulatory harmonisation, as well as global and national interoperability of supply chains and supporting information systems.
The Director General of th National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Moji Christianah Adeyeye said,
"Across Africa medicine regulatory authorities work hard to protect patients and provide access to quality medicines. Today we affirm medicine traceability as a key tool in our collective efforts to support healthy populations and more effective supply chains
"The Call to Action states the case – in clear language developed by Africa's regulatory leaders – for the adoption of global standards for medicine traceability. We are watching with real admiration the commitment made today to medicine quality. This is Africa's time to shine" added Tom Woods, World Bank's Chairman of the Global Steering Committee for Quality Assurance.
GS1, the leading global supply chain standards organisation held its second African Healthcare conference in Lagos, Nigeria, from September 17 to 19, 2019. This conference is supported by The World Bank, The Global Fund, USAID and the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers (IFPMA) and co-hosted by NAFDAC
Absence of witness stalls murder trial of alleged kidnap Kingpin, Evans
The absence of a police witness Friday stalled the criminal trial of an alleged kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, otherwise known as 'Evans' at an Ikeja Special Offences Court, Lagos.
Evans, who is standing trial alongside three of his gang members, namely; Joseph Ikenna Emeka, 29, Chiemeka Arinze, 39, Udeme Frank Upong, 43, was arraigned on a seven-count charge of murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to kidnap and selling of firearms.
Friday's proceedings were billed for the continuation of evidence in chief of a police inspector, Idowu Haruna, an Investigation Police Officer (IPO).
The witness, attached to the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Team for six years, was billed to continue his evidence against Evans and his gang members for allegedly shooting the Young Shall Grow Motors (YSG) Chairman, Chief Obianuju Vincent and killing two of his escorts.
However, as a result of the IPO's absence, the State Prosecutor, Mrs. O.A Badulaiye-Bishi, informed the court that witness has travelled outside the court's jurisdiction.
Badulaiye-Bishi said: "My lord, the matter is for a continuation of trial. But unfortunately, the prosecution witness is unavailable because has travelled outside the court's jurisdiction. We will kindly have to request for an adjournment."
Meanwhile, the IPO, in his earlier testimony, narrated how the YSG Chairman was shot while his two escorts were murdered by Evans and his gang in an attempt to kidnap him.
Presidential poll: Atiku thanks Nigerians, calls for more support
Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their support during the 2019 presidential election, saying he owe his success in life to Nigeria.
Atiku, who spoke for the first time since the September 11 judgement of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal that upheld the election of President Muhammadu Buhari, said he enjoyed the support and solidarity of Nigerians from all walks of life since he declared to contest the presidential election on July 21, 2018.
"Nothing good comes easy, and hard as the task to rid Nigeria from the forces of fascism, and be an instrument for the full restoration of the rule of law and democracy in Nigeria is, your support makes the struggle worthwhile.
"I note the immense outpouring of goodwill from ordinary Nigerians in every nook and cranny of Nigeria and from all regions, religions and relationships.
"Once again I thank you all for your support. I also thank the governors elected on the platform of my party, the Peoples Democratic Party, as well as the National Executive Committee, for their unanimous and unambiguous support for the judicial phase of this struggle, especially after it was announced that we would go on to appeal.
"I urge all Nigerians to continue their support for this recourse to constitutional order via the courts. Even if there is little or nothing you can do to ensure that justice is done in Nigeria, just believe that it will happen. Let us never underestimate the effect of our belief in Nigeria," Atiku stated.
Army: Troops kill 7 Boko Haram commanders
The Nigerian Army has announced the killing of seven suspected Boko Haram commanders during joint operations between its troops and elements of Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
The Army further reiterated earlier claims that the suspected terrorists were fleeing to North and Central Africa, to escape the heat from ongoing operations in the North East.
Acting Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sagir Musa, who made the disclosure in a statement Friday, noted that the said feat has since attracted the commendation of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai.
"The MNJTF and the Nigerian Armed Forces are in celebrative mood today and have been basking in the successes of their combined efforts of artillery and air bombardments of suspected hideouts of erstwhile Boko Haram/ISWAP at the Tumbus of Lake Chad region that neutralized many including key commanders.
"However, it was mourning and a monumental set back to the erstwhile Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters hibernating at the triangular area.
"Reliable information coming out from the inner circles of the demented and criminal group's enclave escaping to Sudan and Central African Republic, indicates that at least not fewer than seven of their key commanders have been wasted by the superior forces of the MNJTF.
"The neutralized commanders are said to be Abba Mainok, Bukar Dunokaube, Abu kololo, Abor Kime (said to be of Arab origin – likely their ISIS trainer), Mann Chari, Dawoud Abdoulaye (from Mali) and Abu Hamza" Musa said
Tribunal judgment, triumph of truth over falsehood – Kwara Gov
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Friday said the tribunal judgment dismissing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)'s certificate forgery allegations against him and upholding his election was a triumph of truth over falsehood and a sweet victory for Kwarans.
"This judgment affirms the truism that never will falsehood triumph over truth nor evil over good till the end of time — no matter the efforts or public grandstanding of the purveyors of such falsehood," he said, according to a statement by the governor's spokesman, Rafiu Ajakaye.
The statement said the judgment confirmed the party's long-held position that the entire allegation was malicious and a tale by moonlight.
"For us, the judgment serves as a tonic to go the extra mile to build a polity where players will be motivated only by truth and the dream of serving our people and not by unbridled ambitions," the statement added.
Earlier, the Kwara State Election Petition Tribunal had dismissed the (PDP)'s petition seeking the nullification of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq's election on the ground that he lacked the academic qualification to run.
The tribunal said the PDP's candidate Razaq Atunwa failed to prove the allegations, holding instead that "all evidences before us show that (AbdulRazaq) sat the exam and was therefore qualified to run for the office of governor.
"From all the evidences before us, we hold that the petition lacks merit and is hereby dismissed," Justice Bassey Effiong, Chairman of the three-person panel, held in a unanimous judgment in Ilorin, the state capital.
Effiong said the law is that where a petitioner makes the commission of a crime the kernel of their petition, then they must prove it beyond reasonable doubt.
"Has the petitioner discharged the burden of proof expected of them? From the evidence in this case, the answer is a resounding no," Effiong added.
"We hold that all the evidences presented by the West African Examination Council (WAEC) – which the petitioners had relied upon and subpoenaed – were at variance with the pleadings of the petitioners," Effiong added.
He insisted that the petitioners failed to prove that the governor forged a certificate or presented a forged certificate in support of his candidature as alleged in their petition.
The judge said WAEC confirmed to the tribunal that AbdulRazaq's certificate was "genuine and authentic", adding that a classmate of the governor also told the panel that the latter sat in front of him in the secondary school leaving certificate examination of June 1976.
Tribunals dismiss petitions against Ikpeazu, Ishaku Darius' elections
The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Umuahia on Friday dismissed the petition challenging the election of Dr Okezie Ikpeazu's re-election as Governor of Abia.
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and its candidate, Dr Alex Otti had approached the tribunal to nullify the declaration of Ikpeazu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the petitioners alleged that Ikpeazu did not win the majority of the lawful votes cast in the March 9, 2019 election.
NAN reports that Otti came third while Uche Ogah, the candidate of All Progressive Congress (APC) was second in the governorship election.
However, the petitioners urged the tribunal to declare the election invalid by reasons of criminal practices, non-substantial compliance with the electoral guidelines, and over voting in 788 polling units in the conduct of the election
Delivering a unanimous judgment, Chairman of the panel, Justice Lekan Ogumonye dismissed the petition for the failure of the petitioners to prove their allegations beyond reasonable doubts.
The tribunal held that testimonies told by 65 polling units agents who appeared as witnesses for the petitioners were not sufficient to prove allegations of over voting in 788 polling units.
The tribunal held that if even there were some infractions in said polling units, they were not substantial to invalidate the entire election.
The tribunal therefore held that the petitioners failed to prove their case beyond reasonable doubt and thereby dismissed it for lacking in merit.
Speaking newsmen, Dr Paul Ananamba, SAN, counsel for the second respondent (Ikpeazu) described the decision as "a landmark judgement borne out of thorough scrutiny and solid analysis."
And in a related development, The Taraba Governorship petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja on Friday upheld the election of Gov. Ishaku Darius of the PDP, as the winner of the March 9 governorship election in the state.
Alhaji Abubakar Danladi of the APC filed a petition, challenging the election of Darius.
Delivering judgment, Chairman of the three-member tribunal, Justice M.O Adewara, declared that Danladi and his party, APC, were not qualified to contest in the election.
Adewara held that due to the disqualification of Danladi by the Federal High Court, Jalingo APC had no candidate in the governorship election and as such can be deemed to not have participated in the election.
"A political party can be said to have participated in an election where it has not been restricted by the law.
"A candidate that has been disqualified isn't a candidate under the law and the political party should not have sponsored him," the Tribunal ruled.
JUST IN: AbdulRazaq qualified to run for gov – Tribunal
The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Ilorin on Friday dismissed the petition challenging the election of Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on the grounds of forgery.
In its ruling the Tribunal said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which filed the appeal, failed to prove the forgery allegations.
Afghanistan: US confirms drone attack that killed 30 farmers
The US forces in Afghanistan have admitted that a drone attack that killed at least 30 pine nut farmers in Nangarhar province on Thursday was conducted by them.
At least 40 others were injured in the attack in Wazir Tangi area of Khogyani district that was previously attributed to the West-backed Afghan government.
A spokesman for US forces in Afghanistan confirmed on Thursday that the drone attack was conducted by the US with the intention of destroying a hideout used by the fighters of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL or ISIS) group.
"Initial indications are members of Daesh [ISIL] were among those targeted in the strike," Colonel Sonny Leggett, spokesman for the American-led coalition in Afghanistan said.
"However, we are working with local officials to determine whether there was collateral damage."
Sohrab Qaderi, a provincial council member in Nangarhar said on Thursday that the drone attack killed 30 workers in a pine nut field and at least 40 others were injured.
The defence ministry in Kabul confirmed the raid, but refused to share casualty details immediately.
Attaullah Khogyani, a spokesman for the provincial governor of Nangarhar confirmed the air raid.
"The government is investigating the incident. So far nine bodies are collected from the attack site near a pine nut field," he said.
Malik Rahat Gul, a tribal elder in Wazir Tangi, said the air raid happened at a time when tired workers, mainly daily wage earners, had gathered near their tent after harvesting pine nuts in a field nearby.
"The workers had lit a bonfire and were sitting together when a drone targeted them," said Gul.
Earlier this month, four brothers were killed in a raid by the CIA-trained and funded 02 Unit of the National Directorate of Security (NDS) spy agency.
Spike in Taliban attacks
Also on Thursday, at least 20 people were killed in Zabul province's Qalat city in a suicide car bomb blast claimed by the Taliban armed group.
Hundreds of people have been killed in the past several weeks, as the West-backed government forces and Taliban fighters have stepped up attacks since a peace deal between the armed group and the United States collapsed earlier this month.
The Taliban fighters wanted to target a training base for Afghanistan's powerful spy agency, NDS, in Qalat city but parked the explosives-laden truck outside a hospital gate nearby, a defence ministry source said.
Al Jazeera's Rob McBride, reporting from the capital, Kabul, said several women, children, health workers and patients in the hospital were critically injured in the blast.
"[The] truck bomb that drove up against an exterior wall of the NDS building detonated, but right next door was a provincial hospital that has taken the brunt of this explosion … the death toll is likely to rise," he said.
The spike in Taliban attacks comes as Afghanistan prepares for the presidential election scheduled to be held on September 28.
The Taliban has warned that its fighters will step up their campaign against the Afghan government and foreign forces to dissuade people from voting in the presidential election.
"The government is still going ahead with its preparation for elections and trying to open up the number of polling stations," McBride said.
"As the Taliban say, they are still open to peace talks; the Afghan government is saying it has to resume only after elections."
More than nine million Afghans are expected to vote in the presidential election, for which the government has deployed more than 70,000 security forces across the country.
US President Donald Trump abruptly ended talks with the Taliban earlier this month for a deal on the withdrawal of thousands of American troops from Afghanistan in exchange for security guarantees from the Taliban.
The talks, which did not include the Afghan government, were intended to lead to wider peace negotiations to end the 18-year-long war in Afghanistan.
One killed, five injured in shooting near White House
A man has been killed and five injured in a shooting on the streets of Washington DC.
Gunfire erupted in the courtyard of an apartment complex in the Columbia Heights neighbourhood just after 10pm on Thursday night.
The complex is around two miles from the White House.
Police have not confirmed whether they have arrested a suspect but Reuters news agency cited a law enforcement source as saying it was not an "active shooter" situation.
Police Commander Stuart Emerman said the injuries ranged from "non-critical to critical" and all were being treated in hospital.
They are four men and one women. No children were among the victims.
When asked how many shots had been fired, Cdr Emerman said: "Multiple shell casings were at the scene so it could be an accurate assessment that [witnesses] did hear a lot of gunshots."
$9.6bn judgement debt: How P&ID defrauded Nigeria
The Federal Government yesterday told the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja how Process and Industrial Developments Limited (P&ID) and its Nigerian affiliate, P&ID Nigeria Limited, defrauded the country and equally evaded tax.
This was just as the Federal Government arraigned the two firms on an 11-count charge bothering on fraud and tax evasion in respect of the contract leading to the recent controversial judgement of a British court empowering the firm to seize $9.6 billion worth of Nigerian assets.
The firms, through their representatives, Mohammed Kuchazi and Adamu Usman, respectively pleaded guilty to the 11-count charge when they were docked.
While Kuchazi was represented by his counsel, Dandison Akurunwua, Usman, who is also a lawyer, represented himself.
The court, however, ordered the forfeiture of all assets and properties to the Federal Government, as well as the winding up (closure) of the two firms.
The order was sequel to the conviction of the two firms.
The defendants were alleged, among others, of fraudulently claiming to have acquired land from the Cross River State Government in 2010 for the gas supply project agreement which led to the $9.6 billion judgement.
The prosecution also alleged that the defendants conspired with certain officials of Nigerian Government to commit felony to wit: dealing in petroleum product without appropriate licence and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 3(6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and punishable under section 1(17) of the same Act.
The defendants were also alleged of attempt to deal in petroleum products without appropriate licence and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 1(19) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and punishable under section 1(17) of the same Act.
After the defendants pleaded guilty to the charge read to them, the court called on the EFCC investigator, Usman Babangida, to the witness box for review of facts.
This was, however, not opposed to by the defendants.
The investigator tendered documents relating to the controversial 2010 gas supply contract and EFCC's investigation activities to the court.
The trial judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo subsequently admitted the documents as exhibits.
Also, the defendants did not object to the admissibility.
After reviewing the facts before it, the court pronounced the two firms guilty.
This was followed by an allocutus (plea for mercy) by P&ID's counsel, Akurunwua.
He pleaded with the court to consider "the forthrightness and candour" of P&ID by pleading guilty and not wasting the time of the court in the trial.
Similarly, the second defendant aligned himself with the submission of counsel to the first defendant.
Prosecution counsel, Bala Sanga, urged the court to deliver its sentencing in line with the provision of the Money Laundering Act which stipulates the winding up of the firm as well as forfeiture of all their assets to the Federal Government.
Delivering judgement, Justice Ekwo held that the firms, having admitted to the crime, he had no option than to convict them accordingly.
Relying on provisions of section 19(2) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011, and section 10(2) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other related offences Act, 2006, the court ordered the Federal Government to wind up the two firms and confiscate all their assets in the country.
"With the facts before the court, and the plea of guilty entered by the defendants, this court is left with no option than to convict the defendants accordingly.
"Relying on Section 29(2) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 and Section 10(2) of the Advanced Fee Fraud and other related offences Act, 2006, the court makes an order of winding up of the defendants' firms in this matter and also an order of forfeiture of all assets and properties of the defendants to the Federal Government of Nigeria," Justice Ekwo held.
It will be recalled that a British Commercial Court had, on August 16, awarded judgement in the sum of $9.6 billion against Nigeria over a failed contract between P&ID and the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources in 2010.
The charge reads in part:
*That you, Process and Industrial Developments Limited (Nigeria) being a company Incorporated in the British Virgin Island, Process and Industrial Development (Nigeria) Ltd., Michael Quinn (deceased), Neil Hitchcock (deceased), and Brendan Cahill (at large), on or about the 11th day of January 2010 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this court with intent to defraud, conspired to obtain benefit to wit: petroleum product from the Federal Government of Nigeria by falsely representing to the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Ministry of Petroleum Resources,that Process Development Ltd. was allocated land by the Cross River State Government which representation you know to be false, thereby committing an offence contrary to section 8(a) and punishable under section (1) (3) of the Advanced Fee Fraud and other Offences Act, 2006.
*That you, Process and Industrial Developments Limited, being a company incorporated in the British Virgin Island, Process and Industrial Developments (Nigeria) Limited, Michael Quinn (deceased), Neil Hitchcock (deceased) and Brendan Cahill (at large), on or about the 11th of January, 2010 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, conspired with certain officials of Nigerian Government to commit felony to wit: dealing in petroleum product without appropriate licence and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 3(6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and punishable under section 1(17) of the same Act.
*That you, Process and Industrial Development Limited, being a company incorporated in the British Virgin Island, Process and Industrial Developments (Nigeria) Limited, Michael Quinn (deceased), Neil Hitchcock (deceased) and Brendan Cahill (at large) between August 2006 and August, 2010 at Abuja within the Abuja Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, conspired amongst yourselves to launder proceeds of unlawful act to wit: tax evasion and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 18 and punishable section 15(2)(b)(3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended by Act No.1 of 2012)."
In count seven, they were accused to have, between August 2006 and December 2006, concealed the unlawful origin of the sum of N1,856,503.50 through the Guaranty Trust Bank Plc Account No: 3223250230110 operated by Process and Industrial Developments (Nigeria) Limited, when you reasonably ought to have known that the said fund formed part of the proceeds of your unlawful act to wit: tax evasion and you, thereby, committed an offence contrary to section 15(2)(a) and punishable under section 15(3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition Act, 2011 as amended by Act No: 1 of 2012).
In count eight, the prosecution accused the defendants of concealing the sum of N3,923,237.65 and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 15(2)(a) and punishable under section 15(3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition Act, 2011 (as amended by Act No: 1 of 2012.
In count nine, the defendants were said to have concealed the sum of N2,290, 472.50 and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 15(2)(a) and punishable under section 15(3) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 (as amended) by Act No: 1 of 2012.
In count 10, the defendants were accused of concealing the sum of N1,414, 955.50, thereby committing an offence contrary to section 15(2)(a) and punishable under section 15(3) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 (as amended) by Act No: 1 of 2012.
Following a British court ruling that Nigeria owed the Irish firm about $9.6 billion for violating terms of the contract, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) commenced an investigation into the contract between Nigeria and P&ID.
The contract for gas supply and processing (GSPA) was signed by the administration of late President Umaru Yar'Adua and P&ID.
The company was to build gas processing facilities around Calabar, Cross River State and the government was to supply wet gas up to 400 million standard cubic feet per day.
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$9.6bn judgement debt: How P&ID defrauded Nigeria


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Meditation for Cynics
Yes even the most cynical of you CAN and SHOULD meditation And here's why!
Meditation is a hot topic these days. It seems like everyone is talking about it. Recently, I heard that sports teams are using it as a part of their practice and to improve their performance. But what is all the hype? Although there are still skeptics, research is coming out almost daily on the benefits of meditation. When doing a recent search, I started compiling the benefits that I found listed. Here it is:
According to Emma Seppala, PhD, (Associate Director of Stanford University's Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education) and 10 years of research at Stanford, the benefits include:
· Increases Positive Emotions
· Increases Life Satisfaction
· Boosts Immune Functioning
· Decreases Pain
· Decreases Inflammation
· Increases Social Connection
· Reduces Loneliness
· Increases Memory and Attention
· Increases Cortical Thickness, esp. in areas related to introspection and attention
· Increases Grey Matter in hippocampus (memory) and frontal areas (thought, planning, organization); prevents or slows normal aging
· Increases Brain Volume, esp. in areas of emotion regulation, positive emotions, and self-control
· Improves Empathy
· Generates Helpfulness
· Increases Resilience (Better able to handle hard times)
· Increases Wisdom
· Gives you Perspective: helps you see the big picture
· Decreases Anxiety
· Decreases Stress
· Decreases Depression
While the results of research coming out of Stanford might be the most stringent scientifically, still others are reported. In another article by Belle Beth Cooper, "What Happens to the Brain When You Mediate (And How it Benefits You)" { http://lifehacker.com/what-happens-to-the-brain-when-you-meditate-and-how-it-1202533314}, she sighted changes in the frontal and parietal lobes, as well as the thalamus and reticular formation leading to benefits such as:
· Increased Focus
· Decreased Anxiety
· Increased Creativity
· Increased Compassion for self and others
· Improved Memory
· Decreased Stress
· Increased Grey Matter
Still other studies report:
· Changes in DNA/gene-expression that increased health promoting genes and decreased health-depleting genes (John Denninger, MD, PhD, Director of research at Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and instructor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School in Yoga Journal, June 2014 issue)
· Reduces Negative Emotions
· Increases Self-Awareness
· In some studies it has been reported that meditation was able to surpass the benefits of blood pressure medications for reducing blood pressure and even morphine, for reducing pain.
While there may always be skeptics and while not every benefit listed may stand up to the test of strict scientific protocol, there are certainly enough potential benefits, as well as scientifically validated benefits to warrant giving it a try. Honesty, if these lists aren't enough reasons to get you going, then I don't know what is!
Just remember, when beginning a practice, start slow. Benefits have been noted with just 2 minutes a day. Be patient and kind with yourself. This is a practice, not a perfect (hokey, I know, but it fits). Finally, pick a type of meditation that feels right for you. Most people can't dive in with long periods of absolute silence and stillness. Perhaps begin with a guided meditation or some music.
For more, watch for my next blog on How to Meditate. But I hope this wets your appetite and gets you to consider the journey.
Be Well,


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Catlin Gabel is committed to making its education affordable and encourages families to apply for admission regardless of financial circumstances. Although families bear the primary responsibility for financing their child's education to the extent they are able, the school provides need-based assistance to help bridge the gap between a family's resources and a child's total educational experience.
Financial assistance is distributed by Catlin Gabel as grants which do not have to be repaid and are based on a family's demonstrated need as calculated by School and Student Services (SSS). Parents complete the online Parent Financial Statement (PFS). Then SSS produces a Report of Family Contribution (RFC), estimating the amount a family can contribute toward the cost of their child(ren)'s tuition or the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The SSS methodology considers many aspects of a family's financial situation including but not limited to: the incomes of both parents (taxable and non-taxable), assets held by the family, number of dependents, age of both parents, and the number of children attending tuition-charging schools. Allowances are made for living expenses, retirement, taxes, medical costs, unusual expenses, debts, and a modest standard of living.
Catlin Gabel reviews the RFC and, if necessary, makes adjustments upon review of final tax documents, consideration of special circumstances, and other professional judgment guidelines designated by the school. We then calculate and allocate grants as the difference between the total tuition amount and the EFC. Our financial assistance budget is finite, therefore our goal is to meet at least 85% to 95% of demonstrated need in order to serve as many families as possible.
Our policies ensure that we apply uniform guidelines to every family that applies for assistance and that awards are made without regard to student's race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or age and in compliance with existing state and federal laws or regulations in addition to the school's principles or equity and inclusion.
Award calculation example:
|Less SSS EFC
|-$15,000 (per child)
|Demonstrated need
|$16,400(per child)
|$14,760 (90% of $16,400 need)
|Family contribution
|$16,640 (tuition - grant) → payment plans available, see FAQ
The financial assistance committee appointed by the head of school decides and finalizes all financial assistance application decisions. This committee prioritizes the allocation of grants as follows:
Families are expected to continue paying the same level of tuition for the duration of enrollment. New applications for or increases in financial assistance in subsequent years will be considered if there is a qualifying change in circumstances. Limited assistance may be available for families facing a temporary unexpected financial hardship. Families who feel they are able to afford only the first year or two of a Catlin Gabel education should review their financial situation with the Financial Assistance Office prior to enrolling.
Financial assistance grants for students attending Catlin Gabel are contingent upon the student successfully completing each school year and the payment in full of all financial obligations set forth in the Enrollment Agreement and/or re-enrollment commitment.
Because of these income sources, our policies and procedures ensure that the school is doing its due diligence on behalf of both our donors and tuition paying families. In addition, we reserve the right to share limited student data regarding academics and co-curricular involvement with our donors for the purposes of reporting on scholarship allocations and continued fundraising.
Catlin Gabel receives no outside funding from state or federal sources and is not supported by any religious organizations.
Examples of a temporary financial hardship include but are not limited to:


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Dogwood Blossoms Print 11" x 14"
Dogwood Blossoms Print 11" x 14"
Walking along the Centennial Trail one spring, I turned the corner and came face to face with a gorgeous dogwood tree, standing self contained and crowed in pink glory in these flowers. What a welcome sign of spring!
11" x 14" print shipped in clear sleeve and backed with matboard for sturdy protection.
Add To Cart


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Chris Brown goes on a rant and declares he has more problems than even President Obama!
Chris brown has finally learned the age old lesson: fortune only brings more woes especially if you're not smart. During a concert in El Paso, Texas Chris Brown went on an epic rant which detailed how woes with the females in his life.
The rapper officially declared the 'Hoes' are not loyal and their only purpose is 'Cash'. Kudos to you Chris you finally understood the age old warning about not mixing love with money.
In the rant Chris brown compelled his fans to be smart. The exact words spewing out of Chris' mouth were 'Everybody be Smart' and were happy to know Chris Brown channelling some positivity.
The rant from Brown comes after his baby momma Nia Guzman asked for more money in child support recently. The former model and mother of Chris Brown's daughter Royalty, has reportedly asked for $15000 per month in child support. The amount is about three times more than the previous child support amount Guzman was receiving.
According to TMZ, fighting for child support with Guzman is not the only trouble in Chris Brown's life as he also came head to head with his ex- Karrueche Tran after she gave an interview indication to her relationship with Brown.
Brown followed with a rant on Instagram to which Tran appropriately backlashed, however Brown then later sort of apologised and wished his ex well.
It seems it was not the last of Brown's troubles as the rapper shared his inner thoughts with his fans during the concert. More amusingly brown even compared himself to President Obama, when he claimed he has more problems than even Obama.
We're not sure how running a state compares to child support and ex-girlfriend dramas but it was definitely not an accurate comparison. Be smart Chris


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Correct. white with blue = white wire with blue stripe and blue with white = blue wire with white stripeNolzman wrote:The terminology is still somewhat confusing, with the white with blue and blue with white?? All I see is a blue wire and a white wire. I assume the blue wire has a white stripe and the white wire has a blue stripe, but it was night and sleeting, when I took the pictures. I will go re-verify that this evening.
Yes, find the orange pair - white wire with orange stripe and orange wire with white stripeNolzman wrote: 1. Unplug the phone line from the jack in the NIB.
2. Find the orange and white pair of wires from the bunch.
Connect the orange pair to the same screw terminals the blue pair is connected to. Don't connect anything to the upper screw terminals that are empty right now.Nolzman wrote: 3. Connect the white (white with orange) to the Green terminal and connect the orange (orange with white) to the Red terminal. *** The L2 terminals are above the L1 (already connected) in the picture....correct???
Since you'll be connecting the orange pair to the same screw terminals, you'd need to take the blue pair off the terminals first and then connect the orange pair to them.Nolzman wrote: 4. Then disconnect the blue and white wires from the L1 terminal.
For confirmation:Nolzman wrote: 5. Then plug the phone line back into the Jack.
6. Using the designate splitter, plug the DSL Modem in to L2 port and verify that I still have Internet connection.
Step #5, this is the same plug you unplugged in step #1 in the NIB.
The splitter pictured should be plugged into a wall jack inside the house near your modem.
You can clip the exposed leads on the blue pair right after you disconnect them from the screw terminals.Nolzman wrote:
7. Once internet is verified, I can clip the exposed metal ends on the Blue and White wires (to insure they do no accidentally connect/touch anything), and close up the NIB.
You can close up the NIB right after you plug the plug back in step #5.
You'll be good to go.Nolzman wrote: 8. Hopefully, I can then connect the Ooma "phone" port to the L1 port of the splitter and I will get a dial tone throughout the house!!!!!
9. Set the DTV DVR receiver to dial out with prefix *99 and put a DSL filter between receiver and wall jack to maximize successful dialout.
Until early 90's I think, they used to use green, red, black, & yellow wires for phone lines.Nolzman wrote: By the way, what are the references to the black and yellow? Are they the color of the wire running from L2?
L1: green = tip, red = ring
L2: black = tip, yellow = ring
Screw terminal colors: red = ring, green = tip; some NIB has black and yellow screw terminals as well (your upper screw terminals that are empty and meant for L2 lines coming from the telephone company; you don't have any signals coming from the telephone company on the L2 terminal screws).


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If you're active on Twitter, you probably have more Klout on that site than I do - but above is an example of a new way to measure your social media effectiveness. We discussed this topic about a year ago, but now there's a new method to add to your repertoire.
Klout measures your effectiveness on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIN, the three most popular social networking sites. The free version measures personal Klout, and there is a separate application for business. This can be it can be ONE vert good measure of how much influence you are having on the web. Here's a brief explanation:
The Klout Score is the measurement of your overall online influence. The scores range from 1 to 100 with higher scores representing a wider and stronger sphere of influence. Klout uses over 35 variables on Facebook and Twitter to measure True Reach, Amplification Probability, and Network Score.
True Reach is the size of your engaged audience and is based on those of your followers and friends who actively listen and react to your messages. Amplification Score is the likelihood that your messages will generate actions (retweets, @messages, likes and comments) and is on a scale of 1 to 100. Network score indicates how influential your engage audience is and is also on a scale from 1 to 100. The Klout score is highly correlated to clicks, comments and retweets.
We believe that influence is the ability to drive people to action -- "action" might be defined as a reply, a retweet, a comment, or a click. We perform significant testing to ensure that the average click-through rate on links shared is highly correlated with a person's Klout Score. The 25+ variables used to generate scores for each of these categories are normalized across the whole data set and run through our analytics engine. After the first pass of analytics, we apply a specific weight to each data point. We then run the factors through our machine-learning analysis and calculate the final Klout Score. The final Klout Score is a representation of how successful a person is at engaging their audience and how big of an impact their messages have on people.
Also see TechCrunch: Social Influence Measurement Startup Passes 2K API Partners
Jennifer Pointer (e-mail) is in Tulsa, OK. She promotes a simple, a low-tech approach to effective online profile management, search engine optimization and social networking.


text: Oh I love a flask. Mainly I love what's generally inside the flask, but that's another topic. Now you can make your own custom adult beverage transport device! Below are a few of my newest designs in the shop and by clicking the "customize" button you can make your very own. Change the fonts, upload your own graphics or photos and make a one-of-a-kind flask. These make great personalized gifts.


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I've been blogging since 2010 and just saw that I've written my 500th post. I began this blog to celebrate memories and to encourage others to use the flash method to get their own memories down on paper.
Thanks for the memories!
Stay tuned for more content (hopefully) and more prompts to get you writing.
ALSO, in the meanwhile check out two publications featuring recent work by ME!
A magazine called Writing for Peace took a fable-ish tale I wrote called Un Espiritu Libre about a bird and a monkey, inhabitants at a zoo, having an existential conversation. One believes he is incarcerated, the other one feels cared for--but what happens when the zookeeper fails to come one cold night??
Locution Magazine, where literature speaks many languages, liked my piece on The Italian Meet Up, where me and my husband in a fit of delusion try to speak Italian to humiliating results.


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Paris, France - On May 1, 1995, skinheads rallying with the far-right National Front (FN) threw Brahim Bouarram, a 29-year-old Frenchman of Moroccan descent, into the River Seine and disappeared into the crowds.
Unable to swim, Bouarram - a father of two who had been simply walking with his girlfriend - struggled to stay afloat and drowned.
Since then, activists have gathered each year at the scene of the murder in the French capital to pay tribute to Bouarram and all the victims of racist attacks.
This year, however, was different.
Crowds, slightly larger than usual, gathered on Monday to protest against xenophobia with a presidential election due in less than a week.
On Sunday, millions of voters will choose between frontrunner Emmanuel Macron, a centrist, and Marine Le Pen, the FN leader, in the final round of France's presidential vote.
Both won most votes in the April 23 first round.
The last time the far-right made it this far was in 2002, when Marine's father, Jean-Marie Le Pen, was up against the right-wing Jacques Chirac, who ultimately won.
At the time of Bouarram's death, Jean-Marie Le Pen described the incident as "minor".
"You might as well ask me why I don't condemn rain, hail, traffic accidents or earthquakes," he said at the time, according to the New York Times.
Eager to highlight the racist roots of the National Front's ideology, both Macron, the frontrunner in Sunday's vote, and Jean-Luc Melenchon, the left-wing losing candidate of the first round, attended Monday's gathering.
"We have been commemorating Brahim's death every May 1 since his death," said 56-year-old Driss El Kherchi, of the Association des Travailleurs Maghrebins de France (ATMF), who has lived in France for 34 years.
"Our objective is to say no to racism, no to the violence that is killing people," he told Al Jazeera, adding that he has been fighting against the FN for more than 20 years.
"We always felt we have to remain cautious about the FN, and we can see now why we were … There has been a normalisation of racism over the past 24 years. Even politicians who are not in the FN use the same kind of rhetoric that targets immigrants and refugees … Young Arabs here are French citizens, but they are worried about the promotion of hatred and violence."
Several anti-racism activists spoke at the event, which included a minute's silence, and called for the rights of Africans, Roma, Arabs, Jews and Muslims of France to be protected.
Others threw flowers into the river where Bouarram lost his life, as protesters chanted: "No space for the fascists, Brahim Bouarram - we don't forget and we don't forgive".
"The FN is an anti-Semitic, racist, xenophobic party," said Abdallah, also of the ATMF.
"The normalisation of the ideas of the NF is worrying us. Even more so, it scares us that a large proportion of the army, gendarmerie and police vote for Marine Le Pen. We are scared for our kids who have brown, black and Arab faces when they get stopped by the police."
He described the attendance of politicians at this year's memorial as opportunistic.
"It's a facade to get our votes. Macron will not get mine," he said. "A lot of my comrades will vote for Macron to stop Le Pen, but I'm sick of the blackmail, the strategical vote. I think I will abstain."
One of Bouarram's killers was sentenced to an eight years in prison in 1998, and three others to five-year terms.
Letitia Lallemand, who attended Monday's memorial, was adorned with homemade cardboard placards.
She said: "I'm here today because I'm a human being, and I happen to be white. I'm a white person who is privileged by my whiteness, at the expense of non-white people. And I'm really fed up."
Published on Al Jazeera on 2nd May, 2017


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New Student Orientation begins Wednesday, September 25. Returning-student housing check-in begins Saturday, September 28.
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SPU's weekly, campuswide worship service fills the sanctuary of First Free Methodist Church with song, meditations on the Scriptures, and prayer.
On Tuesday mornings at 11:10, Chapel introduces the SPU community to a special guest — either someone from our campus or an inspiring voice from our global community.
This spirit-lifting assembly is open to all students, faculty, staff, and other members of the SPU community. Each quarter we explore a particular theme related to worship, discipleship, and reconciliation, and draw from Scripture and our Christian faith from a variety of perspectives.
Seattle Pacific University is dedicated to worshipping God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In these services we remember who God is, celebrate what God has done for humanity and for each of us individually, and reflect together on what Christians are called to be and do in the world. We attend these services not only to enrich our souls, but to express our commitment to God's work in the world and to enact our solidarity with one another, as members of the SPU community, and with the global Church.
Chapel is led by our University chaplain (Lisa Ishihara), the minister of worship (Priscilla Ozodo), the Chapel Band, and other members of the SPU community. The last Chapel of each quarter is a communion service for our community.
The artists and musicians of the Chapel Band are an OUM ministry team that facilitates worship for the SPU community. The team serves during Chapel, but also provides music and art for various worship gatherings throughout the year.
From spiritual formation, to pastoral care, to gathering in worship, the Campus Ministries staff are talented and compassionate in their ministry roles.
This is not your standard "songs and sermon" program. Group is a holistic service, an immersion of the body, mind, and heart in the Christian story.
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text: my hair has short layers its pretty dark brown i think and the actual length is 3/4 boob basically and for it to look cute you have to style it but i HATE damaging my hair! it got thinned out by a razor so i have a large probability for split ends! what other non heat hairstyles would look good? my hair is naturally straight with a bit of wave, this is my hair straightened.and then natural half up half down with a braid wave to it.


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The Magic Behind the Black Milk Project!
We'd been eyeing Black Milk Project's rainbow hued Instagram for months, wondering who was behind the effervescent illustrations and artsy workshops that seemed to be teeming with Kuala Lumpur's creatives. So Black Milk Project (BMP) 's invitation to check out their brand new bungalow space in Subang Jaya was met with a lot of excitement - finally a chance to meet Wei Tieng, artist and founder of BMP and try our hand at artistry, however briefly!
We were greeted by a fantastically laid out table of illustrations, freshly foamed cappuccinos made by smiling baristas and a whole table of delicious bites. We expected a well executed workshop but didn't expect the fête that awaited us and all the other participants in the day long series of art workshops, along with DIY vendors all gathered in the tented garden.
Wei Tieng and the crafty team at Black Milk Project had organized this "Pendidikan Seni - Mari Ponteng, Datang Conteng" event to celebrate their studio launch with back to back workshops, so you could sample what type of art projects appeals to you the most.
We were intrigued by the Suminagashi class, which tantalized with the promise of learning the 'the Ancient Art of Japanese Marbling'. Led under the practiced eye of Liyana, a BMP team member, we sat down to trays of water, two brushes, and a stack of thick cut paper. She had experimented with the different ink, soap and paper mediums to perfect the proper ratios so that our attempts would result in something other than a black, watery mess.
It soon became evident that the key to Suminagashi was a light and patient touch. This delicate balance eluded me at first as my ink blobbed down with heavy strokes, but as I got into the slow paced rhythm of alternating the brushes in the ink and soap, the images began to create clear distinctive whorls.
It seems almost too trite to mention but there was indeed something meditatively zen about this process. As I relaxed into the rhythm, I realized the the marbling became more interesting the less I cared about the outcome.
Black Milk Project shares their "...aim to be the entrepreneurial springboard for both art enthusiasts and local artists & crafters alike - a platform for collaboration, experimentation and conversation. a space for inspirations, ingenuity, curious imaginations and limitless possibilities."
Now their new studio reflects just that ~ an open, light airy space that invites you to step in and explore something new!
We got the chance to catch up with Wei Tieng a few weeks later in Bangsar over a cup a of coffee at Roost (while I was still 9 months pregnant!) to learn about her evolution as an solo artist to the creation of this creative venture. After the interview below, you'll find the latest offerings as well as a chance to win two free classes at Black Milk Project via our Batik & Bubbles Facebook and Instagram!
Batik&Bubbles (B&B): With a graphic design background from Limkokwing University, what has been the trajectory of your creative/design career that has led you to founding "Black Milk Project".
Wei Tieng: I've always wanted my designs to be an expression of freedom. In graphic design, commercial advertising specifically, is pretty rigid and creative teams were given guidelines and instructions on designing due to a lot of restrictions apart from just client's preference as an individual - ie. mandatory brand identity guidelines, visual communication to targeted audience, just to name a few. There were less of free-spirited art, and I became very 'professionally' trained in adaptability of capturing and doing what creative briefs tell me.
Not to say it's all bad, but this has put me in a box and I figured that I needed to impose a different kind of art out there and I did. It took a lot of pushing boundaries and challenging the norm but I guess it is all worth it to be able to create a unique style of art for people to appreciate through Black Milk Project.
B&B: What was the moment when you felt confident to shift your freelance design work into your full time career?
Wei Tieng: To be very honest, in the earlier days there wasn't a moment I felt confident because things were so unclear back then. Walking into the unknown is definitely a step of faith and really trusting God that things will eventually work out. There were a lot of calculated risks, I remembered listing down my worst case scenarios especially on the financial side, and a counter-action 'plan' in preparing myself both physically but especially mentally - mental notes of that I will not break-down if it doesn't work out, or how I promised myself to work really hard and not give up.
So to answer your question, it was really just a, *deep breath* OK LET'S DO THIS moment. If we don't try, we'll never know.
B&B: With the advent and explosion of social media platforms and especially with Instagram, how has that affected and changed the impact and reach of Black Milk Project from its inception to today?
Wei Tieng: It's quite a bit different now! I've had other businesses before this, ie. I used to sell hand-made jewelries and I had a small space at The Gardens, Mid Valley years back (maybe like 7 years). It's really hard work on marketing and driving sales! Today, the social media presence makes it possible to build and manage Black Milk Project. This has helped me to reach farther out into the world than I could previously.
For an introvert that I am, I am definitely more comfortable sharing behind a screen and this has allowed me to to share a lot more of my thoughts, emotions, intuitions & desires through a painting; and on a more personal level, the way I experience the world, which for many is an extension of personality! I appreciate that I get to be very real when communicating with people thus, establishing a better connection with them, which I believe is the backbone of Black Milk Project.
B&B: You've recently expanded into a new space in Subang Jaya, how do you hope to grow this forward in the medium and short term.
Wei Tieng: Black Milk Project has always been the creative playground for me whereby I get to be free in my imaginations, bring about ideas without limitations, afterwards seeing them inspiring others. Now that I have my own space, I see it as an expansion of a bigger playground, which I can accommodate many more others to enjoy, to inspire and embrace this journey together.
B&B: We've noticed a growing trend in embracing the handmade, hand painted touches rather then purely graphic design when it comes to advertising campaigns or even promotional events, what are your thoughts on this?
Wei Tieng: With the advancement of technology, everything now is at your fingertips and everything is so digital. These are great, but at the same time, because of this digital era we're living in, people crave genuine human touches even more - which is why I think the growing trend in handmade items, personalised experiences has risen.
Coming from a graphic design background, it is a breath of fresh air, and a very interesting concept altogether and I believe it has created many opportunities for different artists/ designers to express their individual style, making campaigns 'warmer' and more relatable as to compare than just computer graphics.
B&B: How should aspiring creatives and talented freelancers get in touch with you if they are interested in collaborating and/or participating in Black Milk project workshops? How do you vet the artists you partner with?
Wei Tieng: I do select makers/artists very diligently - it's important that as the host, BMP only brings in teachers who are passionate and qualified, not in the sense of paper qualification, but their quality in holding up the class is at par with the skill they're presenting, and being able to really impart knowledge to the students who are present.
Another factor that needs to be in consideration when we vet the artists, is the business side of BMP on whether it's beneficial for us to take on the collaboration. So there are some that I will reject in enquiries of collaboration, but you really shouldn't be discouraged. I am more than willing to give pointers to those who are open to learn, drop me an email! I don't bite lol!
Pendidikan Seni is an event that we aim to have yearly. We are open to all sorts of collaboration relating to the arts, and that will be a very good ground and spring board for aspiring creatives to get in touch with us! I think it is extremely important to have open-mindedness with a good character when it comes to partnership. When both parties are receptive to a new idea, it will be a lot more meaningful & fun to work together!
B&B: Whats on the horizon for you personally as an artist - any new endeavors?
Wei Tieng: I'm actually starting an Art Therapy Certification Course in mid Oct! I've always thought how amazing it'd be, if I could bring my art to another level in the sense that it can actually help people. The Art Therapy Certification Course integrates psycho-therapeutic techniques with the creative process to improve mental health & well-being. It can be used to treat a wide range of psychological distress and help individuals who've experienced a traumatic event. To me, it's every bit of a dream and an amazing opportunity to do this. And somehow, it is a timely event that Black Milk Project is also working with the Women's Association Aid (http://www.wao.org.my/), so I'm just super excited on where this will lead us in launching a whole new community ground for Black Milk Project.
Culture Vultures & Art Aficionados, you can learn more about BMP, their schedule of classes and this latest collaboration with WAO and how it unfolds on Black Milk Project's website and Instagram! Batik&Bubbles certainly will be paying close attention!
- Yiga
- Black Milk Project is located at
- No. 8, Jalan SS 14/8b, Ss 14, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
- www.blackmilkproject.com and on their Instagram
- Follow BMP and Batik&Bubbles IG and Facebook to enter a online contest to win 2 free classes for you & a friend at BMP!


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IVillage to buy Women.com
Women's Web site IVillage.com will buy rival Women.com Networks in a stock and cash deal worth about $30 million, according to press reports.
IVillage.com will put up $250,000 in cash for the purchase, with the remainder of the deal a stock transaction between the two companies. Hearst Corp., a major back of Women.com, will have an option to invest up to $20 million in IVillage in exchange for 9.3 million shares of Women.com and an additional 2.1 million warrants.
Hearst had reportedly committed $40 million to IVillage over a three-year period.


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There are many films hoping to get their first major awards here or at the very least, get enough good buzz going for the rest of the season. I have my eye on a particular quartet of movies,two of which deserve more attention than the Golden Globes are giving them, and interested in seeing if how they fare here will foretell their Oscar fate:
Mudbound: Based on Hilary Jordan's 2008 award winning novel, this adaptation tells the story of two families in the Mississippi Delta during the 1940s.
For the most part, the McAllans, lead by less than savvy would-be farmer Henry(Jason Clarke) with his much put upon wife Laura(Carey Mulligan) and the Jacksons, who have worked on the land for generations with hopes by father Hap(Rob Morgan) to become owners, have little to do with each other's lives.
As Jamie and Ronsel struggle to deal with post-war life, they begin to relate to one another as regular human beings outside of the racial roles that their society has forced upon them.
However, even that brotherly bond is frowned upon severely and sadly, leads to violent consequences and emotional turmoil for both families. It's a compelling film with an amazing cast and superb direction by Dee Rees(who also worked on the screenplay with Virgil Williams).
The story is not simply centered on the Jamie/Ronsel relationship(although it becomes a major spoke in the plot wheel), character development is shared among Laura,who does her best to cope with a living situation she is not allowed much,if any, say in to Hap's dreams of a better life on his own terms and his wife Florence(beautifully portrayed by Mary J. Blige), torn between helping her loved ones achieve their goals and compromising her vow to care more for her children than other people's offspring.
Mudbound is up for Best Supporting Actress(Mary J. Blige) and Best Song(again,Mary J. Blige with "Mighty River") at the Globes and other award shows are already tapping this film for honors but this incredibly moving film should receive serious Oscar love. The movie is in limited release at theaters but is available for streaming at Netflix(who also produced it). If you have access to this film in either format, Mudbound is a true must-see this season:
It is a shame that writer/director Jordan Peele was not nominated for Best Screenplay or Best Director(which,at the GG, is not separated into Drama and Comedy/Musical,unlike most of the main film categories). Hopefully, both of those guilds as well as the Academy Awards will not neglect him in that respect.
Get Out is up for Best Picture and Best Actor with Daniel Kuluuya, who plays leading man Chris with solid emotional flair. Having him get a similar nomination at the Oscars would be awesome, as his performance is a key element in drawing the audience into that growing sense of unease that his character slowly but surely embraces during his visit to the too good to be true family of his new girlfriend. It takes the Stepford Wives metaphor to a whole new level and then some,thanks to Kuluuya's relatable take on the role:
Already, folks are saying that this could be the new La La Land in terms of being the big favorite at the Oscars and even tho I haven't seen it yet, that would be fine by me.
I did see La La Land on DVD and while it was technically lovely, the romance at the center of the story came off as hollow as a plastic Easter egg. That relationship seemed more like one that wasn't meant to be than that was, despite the musical hoopla that accompanied it. While Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling were a fine enough onscreen couple, buying into the notion of their great love was a deal breaker there.
The one thing that La La Land lacked with all of it's old school movie gloss and glow was sincerity, something that even the least of Del Toro's work always has in abundance. This tale of a mute cleaning woman who rescues an aquatic being from the clutches of a 1960's secret lab and it's vicious leader feels truly heartfelt just by watching a small scene or two. If it does well here and at the Oscars, that would be wonderful to see:
Out of all these,McDormand has the strongest chance to get an Oscar spot as her character is the most talked about of the film. She plays Mildred, a grieving mother so fed up with the lack of progress by the police into finding her teen daughter's killer that she places a very eye catching message on the title billboards.
The part was written with McDormand in mind and it clearly shows, highlighting the raw power of righteous anger and determination that many a frustrated woman has tapped into lately. While her fellow actors Sam Rockwell(who is up for Best Supporting) and Woody Harrelson have been duly noted for their work here, this is Frances McDormand's time to shine in the cinematic spotlight once again:
We shall soon see how this all plays out,both at the Golden Globes and the Oscars, and with any luck, the truly talented will win. The Globes ought to be entertaining at least, with Seth Meyers as host this time around. He's become quite the late night rising star and perhaps his ascent will go even higher with this big night of stars indeed:


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How many of you eat breakfast on Thanksgiving Day? Or do you skip it and wait patiently for the big meal scheduled for the early afternoon? If you're like me, breakfast is my favorite meal of the day and it won't be skipped in my house! Having a lighter breakfast might be an option for you if you don't want to "ruin" your appetite for turkey and cranberries. But having at least a little breakfast is recommended so that you're not famished come the big feast – that can lead to over-eating!
As registered dietitian nutritionists and certified nutrition specialists, you already know this. We decided to ask several of you for your tried-and-true Thanksgiving morning breakfasts, and we love your ideas!
Festive Oats and Grains
- Julie Kay Andrews, "The Gourmet RD," suggests trying her Morning Glory Chai Overnight Oats: "Something quick and simple that doesn't require cooking!" she shared.
- Sharon Palmer, the Plant-Powered Dietitian, offers her Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats, which is both vegan and gluten-free. This particular recipe combines her favorite fall flavors of pumpkin, pumpkin seeds and pumpkin spice into a nutrient-packed grab-and-go breakfast.
- Amy Lee Hanneke, of Satisfy Nutrition, says, "I usually eat to satisfy hunger throughout the day instead of aiming for something light to 'save my appetite!' This helps me avoid rock-bottom hunger and helps me keep a more level head to choose what foods I truly want at dinner!" Here is her Nutty Pumpkin Granola that's great with yogurt or sprinkled over oatmeal.
- Lauren Harris-Pincus, of Nutrition Starring You, notes that she "…always makes sure to eat something protein and fiber-rich to start the day. Fall flavors help to set the mood. This Maple Pumpkin Banana Overnight Oats does the trick!"
Fruit and Veggie Forward
- Peggy Korody, dietitian at RD4Health Nutritional Counseling opts for a smoothie, packed with "…Greek yogurt, fruit, spinach and almond milk. Then I can sip as I'm prepping!"
- Amanda Hernandez from The Nutritionist Reviews will be making her Cranberry Greek Yogurt Parfaits, full of flavor with fresh cranberry sauce, protein-packed Greek yogurt and crunchy granola for the perfect breakfast!
- Rosa Lopez, dietitian with the New Mexico Department of Health, sticks with either a fruit salad or a veggie omelet before the big meal.
Power up with Protein
- Kelli Shallal of Hungry Hobby, recommends something protein-packed like her delicious-looking Delicata Squash Egg Bake.
- Kelly Jones of Eat Real Life Well aims for "…oats before and a veggie omelet after the local turkey trot run with my family!"
Dessert for Breakfast, Anyone?
- Judy Barbe at LiveBest likes this Orange Cranberry Tart – festive, and frankly, it sounds like dessert! Who could pass this up at breakfast-time? Judy's new-found favorite is her Cranberry Orange Cornbread Trifle with layers of cranberries, pear, orange, yogurt, ginger, and cornbread.
- Lauren Sharifi of Bite of Health Nutrition suggests getting into the spirit with her Pumpkin Apple Pie Overnight Oats. Just five minutes of prep time and you have yourself a delectable treat for breakfast.
- Elizabeth Ward, of Better is the New Perfect, recommends her Maple Walnut Pumpkin Doughnuts. That's right, doughnuts! These doughnuts, however, are 100% whole grain and, paired with a cup of Greek yogurt, provide more than 20 grams of protein.
- Lastly, Betsy Ramirez, of Betsy's Kitchen, suggests pairing a steaming cup of coffee with a slice of her Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake – Betsy's dish is healthier than your traditional coffee cake, with more pecans, less sugar and white wheat flour in place of all-purpose flour.
What will be on your plate on Thanksgiving morning? Please share! And Happy Thanksgiving!


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For those of us with opinions, it can be tempting to give way to our latest linguistic guitar solo. Passion turns into words and we get our point across. What comes into focus is our intent, as well as each one of our abilities to read our audience and understand what approach might be best. Even so, speaking with is different than talking at.
In my mind, expression is about getting something off one's chest, about making a statement and not necessarily being that aware of or interested in how it lands. The artist, creator, or speaker is in a position to express themselves, and they do.
Communication by contrast, takes the observer, listener, or collaborator into account a lot more. It's intent on sharing space instead of claiming it, and doing so in a way that invites the listener to participate.
Being aware of this has helped me pick my spots more, but it's also helped me show up to situations in ways that I'm prouder of.
Expression and communication each have their place. The question seems to be about whether or not we can remind ourselves when it's time for each.