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Three years after the first Audi Ur-quattro was introduced, an upgraded variant was shown at the 1983 Frankfurt Motor Show. Classified as the Audi Sport Quattro S1, the result was a steroid-infused version of the original vehicle. Similar to the Plymouth Superbird and the Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR, the Audi Sport Quattro S1's presence as a production car was only a formality so the brand could compete with a better race car. Featuring cutting-edge carbon fiber body panels and an all-aluminum turbocharged engine generating 444 horsepower in competition trim, the car also existed as an early application of Audi's now common S badging. Thirty years since the premiere of the first Sport Quattro, Audi is reviving the legacy for a concept design modernized and depicting future trends for the German premium car make.
Looking at the Audi Sport Quattro Concept, car enthusiasts with good memories should be comforted with the knowledge they are not suffering from déjà vu. Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Ur-quattro in 2010, Audi revealed a modern retelling of their memorable performance car. The Audi Quattro Concept was even considered for limited production but the plan was derailed last year. Broken-hearted Audi Ur-quattro lovers might find the 2013 Audi concept car as a difficult creation to admire in risk of traumatizing themselves further. For some who were awaiting the splashy tribute sports car, the presence of the Audi Sport Quattro Concept borders on cruelty. It is already noted as unlikely that the Sport Quattro Concept will evolve much further than an amusing prototype.
The only major stylized difference from the 2010 Quattro Concept to the 2013 Sport Quattro Concept is the front end is identical to Audi's current production machines. The use of carbon fiber aerodynamic elements provide a splitter and diffuser honour their past as well as impressing 21st century counterparts. A vehicle weighing 4,078 pounds, the Sport Quattro Concept's engineers has pursued the advantages of high strength steel and aluminum in creating a solid composition for the vehicle. The hood is detailed with louvers on the passenger side corner. Outlet ducts behind the front tires servers as one of the final characteristics used to define the Audi Sport Quattro Concept from the 2010 concept look-a-like. Borrowed from the new A8 sedan, Matrix LED lighting is employed all around the Sport Quattro Concept incorporating diodes delivering custom illumination based on a wide range of conditions. The two-seat concept vehicle dimensions present a wide vehicle at 54.57 inches.
A racing-oriented interior included with the Audi Sport Quattro Concept places the driver first. Equipped with a multi-function steering wheel providing the quick access control layout that a Formula 1 driver would receive, the Sport Quattro Concept also provides the operator with a heads-up display and a digital instrument panel. The original Ur-quattro is regarded as a pioneer for utilizing the then-space age LCD electronic instrument cluster on a production car. Operating using an available Race mode, the Audi Sport Quattro Concept's display provides the driver with a central speedometer as well as race track information. Interior focus on racing also includes attention to luxury appointments. The Audi Sport Quattro Concept is an air conditioning system integrated into the vents for pinpoint accuracy.
Powering the 2013 Audi Sport Quattro Concept, something more ambitious than a 306-horsepower turbocharged engine beats under the hood. Running on a quattro all-wheel drive platform, the concept vehicle operates as a plug-in hybrid. A 110-kilowatt electric motor fed from a lithium-ion battery pack allows the Sport Quattro Concept to travel 31 miles without a single drop of gasoline. However, when gasoline power is called upon with the Audi Sport Quattro Concept, a twin-turbocharged, 4-liter V8 engine is summoned to life providing 560 horsepower and 516 pounds feet of torque. This eight-cylinder gasoline engine is the same powerplant propelling the Audi RS7 Sportback. When working in unison, a collective effort of 700 horsepower will be transmitted through the quattro drive system. 0 to 60-mile per hour acceleration for the Audi Sport Quattro Concept is estimated at 3.7 seconds. Top speed for the hybrid vehicle is appraised at 189.5 miles per hour.
Ahead of the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, several retro-themed show cars have top billing. Like Audi, Volvo revisited their P1800 design with their Concept Coupe. In both cases, flashbacks of past legends include a forward-look into what is expected to be powerplants for future performance cars.
Information and photo source: Audi AG


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American Subversive is a New York Times
So begins the extraordinary story of Paige Roderick and Aidan Cole, two Americans grasping for a foothold in a culture—and a country—that's crumbling around them.
From the foothills of the Smoky Mountains to a bomb factory in Vermont, from the wealthy enclave of Fishers Island to a safe-house in downtown Manhattan, American Subversive pierces the dark soul of modern America, exposing the real and untold dangers of our time. More »Order online
Order the book online
"[A] hip and quick-paced literary thriller… Goodwillie excels at jet-black social satire in a style reminiscent of Bret Easton Ellis."http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/09/books/review/Watrous-t.html
"This is a fast-paced, engaging novel of pop-culture and big ideas, authentically subversive, and thoroughly American."http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2010-04-30/a-novel-for-our-time/?cid=tag:all1
"American Subversive is a political thriller, love story, whodunit and examination of our modern world, all rolled into one. "Associated Press

subset: commoncrawl


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17-Year-Old Girl With No Hands Not Allowed On SeaWold Rides!
A teen born with no hands is humiliated after being kicked off a roller coaster at SeaWorld - one she says she's been allowed to ride before. According to the amusement park, 17-year-old Katie Champagne didn't meet safety requirements, the Orlando Sentinel reported. "My heart just sank," she said, explaining how a SeaWorld Orlando employee told her she had to exit the Kraken coaster. "I was like, 'Oh no, not again,' " she said. While Champagne insists the park has allowed her to ride the coaster before, it's not the first time safety rules have prohibited her from having fun. She recounted to the Sentinel being barred from Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey at Universal Studios' Islands of Adventure in December. In both situations, Champagne was told she couldn't ride because of her disability. Without hands, she wouldn't be able to grasp the pull-down harness, employees stated. "Our policies regarding guests with disabilities were written in consultation with ride safety experts," said SeaWorld Orlando spokesman Nick Gollattscheck.
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Our main focus is to provide our clients with quality medical supplies at an affordable cost while offering best customer service support possible.
Welcome to XS Medical
Karman healthcare is the industry-leading manufacturer of mobility products, offering a wide variety of options from lightweight manual wheelchairs to power wheelchairs and more. Every product is designed to be durable and comfortable, catering to adults, young people, and children alike and available at an affordable cost.
C.T.M. Power
CTM Power has been the proud global leader in power mobility scooters and products since 1995, offering affordable freedom to people in need in over 20 countries worldwide. CTM actually began as a leading auto and motorcycle component producer, solidifying their position as a quality mobility company and assisting in their production of the CTM scooter and other medical mobility products.
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Still unaware of the impending visit I had planned to try out this One-Pot Lemon Chicken with Thyme Rice recipe which I had book-marked from Fay's Family Food cookbook. I made this for lunch and my son and his girlfriend (typical teenagers that don't appreciate good food) didn't like it so there was plenty of left-over's. It worked out great as it gave me a lovely meal to offer my friend without taking me away from catching up. We all really enjoyed this meal and were in agreement that it's a casserole full of flavour.
Serves 4 adults
6 chicken pieces (thighs and breasts work well)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
150g pack Italian pancetta cubes
2 large garlic cloves
280g brown basmati rice (I didn't have brown so I used white)
700ml chicken stock
Juice and zest of 1 ½ lemons (unwaxed)
2-3 bushy sprigs thyme
250g frozen broad beans (a couple of handfuls)
Freshly ground black pepper
4 litre ovenproof casserole dish, with lid
Set the oven at 200oc fan/220oc/gas mark 7. In your casserole dish, brown the chicken pieces in a little olive oil. Remove and set aside.
In the same oil, fry the onion and pancetta for a couple of minutes. Then crush the garlic and add. Keep stirring for a minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Put the rice in and stir to coat.
Add the stock, lemon juice and zest, thyme, the broad beans and a twist of black pepper.
Bring to the boil, then pop the chicken pieces on top. Put a lid on and stick in the oven for 50 minutes.
Serve straight from your dish. Season on your plate.


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DescriptionThink of Unclutter as a digital drawer – a single place to store and easily access your daily files, notes and clipboard data. Although this premium app is very simple and intuitive to use, it is packed with a rich set of features to make you more productive on your Mac. You can drag & drop clutter off your Mac's Desktop, jot down quick notes and track what you copy/paste - all within a single convenient interface. Accessible in just one gesture, Unclutter will become such an indispensable part of your computing routine that you'll wonder how ever you lived without it.
Important Details


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Appeals court knocks down Montana law similar to Kansas' Second Amendment Protection Act
Topeka ? A federal appeals court has ruled against a state law like the one in Kansas that declares federal firearms regulations don't apply to guns made and kept in the state.
Last week, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals agreed with a lower court decision against the 2009 Montana Firearms Freedom Act.
The 9th Circuit doesn't include Kansas, but the decision focuses on a law that is similar to the Second Amendment Protection Act, which was approved by the Kansas Legislature this year and signed by Gov. Sam Brownback.
The Second Amendment Protection Act excludes from federal regulation any gun made or owned in Kansas. It will allow law enforcement in Kansas to charge and convict federal authorities with crimes if they try to enforce action against a Kansas-protected gun.
In April, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder wrote a letter to Brownback saying that the Kansas law was unconstitutional. Holder also warned that the federal government "will take all appropriate action, including litigation if necessary, to prevent the State of Kansas from interfering with the activities of federal officials enforcing federal law."
Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt could not be reached for comment on the appeals court ruling. When the Second Amendment Protection Act was being debated in the Legislature, Schmidt said it would cost $625,000 to defend against legal challenges of the law, according to a memo from the Kansas Legislative Research Department.
In the Montana case, the Justice Department successfully argued that the courts have already decided Congress can use its power to regulate interstate commerce to set standards on such items as guns. Some gun-control advocates sided with the federal argument, saying that "firearm freedom acts" would allow felons to obtain guns without background checks and make it harder to trace guns used in crimes, according to The Associated Press.
The Montana Shooting Sports Association said it had expected the appeals court would rule against the law.
The group's president, Gary Marbut, argued in the case that he wanted to manufacture a small, bolt-action youth-model rifle called the "Montana Buckaroo" for sale in Montana. The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms told Marbut such a gun would be illegal under Montana law.


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- Fighting for Peace with Justice -
Visit our page on facebook
The London Mining Network (LMN) is an alliance of human rights, development and environmental groups. We pledge to expose the role of companies, funders and government in the promotion of unacceptable mining projects.
Colombia Solidarity Campaign is affiliated to the European Network of Friendship and Solidarity with Colombia, which has eleven affiliates in Spain and ten from other countries.


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Gwen Hernandez's Scrivener for Mac3 course met my needs perfectly.
The course consisted of four weeks of lessons, posted five days a week. Color screenshots illustrated anything that might be unclear or tricky to figure out from explanation alone, or gave us a reference point to which we could compare our own results at the end of a lesson's instructions. Each lesson finished with a homework assignment, and I thought Gwen did a good job with those. They were each brief, but left scope for stretching and trying out the trick of the day on our own work after practicing on the course material. Gwen was clearly interested in having us practice what we'd learned rather than testing us on how well we remembered where to access what—the assignment instructions frequently included a parenthetical hint on which item we needed to find under which drop-down menu. (Thank you for that, Gwen!)
Students were subscribed to a discussion board where Gwen cheerfully and thoroughly answered questions, and where students could exchange ideas and ask each other questions. The discussion board remained open for one week after lessons ended, so that those who were catching up or those who simply wanted to keep practicing still had a place to get answers from Gwen.
Gwen had us set up a little mock writing project for the course so that everyone was trying the exact same thing; it made it easier for her, too, when one of us had a question, because she knew where we had started and what results we should have gotten. (And if any of us messed up our project too badly, she'd give us a copy of whatever form it was supposed to be for that day, so that we didn't lose time trying to fix things just to get going again.)
I spent an hour or two a day working my way through the lesson and doing the homework. Often I was a day or two behind, and judging from posts in the discussion board, that was a common occurrence, but the course is well-designed to allow for that. Some students clearly spent more time than I did on the lessons, applied the day's new knowledge to projects of their own, tested variations of what we'd learned, and came to the discussion board with thoughtful questions (frequently with screenshots of what they'd tried).
Different people learn in different ways. Some folks coming to Scrivener will explore and play and master it well. Others will read the tutorial or manual or one of the commercially available books and watch the videos and read the blog posts and do just fine from there. But for those who need or would simply enjoy a systematic and comprehensive tour, Gwen's course is IT. And the price is totally reasonable. Literature & Latte even offers a 30 day free trial of Scrivener, meaning a person can try it out thoroughly without the cost of the software, while taking this course. (Just to be clear: it's the software that has the free trial; you'd still have to pay for Gwen's course.)
So, bravo to Gwen Hernandez for designing an excellent online course for a wonderful piece of software! I think just about any writer would enjoy using Scrivener, and I look forward to more genealogists integrating it into their research and writing processes and then starting conversations about how they're using it.
1 http://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener.php
2 http://www.copylicious.com/2012/02/my-favorite-writing-tool-ever-how-it-makes-me-a-productive-member-of-society/
3 Gwen also offers a Scrivener for Windows course; see http://gwenhernandez.com/scrivener-online-classes/ for both courses. Gwen is also the author of Scrivener for Dummies.


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Lahj'g (Feat. Fat Trel) - Gift N Curse [In Studio Performance] [User Submitted]
Black Boss Entertainment Presents (Md's Best Rapper) @Lahj'G "The Perfect Picture" Mix-tape Coming soon to Live-mixtapes & Datpiff!!!!
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Follow Lahj'G on twitter @lahj_g
Follow Black Boss ENT on Instigram @blackbossent
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Department Representative:
Denise Caterinacci, Instructor of Italian
Guilford 213
Italian Course Descriptions
ITAL 101. Elementary Italian I. 4 Units.
Introductory course; stress on mastery of the sound system and basic sentence structure of spoken and written Italian. Independent laboratory practice is a requirement.
ITAL 102. Elementary Italian II. 4 Units.
Continuation of ITAL 101; independent laboratory practice is required in addition to scheduled class meetings. Prereq: ITAL 101.
ITAL 201. Review and Progress in Italian. 4 Units.
Emphasizes language and culture. Review of Italian grammar and usage while studying written forms. Independent laboratory practice is required in addition to scheduled class meetings. Prereq: ITAL 102 or equivalent.
ITAL 202. Read and Discuss Italian Texts. 4 Units.
Focus on increasing proficiency acquired in elementary Italian and on mastering short narratives. Review of Italian grammar and usage through reading, conversation, and media. Independent laboratory practice is required in addition to scheduled class meetings. Prereq: ITAL 201 or equivalent.
ITAL 308. The Italian Experience. 3 Units.
A three-week summer study abroad course spent at a university in an Italian city well-known for its cultural and linguistic heritage and at other important sites during travel. Focus: Language immersion and processing of cultural experience. Main features: 1. Intense collaboration with an Italian university. Students interact with Italian peers; seminars are co-taught by Italian faculty. 2. Creation of an individual journal that synthesizes students' perception of and reflections on their experience, records the progress of their final project, and documents their improvement in language proficiency. 3. Final project. Students meet M-F in a formal setting for advanced language study designed to improve proficiency in speaking, comprehension, reading, and writing. They attend seminars on varied topics in literature, history, and civilization. Visits to museums, galleries, and attendance at cultural events are included. Prereq: ITAL 202 or equivalent.
ITAL 311. Conversation in Italian. 3 Units.
Focused on oral communication, ITAL 311 is designed to enhance listening/comprehension skills in Italian. Using audio-visual materials, students acquire the skills necessary to understand conversations between native-speakers and to emulate them. The situational and functional approach to the course facilitates progress towards advanced-level fluency in Italian. Prereq: ITAL 202 or equivalent.
ITAL 370. Special Topics in Italian Literature. 3 Units.
Special topics in Italian literature, literary criticism, and culture. Prereq: ITAL 202 or equivalent.
ITAL 399. Independent Study. 1 – 3 Unit.
The course is for students with special interests and commitments that are not fully addressed in regular courses, and who wish to work independently.


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And like that, it's as easy as a flick of the thumb to decide on turning a virtual relationship into a face-to-face meeting.
I'm talking about Swoon, a new, real-world, Android-based discovery app, created by the social company Tagged, which launched on Friday morning. The concept is about as simple as it gets: Connect your Facebook profile to the app, and you're up and running with a Swoon profile filled out from that data. From there, you're presented with cards of different people using the service, complete with big, bold pictures and their profile details below.
Like them? Hit the check mark to say you're interested in meeting them. Not your cup of tea? Tap the "X" box to move on to the next person. If the other person wants to meet you too, Swoon will connect you two. If not, nothing happens. Easy as that.
If it sounds familiar, that's because it is. Right now, another slickly designed social discovery app called Tinder is basically doing the exact same thing. And Let's Date, the app released last month from Los Angeles-based incubator Science, is also offering a similar service, though with the express intent of setting people up on dates. (Tinder and Swoon only profess to help you find "interesting new people.")
But it goes back much further than that. Remember "Hot or Not"? Launched in 2000, it was the original social network, where users were presented with a picture and a single choice — is this person hot, or not? (Even Mark Zuckerberg was influenced by it, creating a similar version of the site using photos from schoolmates back in his Harvard days.)
Because of its simple nature, the website's growth curve exploded. It was easy: All you had to do was make a choice, and move on to the next person.
That's exactly why the Swoons, Tinders and Let's Dates of the world are so potentially addicting. Perhaps you'll actually meet someone new, or perhaps you'll just have fun looking at all the pretty (and not so pretty) people, checking off which ones you like and flicking away the others. The point is that it's fast as hell, a single-serving app that carries out its purpose.
That's unlike, say, one beefy app that can do a bunch of different things. "We're transforming from being used to single, multi-use-case apps into multiple, single-use apps," Greg Tseng, CEO of Tagged, said in an interview. "Just take a look at the simplicity of Instagram."
Tseng's comparison is interesting. Facebook has launched multiple stand-alone apps over the past year — Poke, Camera, Messenger and the acquired Instagram — some of which offer features that are already inside the main Facebook app. And now Twitter has Vine, a standalone video app, and also plans to soon launch a music-centric app as well.
My theory here: All of these services — Facebook, Twitter and Tagged — have smaller, satellite apps surrounding their main services. If they can bring in new users via these single-use-case apps and get them to start using the main service, then that's a net win for everyone.
Tagged is going after the Android market first, launching in the Google Play store beginning immediately. More Tagged users are on Android over iOS at a ratio of 2 to 1, and apps like Tinder and Let's Date are iOS only right now. But expect another release for iOS in the future.


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The 4th Annual Alex Thomas Celebrity Golf Classic and Pre-Tournament Pool Party, benefiting Pediatric Cancer Research, was held at the famous Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood on Sunday, July 14, 2013.
Many celebrities and athletes were in attendance for this sensational bikini-clad, red carpet, VIP pre-tournament pool party, that kicked off the Espy Awards week and that also raised funds for the Alex Thomas Pediatric Cancer Patients and Research Charity.
Celebrities included baseball player Jose Canseco and Leila Shennib, Tupac Shakur actor Darris Love, 'Into The Blue' actor Dwayne Adway, film producer Clinton H. Wallace, film director Christy Oldham, StarCam host and actress Jennifer Tapiero, Speed Dragon actress Burgandi Phoenix, Speed Dragon actor Carlos Ramirez, actress Tia Barr, actress Mycole Metcalf, actress Tess Broussard, actress and BET host Porscha Coleman, musician Allen Forrest, Michelle Bennett from SAG/AFTRA, filmmaker Aaron Kaver, filmmaker Kweisi Gharreau, actor/producer Trae Ireland and reality star Terry Hunt.
The 4th Annual Alex Thomas Celebrity Golf Classic at Mountain Gate Country Club in Bel Air followed the next day. The humanitarian award went to 4 time NFL Pro bowl Wide Receiver Anquan Boldin of the Super Bowl Champion's Baltimore Ravens.
About Alex Thomas:
Alex Thomas was born in Los Angeles, California. He grew up with a musical background. His mother, a classical pianist, and his father, Alexander Sr., was a member of one of the greatest bands in R&B history: Earth, Wind, and Fire. Because of Thomas' height and size, sports did not work out in his favor. While growing up in the hood, the only other alternative was telling jokes. He was the class clown from kindergarten until he graduated from high school.
Right after high school, he landed his first job in the entertainment business on the hit comedy show In Living Color. I guess you can say Thomas went from high school straight to the pros. Believe it or not, he wasn't hired as a comedian or an actor, but as a dance choreographer for the infamous Fly Girls. It was on the set of In Living Color, where he met Keenan Ivory Wayans and Damon Wayans, that he was persuaded by the family to pursue a career as a stand up comedian, and the rest is history.
Two years later, Will Smith found Thomas performing at the Laugh Factory in Hollywood, California. Smith hired Thomas immediately as a writer on his hit sitcom, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, where he wrote for the show for three seasons. As a stand up comedian, Thomas has starred in two one hour comedy specials, Straight Clownin' on Showtime and BET's ComicView. Thomas has opened up for such stars as Sinbad, Jamie Foxx, Mark Curry, Damon Wayans, and Bill Cosby.
Stand up comedy has led Thomas to many television and film roles. Thomas played a sidekick role to Jamie Foxx on the hit sitcom The Jamie Foxx Show for three seasons. He has also guest starred on other hit sitcoms, such as Martin on Fox, Girlfriends on UPN, The Wayans Bros. on WB, Moesha on UPN, The Parkers on UPN, and All of Us on UPN. Thomas has also done several recurring character roles on hit animated series such as Batman Beyond, King of the Hill, and Family Guy. Thomas has also appeared on several talk shows, including The Best Damn Sports Show Period, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on NBC, and Premium Blend on Comedy Central.
In addition, he has appeared in hit films such as The Players Club, Two Can Play That Game, Just Married, B*A*P*S, and The Wash to name a few. Thomas is also well-known in the hip-hop world from performing in several hit music videos and also several skits on platinum selling albums by artists such as Kanye West, P. Diddy, Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, and Bow Wow.
Complementing his entertainment background, Thomas is also an avid 13 handicap golfer. He has played on some of the greatest courses in the world from PebbleBeach to St. Andrews. Golf has opened many doors for Thomas as he has hosted and played in several celebrity golf tournaments, including hall of famers like Magic Johnson, Eric Dickerson, and Tony Dorsett. Also, he has played in other celebrity tournaments with George Lopez, Samuel L. Jackson, Will Smith, Nick Van Exel, Antoine Walker, and Alonzo Mourning.
For more info on Alex Thomas, please go to:
Twitter: @iamalexthomas
About the Alex Thomas Foundation:
Alex Thomas Foundation supports the entire family battling pediatric cancer. We provide individual assistance based on the needs of our families, as well as organize events, and special get-togethers to create opportunities for those families to participate in fun and engaging activities, free of charge. These gatherings create a place for parents and kids to find nurturing support within the pediatric cancer community. PCFLV also makes hospital visits with an array of arts and crafts and toys to entertain and distract children during their treatment.
For more info on how you can help, please visit:


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THE PUBLIC EYE: Reappraising Obama
In the last one hundred years, only four Democrats have twice been elected President: Woodrow Wilson, Franklin Roosevelt, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama. Obama's reelection was doubly remarkable considering the sluggish economy, the $2 billion plus spent to defeat him, and the fact that at the beginning of his campaign many Democrats were unenthusiastic. Obviously voters reappraised the President.
At the beginning of 2012, many Democratic stalwarts were less than thrilled by the prospect of a second Obama term. While their reasons varied, there was a common theme, "Obama hasn't kept his promises to my constituency." There were lingering complaints that 2009's stimulus package should have been bigger and a communal whine, "Obama should have listened to us." Nonetheless, by the end of the Democratic convention on September 6th most Dems had come around. They gave money, made phone calls, and traveled to swing states. As a result Obama got a higher percentage of Democratic votes than he did in 2008.
In part, this transformation occurred because from January to September Dems scrutinized Mitt Romney and were horrified by what they saw. In January some muttered, "There's no difference between Obama and Romney," but nine months later none believed that. While many Democrats were not thrilled by Obama's first-term performance, they saw him as preferable to Romney on a wide range of issues.
Six factors affected voters' reappraisal of the President:
1. He's a politician. Before the 2008 election, many Dems saw Obama as a Washington outsider, someone who could rise above politics and "bring us all together." Four years later, Democrats acknowledged he is a politician. Barack's not pure; he's not the second coming. But he is a bright guy, a terrific organizer, a powerful speaker, and most important, he's on our side.
2. He accomplished a lot in his first term. Because Romney promised, "If elected, I will repeal Obamacare on day one," Democrats wondered what other Obama accomplishments Romney would repeal and uncovered a long list: Wall Street reform, Don't Ask Don't Tell, winding down the war in Afghanistan, support for reproductive health, protecting the environment, and on and on. Dems realized the President had accomplished more than they thought.
3. He became a populist. In his State-of-the-Union address Obama said, "The defining issue of our time is how to keep that [economic] promise alive… We can either settle for a country where a shrinking number of people do really well while a growing number of Americans barely get by, or we can restore an economy where everyone gets a fair shot, and everyone does their fair share, and everyone plays by the same set of rules." Obama kept hammering at this theme and it resonated with voters. Exit polls indicated that on the attribute, "a candidate who cares about people like me," the President overwhelmed Romney.
4. He's a pragmatist. In 2009, Obama got a bad rap from some Dems because they believed he did not fight hard enough for the fiscal stimulus and affordable healthcare. In March of 2011, veteran Washington columnist, Elizabeth Drew, described Obama as "a somewhat left-of-center pragmatist, and a man who has avoided fixed positions for most of his life. Even his health care proposal—denounced by the right as a 'government takeover' and 'socialism'—was essentially moderate or centrist. When he cut a deal on the tax bill, announced on December 7, he pragmatically concluded that he did not have the votes to end the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest, and in exchange for giving in on that he got significant concessions from the Republicans, such as a fairly lengthy extension of unemployment insurance and the cut in payroll taxes. Making this deal also left him time to achieve other things—ratification of the START treaty, the repeal of don't ask, don't tell."[Emphasis added.]
5. He's an inconsistent communicator. Obama's poor performance in the first Presidential debate made public what many Dems had been whispering for four years, "the Great Communicator doesn't always communicate effectively." The President has a history of making a terrific speech, kicking off an initiative, and then disappearing. Fortunately, that didn't happen after the October 3rd debate; Obama realized that he had to get it together or Romney was going to kick his ass and the President rose to the challenge.
6. He's biracial. Much has been made of Obama being America's first black President, but he's our first biracial president – his mother was European-American and his father African. To be precise, Obama is our first President who is not a member of the "non-Hispanic white" category. That's particularly significant because non-Hispanic whites are now a minority of US births and, in thirty years they will be a minority of the electorate. Republicans see this coming and it's driving them crazy.
President Barack Obama isn't perfect but his election moves America forward. He's a harbinger of a time when white men will no longer dominate American politics.
Bob Burnett is a Berkeley writer. He can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com


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President Obama, while introducing the reboot of "Cosmos" on Fox Sunday night, declared, "There are new frontiers to explore… there are no limits."
He could have been talking about his own journey as a president venturing into unknown territory while logging more entertainment show appearances than any sitting chief executive in U.S. history. Obama's inspiring words about the power of possibility came barely 36 hours before he showed up online trading cynical barbs with Zach Galifianakis on the comedian's "Between Two Ferns" Funny or Die parody talk show.
U.S. & World
The day's top national and international news.
Obama has displayed a sense of humor before, exchanging gentle one-liners with the likes of Jay Leno and David Letterman, and even "slow-jamming" the news with Jimmy Fallon. But the president's "Ferns" appearance plants him in riskier, unfamiliar terrain. Unlike the late-night comedy show hosts Obama has visited in the past, Galifianakis is playing an awkward character – an anti-social buffoon who asks idiotic questions.
"I have to know: What is it like to be the last black president?" Galifianakis asked Obama.
"Seriously? What's it like for this to be the last time you ever talk to a president?" Obama responded.
The president is clearly in on the apparently scripted joke. But he knows that might not matter to some who will see such banter as unseemly for the country's leader, particularly amid the crisis in Ukraine and other woes. Obama, though, is betting that it's worth chancing criticism to reach a young audience about getting health insurance through the Affordable Care Act.
The "Cosmos" and "Between Two Ferns" appearances, while vastly different in tone, share a commonality: Both are about Obama's second-term agenda. The president has called for a manned mission to orbit Mars in two decades, a goal the host of the original "Cosmos," the late Carl Sagan, certainly would have lauded. Obama's sitdown with Galifianakis proved more of a straight pitch to get young adults to sign up for healthcare by the March 31 deadline.
"Is your plug finally over?" Galifianakis scoffed.
The "Between Two Ferns" gig signals a new phase for Obama in his role as our talk-show-guest-in-chief. He played the late-night TV entertainment show circuit like no other sitting president during the 2012 re-election campaign. Now he's using entertainment media to plug his programs while trying to secure his legacy.
He needs, though, to be careful that the focus on his legacy doesn't turn on images of him teasing Galifianakis about his "three-inch vertical" or "The Hangover" bawdy comedy movie trilogy.
"It must stink, though, that you can't run three times" for president, Galifianakis observed.
"If I ran a third time, it would be sort of like doing a third 'Hangover' movie," Obama said. "Didn't really work out very well, did it?"
The verdict is out on how Obama's trip between the ferns worked out or whether he's in for a political hangover. As the president tests the limits of mixing the Oval Office and comedy, catch the Obama-Galifianakis show above.
Jere Hester is founding director of the award-winning, multi-media NYCity News Service at the City University of New York Graduate School of Journalism. He is also the author of "Raising a Beatle Baby: How John, Paul, George and Ringo Helped us Come Together as a Family." Follow him on Twitter.
Copyright FREEL - NBC Local Media


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It was just a few months ago - also known as forever in NFL time - that San Francisco coach Jim Harbaugh stood in front of the media and proclaimed his love for Alex Smith.
After Sunday's debacle in St. Louis, Harbaugh might want to do it again.
That Colin Kaepernick is a fine young talent who may someday win a Super Bowl for the 49ers or some other team isn't up for debate. He has a rare combination of size, running ability and arm strength to win a lot of games for a lot of years in the NFL.
It's why Harbaugh was so star struck after Kaepernick's first start against the Bears on Monday night two weeks ago that he kept him on the job. It's why Smith watched from the sidelines once again against the Rams despite a clear head and some sterling credentials of his own.
Four games away from the playoffs, though, the steady hand of Smith might be the best ticket the 49ers can punch to get to the Super Bowl in New Orleans.
Except Harbaugh seems as smitten with his second-year quarterback as ever.
``It was a tough game for a quarterback to play in,'' Harbaugh said. ``I thought he did well.''
At times Kaepernick certainly did, particularly when he made up for a series of miscues with a spectacular 50-yard scramble that put the 49ers in position to win the game against the Rams. But the drive ended with a field goal, the game went to overtime, and the Rams finally ended it with a late kick for a 16-13 win.
Had the Rams not put those points on the board with 26 seconds left in OT something other than a quarterback controversy might be the legacy of the game. It could easily have been the second tie game between the two teams in three weeks - something that was such a long shot even Vegas oddsmakers wouldn't put a price on it.
Instead, the focus for 49er fans will be on a quarterback controversy that didn't need to be.
Argue all you want about Kaepernick's potential and ability - he certainly has plenty of both. But don't forget Smith took the 49ers to within a field goal of the Super Bowl last year and his only mistake this year was to suffer a concussion that forced him off the field in the tie against the Rams in San Francisco.
``I feel like the only thing I did to lose my job was get a concussion,'' a somewhat perplexed Smith said earlier in the week.
Not that anyone should feel sorry for Smith. The former No. 1 pick had his chances but didn't play well in a variety of different schemes in San Francisco before finally flourishing under Harbaugh in a breakout season last year.
That won him a new $33 million contract, with $16.5 million guaranteed. But it didn't stop the 49ers from almost straying a few months later when they took a close look at free agent Peyton Manning before deciding to stick with the quarterback they had.
And it didn't stop the coach/quarterback guru from sticking with Kaepernick even when Smith was cleared to play, declaring he would go with the quarterback with the ``hot hand.''
That hand wasn't so hot Sunday in St. Louis against a defense that seemed to confuse Kaepernick at times. His numbers were decent enough - 208 yards passing and another 84 rushing - but he got the 49ers into the end zone only once and made two critical second-half mistakes that allowed the Rams back in the game.
The first gave St. Louis its first points when Kaepernick was called for grounding while trying to scramble from the end zone. The second hurt far worse, when Kaepernick pitched the ball over Ted Ginn Jr. deep in 49ers territory and the Rams recovered for a tying touchdown.
``I was just trying to make a play instead of playing it safe,'' Kaepernick said. ``I should have kept it and let the clock run. Let your punter get on the field and let our defense play.''
Mistakes of a young quarterback, part of the growing process in the NFL. Kaepernick will make more of them, but his upside is so tantalizing to Harbaugh that he's willing to risk a loss here or there to have him under center.
But is he willing to risk a Super Bowl run for a team already primed for one behind Smith? Will he keep a quarterback on the sidelines who was fifth in the NFL with a passer rating of 104.1 and had a 70 percent completion percentage when he suffered the concussion that benched him?
Is he so confident in his ability to analyze the quarterback position that he will stubbornly push ahead with Kaepernick no matter what?
``I'll let you know if there's a change but right now I think it'll be the same as it was this week,'' Harbaugh said. ``I'm proud of Kap, proud of the way he played. He did some really good things under a lot of heat and duress and handled himself well, gave our team a chance to win.''
Tough to second guess Harbaugh, who took over a hapless 49er team last year and nearly made the Super Bowl with them. He understands talent and he knows the quarterback position better than anyone in the NFL after spending 14 seasons taking snaps on Sundays himself.
But you can't help wondering if he's taking a chance he doesn't need to take.
Tim Dahlberg is a national sports columnist for The Associated Press. Write to him at tdahlberg(at)ap.org orhttp://twitter.com/timdahlberg


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|Biosequences .. Software .. Molbio soft .. Network News .. FTP
We've released version 1.0 of the Bioverse (http://bioverse.compbio.washington.edu), our attempt to develop a framework to integrate single molecule data with genomic/proteomic data. This is still an experimental release, but before we proceed with the next one, we wanted to solicit feedback on features and bugs (some of which we're already working on) and any other comments that would help improve this resource. One of the things possible in this release is the ability to interactively browse contextual and similarity networks. The contextual maps are based on using interaction information that's out there (from 2-hybrid experiments, PDB complexes, literature, etc.) and mapping it to related sequences. The contextual maps potential enable us to understand pathways and systems (please note that these URLs are long and so if your e-mail reader wraps things around, it may not work): http://bioverse.compbio.washington.edu/homo-sapiens/explore/interaction/display?network=18&lod=6 http://bioverse.compbio.washington.edu/salmonella-typhimurium/explore/interaction/display?network=7&lod=4&mode=_clique http://bioverse.compbio.washington.edu/clostridium-perfringens/explore/interaction/display?network=1&lod=4 http://bioverse.compbio.washington.edu/pseudomonas-aeruginosa/explore/interaction/display?network=3&lod=5 http://bioverse.compbio.washington.edu/oryza-sativa/explore/interaction/display?network=30&lod=6 and both the contextual and similarity maps enable us to do better annotation than before. Take a look at: http://bioverse.compbio.washington.edu/salmonella-typhimurium/explore/interaction/display?network=5&lod=4 http://bioverse.compbio.washington.edu/pseudomonas-aeruginosa/explore/interaction/display?network=11&lod=2 http://bioverse.compbio.washington.edu/homo-sapiens/explore/similarity/display?network=63&lod=6 http://bioverse.compbio.washington.edu/yersinia-pestis/explore/interaction/display?network=1&lod=6 http://bioverse.compbio.washington.edu/oryza-sativa/explore/interaction/display?network=25&lod=6 There's a protein in the maps above that's annotated as "no function found". Even though the red and yellow are low-confidence hits, you can clearly see how an annotation can be made for the "no function found" protein. The type of annotation will differ based on whether you're looking at a contextual or similarity network. This visual method of annotation works for the smaller networks, but we will use graph theory approaches along with neural networks to do this in an automated fashion. Some of this can be used to identify putative drug targets: http://bioverse.compbio.washington.edu/salmonella-typhimurium/explore/interaction/display?network=7&lod=4&mode=_clique http://bioverse.compbio.washington.edu/escherichia-coli/explore/interaction/display?network=3&lod=5 We are in the process of developing a highly flexible, interactive and manipulatable client-based three-dimensional viewer that can be used to include information from other organisms and select and deselect edges using arbitrary specifications. Like we say above, all feedback would be greatly appreciated so we can make this resource as useful as possible. Thanks! The Bioverse Team Jason McDermott, administrator ---


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Big data is one of the most active areas in information technology right now. And there's no better place to catch up on what's happening in the big data universe than the Hadoop Summit that starts Wednesday in San Jose.
More than 60 of the big data market players, from established vendors like Intel and Salesforce.com to just-out-of-the-gate startups like Sqrrl and Platfora, will be demonstrating what they have to offer.
Here's a look at a baker's dozen of new and enhanced products being shown at the conference.


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During a recent difference of opinion, my girlfriend said to me "Ooohhh, you're so logical!" The atmosphere was not improved by the fact that she had to then explain to me that this wasn't a compliment.
All of which has nothing to do with the purpose of this post (although it may help to solve the mystery as to why I was single for so long).
The other day, someone asked me over to have a look at why they were getting an error when running a particular query. Now, as quizzes seem to be en vogue in the Oracle world at the moment ( have a look at that nice Mr Feuerstein's site ), here's a quick one for you. See if you can spot what's wrong with this query Continue reading


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Norman Shutters Woodlore is an imported composite solid faux wood product with expert enameling and product quality. 6-8 week delivery and the price includes delivery. These shutters will not fade or warp and are made of strong composite wood laminate. Absolutely the best shutter we have ever carried in our 40 year history.
Divider rails are placed as close your measurement as possible depending on vane placement.
Need a Great Priced Faux wood blind to match the exact color to your Norman shutter? Click Here: 2 inch .
Shutters take 6-8 weeks for delivery.
Norman are charging all dealers freight for shutter orders. So we have kept our product cost low to stay competitive for our consumers. IF YOU HAVE TILT IN WINDOWS CALL US FOR MEASURE HELP!!! Installation instructions: Deco Frame_Installation Instructions Direct Mount_Installation Instructions Hang Strip_Installation Instructions L Frame with Insert_Installation Instructions L Frame_Installation Instructions This shutter has a limited lifetime warranty and the vanes are solid core MDF compound.
Based upon a size of 24x36
Shutter Disclaimer: Shutter orders go direct to Norman and are not able to be canceled or changed once placed. Please be sure of all details of your order PRIOR to placing your order.
Measuring for shutters is very critical and many of the same precautions that one would take when ordering a regular blind applies here. For the width, measure in three spots: top-middle-and bottom of the window opening. Place the narrowest of those measurements in the width column on the cart. The Height is measured : left-center-right and put the shortest of those three measurements in the height column on the cart.
The placement of the shutter inside or outside depends on whether you have trim molding around your window opening. If your window has just drywall and no molding you can install inside(with a 2 inch) utilizing any of the "Z" frames. If your window has trim around it or a sill it is always best to call our shutter specialist for help in ordering your shutter.
Norman makes your shutter experience easy and blindsexpress will always service your shutter needs.
Installation instructions:


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Saara Thakker is 14 years old and lives in Australia.
KidSpirit's teen editors and contributors around the world believe in a better future. Help empower the next generation to raise their voices and move forward in a spirit of openness and inclusion - make a tax-deductible contribution to KidSpirit today.
KidSpirit, Inc is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
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About the Bottle:
Our plastic bottles are perfect for use with oils, creams and lotions.
Buy your product in bulk, and carry with you only what you need. You can also use these
attractive bottles for packaging your own blends for resale or for client gifts.
Made of recyclable, environmentally friendly plastic. Bottles are opaque.
About the Cover:
This is our polypropylene (recycle code 5) plastic cap with a pop-up pouring spout.
The edges are ribbed for increased grip.
Please also check out the pump which fits on this container and prevents spilling and allow easier access to the oils hilw giving a massage (sold separately).


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Bodhi Linux comes with Enlightenment desktop manager. It is originally based on Ubuntu so it can be installed once in two year. It is lightweight operating system soyou can also run it on 128 MB RAM and 300 MHZ processor. Here the method is shown how to install Bodhi Linux into virtuabox step by step.
1. First you have to select profile and theme.
2. Now the desktop is appeared then click on "Install Bodhi" at bottom of your screen. Then enter the required information like language, partition table, location, keyboard layout, username and password and wait for complete the installation.
3. Now restart the virtualbox ane enjoy Bodhi Linux.


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Health care
Iran has good health care in cities, while it is generally insufficient in rural areas. Today only 80% of the Iranians have access to health services. One doctor for each 3,100 individual is quite low. There is one hospital bed for each 800 individual, which is also fairly bad, as many of these hospital beds are attended by inadequate personnel. Programs started by the governments have in some cases proven to be very successful.
Health conditions and diseases
Drug abuse is a serious problem in Iran, due to imports of extremely cheap heroin and opium from Afghanistan. This is a situation out of control, and estimates run as high as 2 million for the number of addicted.
Figures of 2006 from WHO show that 94% have good access to clean water, 83% access to good sanitation.


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Unlike traditional market research, 360° Research integrates seven perspectives into a complete, overall view of factors that impact every industry. Monitoring and analyzing Competitive Intensity, Customer Dynamics, Industry Convergence, Disruptive Technologies, Global Mega Trends, New Business Models, and Emerging Markets provides an illuminating view toward future scenarios and visionary innovation.
This composite view of your market, coupled with comprehensive industry coverage and "on-the-ground" analysis in virtually every region of the world, is unique to Frost & Sullivan. No other Consulting and Research firm can provide the depth and breadth of information and analysis that 360° Research provides.
Click the image to the left to zoom.
Click HERE to learn more about TechVision
Advanced Manufacturing Automation
Information & Communication
Clean & Green Environment
Materials & Coatings
Sensors & Control
Health & Wellness
Medical Devices & Imaging
Sustainable Energy


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Professional Swing Set Assembly and Installations. Niles, IL
Serving Cook, Lake, Mchenry, Racine, Kane, DuPage County
We guarantee all of our installation services to the up most professional and safe. You will be sure that you have the right installers. Our crew is full qualified and experienced for swing set installation. We have installed over thousand of swing sets. Our services will include the full installation from the manufacturer, leveling, and anchoring for safety.
Request a quote
(847) 845-6803
Our Work
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Playset Installation
Professional Installation on all makes and models of swing sets. We guarantee our service.
If you are planning on installing accessories or just need a maintenance on the swing set.
Bring your swing set back to looking like new. We offer power washing, staining, and water sealing services.
Commercial Installation
We have professional commercial services. Concreting, installation and maintenance.


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This is supposed to be a romantic "slice of life" drama with some supernatural twists themed anime series.
It is very popular among its fan base and the artwork is supposed to be pretty spectacular along with the soundtrack music.
Although Air held good fan support in Japan and a decent following by the few US fans who knew how to find it for viewing, many considered it too small a series to ever warrant a US distributor picking it up, doing the ADR work, and then offering it for sale in the US. I had long since given up hope, myself.
What is interesting is that Air began as a Japanese bishoujo game (warning, that Wikipedia link describes "adult" content) and managed to get spun out into what appears to be a lavishly illustrated and sweetly romantic anime series. Go figure.
Well...times have changed! Air is on its way Stateside! Picked up the ADV of all folks.
I can't wait!
ADV Licenses Air TV, Movie - News announcement via Anime News Network.
The comment thread of this announcement is over 150 comments and still going! You can just feel the obvious excitement here.
Air (movie) - official Japanese webpage.
Air (TV) - official Japanese webpage.
Air TV - great review via bluemist anime blog
Air (anime) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (plot and spoilers)
See you in blue skies and fresh air...


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Three Dirty Secrets
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Gillaspie grand slam helps White Sox beat Jays
CHICAGO (AP) — Conor Gillaspie leads the Chicago White Sox with a .311 batting average, and on Sunday the third baseman led them to a win with a rare burst of power.
Gillaspie hit his first grand slam and Jordan Danks added a two-run shot to cap a six-run first inning, and the White Sox held on to beat the Toronto Blue Jays 7-5.
Gillaspie connected for just his fifth homer and Danks hit his second off Toronto's Drew Hutchison (8-11), who lost for the fifth time in seven decisions.
Danks nailed a 2-2 pitch off the 23-year-old Blue Jays right-hander, who pitched seven innings and limited the White Sox to one run after the first.
"It was just through the hands with two strikes and put it in play hard," Gillaspie said. "You know sometimes you get them up in the air, sometimes you miss them.
"It was definitely a good jump-start to the game."
Manager Robin Ventura wasn't surprised by Gillaspie deep drive to right-center field.
"It's not like you wouldn't expect him to hit home runs, but he's just a line drive hitter," Ventura said. "When he hits it good, it's going to go."
Chicago right-hander Scott Carroll (5-7) went 5 2-3 innings and allowed five runs on eight hits and three walks.
Toronto's Edwin Encarnacion hit a two-run homer, his 27th this season and first since returning from the disabled list on Friday. The Blue Jays have lost five of six and 11 of 15 to fall 7 ½ games behind Baltimore in the AL East and four behind Seattle in the AL wild card race.
Hutchison has given up six runs or more in four of his last seven starts.
"I had two outs, and I had two strikes," Hutchison said of the Gillaspie's at-bat. "I had a good chance to get through the inning with no runs and I gave up six, and put us in a big hole."
Danks added a third RBI on a sac fly in the sixth. Jake Petricka earned his ninth save in 12 chances after loading the bases in the ninth.
"It wasn't like we didn't have any shots," Toronto manager John Gibbons said. "We just couldn't get that big hit."
Encarnacion golfed his homer just into the left field bullpen in the fifth as Toronto cut it to 6-4. Pinch-hitter Dioner Navarro singled in a run in the sixth to make it 6-5.
Toronto: RHP Kyle Drabek, 7-7 with a 4.00 ERA in Triple-A Buffalo, rejoined the Blue Jays bullpen on Sunday. Drabek is 8-15 in stints over four previous seasons with Toronto, both as a starter and reliever. He last pitched for the Blue Jays on Sept. 25, 2013.
Veteran 1B Dan Johnson began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Buffalo on Saturday, going 0 for 3 with an RBI. He's played 13 games with the Blues Jays this season and was put on the DL with a strained left hamstring.
White Sox: LHP Carlos Rodon, the third overall pick in this year's MLB draft and one of Chicago's top prospects, is scheduled make his Triple-A debut with Charlotte on Tuesday.
Blue Jays: LHP J.A. Happ (8-7, 4.20) faces Brewers RHP Mike Fiers (2-1, 1.29) at Milwaukee on Tuesday. Fiers had a career-high 14 strikeouts in his last start, his second since his recall from the minors.
White Sox: LHP Chris Sale (10-2, 2.01) will face Baltimore RHP Bud Norris (10-7, 3.75) in Chicago on Monday to start a three-game series. Following an off-day on Thursday, Baltimore has a three-game set against the Cubs at Wrigley Field
Although the White Sox are out of contention, the return of speedy, 23-year-old Avisail Garcia will give them a boost. The 6-foot-4, 240-pound Venezuelan, acquired last season from Detroit as part of a three-way deal involving Boston, also has the power to fit in the middle of the lineup.
His next steps: Consistency and playing a full major league season, according to manager Robin Ventura. "There's a lot of learning curve that he'll have," Ventura said. "I think it's similar to what Jose's (Abreu) gone through this season."


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Professor Leonard (firstname.lastname@example.com) is Professor of Linguistics, Director of the Graduate Program in Forensic Linguistics, and Director of the Institute for Forensic Linguistics, Threat Assessment and Strategic Analysis at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York.
A Fulbright Fellow for his Ph.D. research, he received his B.A. from Columbia College, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and his M.A., M.Phil., and Ph.D. from Columbia Graduate School, where he was a Faculty Fellow. He is lead researcher at Robert Leonard Associates, a consulting firm.
Leonard has been qualified as a Forensic Expert Witness in Linguistics and Language in a number of state and Federal courts. As a forensic linguist, Leonard has provided expert opinions to clients that include Apple, Inc., the Prime Minister of Canada, the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force, and the U.S. Department of Justice, in cases dealing with a wide range of forensic linguistic issues.
The FBI has employed him to work on specific cases, train their agents, and analyze and advise on their Communicated Threat Assessment Database (CTAD), a "computerized database/software program designed to be the primary repository for all communicated threats and other criminally oriented communications" within the FBI and the United States. The purpose of this corpus is to assist Behavioral Analysis Unit-1 (Counterterrorism and Threat Assessment) agents in the assessment and analysis of all submitted communications (Forensic Linguistic Services at the Behavioral Analysis Unit-1, p.16).
Leonard has trained British law enforcement agencies, analyzed murder-related letters for the Pennsylvania State Police; consulted on domestic terrorism cases for law enforcement agencies in California; analyzed testimony that resulted in perjury indictments for the District Attorney in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania; linguistically traced threatening letters for the Baltimore Police; linguistically traced bomb-threat voice calls to the Nassau County, New York courthouse; and consulted on scores of other criminal cases at the request of law enforcement agencies throughout the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, as well as on scores of civil cases for major law firms for clients including Apple, Inc.
Leonard has been retained by both defendants and prosecutors to consult and/or testify in criminal cases involving murder, espionage, and other felonies, and he has consulted and/or testified for both plaintiffs and defendants in civil cases involving trademarks, plagiarism, libel, malpractice, and the meaning of contracts.
Leonard has authored and co-authored both technical and popular articles in the field of linguistics and has lectured worldwide on linguistics—on theoretical advances in linguistic theory and the application of the science of linguistics to investigative law enforcement and counter-terrorism techniques.
Leonard's linguistic specialty of Forensic Linguistics applies the science of linguistic investigation to issues of the law. Forensic Linguistics augments legal analysis by applying rigorous, scientifically accepted principles of analysis to legal evidence like contracts, confessions, ransom notes, threat letters, and undercover recordings.
In the U.S. legal system, language is key. Through language we promulgate laws, issue subpoenas and warrants, question suspects, give testimony, write contracts, confess, claim, and deny. Attorneys use language to write briefs, make opening and closing arguments, question and cross-examine witnesses; judges issue orders, write decisions, and charge juries. As biology and physics play crucial roles in the interpretation of forensic medical and ballistic data, linguistics enables a deeper understanding of forensic language phenomena.
Linguistics is the scientific study of language and is recognized as such by the American Academy of Sciences. Linguists regularly apply for and are granted research funds by the National Science Foundation. In virtually any major university or college, a student can major in linguistics and many major universities grant a Ph.D. degree in linguistics. There are academic associations and scores, if not hundreds, of peer-reviewed professional journals within the field of linguistics. Similarly, sociolinguistics is an established branch of linguistics with peer-reviewed professional journals.
Linguistics is a well-known science. However, there is confusion over the term linguist. The English language has two main meanings of the word linguist: one, a speaker adept at a foreign language, and two, a scientist who studies human language as a set of natural phenomena. Academic, scientific linguists belong to the second group (although many are also adept at foreign languages).
As in all other sciences, linguistics solves problems by constructing competing hypotheses and then testing which hypothesis better explains the non-random distribution of the data. For example, Galileo noticed that while the hypothesis that the Sun revolves around the Earth explained much of the data (it certainly looks like it does)—the competing hypothesis, that the Earth revolves around the Sun, explained more of the non-random distribution of the data (for example, the observed, non-random orbits of the planets) and was therefore the superior hypothesis.
Linguists—as all scientists—seek to explain the non-random distribution of data. Just as bullets do not randomly issue from firearms nor drug concentrations randomly spread throughout a human body, words are not randomly found to issue from the keyboards and mouths of speakers of English or any other language. Words adhere to patterns; these patterns are the subjects of systematic observation of scientific linguists.
Forensic Linguistics applies the science of linguistic investigation to issues of the law. Forensic Linguistics augments legal analysis by applying rigorous, scientifically accepted principles of analysis to legal evidence like contracts, letters, confessions, and recorded speech.
In the arts, Dr. Leonard, while an undergraduate at Columbia, co-founded and led the rock group Sha Na Na and as vocalist, he and his group opened for Jimi Hendrix at the Woodstock Festival, and played at the Fillmores East and West, on television's Tonight Show, and in the Academy Award-winning Woodstock movie. He left the music business for a Fulbright Fellowship and earned his PhD at Columbia.
In his research, Leonard focuses not only on forensic linguistics but on language and other conceptual meaning systems such as social identity, food behavior, and architectural and public space. He has published on linguistic theoretical semantics, semiology, and forensic linguistics. He co-edited The Asian-Pacific American Heritage (Routledge), which was chosen by the American Library Association as "One of the Outstanding Academic Books of the Year," and contributed to it articles on dialect, slang, and standard languages; Southeast Asian food; and food and ethnic identity. His research in the anthropology of the semiology of food was presented at the Oxford Food Symposium, St. Anthony's College, Oxford University and published by Prospect Books of London.


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|KV331 Audio
|Price (MSRP)
$79 with coupon code KVR20PCTOFF
|Type / Tags
|Synth (Semi Modular)Synth (Additive)Synth (Analogue / Subtractive)Synth (FM)Synth (Phase Distortion)Synth (Physical Modeling)Synth (Wavetable)
|System Requirements
CPU: 2 Ghz (SSE3)
OS: Windows 7 and above
AAX: ProTools 11 and above
|System Requirements
CPU: 2 Ghz (SSE3)
OS: Mac OS X 10.7 and above
AAX: ProTools 11 and above
|Copy Protection
|Key File
SynthMaster is an 'all-round' semi-modular software synthesizer and effect plug-in that features many different synthesis methods including VA, Additive, Wavetable, Phase Modulation, Phase Distortion, Frequency Modulation, Pulse Width Modulation, Ring Modulation, Amplitude Modulation, Physical Modeling and SFZ Sample Playback synthesis.
With its multi-synthesis oscillators, analog modelled/digital filters, flexible effects routing with 11 types of high quality effects and a massive modulation architecture with 95 separate modulation sources and 650+ modulation targets, SynthMaster is a powerful instrument for all synthesizer enthusiasts.
- Cross-platform VST/AU/AAX: SynthMaster runs as a VST/AAX instrument/effect on both Windows and Mac OS X, and as a VST/AU/AAX instrument/effect on Mac OS X.
- 1800 Factory Presets: SynthMaster comes with 1800 factory presets from a world class team of sound designers: Arksun, BigTone, Kevin Schroeder, Michael Kastrup, Rob Lee, Nori Ubukata, Ufuk Kevser, Fragment Audio, Gercek Dorman, VorpalSound, Vandalism, BluffMonkey, Ümit 'Insigna' Uy, Aiyn Zahev, Frank 'Xenox' Neumann, Teoman Pasinlioglu and Brian 'Xenos' Lee.
- Semi-Modular Architecture: For each SynthMaster instance, there are 2 layers followed by 2 global effect send buses. Each layer has its own: Arpeggiator, 2 Oscillators, 4 Modulators, 2 Filters, 4 ADSR Envelopes, 2 Multistage Envelopes, 2 2D Envelopes, 2 LFOs and 4 Keyscalers. The modulators can modulate frequency, phase, amplitude or pulse width of the oscillators or any other modulators at audio rate, or they can be used as sub-oscillators.
- Massive Modulation Architecture: SynthMaster has more than 650 modulation targets and 95 modulation sources including ADSR Envelopes, 2D Envelopes, Multistage Envelopes, LFOs, KeyScalers, Easy Parameters, Vocoder Bands, MIDI Velocity, Aftertouch, Pitch Bend and MIDI CC. Each modulation target can have up to 3 modulation sources. The modulation matrix, which has 64 available slots, has visual filtering as well so that targets for a specific source, or sources for a specific target can be filtered and shown on the user interface.
- Easy Parameters: SynthMaster features 8 easy knobs and 2 XY pads that can be freely assigned as modulation sources, so that the complexity of the synth engine could be hidden away and only most important parameters of a preset can be controlled by the user. The easy parameters can be globally linked to MIDI controllers, and they can be assigned automatically by SynthMaster as well.
- Powerful Arpeggiator: The arpeggiator in SynthMaster features classic arpeggiator modes such as Up, Down, UpDown, DownUp, UpDown2, DownUp2, AsPlayed as well as Sequence, Chord, Arpeggiate and DrumKit modes. Each of the 32 steps of the arpeggiator has its own Velocity, Note Number, Note Length, Slide and Hold parameters.
- Basic Oscillators: 'Basic' oscillators in SynthMaster are capable of synthesizing many different types of waveforms: Sine, Square, Triangle, Sawtooth, Pulse, Noise, any single cycle waveforms and multi-sampled WAV/AIFFs defined in SFZ files.
- Additive Oscillators: An 'Additive' oscillator is actually 8 'basic' oscillators running together. Each 'basic' oscillator has its own detune, tone, phase/pulse width, frequency and waveform type.
- Vector Oscillators: A 'Vector' oscillator consists of 4 'basic' oscillators, mixed at different ratios. The mix ratios are determined by 2 orthogonal parameters in 2 dimensions: 'X Index' and 'Y index'.
- Wavetable Oscillators: A 'Wavetable' oscillator is similar to basic oscillator, except that the waveform can be scanned (interpolated) through up to 16 different waveforms shapes. The position of the waveform can be adjusted using the 'wave index' parameter.
- Stereo Oscillators with Improved Unison: Oscillators in SynthMaster have stereo output. With the "voices", "voices mix", "pan spread", "detune spread" and "detune curve" parameters, each basic/wavetable oscillator can have its own unison settings which eliminates the need to enable unison for all voice elements.
- Analog Filters: The 'analog' filters are modelled after the famous ladder filter, so they self oscillate when the filter resonance is maxed out. They have continuously variable slope, which is unique to SynthMaster. There are 3 CPU settings for analog filters: "Basic", "Normal" and "High". With the "Basic" setting, CPU can be reduced by at least 50%.
- Digital Filters: The 'digital' filters are biquad filters with a hard limiter in their output. The limiter features an envelope follower with attack, release and threshold parameters.
- Multimode Filters: With the new 'multimode' filter type, it is possible to switch from Lowpass to Bandpass to Highpass filter types continuously. For analog multimode filters, it is also possible to change the slope of the filter continuously from 0 db/oct to 24 db/oct.
- Dual Filters: With the new 'dual' filter type, two multimode filters can be run simultaneously, either in parallel, or in series. The mix ratios between the filters, and the topology (parallel/series) between them can be changed continuously, as well as the modes and cutoff frequencies of the filters.
- Comb Filters: Comb filters are digital filters used in physical modeling synthesis.
- Before/Inside/After Filter Distortion: A distortion stage can be inserted before, after, or even inside the filters. For analog filters, the distortion is applied for each of the 4 filter stages in 'inside' mode.
- Rich Set of Effects: SynthMaster features 11 different effect types: Distortion, LoFi, Ensemble, Phaser, 6 Band EQ, Compressor, Vocoder, Delay, Chorus, Tremolo, Reverb.
- Flexible Effects Routing: Each of the 11 effect types can be inserted on any layer insert or on any of the 2 global effect bus inserts.
- Microtuning: SynthMaster supports Scala tuning, so tuning can be set either for each preset or globally by loading from a Scala tuning file.
- Preset Browser: SynthMaster features a comprehensive preset browser with separate search criteria for instrument type, preset attributes, music style or preset author.
- Online Preset Browser: Registered users can upload their presets to the online preset library, or browse and download presets created by other registered users; using the preset browser right inside the plug-in window.
- Multiple Skins: SynthMaster comes with 3 different skins in different color variations. Using the included user interface editor, users can not only customize the existing skins but also can create their own custom interfaces as well.
- Import of MIDI patterns as Arpeggiator Sequence: Monophonic or even polyphonic (chord) MIDI patterns can be imported into the arpeggiators in SynthMaster by just drag and drop of the MIDI file onto the arpeggiator view on the plug-in window.
- Import of WAV/AIFF Multisamples as SFZ definitions: Multisamples in WAV/AIFF formats could be imported into SynthMaster as SFZ definitions, by simply drag and drop of the WAV/AIFF files onto the oscillator waveform view on the plug-in window.
A demo version of SynthMaster is available. It is identical to the standard version except for 3 limitations:
- Saving presets is disabled.
- The synth starts playing random notes after 15 minutes.
- Comes with 800 factory presets (demo users can check out the remaining factory presets from the online presets browser though).
Audio demos of SynthMaster's factory presets can be listened at:
KV331 Audio has also been releasing expansions for SynthMaster, in various genres. So far, there are a total of 1900 commercial presets in the 'Everything' Bundle. They can be listened to at KV331 Audio's SoundCloud page:
SynthMaster Player free
KV331 Audio has recently released a free "Player" version of SynthMaster that comes with 500 factory presets. Users of this free "Player" version can purchase and use commercial preset banks released by KV331 Audio. They can also upgrade to the Player version which comes with 1700 factory presets.
On December 5th 2012, KV331 Audio and Computer Music Magazine have released the free (with magazine) SynthMasterCM software synthesizer plug-in. It's available with Computer Music Magazine issue 186 in VST and AU formats on Windows and Mac OS X.
SynthMasterCM is a cut-down version of SynthMaster with the following feature set:
- 2 wavetable oscillators with up to 8 waves to scan.
- 2 modulators (sub-oscillators) that can modulate phase/frequency/amplitude of oscillators at audio rate.
- 1 analog filter with LP/HP/BP/BS modes, before/after filter distortion curve.
- 1 arpeggiator with up to 8 steps.
- 4 ADSR envelopes (2 are pre-patched as amplitude and filter envelopes).
- 1 Step/Glide LFO and 1 Triangle/Square LFO.
- Polyphony: up to 12 voices.
- Unison: up to 2 voices.
- Osc Voice Stacking: up to 4 voices.
- Modulation Matrix: 10 slots available.Oversampling: 2x (at Good Quality).
- Delay, Chorus and Reverb effects.
- 60 Factory presets by Michael Kastrup, Nori Ubukata and Aiyn Zahev.
On January 5th 2013, KV331 Audio and Beat Magazine have released the free (with magazine) SynthMasterBE software synthesizer plug-in. It's available with Beat Magazine issue 86 in VST and AU formats on Windows and Mac OS X.
SynthMasterBE is a cut-down version of SynthMaster with the following feature set:
- 2 basic oscillators.
- 2 modulators (sub-oscillators) that can modulate phase/frequency/amplitude of oscillators at audio rate.
- 1 digital filter with LP/HP/BP/BS modes, before/after filter distortion curve.
- 1 arpeggiator with up to 8 steps.
- 4 ADSR envelopes (2 are pre-patched as amplitude and filter envelopes).
- 1 Step/Glide LFO and 1 Triangle/Square LFO.
- Polyphony: up to 12 voices.
- Unison: up to 2 voices.
- Osc Voice Stacking: up to 4 voices.
- Modulation Matrix: 10 slots available.Oversampling: 2x (at Good Quality).
- Delay, Chorus and Reverb effects.
- 70 Factory presets by Michael Kastrup, Rob Lee and Aiyn Zahev.
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A Public Open House will be held from 4:00pm to
7:00pm on Thursday, July 19, 2018 at Mandan City Hall (205 2nd Avenue NW,
Mandan, ND 58554).
The purpose of the Public Open House is to
provide an update on ND Moves, a statewide active and public transportation
plan for North Dakota. The plan will review and identify existing and emerging
needs and recommend strategies for the future of biking, walking, rolling, and
transit across the state. The Open House will provide opportunity for the
public receive updates on plan progress and introduce for review and comment a
proposed statewide bicycle network. Representatives from the North Dakota
Department of Transportation (NDDOT) and its consultant team will be on-hand to
answer questions and discuss concerns.
If unable to attend the Open House, written
statements or comments can be sent to Steve Mullen, Project Manager at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Additional project information can be found on
the project website at www.ndmoves.dot.nd.gov.
Additional Open Houses are taking place in Williston,
Dickinson, Fargo, Jamestown, Minot, Devils Lake, and Grand Forks. The dates,
times, and locations of these Open Houses are provided on the project website.
will consider every request for reasonable accommodation to provide:
an accessible meeting facility or other accommodation for people with disabilities,
language interpretation for people with limited English proficiency (LEP), and
translations of written material necessary to access NDDOT programs and information.
request accommodations, contact Steve Mullen, Project Manager, NDDOT at
701-328-3287 or email@example.com. TTY users
may use Relay North Dakota at 711 or 1-800-366-6888.


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Grinnell in Top 14% of Putnam
Grinnell College had 29 students sit for the annual Putnam exam. The Grinnell College placed 76 out of 546 participating institutions. The team consisted of Benjie Greenberg, Sam Calisch, and Rob Zyskowski. Klevi Xhaxho and Benjie Greenberg both had an individual score of 20, placing them in the top 707 participants of the 4038 total participants. Rob Zyskowski scored 19, placing him in the top 892. Sam Calisch and Pippa Hoover both scored 12, placing them in the top 1083. Congratulations to all 29 students for their performance on the Putnam!


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The Diaries of a Flag Football Experience
Posted by Unknown | | Posted On Saturday, September 29, 2012 at 6:12 PM
This is our first experience with any organized sport other than swimming and it has been a terrific experience.
I have so enjoyed watching our boys learn how to play flag football. And I have enjoyed reconnecting with some old students and co-workers and friends. The boys are really enjoying themselves. And today when we were finished Hezekiah came over and smiled and he said, "I played my first game!" It was so adorable and I will let you in why it was so adorable in a minute.
First let me tell you about our resident touchdown scorer..........his name is Eli! He scored a couple touchdowns today in his first flag football game. He is so cute catching that ball and running with that huge orange mouth guard in his mouth.
Let me in on another thing I enjoy and love about ROAR, the time the kids get to spend in prayer and a time of devotion. Not only reflecting on the sport, but time to reflect upon God.
Now let's look at our next resident flag football player, Hezekiah. He played offense and defense today. He also rearranged orange cones, wandered off away from all other team mates, walked over to La La land, and stayed focused most of the time while he was on the field. The time off the field, let's just say he had other things and doings on his mind. All in all, the last picture here kind of sums up his day. Oh, he is so cute! He cracks me up..........especially when he ends his day with a huge smile and says with excitement, "I just played my first game!" It's hard not to love him!
We are certainly blessed to live near the wonderful ministry of ROAR Sports at Covenant Presbyterian Church.


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Baruch Publication Dollars & Sense
Awarded College Digital Gold Crown by
Columbia Scholastic Press Association
NEW YORK, NY- March 18, 2014 - Members of the Baruch College community have struck gold! Dollars & Sense, the award-winning online magazine published by Baruch's Journalism Department and its students, was recently awarded the College Digital Gold Crown by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association. D&S was selected by a Board of Judges that included national journalists and graphic designers, college advisers, and professors.
Founded in 1979 by Baruch Journalism Professor Roslyn Bernstein, who remains its publisher, for years Dollars & Sense was printed each spring and distributed to students, faculty, corporate leaders and media professionals in the New York region. In 2008, Dollars & Sense switched to an online format to capitalize on multimedia technology and publish students' work more frequently. Dollars & Sense is reported and edited by students, with the support of faculty advisers. Since D&S converted from print to online only, it has received a total four Digital Gold Crowns (2008, 2009, 2011 and 2013) and one Digital Silver Crown (2010).
The Gold Crown was presented to the staff who worked on the publication in 2013. Baruch faculty advisers include Joshua Mills, Chair of the Journalism Department at Baruch; Carl Rollyson, Professor of Journalism and the Writing Professions; Andrea Gabor, Bloomberg Professor Business Journalism; and Fran Antmann, Professor of Fine and Performing Arts, who is the photo adviser.
"I am thrilled about the latest Gold Crown award for D&S. So many magazines fold after only a few years of publication and so many fail when they try to transform themselves from print to digital," said Professor Bernstein. "D&S, now in its 35th year, has beaten the odds."
"Powered by our amazing, creative students, Dollars & Sense's great strength is its inclusiveness," said Professor Mills. "The work of three dozen students was published last year, many of them first-time contributors. The staff has also grasped new technology at every opportunity and tweaks D&S each year to make it better."
The 2013 staff included: Ashleigh Baker, Peter Bell, Taylor Bilecky, Patrick Campbell, Christine Dayao, Willie Diaz, Deena Farrell, Svetlana Farinha, Elisha Fieldstadt (editor-in-chief 2013), Dmitriy Godunov, Alex Goetzfried� (managing editor, 2013), Adrien Hobbs, Jesus Izarra, Jason Javaherian, Kamelia Kilawan, Emma Kazaryan, Trudy Knockless, Milena Kozlowska, Kerry Mack, Earl Mays (managing editor, 2013), Emily Murphy, Rukmani Nayyar, Emelie Pettersson, Jimmy Rivera, Laura Rossi, Elsa S��tel�, Thomas Seubert, Crystal Simbudyal, Roxanne Torres, Rebecca Ungarino, Antonio Viveros, Jheanel Walters, Michael Wang, Brad Williams, Henry Wu, and Eleanore Ye.
About Baruch College:
Baruch College is a senior college in the City University of New York (CUNY) with a total enrollment of more than 17,000 students, who represent 160 countries and speak more than 100 languages. Ranked among the top 15% of U.S. colleges and the No. 5 public regional university, Baruch College is regularly recognized as among the most ethnically diverse colleges in the country. As a public institution with a tradition of academic excellence, Baruch College offers accessibility and opportunity for students from every corner of New York City and from around the world. For more about Baruch College, go to http://www.baruch.cuny.edu/.
Manny Romero, (646) 660-6141, firstname.lastname@example.com
Mercedes Sanchez, (646) 660-6112, email@example.com
Celene McDermott, (646) 660-6134, firstname.lastname@example.com


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In some cases, the fog of war is initially thick, then dissipates. Following the Sept. 11, 2012, Benghazi attacks that killed four Americans including Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens, the facts were initially clear. The fog was a later addition.
Recent congressional testimony by Gregory Hicks, Stevens' deputy in Libya, established one point beyond doubt: Those closest to the attacks were not confused about their nature. They were responding to a coordinated terrorist assault followed by a "precise" mortar barrage.
"The only report that our mission made through every channel was that there had been an attack," Hicks said. "No protest." On Sept. 12, Assistant Secretary of State Beth Jones informed State Department colleagues that she had told the Libyans that "the group that conducted the attacks, Ansar al-Sharia, is affiliated with Islamic terrorists."
This information traveled the 5,000 miles to CIA headquarters and was incorporated into the agency's initial talking points. But somewhere in the final few miles between Langley, Foggy Bottom and the White House, the attack was called a "demonstration," and then, according to U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice, the "direct result of a heinous and offensive video." The administration's characterizations became more emphatic as they became less accurate. Two weeks after the murders, President Obama thundered at the United Nations that "the future must not belong to those who slander the prophet of Islam."
In pinning the blame for Benghazi on a crude, anti-Muslim video, confusion moved along the contours of convenience. For the State Department, it shifted attention away from careless security practices in an obviously dangerous place. For the White House, it avoided pre-election discussion of the war on terror that was supposed to be largely won. For whoever made the military decisions on that night, it obscured the timidity of their response when Americans came under attack.
Republicans who see a repeat of Watergate in these events will be disappointed. This was an effort to obscure negligence and incompetence, not criminality.
But the administration's reaction to Benghazi set a precedent. Judged by its main intention, it was successful. It got the administration past the November election with little damage. This took some effort. Hicks, for example, was discouraged from cooperating with a member of Congress investigating the attacks, was called on the carpet for interacting with him directly and, he believes, was eventually demoted for disputing the official version of events. The media, meanwhile, tended to dismiss every new piece of information as trivial until it could be categorized as old news.
But as the administration's Benghazi narrative unravels, some additional, second-order effects have become obvious.
First, the administration was willing to shift all the responsibility for its public errors to the intelligence community. During the vice presidential debate, moderator Martha Raddatz asked Joe Biden why the White House had attributed the death of Stevens to the video. He responded: "Because that was exactly what we were told by the intelligence community."
Not quite "exactly." Thanks to Stephen Hayes of The Weekly Standard, we now know the CIA talking points were significantly modified at the insistence of the State Department and later in the interdepartmental process. The initial judgments of the intelligence community were fairly accurate. Eventual administration statements were inaccurate. Given the importance of American intelligence credibility on Iran and Syria, is it advisable to make our intelligence services look less competent than they are for political reasons?
Second, the administration was willing to undermine a foreign leader in a fragile circumstance. Soon after the attack, Libyan President Mohamed Yusuf al-Magariaf insisted that "the idea that this criminal and cowardly act was a spontaneous protest that just spun out of control is completely unfounded and preposterous. We firmly believe that this was a pre-calculated, preplanned attack."
According to Hicks, the administration's alternative version of events left Magariaf "insulted in front of his own people, in front of the world, his credibility was reduced. His ability to lead his own country was damaged."
Third, the administration was willing to feed an image of irrational Muslim rage that did not, in fact, apply to Libya. "The video was not an instigator of anything that was going on in Libya," Hicks testified. "We saw no demonstrations related to the video anywhere in Libya."
Did it serve American public diplomacy to assert, as Secretary of State Hillary Clinton did, that Libyans had joined "the tyranny of a mob," rather than being victimized by terrorist organizations? The administration's handling of the Benghazi attack was politically effective, but not without real world costs.
Email: email@example.com
Michael Gerson: The fog on Benghazi


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syngo InSpace 4D
General Requirements
Minimum Software Version
(one of following)
syngo 2004A (VD10B)
syngo VA40
Please Note: Additional technical pre-requisites may apply. Upon receiving your request, your local Siemens representative will clarify whether your system meets the requirements.
Recommended as bundle with syngo InSpace Lung Parenchyma, syngo InSpace 4D AVA (Advanced Vessel Analysis), syngo InSpace 4D (Bone Removal) and syngo InSpace 4D (Stenosis Measurement).


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Piercings Industrial
The industrial piercing is one that looks effective regardless of how its positioned in the ear, and jewellery will only add to the awesome look. Your industrial, or scaffold, piercing can be placed from top to bottom of the ear or vertically depending on personal choice.
These piercings are generally pierced with a barbell but BCRs can be used instead for the two holes, instead of one bar through the holes. Although ball closure rings are considered better for healing, barbells are more accurate for the industrial. Our industrial piercing jewellery comes in a collection of different sized and coloured barbells. Each has been made from titanium, surgical steel or plasma gold so you dont have to worry about quality.
Great Industrial Piercing Bars At Low Prices
With the industrial piercing its important to remember how long it is to ensure you get the right size jewellery. Barbells are available in a number of sizes to fit a range of different piercings, which makes them versatile and important for use on the industrial.
The size of your barbell also depends on the size of your ear, so you dont want to get one too big or small as this will cause irritation to your piercing. Not only do we stock a large selection of low priced barbells, they are also modifiable with accessories so you can instantly change the look of your piercing.
How To Choose The Right Industrial Piercing JewelleryChoosing industrial piercing jewellery from a range like ours can be a daunting task, but its all about personality and character. You could even keep your current barbell and just change the ends to provide a whole new look. You could even keep your current barbell and just change the ends to provide a whole new look.
With add ons from glitter to jewel balls, novelty dice to rubber ticklers, jewellery for industrial piercings never looked so good. Make sure if youve got this scaffold piercing you get jewellery to suit you.


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April 25, 2013
By ELIZABETH MARCELLINO
City News Service
An attorney for Michael Jackson's personal physician appealed the doctor's involuntary manslaughter conviction on Monday, arguing prosecutors failed to prove the King of Pop was on a propofol drip the day he died and that the trial judge excluded critical testimony. Conrad Murray, who is barred from practicing medicine, was convicted in November 2011 for administering a fatal dose of the powerful anesthetic to Jackson in the bedroom of the singer's rented Holmby Hills estate on June 25, 2009. Jackson was staying in the Los Angeles area while rehearsing for a
planned London concert series, dubbed ``This Is It."
A last-minute theory in the case offered by the prosecution's anesthesiology expert was ``absurd, improbable and unbelievable,'' and not supported by physical evidence, according to the 231-page appeal. The prosecution contended that Murray, now 60, put the pop star on a continuous drip of propofol, left his patient alone and unmonitored, and Jackson went into respiratory arrest. But defense attorney Valerie Wass maintains in the appeal that Murray had been weaning the 50-year-old Jackson off propofol for three days and only gave him a small injection -- 25 milligrams -- to help him sleep before putting him on a saline drip. When Murray left the room, Jackson, desperate for sleep, self-injected a second dose, leading to cardiac arrest, Wass argued.
The appeal cites technical details from toxicology reports to support the defense contention that a quick heart attack, rather than respiratory arrest, was the cause of the performer's death. The prosecution's theory could have ``been blown apart'' by a forensic analysis of a 100-milliliter bottle that would have to contain both propofol
and the painkiller lidocaine to uphold prosecutors' arguments, Wass contended. Defense attorneys asked for that analysis 11 days after the jury returned its verdict. But Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor denied the motion, saying the bottle had ``been around since the inception of the case.''
But the coroner's report said the bottle was empty, Wass argued in her appeal. It wasn't until the prosecution presented a new theory during testimony by a final rebuttal witness that the composition of drugs in the bottle became relevant. The prosecution's ``11th-hour tactic left the defense in a position where it had no real opportunity to present any effective defense to this novel theory,'' according to the appeal.
``As a result, the jury was left with the impression the rebuttal theory was a viable one, when in fact, it was entirely unsubstantiated.''
Wass said prosecutors withdrew their request for more than $101 million in restitution after the defense filed another motion to have the bottle tested during the restitution phase of the case. Prosecutors told the jury that even if Jackson had injected himself, Murray was responsible for his death because the physician should have realized that Jackson might do so if left alone with access to the drug. But according to Wass' appeal, Jackson had shown he understood the need to be monitored while taking the powerful drug, so Murray couldn't have predicted the pop star would use a syringe on his own.
The appeal also argues that Murray's trial co-counsel, J. Michael Flanagan, failed to adequately cross-examine the expert rebuttal witness or call for timely testing of the bottle. Wass and Flanagan were Murray's co-counsel on the appeal -- and were also romantically involved, according to court documents filed in another case -- until Flanagan resigned and sought a restraining order against Wass. Wass is under court order to stay at least 200 yards away from her former colleague.
The appeal in the Murray case also raised concerns about evidence not admitted at trial, including testimony about Jackson's use of Demerol and the pop icon's financial condition.
``The jury, however, was not allowed to learn that when Jackson died, he owed (concert promoter) AEG close to $40 million, there were more than 30 lawsuits pending against him and he owed millions of dollars to the IRS,'' the appeal argued.
That information showed that the performer had ``the weight of the world on his shoulders'' and was desperate to get enough sleep to be able to perform and fulfill his upcoming concert commitment, according to the appeal. Wass cited an email from concert director Kenneth Ortega to AEG Live CEO Brandon Phillips to illustrate Jackson's desperate state of mind.
``It would shatter him, break his heart if we pulled the plug,'' Ortega wrote.
``He is terribly frightened it's all going to go away. He asked me repeatedly tonight if I was going to leave him. ... He was like a lost boy. There still may be a chance he can rise to the occasion if we get him the help he needs.''
Finally, the appeal contends that the jury should have been sequestered to ensure a fair trial and that the court imposed a harsher sentence in order to make an example of a defendant in a high-profile case. Murray, convicted Nov. 7, 2011, is serving a four-year sentence in Men's Central Jail, but is expected to be released Oct. 28, according to the Sheriff's Department's inmate information website.