text:
Part A (Hospital Insurance) helps pay for:
inpatient hospital care
critical access hospitals
skilled nursing facility care
some home health care
hospice care
Part B (Medical Insurance) helps pay for:
doctors' services
ambulance services
outpatient hospital care
x-rays and laboratory tests
durable medical equipment and supplies
home health care (if you don't have Part A)
certain preventive care
limited ambulance transportation
other outpatient services
some other medical services Part A doesn't cover, such as physical and occupational therapy
Part C (Medicare Advantage):
If you join a Medicare Advantage Plan you generally get all your Medicare benefits, which may include prescription drugs, through one of the following types of plans:
Medicare HMOs – You must get your care from primary care doctors, specialists, or hospitals on the HMO's list of network providers, except in an emergency.
Medicare PPO Plans – In most plans your share of plan costs is less when you use in-network primary care doctors, specialists and hospitals. Using out-of-network providers costs you more.
Medicare Special Needs Plans – These plans generally limit enrollment to people in certain long-term care facilities (like nursing homes); people eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid; or those with certain chronic or disabling conditions.
Medicare Private Fee-for-Service Plans – In these plans, you may go to any Medicare-approved primary care doctor, specialist, or hospital that will accept the terms of the private plan's payment.
Medicare Medical Savings Account (MSA) Plans - These plans include a high deductible plan that will not begin to pay benefits until the high annual deductible is met. They also include a medical savings account into which Medicare will deposit money for you to use to pay your health care costs. Medical Savings Account Plans do not cover prescription drugs.
Part D (Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage)
Under this program, private companies provide Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage and you pay a monthly premium. Federal retirees already have excellent access to health benefits coverage for drugs through participation in the FEHB Program. However, if you choose to enroll in Part D, Medicare benefits for drugs will be primary (will pay first) in most cases for FEHB enrollees. (Medicare C plans that include prescription drugs will also be primary to FEHB benefits.)
It will almost always be to your advantage to keep your current FEHB coverage without any changes. The exception is for those with limited incomes and resources who may qualify for Medicare's extra help with prescription drug costs. Contact your benefits administrator or your FEHB Program insurer for information about your FEHB coverage before making any changes.
It is important to note that FEHB Program prescription drug coverage is an integral part of your total health benefits package. You cannot suspend or cancel FEHB Program prescription drug coverage without losing your FEHB plan coverage in its entirety (in other words, losing coverage) for hospital and medical services which would mean you might have significantly higher costs for those services.
Because all FEHB Program plans have as good or better coverage than Medicare, they are considered to offer creditable coverage. So, if you decide not to join a Medicare drug plan now, but change your mind later and you are still enrolled in FEHB, you can do so without paying a late enrollment penalty. As long as you have FEHB Program coverage you may enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan from November 15 to December 31st of each year at the regular monthly premium rate. However, if you lose your FEHB Program coverage and want to join a Medicare prescription drug program, you must join within 63 days of losing your FEHB coverage or your monthly premium will include a late enrollment penalty. The late enrollment penalty will change each year but will be included in your premium each year for as long as you maintain the coverage.


text:
So many new faces! Thanks everyone for stopping by and saying hello!
You are hereForums › General › Welcome - Getting Started › Introduce yourself!
Introduce yourself!
Hi, I just want to say thanks to everyone who has uploaded the tutorials.
I found Pixel Scrapper by searching on google. I'm so glad to have found all of these amazing tools. I want to thank everyone that has contributed to this wonderful website.
I currently design party accessories.
What a wonderful site! I happened on it after a post from a fellow designer telling us that she was addicted I've wondered around a few times and must admit the few times has now turned into an everyday habit...lol. Figured it was time to quit lurking and introduce myself! Thank you ladies for all the wonderful goodies! You've been a godsend when I've been looking for new items these past few weeks.
Hello there.
My name is Nicki and i am a very proud 40 year old, now single, mum to four girls and two boys who's ages range from two to twenty two. I also have five beautiful grand-babies aged between three months and five years; although one is now an Angel unfortunately no longer with us.
I am new to scrapbooking, digital or otherwise, though i have always been crafty and love creating in various ways as and when the mood takes me. I came across this site purely by accident whilst looking for regular scrapbooking supplies and up until that point it had never actually occurred to me that i could scrapbook on my computer ... duh! I had no software that i could create with so i tracked down a very old, but free, version of PS and started having a play with some of the elements i found on here. I LOVE IT! I have been planning recently to partition my hard drive and run a version of Linux so i can see me having a play with Gimp too in the future.
Anyway, enough about me! Thank you to everyone who makes this site what it is, i am so glad i found it
Hi Everyone, I'm 42 years old and I live in upstate New York. I have two boys who are 13 and 11. They are active in all types of sports. I work Full time and enjoy making my cards during my free time. My hobbies are Gardening and making my own Greeting cards. I've found this website while searching for background paper. I love all the different designs this website has to offer! I am looking into designing my own paper. I love to design, coordinate colors, and experiment with layouts.
Thank you to all who contribute to this website - I truly appreciate it!
Welcome Nicki and Carol! Thanks for saying hello!
Hello - I am new here. I have been making digital scrapbooks for about 6 years using Creative Memories SBC and now Panstoria's Artisan software. Previously I created only special books and calendars in digital, but beginning in 2013 I am creating our family album as digital only. Of course, I still have lots of paper and lots of printed pictures (20 yr backlog) to scrap the traditional way at some point.
I like simple, quick layouts with lots of pictures on the page - because I can't pick just one to tell the story. Current digital projects include 2013 album and "TIME - This Is Me Exposed", a project started by designer Janet Carr of Little Feet Designs.
Hello, I'm Aimee. I'm a newbie around here. I have 4 daughters and live in Texas. I do a lot of work on the website for the church my husband pastors.
Hello _ I´m Claudia and i live in Germany. I design Scrapbook kits and have my own little blog.
Hi! I'm Barbie from the Philippines. I am not a very savvy digital scrapbooker, but I do make paper crafts. I love what you've got here, and the manifesto everyone abides by. Hope to meet a lot of like-minded people over on this side of the internet fence.
Hello! My name is Elizabeth. I live in the San Joaquin Valley in California and I like to create things. I got interested in Digi Scraping when I was trying to create new comforting pictures for my place of work. I have gotten quite a bit of positive responses to them. I'm just a beginner but I love looking at the gallery to see how creative people are out there.
I seem to be doing everything backwards here. Having no digital photos nor means to scan any ordinary photos, I resorted to posting a license picture...with many scratches..... for my profile. I found Pixel Scrapper while checking out freebie scraps on blogs. I like to use scrapping materials all by themselves to make a variety of projects in Paint Shop Pro. I have been working with some of the templates here to practice making layouts using just the scrapping pieces. Desktop wallpaper is one of my favorite ways to use scraps. I'm not very good at it yet but I keep trying.
I might not ever have anything to upload to the gallery but do enjoy the results of others very much. I was here only a few days when I decided to purchase a year's membership; I expect to be here for a long time.
I am very impressed that so much is made available for so little. I feel rich indeed!
Anyway We reside in up state New York, have two grown children and two grandchildren. We also have a cat, Sunny who will be seventeen this month!
Thank you for this community and if you are still reading...thanks for that as well!
Welcome Donna! Thanks for saying hello!
I'm Rachel. I discovered Pixel scrapper by following a link on Pinterest. Some great designs here. I switched to digital scrapbooking about a year ago. I discovered I could create a page and re-design it without ruining photos and elements. Plus, I can make my own paper. Awesome. No clean up, no mess, and no heavy book to haul around. I move around a lot, and love to travel so the less stuff the better.
Hi! I'm Morgan and I live in FL currently. Originally from up north. I just found this site today! I am learning how to make digital scrapbooking paper to sell in my Etsy shop, as well as for my personal use! I have a toddler, and I never started scrap booking because of the cost of supplies. I am so glad to have found digital scrapbooking!
Hello Everyone!! My name is Rebeca and I'm a party decoration designer. I'm glad I found this site to help out my business. Thank you to everyone that participates in adding items or even answering questions.
Hi, I'm Corne and I live in South Africa - there are no lions on my front lawn, but the occasional cow strolls by. My interest in digital scrapbooking began when I worked at a photoshop where we just started making printed photobooks - ah, the digital era was here to stay. I sort of flopped around with designs and such, but since I stumbled upon this site I am beginning to feel a bit more free with designing. I have a wonderful husband who silently sighs everytime he walks past the computer and I'm sitting there, scrapbooking and I have a little busy-body son, almost 2 years old. Thanks for inspiring me to do more and be more
Hi, I joined several days ago, but wasn't sure how or where to put this introduction. Hope I've put it in the right place!
I have been making cards for nearly 50 years (yes, I'm fairly ancient) and became addicted to backing papers. So scrapbooking followed naturally from there. I also love computers, which makes digital scrapbooking and designing a real joy.
I can't remember how I found this website, but I'm very pleased I did. I am looking forward to being able to upload some freebies for everyone to use - but I understand I have to have a lot more Community Points first.
My name is Marieke, and I'm from Holland. I'm 23 years old and have 2 kids, both girls! I'm a member for a couple of weeks now and love this site. I'm most of the time a graphic designer, and I'm trying to make some photo albums in Digital scrapbook style for my kids!
I just joined the site today.
I have been learning digital design for print on demand sites and now I want to learn how to create digital scrapbook images and kits.
I do my own family history and I want to make some scrapbook layouts for all our family photos. I hope to make a combination of layouts from here along with my own graphics to make my photobooks for the family.
Hey Marisa and Jordan,
My name is Charlene, and I am a part-time event photographer and a beginner when it comes to designing my own scrapbooking items.
I just happened upon your site by chance and fell in love with your bundles, kits, templates and assets.
I try to stop by your site on a daily basis to check and see if there is anything new on your blog because love reading about your adventures!
Hi everyone,
My name is Marsha and I have been paper scrapping for years, printing some digital items but decided its time (and cheaper) to try digital! I stumbled on this site a few days ago and have been VERY impressed with the quality of the items, kits, tutorials (as I will be visiting there often!), and everyone's kindness. I have since been here every day and feel the addiction happening!! I have 2 girls, 1HS, 1 college and 5 pets, and oh yeah, 1 husband! So as you see I have lots of scrap catching up to do. I love the inspiration I have found here so far and hope to find the much needed time to "play" I hope to make this site a "home".
Welcome! Thanks for saying hello!
Hi everyone. My name is Holly. I'm new to digital scrapbooking. I have a 5 month old baby girl, which got me into this digital scrapbook world. So much easier to do digital scrapbooking as opposed to doing it by hand with a little baby around...no need to keep an eye on my scissors and exacto knife! I'm learning how to make my own kits...right now, just mainly using templates that i modify, but hoping to learn more about photoshop elements so that i can do more with my kits. I love the blog trains on this site, everyone does such great work. Looking forward to joining in.
Hi all,
I'm Leigh, 27 from Portsmouth UK. Just found this site and I love it already! I'm new to scrapbooking but I can't wait to get started. Had a lovely family day at the beach last weekend so I think that's going to be my first project!
Absolutely loving seeing everyone's ideas and can't wait to get sharing
Have a nice day! x

subset: commoncrawl


text: Welcome to the Year 1 Class Page! We have now defined learning as; the process of receiving and personalising knowledge in order to apply new concepts and experiences, independently, to unfamiliar situations. As a result, children learn better when they are able to consistently rehearse and use their new skills, which is why we place so much emphasis on attendance being above 97% and children arriving punctually at school. Home learning is also an essential tool in our teaching and learning process which through the project and weekly learning tasks aims to; Consolidate and reinforce current learning across many curriculum areas and Promote independent learning (See Home Learning Policy) As a school, we use a range of strategies to support children's learning and we would hope you could support your child(ren) by making yourself familiar with them whilst they are doing their home learning.


text:
Curb Appeal Ideas: Home Exterior Makeovers
Browse before-and-after photos of these home makeovers and get ideas for updating your own place.
Before: Dingy Casita
While architecturally interesting, this 1920s Spanish-style home looks unlived in. The washed-out exterior and vine-covered trellis need some work.
After: Charming Facade and Entryway
This home's new look accentuates its Spanish-style architecture without feeling too themed. An earthy paint color complements the stucco exterior, while Spanish tiles draw attention to the front door and stairs. A new trellis extends all the way across the facade, making the home look wider and giving it more presence from the street.
Before: Nondescript Exterior
With the exception of the small capital detail on the porch columns, this beige-and-brown home is devoid of style and character.
After: A Little Love and Landscaping
Small details – like the exposed rafters under the roof and the stone cladding over the bases of the columns – make a huge impact on this home's exterior appearance. A cheerful, blue-and-white color scheme completes this charming Craftsman's transformation.
Before: Boring Brick
With its drab brick exterior, dingy awning and plain front door, this home doesn't make a great first impression. Plus, the staircase to the tiny front porch is hidden behind bushes, so there's no clear path to the door.
After: Amazing Grays
A coat of dark gray paint reinvigorates this home's brick exterior. A brand new staircase leads to the entryway, which was revamped with a blue door and a portico extension in place of the awning. Stylish house numbers, a new light fixture and colorful potted plants add the perfect finishing touches.


text:
March 15, 2010 by Lifepainter
(photo of our home is among the featured illustrations in 'Back Roads of Washington', 1992, drawn by illustrator, Earl Thollander)
Saga of our 90 year old Chilean Monkey Puzzle Tree ( Araucaria araucana ) comes to a close. The tree was planted in the front yard of our house, we are given to understand, some 90 years before we ever arrived on the scene. When we bought the house, the tree looked ragged along the lower branches, and the previous home owner told us it was not unusual for this species of tree to look like that when they reached these mature ages. He told us the story of how the species of tree came to be planted in Bay Center, Washington as it is not native to the area, although the climate is conducive to nurturing this species.
When our house was built in 1892, by a barge builder, the house was given to the daughter and her husband – the Bochaus. In those early 1900's there was ship travel on our Willapa Bay and the Willapa River. The ships might harbor in Bay Center and spend a day or night as guests of local residents. Mrs. Bochau would entertain the ship captains in her home and one of the ship captains (Capt. Cook, I believe) gifted her one of the seedlings of the Chilean Monkey Puzzle Tree he had as cargo on his ship.
The tree grew successfully through their lifetime, and on into the life spans of the next two owners of the house. By the time we came along to to buy the house in November 2002, the tree was well into it's maturity. However, these are prehistoric trees and have an incredible lifespan, living well past 100 years. The tree was not beyond it's years, but it did succumb to some infection and it began dying from within.
The first year, we enjoyed the giant tree with it's giant limbs and it swayed gently in the heavy windstorms. It was well rooted and not likely to fall over even with the highest winds. The first spring, I learned how prickly are the 'leaves' if you can call them that on the branches, as I did the yard spring cleaning. As the lower limbs lost their green, I asked a neighbor to cut off the lower limbs in hopes we could save the tree. It seemed to me the logical, compassion, caring and nurturing thing to do to try to save the tree. I neglected to consult my husband on my decision and that was one of the few times I have seen him livid. He was 'not ready' for the mangling of that great gracious tree, no matter that it had dying lower limbs.
Over the years the tree continued to die from within, turning browner and browner with each passing year until there was nothing left of green on the tree limbs even at the pinnacle of it's height. But it continued to stand, testament to the community of it's long history in Bay Center. I pointed out to my husband that there was nothing green left on the tree and it had indeed passed into that place where trees are no longer among the living. He would not be convinced easily. He had been following for a few years the attempt of a new branch shoot trying to grow and what was left at the tip top of the tree that was still green. He would not agree to the reality that the tree was no longer healthy or even living.
When the limbs became dry enough to begin to break off, I grew concerned that one could fall on someone passing beneath and insisted the tree come down. Our neighbor, who has some experience with bringing down trees agreed to take it down. He was able to get all the limbs cut off and the top of the tree when there was an accident kickback with the chainsaw. The kickback went across the top of his hand, and we are all blessed that it grazed his hand with no damage to the nerves or connecting tissue. My husband rushed him to hospital where they attended to his hand, but it did cost him some work on the fishing boats during his time of recovery. He has said he would come finish taking the tree all the way down, but a few years have passed and he has not taken it down. I can completely understand his reluctance! Nor did I really want him to take on the challenge as the county power lines create a tripod quite close to the top of the tree.
I explored having the tree made into a totem pole, asking the person who made the totem pole for our neighbor down the street if he could make one from the remains of the tree. He said the wood is too soft and if he made a totem, the features would split with the wood, ie, the eyes or nose might split causing a caricature image — not very totem like. So for a couple of years the trunk of the tree has been standing, withstanding our powerful Storm 2007 winds of 140 – 160 mph.
Another neighbor thought perhaps to use the wood from the tree to make unusual wooden crafts as it is a desired wood for such projects. We agreed if he could take it down, he could use the wood. He came, he saw the power line obstacles and changed his mind about taking it down. He suggested that the county might be willing to take it down.
Last week as I was leaving the community heading to town, I saw the county people doing some roadside tree cutting and stopped to inquire if they could take down my trunk of a tree. He said he couldn't do it today as they had full schedule but would come back, to which I said no hurry, the tree will continue to stand. Surprised to find a work crew from the county in front of my house today, he kept his word and did come back to take down our tree.
It was fascinating to watch as with their power equipment and trucks they were able to stabilize the tree while someone else using chainsaw cut through the lower trunk. The truck with the stabilizing equipment held the tree steady, lifted it and gently swung it to the side of our road, laying it down gently.
She lies there in less than all her glory now, having been stripped of her limbs and foliage, a tall trunk of a tree that used to be and is no more. Good bye dear Monkey Puzzle Tree, we did not get to enjoy your heyday and were there at the time of your demise, but we truly respect your tremendous history.


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This site is the archived OWASP Foundation Wiki and is no longer accepting Account Requests.
To view the new OWASP Foundation website, please visit https://owasp.org
How to write a new WebGoat lesson
All you have to do is implement the abstract methods in LessonAdapter.
WebGoat uses the Element Construction Set from the Jakarta project. You should read up on the API for ECS at http://jakarta.apache.org/site/downloads/downloads_ecs.cgi.
WebGoat uses WTP. You can find more information about Eclipse WTP here http://www.eclipse.org/webtools/.
Step 1: Set up the framework
Source for the class NewLesson.java
Step 2: Implement createContent
Creating the content for a lesson is fairly simple. There are two main parts:
- Handle the input from the user's last request
- Generate the next screen for the user
This all happens within the createContent method. Remember that each lesson should be handled on a single page. Therefore it is important to design the lesson to work on one page.
Sample createContent Method
A good generic pattern for the createContent method is shown below:
// define a constant for the filed name Private static final String INPUT = "input"; Protected Element createContent(WebSession s) { ElementContainer ec = new ElementContainer(); try { // get some input from the user // see ParameterParser for details String userInput = s.getParser().getStringParameter(INPUT, ""); // do something with the input // -- SQL query? // -- Runtime.exec? // -- Some other dangerous thing // generate some output – a string and an input field ec.addElement(new StringElement("Enter a string: ")); ec.addElement( new Input(Input.TEXT, INPUT, userinput)); } catch (Exception e) { s.setMessage("Error generating " + this.getClass().getName()); e.printStackTrace(); } return(ec); }
ECS is quite powerful. See the Encoding lesson for an example of how to use it to create a table with rows and rows of output.
Step 3: Implement the other methods
The LessonAdapter class requires more methods to make a lesson fully functional. These methods allow the WebGoat user to navigate to the lesson and display lesson information. Each method is fairly simple and should only take a few minutes to implement.
Additional LessonAdapter Methods
|Return hints to the framework one at a time
|Return credits to the framework for display
|This method will load the instructions HTML file from lesson_plans directory if you create one.
|Sets the order of the lessons within a category. The lowest ranked lesson appears at the top.
|The title is rendered as HTML
protected List getHints() { // Hints will be returned to the user in the order they // appear below. The user must click on "next hint" // before the hint will be didplayed. List hints = new ArrayList(); hints.add( "There are no hints defined." ); return hints; } public Element getCredits() { return new StringElement(""); } /* * Gets the ranking attribute of the LessonAdapter object. * The ranking denotes the order in which * the menu item will appear in menu list for each category. The * lowest number will appear as the first lesson. * * @return The ranking value */ public Integer getRanking() { return new Integer(10); } /** * Fill in a descriptive title for this lesson. * This will appear above the control area at the * top of the page. This field will be rendered as html. * * @return The title value */ public String getTitle() { return "Untitled Lesson " + getScreenId(); }
Step 4: Build and test <this must have changed in v4>
After the new lesson is implemented ant can be used to build and deploy the new web application. First you want to remove the webgoat.war and the webgoat directory from the webapps directory. Next, cd to the webgoat directory and type:
ant install
This will compile the new lesson and "install" the path into Tomcat. The lesson only needs to be installed once. If changes are made to the web application and another test is needed type:
ant reload
Step 5: Give back to the community
If you have come up with a lesson that you think helps to teach people about web application security, please contribute it by sending it to the people who maintain the WebGoat application.
WebGoat User Guide Table of Contents
This article is a stub. You can help OWASP by expanding it or discussing it on its Talk page.


text:
A U.S. appeals court rejected Apple's bid to ban the sale of Samsung's Galaxy Nexus smartphone.
The decision Thursday was a blow to the Cupertino, Calif. company and its extended patent dispute with the South Korean company, according to Reuters. Apple asked the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C. to appeal an October decision that would have imposed a sales ban on the Samsung smartphones.
Last year, Apple won a $1.05 billion verdict against Samsung in U.S. District Court in San Jose. The same judge, Judge Lucy Koh, will still preside over the continuing legal battle surrounding the Nexus phone. Some analysts said Apple faced difficult odds trying to ban the Samsung products. Apple could appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, but it's not an easy road since patent fights have been made tougher for plaintiffs.
The Samsung-Apple litigation will likely continue, especially since Koh still can lower the $1 billion award for Apple, but as of yet, hasn't made a decision. We think it's good that the Galaxy Nexus won't be banned in this country because more products available on the market is better for the consumer.


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The London Stock Exchange (LSE) is to become the technology provider to Caja de Valores (CVSA), the Argentinian central securities depository (CSD). The two parties signed a partnership agreement ahead of the depository's immediate priority which is to support the country's new Bolsa & Mercados Argentinos (BM&A) exchange.
The deal means the LSE's trading platform will shortly be rolled out in the country. MillenniumIT, the LSE's technology arm, is the partner who will provide the capital markets technology and expertise to CVSA, which will then use it to support the new Argentinean exchange.
B&MA is a partnership between the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange and Merval, the association of Argentine brokers responsible for market operation in Buenos Aires. The joining of the two venues has been spurred on by Argentina's Congress who last year approved a sweeping capital markets reform package.
Commenting on the deal, Ernesto Allaria, director of B&MA, said: "Selecting MillenniumIT as our technology provider offers B&MA significant opportunities to take advantage of more globally interconnected markets. This represents an important step forward for B&MA as well as the rest of Argentina's capital markets."
Source: Bobsguides, 01.08.2013
Filed under: Argentina, Exchanges, Latin America, Argentina, BM&A Bolsa & Mercados Argentinos, Depository, Exchanges, LSE Londo Stock Exchange, MERVAL Mercado de Valores de Buenos Aires S.A., Millennium IT


text:
CodyCross Brettspiele Lösungen
We offer our help to every player in the world, who like playing some challenging word games. This website gives you needed information to complete CodyCross Brettspiele set. You do not need to look for another website, because everything is carefully gathered together in here – complete pack of 20 levels. Using our website you will be able to quickly solve and complete CodyCross game which was created by the Fanatee Games developer together with other games.
It is simple, enjoyable and addictive. All you need is just few minutes to solve puzzle and to find out needed word. Because of this, we gathered together all CodyCross Brettspiele Answers. No more hours of guessing right word. Just find the level you need and keep playing.
Big difference between this and other similar website is that we keep CodyCross answers list up to date. After every update we publish new levels, so you can easily continue your walkthrough. So, when developer sends out new levels, new packs or new sets, we quickly publish them here, so this website continues to be up to date.
This page has answers to the only one section of levels, but you can go to the CodyCross Answers home page to discover other categories.


text:
In the last weekend before the World Cup break, we saw two games produce some grand fireworks.
In Philadephia, the Union got off to a terrible start, going down 2-0 at PPL Park. Then in the second half, a three-goal outburst produced by Cristian Maidana and his teammates allowed the home side to grab the lead. It didn't last long however as Zac MacMath conceded a penalty allowing Pedro Morales to equalize the score.
In Chicago, there were five goals and two red cards in a wild one at Toyota Park. Obafemi Martins each scored two goals before being sent off for a straight red card. From there, Harry Shipp scored two golazos to lead his team back to a draw, but it was all for naught as Lamar Neagle had a classy finish to take the lead for good.
Who else earned a spot on the latest Team of the Week? Read on to find out.
GK: Luis Robles (New York Red Bulls) – Recorded 10 saves and saved the game for the Red Bulls, ensuring all three points in New England.
D: Nick Hagglund (Toronto FC) – Active on both sides of the ball, denying any chances while contributing four shots on the other end in Toronto's 1-0 win over San Jose.
D: Kevin Ellis (Sporting Kansas City) – The "veteran" center back on the night for Sporting played a clean, effective game, which was all the more impressive considering Houston's man advantage for most of the game.
D: Michael Parkhurst (Columbus Crew) – Helped keep Fabián Espíndola and the D.C. attack off the scoreboard for the first time in 11 games, earning his team a draw.
D: Carlos Bocanegra (Chivas USA) – Organized his defense admirably, helping Chivas earn a point in the SuperClasico.
M: Lamar Neagle (Seattle Sounders) – Played a solid game all around while producing the game-winner over the Fire in Chicago.
M: Harry Shipp (Chicago Fire) – The rookie stepped up again with a very good performance, notching two well-taken goals. He was not able to secure points for his team, though.
M: Cristian Maidana (Philadelphia Union) – Had a hand in all three of the Union's goals in their comeback but the Union were not able to hold the lead in the end.
M: Fabián Castillo (FC Dallas) – Produced one of the best individual efforts all season to nick the game-winner over Colorado.
F: Erik Hurtado (Vancouver Whitecaps) – Scored one goal and assisted on another after shaking a Union defender.
F: Fanendo Adi (Portland Timbers) – His MLS career is off to a flying start, scoring four goals and assisting on two more in just 226 minutes. Scored two of those goals in the Timbers 3-1 victory over Real Salt Lake.
Coach: Caleb Porter (Portland Timbers) - After taking the lead, Porter organized his team to counterattack the on rushing RSL side. His team captured their first victory ever at Rio Tinto.
Bench: Steve Clark (Columbus Crew), Bobby Boswell (D.C. United), Collen Warner (Toronto FC), Diego Valeri (Portland Timbers), Ethan Finlay (Columbus Crew), Conor Casey (Philadelphia Union), Deshorn Brown (Colorado Rapids)


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I keep getting the same message every time I open up App World:
"BlackBerry App World is having trouble connecting to the BlackBerry App World server. Verify your network connections and try again."
I have VZW 8330 curve and im running a OS 5.0 hybrid. Now before anyone says its the OS, I had a normal OS 5.0 on it before that and had the same problems.
Im not even a huge fan of app world but i want something on my phone to work like it should...whatever that means. please someone explain to me why app world is laughing at me.


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There will be a candidates forum at the town hall on Sunday, October 21 beginning at 3 pm. Chris Jacobs will serve as moderator. Metrocast will be taping the event for later broadcast.
All candidates for Executive Council District 1, State Senator District 3, State Representive (Strafford 1), County Commissioner, County Sheriff and Register of Deeds are invited to make a brief presentation. Question and Answer session will follow. For more information, call Susann Brown 652-4306 or email email@example.com. The 2012 General Election will take place at the Emma Ramsey Center on November, 6. Polls open at 8 am and close at 7 pm. Absentee ballots are available at the town clerks office. The Supervisors of the Checklist will sit in session on Saturday, October 27 from 11 to 11:30 am at the Emma Ramsey Center.
VFW Post 8393, Chaplain Paul Carlson reports, for the past 20 years Post 8393 has sponsored the Toys for Kids Fundraiser and has been successful in receiving donations in excess of $55,000 to help families and children less fortunate in the community. Our goal has been and will continue to be, to bring the joy of Christmas to families in need. Carlson notes that it has been his pleasure to have been part of this program for all these years, but now it is time to step back and let the a younger person take over. Thanks to everyone who contributed so generously during my tenure. I hope that the businesses and individuals who have been our success story will continue their generosity as Post Commander, Robert Graham takes over the coordination and continuation of this worthwhile program. The welfare office is located at town hall and is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays 8 am until 3:30 pm. If you need assistance please call ahead to schedule an appointment to see if you meet the requirements at 652-4501.
The food pantry is located in the Headstart building in the Industrial Park on Tuesdays from 12 noon until 4 pm.
Applications for fuel assistance (low income home heating program) are being taken at the outreach offices in Dover, Rochester and Farmington. You can find the necessary forms and guidelines for the program by visiting the web site http://www.straffordcap.org/programs/fuel-assistance.
The recreation department will host Kids Night Out on Friday, October 19 at 6 pm. The theme is �Dreamworks Spooky Stories. For a movie, supper and a craft the is cost is $6. If your child is not interested in watching movies, do not send them! It makes it really difficult for the children who do wish to enjoy a night sharing movies with their friends. Reservations are closed after October 17, to make a reservation call 652-4501.
Candidates forum planned Oct. 21
There will be a candidates forum at the town hall on Sunday, October 21 beginning at 3 pm. Chris Jacobs will serve as moderator. Metrocast will be taping the event for later broadcast.


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Psy Makes $8.1 Million By Ignoring Copyright Infringements Of Gangnam Style
from the selling-the-scarcity dept
A couple of months back, Mike wrote about how Psy's relaxed attitude to people infringing on his copyright helped turn Gangnam Style into one of the most successful cultural phenomena in recent years, and that includes becoming the most-viewed video on YouTube ever.
Ah yes, the maximalists will retort, this free-and-easy, laid-back approach is all very nice, but it doesn't put food on his table, does it? If you want to make a living from this stuff, you've got to enforce copyright to stop all those freeloaders ruining your business. Well, maybe not:
With one song, 34-year-old Park Jae-sang -- better known as PSY -- is set to become a millionaire from YouTube ads and iTunes downloads, underlining a shift in how money is being made in the music business. An even bigger dollop of cash will come from TV commercials.
The AP story quoted above goes on to give a detailed breakdown of where that money comes from. Interestingly, it's mostly from things not directly connected with either his music or video:
From just those sources, PSY and his camp will rake in at least $8.1 million this year, according to an analysis by The Associated Press of publicly available information and industry estimates.
It is television commercials that are the big money spinner for the most successful of South Korea's K-pop stars. PSY has been popping up in TV commercials in South Korea for top brands such as Samsung Electronics and mobile carrier LG Uplus.
This is yet another great example of how artists can give away copies of their music and videos to build their reputations and then earn significant sums by selling associated scarcities -- in this case, appearances in TV commercials. Now, not every musician may want to take that route, but there are plenty of other ways of exploiting global successes like Gangnam Style -- none of which requires copyright to be enforced.
Chung Yu-seok, an analyst at Kyobo Securities, estimates PSY's commercial deals would amount to 5 billion won ($4.6 million) this year.
Follow me @glynmoody on Twitter or identi.ca, and on Google+
Filed Under: business models, copyright, psy


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The latest edition of FUEL Soccer, the magazine for players, parents and coaches, is here from US Youth Soccer. You don't want to miss it.
The September issue is the only print edition available for 2016 and it is also available digitally along with the November and December editions. The remaining three editions will come out in the spring. Don't forget to sign up for US Youth Soccer online newsletters for all of the latest news and updates.
Club leaders, you can order FUEL by the box to give to your players for a minimum of 125 magazines at $50. For those that want to just order individual copies, you can do that too!
Click a magazine cover below to read a FUEL issue. You can also access current and previous issues via Apple IOS, Android or KINDLE.
April 2017
May 2017
October 2017
November 2017
October 2016
November 2016
May 2016
June 2016
October 2015
November 2015
June 2015
July 2015
November 2014
December 2014


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Our Nativity or Manger scene was always a part of our Christmas. My mother had a small table in the hall where we'd set up the wooden stable and colorful plastic figures: the animals, an angel, a shepherd and the Holy Family. We had a cow that did not stand straight. She had to lean against the stall to stay on her feet. There were fat white sheep and a friendly looking grey donkey. The Blessed Mother, in her pink and blue robes, was my favorite. We never put the Baby Jesus in the little scene until Christmas Day. And my brothers and I put the three wise men on the far edge of the table. Each day we'd take turns, moving them closer to the Baby.
When I got married my mother bought me a beautiful set of Nativity figures of my own. I keep them in the original box and love lifting out each tissue paper wrapped figure. It is like seeing friends who I haven't seen in a long time. When my children were little theirs were the little hands who placed the animals in the stable and moved the wise men closer each day.
Read some of my 2011 Advent posts.


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Wow. Another 1-2-3 from Homer. 9 pitch inning
50 strikes, 10 balls now. Simply amazing. I'm sure some will point to it being the Pirates, but you'll have success against any team throwing that type of ratio IMO.
60 thru 6.
Rally Onion!!!
"I tried to play golf, but I found out I wasn't very good." -Joey Votto on his offseason hobby search
An MLB.com reporter asked what one thing Votto couldnt do. I cant skate or play hockey, Votto said. Well, I can skate ... but I cant stop.
I can't watch the game from work, so can anyone tell me if the Pirates are actually making it to the bench before having to go back out onto the field?
Reds pitching fever, catch it:
17 consecutive scoreless innings
38 of the last 42 innings have been scoreless - only more than 1 run in an inning once in the last 42 innings
"No matter how good you are, you're going to lose one-third of your games. No matter how bad you are you're going to win one-third of your games. It's the other third that makes the difference." ~Tommy Lasorda
Bailey looks fantastic. He's working pretty quickly.
There is no such thing as a pitching prospect.
Meek pitching. Bailey quickly K's to lower his BA to .300.
I'm thinking (hoping) that perhaps what Bryan Price is preaching is finally starting to get through to some of these guys on the rotation. We'll see over time, but so far Bailey's pitching fantastic today after Cueto's dominant performance last night.
The Lost Decade Average Season: 74-88
2014-19 Average Season: 70-92
Board Moderators may, at their discretion and judgment, delete and/or edit any messages that violate any of the following guidelines: 1. Explicit references to alleged illegal or unlawful acts. 2. Graphic sexual descriptions. 3. Racial or ethnic slurs. 4. Use of edgy language (including masked profanity). 5. Direct personal attacks, flames, fights, trolling, baiting, name-calling, general nuisance, excessive player criticism or anything along those lines. 6. Posting spam. 7. Each person may have only one user account. It is fine to be critical here - that's what this board is for. But let's not beat a subject or a player to death, please.


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One lucky reader stands the chance of winning both a Sunday Jazz Brunch – with live jazz – and a decadent Saturday high tea for four at this elegant Sea Point eatery.
Harveys' at Winchester Mansions has long been a favourite among Mother City dwellers (and tourists) for its fabulous sea-facing location and genteel surrounds on the Sea Point coastline. Its Italian-style fountained courtyard is the perfect place for relaxed Sunday brunches, and elegant high teas.
And now, you and three lucky friends could stand the chance of experiencing not one, but both of these sought-after activities by simply entering our competition. Here's what to expect:
The Jazz Brunch
When you arrive, you'll be welcomed with a glass of sparkling wine and a complimentary newspaper to ease you into your Sunday, with the sweet strains of live jazz setting the tone.
The buffet-style brunch, served from 11am to 2pm, has something for everyone. Seriously. From pastries and cheeses to traditional English breakfasts, sushi, salads, a carvery, cold meats – and, yes, decadent desserts too! As for the music, the tender tunes come courtesy of renowned local and international artists such as Tina Schouw, Andrew Lilley, Stephen De Sousa, Maurice Gawronsky, Abigail Peterson, Mike Campbell, Amy Campbell, Maurice Gawronsky Titilayo Adedokun, Andrew Ford, and Wesley Rustin, who delicately provide the soothing backtrack.
The High Tea
Served every Saturday from 2.30pm to 5.30pm, everything on the well-filled three-tiered silver trays is tasty and flavourful. The top two tiers are laden with brownies, scones, meringues, cheesecake, and more, while the bottom tier comprises bite-sized savoury treats, including smoked-salmon sandwiches; a cheese-and-mustard palmier; brie-and-cranberry croissant; bacon-and-cheese quiche; chicken-mayo wrap; and mozzarella, tomato and pesto skewers.
Choose from a selection of black, green and herbal tea bags, and keep a watch or phone nearby to track steeping time or you may be left with over-steeped bitter tea. Drink two or three cups while you chatter away and listen to the live tunes and soft serenades.
What a wonderful way to spend a weekend!
How to enter
Enter your email address in the form alongside, and you could be the lucky recipient of this awesome prize. (You'll also be subscribing to our free weekly newsletter.)
Ts & Cs
The winner's name will be drawn on 22 January 2019, and the prize is redeemable from 23 January 2019 until 31 March 2019 (subject to availability). The total prize is valued at R2 100, and includes a Sunday Jazz Brunch (valued at R345 per person), and a Saturday High Tea (valued at R360 for two people sharing) for four.
This competition and its prizes are being offered by Winchester Mansions, which is solely responsible for ensuring that the winner receives his/her prize. The Inside Guide shall not be liable to entrants of this competition for any prizes, loss or damage whatsoever and howsoever arising from the running, or otherwise, of this competition. The winners will be notified by email and should reply within 24 hours. Once we have received your email, we will put you in touch with the organisers to arrange your prize. Please note prizes are non-transferrable. Ts & Cs apply.
Win an additional entry
After you've entered, share this competition via the social media buttons that will appear in the right-hand sidebar on the top of the page, and your name will be re-entered into the draw.


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40 Cal Is Disgusted With All The Beef! "Corny Lookin Niccas Like Charles Hamilton With The Pink Earmuffs". (Speaks On His Upcoming Movie, Calls Karl Malone Wack, & More) Plus Skeme Team Spit A Freestyle!
DJ Kid Nu interview 40 Cal on his new show Rich Kids Radio. Also Skeme Team spit a freestyle.
Please click the "Report" button below if the video on this page is not working properly.
Comments will only be displayed by verified emails. No Spamming or Racism.


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"Explanation: Noctilucent or night-shining clouds lie near the edge of space. From about 80 kilometers above Earth's surface, the icy clouds can still reflect sunlight even though the Sun itself is below the horizon as seen from the ground. Usually occurring at high latitudes in summer months, the diaphanous apparitions are also known as polar mesospheric clouds and may be connected to global change in the lower atmosphere. This impressive 360 degree panorama made from 34 separate images captures an impressive display of noctilucent clouds all over the sky. It was recorded last month from Vallentuna, Sweden. The photographer reports that the display was like a noctilucent cloud storm, one of the best he's ever witnessed. (P-M Hedén (Clear Skies, TWAN))"
That picture is beautiful.


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Sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions
Go to latest version
Key messages
- EEA-32 emissions of sulphur dioxide (SO2) have decreased by 74% between 1990 and 2008. In 2008, the most significant source of SO2 emissions was the 'Energy production and distribution' sector (69%), followed by emissions occurring from 'Energy use in industry' (14%) and in the 'Commercial, institutional and households' (9%) sector.
- The reduction in emissions since 1990 has been achieved as a result of a combination of measures, including fuel-switching in energy-related sectors away from high sulphur-containing solid and liquid fuels to low sulphur fuels such as natural gas, the fitting of flue gas desulphurisation abatement technology in industrial facilities and the impact of European Union directives relating to the sulphur content of certain liquid fuels.
- Twenty-three of the EU-27 Member States have already reduced their national SO2 emissions below the level of the 2010 emission ceilings set in the National Emission Ceilings Directive (NECD). The remaining Member States were close to meeting their ceilings under the NECD, except for Malta where emissions in 2008 were significantly higher than their NECD ceiling. Significant reductions will thus have been needed in 2009 and 2010 to ensure compliance. Emissions in 2008 for the three non-EU countries having emission ceilings set under the UNECE/CLRTAP Gothenburg protocol (Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) were also below the level of the respective 2010 ceilings.
- Environmental context: Sulphur dioxide is emitted when fuels containing sulphur are combusted. It is a pollutant which contributes to acid deposition which in turn can lead to potential changes occurring in soil and water quality. The subsequent impacts of acid deposition can be significant, including adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems in rivers and lakes and damage to forests, crops and other vegetation. SO2 emissions also contribute to formation of particulate matter in the atmosphere, an important air pollutant in terms of its adverse impact on human health.
What progress is being made in reducing emissions of SO2?
Emission trends of sulphur dioxide (EEA member countries, EU-27 Member States)
Note: This chart shows past emission trends of sulphur dioxide in the EEA-32 and EU-27 group of countries. In addition - for the EU-27 - the 2010 emission ceiling and aggregated projections reported by Member States are shown.
- National emissions reported to the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP Convention) provided by United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)
Sulphur dioxide (SO2) distance-to-target for EEA member countries
Note: The distance-to-target indicator shows how current emissions compare to a linear emission reduction 'target-path' between 1990 emission levels and the 2010 emission ceiling for each country. Negative percentage values indicate the current emissions in a country are below the linear target path; positive values show that current emission lie above a linear target path to 2010.
- National emissions reported to the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP Convention) provided by United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)
Change in emissions of sulphur dioxide compared with the 2010 NECD and Gothenburg protocol targets (EEA member countries)
Note: The reported change in sulphur dioxide emissions (SO2) for each country, 1990-2008, in comparison with the 2010 NECD and Gothenburg protocol targets.
- National emissions reported to the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP Convention) provided by United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)
Strong progress in reducing SO2 emissions has been made by many countries; EEA-32 emissions of SO2 have decreased by 74% between 1990 and 2008. Within the EEA-32 group of countries, all have reported lower emissions in 2008 compared to 1990 except Malta (+4%), Turkey (+28%) and Iceland (+262%). This large increase in SO2 emissions in Iceland, from 20 kt in 1990 to 74 kt in 2008, is due chiefly to the reported emissions from the 'Energy production and distribution' sector rising by 46 kt since 1990. This sector alone now contributes 79% of Iceland's total emissions in 2008. More specifically, these emissions are mostly comprised of emissions from activities related to fugitive emissions from geothermal energy production, peat and other energy extraction.
Twenty-three of the EU-27 Member States have already reduced their national SO2 emissions below the level of the emission ceilings set in the National Emission Ceilings Directive (NECD). The Member States which have already achieved their ceilings are: Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
Excepting Malta, the remaining Member States reported SO2 emissions for the year 2008 that were close to their respective ceilings under the NECD. These countries are therefore considered well on track towards meeting their emission ceilings in 2010. For Malta, emissions in 2008 were significantly higher than their NECD ceiling, and so significant reductions will have been needed in 2009 and 2010 to ensure compliance.
Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and Turkey are not members of the European Union and hence have no emission ceilings set under the NECD. However, Norway and Switzerland have ratified the UNECE LRTAP Convention's Gothenburg Protocol, requiring them to reduce their emissions to the agreed ceiling specified in the protocol by 2010. Liechtenstein has also signed, but not ratified the protocol. All three countries have reported emissions in 2008 that were lower than their respective 2010 Gothenburg Protocol ceilings.
The NECD and Gothenburg protocol are currently being reviewed. The revision of the NECD is part of the implementation of the Thematic Strategy on Air Pollution, but a proposal for a revised directive is presently on hold until 2013. A proposal to amend the Gothenburg protocol is presently under preparation and is expected to propose emission ceilings to be met by 2020 for the four already regulated substances (NOX, NMVOCs, SO2 and NH3) and in addition for primary emissions of PM2.5.
How do different sectors and processes contribute to emissions of SO2?
Change in sulphur dioxide emissions for each sector between 1990 and 2008 (EEA member countries)
Note: Percentage change in sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions for each sector between 1990 and 2008.
- National emissions reported to the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP Convention) provided by United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)
Contribution to total change in sulphur dioxide emissions for each sector (EEA member countries)
Note: The contribution made by each sector to the total change in sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions between 1990 and 2008.
- National emissions reported to the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP Convention) provided by United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)
Substantial SO2 emission reductions have been made across a number of sectors including: 'Road transport' (a 92% reduction between 1990 and 2008), 'Energy use in industry' (-76%), 'Commercial, institutional and households ' (-74%) and 'Waste' (-71% between 1990 and 2008).
The 'Energy production and distribution ' sector (encompassing activities such as power and heat generation) is responsible for the largest reduction (in absolute terms) of emissions, contributing more than 55% of the total reduction in SO2 emissions reported by countries. Nevertheless, despite this significant reduction, this single sector remains the most significant source of SO2 in the EEA-32 region, contributing almost 70 % of total SO2 emissions. Across Europe there is also an increasing awareness of the contribution made to SO2 pollutant emissions by national and international ship traffic, and especially the health effects of such emissions whilst at berth (a more detailed discussion of this issue is contained in the TERM indicator fact sheet TERM03 - Transport emissions of air pollutants). From 1st January 2010 all ships using fuel at berth in EU ports for significant periods were required to use exclusively low-sulphur fuel (0.1%), and from 1st July 2010, within SECAs (Sulphur Emission Control Areas) defined in the North Sea, English Channel and Baltic Sea, all ships were required to use fuel with sulphur content not exceeding 1.0%. A reduction in reported SO2 emissions may therefore be expected for years from 2010, and further reductions in later years as additional legislation comes into force.
A combination of measures has led to the reductions in SO2 emissions. This includes fuel-switching from high-sulphur solid (e.g. coal) and liquid (e.g. heavy fuel oil) fuels to low sulphur fuels (such as natural gas) for power and heat production purposes within the 'energy industries', industry and domestic sectors, improvements in energy efficiency and the installation of flue gas desulphurisation equipment in new and existing industrial facilities. The implementation of several directives within the EU limiting the sulphur content of fuel quality has also contributed to the decrease.
The newer Member States of the European Union have in a number of cases also undergone significant economic structural changes since the early 1990s. This has led to a general decline in certain activities which previously contributed significantly to high levels of sulphur emissions e.g. heavy industry and the closure of older inefficient power plants.
Indicator specification and metadata
Indicator definition
- The indicator tracks trends since 1990 in anthropogenic emissions of sulphur dioxide.
- The indicator also provides information on emissions by sector: energy production and distribution; energy use in industry;, industrial processes; road transport; non-road transport; commercial, institutional and households; solvent and product use; agriculture; waste; other.
- Geographical coverage: EEA-32. The EEA-32 country grouping includes countries of the EU-27 (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom) EFTA-4 (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland and Norway) and Turkey.
- Temporal coverage: 1990-2010
ktonnes (1000 tonnes)
Policy context and targets
Context description
A number of policies have been implemented within Europe that either directly or indirectly act to reduce emissions of SO2. These include:
- The National Emission Ceilings Directive 2001/81/EC (NECD), which entered into force in the European Community in 2001: The NECD sets emission ceilings for four important air pollutants (SO2, nitrogen oxides (NOx), ammonia (NH3) and non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs)) to be achieved from 2010 onwards for each Member State. The ceilings are designed to improve the protection of the environment and human health in the Community against risks of adverse effects arising from acidification, eutrophication and ground level ozone. The NECD is presently under review, the European Commission may adopt a proposal for a revised Directive during 2010.
The Gothenburg Protocol (1999) to the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe's (UNECE) Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP Convention) to abate acidification, eutrophication and ground-level ozone: A key objective of the protocol is to regulate emissions on a regional basis within Europe and to protect eco-systems from transboundary pollution by setting emission reduction ceilings to be reached by 2010 for the same four pollutants as addressed in the NECD (i.e. SO2, NOx, NH3 and NMVOCs). Overall, for EU Member States, the ceilings set within the Gothenburg protocol are generally either slightly less strict or the same as the emission ceilings specified in the NECD.
The Directive for the Sulphur content of Certain Fuels (93/12/EC): This requires Member States to cease the use of heavy fuel oil with a sulphur content greater than 1% by mass from 2001, and the use of gas oil with a sulphur content greater than 0.2% from 2001 and greater than 0.1% from 2008.
The Large Combustion Plant Directive 2001/80/EC (LCPD): This is important in reducing emissions of SO2, NOx and dust from combustion plants with a thermal input capacity equal to or greater than 50 MW. Installations within the scope of this Directive include power stations, petroleum refineries, steelworks and other industrial processes running on solid, liquid and gaseous fuels. "New" plants must meet the emission limit values (ELVs) given in the LCPD. However Member States can choose to meet obligations for existing plants (i.e. those in operation pre-1987) by either complying with the ELVs or by operating within a national emission reduction plan (NERP) that sets a ceiling for each pollutant. The interaction of the LCPD and the IPPC Directive (see below) is currently being examined as part of a review of the IPPC Directive.
The Directive on Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (96/61/EC), which entered into force in 1999: This Directive aims to prevent or minimise pollution to air, water or land from various industrial sources throughout the European Union. Those installations covered by Annex I of the IPPC Directive are required to obtain authorisation from the authorities to operate. New installations and existing installations, which are subject to 'substantial changes', have been obliged to meet the requirements of the IPPC Directive since 30 October 1999. Other existing installations must have been brought into compliance by the 30 October 2007. The emission limit values outlined in the permit conditions must be based on best available techniques (BAT). The Commission has been undertaking a review of the IPPC Directive and related legislation on industrial emissions and, on 21 December 2007, adopted a proposal for a Directive on industrial emissions. The proposal recasts seven existing Directives relating to industrial emissions (including IPPC and the LCPD) into a single legislative instrument.
The aim of the Directive 96/62/EC on ambient air quality assessment and management (the 'Air Quality Framework Directive') is to maintain and improve air quality within the European Community by establishing objectives for ambient air, drawing up common methods and criteria for assessing air quality and obtaining and disseminating information. The "Daughter" Directive 99/30/EC of the Air Quality Framework Directive entered into force in 1999 and sets limit values for concentrations of several pollutants including sulphur dioxide.
The European Sulphur Content of Marine Fuels Directive (SCMFD) (2005/33/EC): This requires "Member States to ensure that marine gas oils are not placed on the market in their territory if the sulphur content exceeds 0.1% by mass", amongst other requirements.
- The Marpol Convention: This convention covers the prevention of pollution of the marine environment by ships from operational or accidental causes. It is a combination of two treaties adopted in 1973 and 1978 and updated by amendments over the years since. Annex VI covers the prevention of air pollution from ships and sets limits on sulphur dioxide emissions from ship exhausts. This came into force in May 2005.
- Fuel quality Directive 98/70/EC and sulphur-free fuels Directive 2003/17/EC: Current market grade petrol and diesel fuels do not have a sulphur level exceeding 50 parts per million (ppm). This is the maximum level of sulphur permitted for road fuels in EU Member States from 2005 under the fuel quality Directive 98/70/EC. The introduction of "sulphur-free fuels", with sulphur levels less than 10 ppm, is required by 1 January 2009 under Directive 2003/17/EC.
Emissions of SO2 are covered by the EU National Emission Ceilings Directive (NECD) (2001/81/EC) and the Gothenburg protocol under the United Nations Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP Convention) (UNECE 1999). The NECD generally involves slightly stricter emission reduction targets than the Gothenburg Protocol for EU-15 Member States for the period 1990-2010. The Gothenburg Protocol entered into force on 17 May 2005, after ratification by 16 countries early in 2005. The 2012 revision to the Gothenburg protocol proposed emission reduction targets for 2020 relative to 2005 reported emissions for all EU-27 Member States and some EEA-32 non-EU member states.
Table: 2010 SO2 ceilings under the NEC Directive and the Gothenburg Protocol (kt)
2010 CLRTAP Gothenburg Protocol ceilings
2020 CLRTAP Gothenburg Protocol ceilings
|Czech Republic
|United Kingdom
* Iceland and Turkey do not have a ceiling under either the NEC Directive or the Gothenburg protocol.
Related policy documents
Council Directive 96/61/EC (IPPC)
Council Directive 96/61/EC of 24 September 1996 concerning Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC). Official Journal L 257.
Council Directive 96/62/EC of 27 September 1996
Council Directive 96/62/EC of 27 September 1996 on ambient air quality assessment and management.
Directive 98/70/EC relating to the quality of petrol and diesel fuels
Directive 98/70/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 October 1998 relating to the quality of petrol and diesel fuels, amended by Directive 2003/17/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 3 March 2003 [Official Journal L 76 of 22.03.2003]
Directive 2001/80/EC, large combustion plants
Directive 2001/80/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2001 on the limitation of emissions of certain pollutants into the air from large combustion plants
Directive 2001/81/EC, national emission ceilings
Directive 2001/81/EC, on nation al emissions ceilings (NECD) for certain atmospheric pollutants. Emission reduction targets for the new EU10 Member States have been specified in the Treaty of Accession to the European Union 2003 [The Treaty of Accession 2003 of the Czech Republic, Estonia, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia. AA2003/ACT/Annex II/en 2072] in order that they can comply with the NECD.
Sulphur content of Certain Fuels (93/12/EC)
Requires Member States to cease the use of heavy fuel oil with a sulphur content greater than 1% by mass from 2001, and the use of gas oil with a sulphur content greater than 0.2% from 2001 and greater than 0.1% from 2008
UNECE Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution
UNECE Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution.
Methodology for indicator calculation
This indicator is based on officially reported national total and sectoral emissions to the EEA and UNECE/EMEP (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe/Co-operative programme for monitoring and evaluation of the long-range transmission of air pollutants in Europe) Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP Convention), submission 2011. For the EU-27 Member States, the data used is consistent with the emissions data reported by the EU in its annual submission to the LRTAP Convention.
Recommended methodologies for emission inventory estimation are compiled in the EMEP/EEA Air Pollutant Emission Inventory Guidebook, (EMEP/EEA, 2009). Base data are available from the EEA Data Service (http://dataservice.eea.europa.eu/dataservice/metadetails.asp?id=1096) and the EMEP web site (http://www.ceip.at/). Where necessary, gaps in reported data are filled by European Topic Centre/EEA using simple interpolation techniques (see below). The final gap-filled data used in this indicator is available from the EEA Data Service (http://dataservice.eea.europa.eu/PivotApp/pivot.aspx?pivotid=478)
Base data, reported in the UNECE/EMEP Nomenclature for Reporting (NFR) sector format are aggregated into the following EEA sector codes to obtain a consistent reporting format across all countries and pollutants:
- Energy production and distribution: emissions from public heat and electricity generation, oil refining, production of solid fuels, extraction and distribution of solid fossil fuels and geothermal energy;
- Energy use in industry: emissions from combustion processes used in the manufacturing industry including boilers, gas turbines and stationary engines;
- Industrial processes: emissions derived from non-combustion related processes such as the production of minerals, chemicals and metal production;
- Road transport: light and heavy duty vehicles, passenger cars and motorcycles;
- Non-road transport: railways, domestic shipping, certain aircraft movements, and non-road mobile machinery used in agriculture and forestry;
- Commercial, institutional and households: emissions principally occurring from fuel combustion in the services and household sectors;
- Solvent and product use: non-combustion related emissions mainly in the services and households sectors including activities such as paint application, dry-cleaning and other use of solvents;
- Agriculture: manure management, fertiliser application, field-burning of agricultural wastes
- Waste: incineration, waste-water management;
- Other: emissions included in national total for entire territory not allocated to any other sector.
The following table shows the conversion of Nomenclature for Reporting (NFR) sector codes used for reporting by countries into EEA sector codes:
EEA classification
Non-GHGs (NFR)
National totals
National total
Energy production and distribution
1A1, 1A3e, 1B
Energy use in industry
Road Transport
Non-road transport (non-road mobile machinery)
1A3 (excl. 1A3b)
Industrial processes
Solvent and product use
Commercial, institutional and households
1A4ai, 1A4aii, 1A4bi, 1A4bii, 1A4ci, 1A4cii, 1A5a, 1A5b
Methodology for gap filling
An improved gap-filling methodology was implemented in 2010 that enables a complete time series trend for the main air pollutants (eg NOX, SOX, NMVOC, NH3 and CO) to be compiled. In cases where countries did not report emissions for any year, it meant that gap-filling could not be applied. For these pollutants, therefore, the aggregated data is not yet complete and is likely to underestimate true emissions. Further methodological details of the gap-filling procedure are provided in section 1.4.2 'Data gaps and gap-filling' of the European Union emission inventory report 1990–2009 under the UNECE Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP).
Methodology references
- EEA (2011). European Union emission inventory report 1990 — 2009 under the UNECE Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP). EEA technical report No 9/2011. Copenhagen.
- EMEP/EEA (2009). EMEP/EEA Air Pollutant Emission Inventory Guidebook - 2009 This 2009 update of the emission inventory guidebook prepared by the UNECE/EMEP Task Force on Emissions Inventories and Projections provides a comprehensive guide to state-of-the-art atmospheric emissions inventory methodology. Its intention is to support reporting under the UNECE Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution and the EU National Emission Ceilings Directive.
- EMEP (2010). Transboundary, acidification, eutrophication and ground level ozone in Europe in 2008 Estimated dispersion of acidifying and eutrophying compounds and comparison with observations.
Methodology uncertainty
The use of gap-filling when countries have not reported emissions for one or more years can potentially lead to artificial trends, but it is considered unavoidable if a comprehensive and comparable set of emissions data for European countries is required for policy analysis purposes.
Data sets uncertainty
SO2 emission estimates in Europe are thought to have an uncertainty of about ±10% as the sulphur comes from the fuel burnt and therefore can be accurately estimated. However, because of the need for interpolation to account for missing data, the complete dataset used will have higher uncertainty. EMEP has compared modelled and measured concentrations throughout Europe (EMEP 2010). From these studies, differences in the annual averages have been estimated to be ±30%, which is consistent with an inventory uncertainty of ±10% (there are also uncertainties in the measurements and especially the modelling). The trend is likely to be much more accurate than individual absolute values
Overall scoring: (1-3, 1=no major problems, 3=major reservations)
- Relevancy: 1
- Accuracy: 2
- Comparability over time: 2
- Comparability over space: 2
Rationale uncertainty
This indicator is regularly updated by the EEA and is used in state of the environment assessments. The uncertainties related to methodology and data sets are therefore of importance. Any uncertainties involved in the calculation and in the data sets need to be accurately communicated in the assessment, to prevent erroneous messages influencing policy actions or processes.
Data sources
National Emission Ceilings (NEC) Directive Inventory
provided by Directorate-General for Environment (DG ENV)
National emissions reported to the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP Convention)
provided by United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)
Typology: Performance indicator (Type B - Does it matter?)
CountriesAustria , Belgium , Bulgaria , Cyprus , Czechia , Denmark , Estonia , Finland , France , Germany , Greece , Hungary , Iceland , Ireland , Italy , Latvia , Liechtenstein , Lithuania , Luxembourg , Malta , Netherlands , Norway , Poland , Portugal , Romania , Slovakia , Slovenia , Spain , Sweden , Switzerland , Turkey , United Kingdom
Frequency of updates
EEA Contact InfoMartin Adams
- Permalink to this version
- 389f3f9b67479cc7cfc571a5ac7802b9
- Permalink to latest version
- IND-169-en
For references, please go to https://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/indicators/eea-32-sulphur-dioxide-so2-emissions-1/assessment or scan the QR code.
PDF generated on 13 Aug 2020, 11:10 PM


text:
Hello, I need at create an inflation calculator that should execute as follows:
Enter the current cost of the item: 1000
Enter the expected inflation rate per year
(Enter as a percentage and do not include the percent sign): 6
Enter the whole number of years in the future to project cost: 10
At 6.00% inflation per year, the cost in 10 year(s) will be $1,790.85.
Process completed.
So far my code looks like this:
import java.util.Scanner;
class InflationCalculator {
public static void main(String[] args){
Scanner keyboard = new Scanner (System.in);
RateOfInflation rateObject = new RateOfInflation();
int cost, numberOfYears;
double rateOfInflation;
System.out.print("Enter the current cost of the item:");
cost = keyboard.nextInt();
System.out.println("Enter the expected inflation rate per year");
System.out.print("(Enter as a percentage and do not include the percent sign");
rateOfInflation = (keyboard.nextInt() * .01);
System.out.print("Enter the whole number of years in the future to project cost:");
numberOfYears = keyboard.nextInt();
rateObject.calcMethod(cost, numberOfYears, rateOfInflation);
public class RateOfInflation {
public double calcMethod(int cost, int numberOfYears, double rateOfInflation){
int n = 0;
double answer;
while (n == numberOfYears){
answer = (cost * rateOfInflation) + cost;
System.out.println( answer );
Not even sure if I have the right approach at this, been reading java for the past couple weeks and its driving me crazy. Thanks for any help that can be provided.


text:
On Sunday, May 19, MIT visiting scientist Dr. Kanako Miura, 36, died after being struck by a motor vehicle while riding her bicycle in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood.
Miura, an expert in humanoid robotics, came to MIT last fall during a yearlong sabbatical from the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) in Japan, where she worked as a senior researcher at the Intelligent Systems Research Institute. At MIT, she worked with Professor Russ Tedrake's Robot Locomotion Group at the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL).
In an email sent to the MIT community on May 19, MIT President L. Rafael Reif wrote, "Our hearts go out to her friends and colleagues at MIT, and especially the Miura family, who must absorb this terrible loss from so far away."
A native of Japan, Miura received her B.E. in aerospace engineering and her M.E. and Ph.D. in information science from Tohoku University in Japan. She also received a Ph.D. in Electronique, Electrotechnique, Automatique from l'Universite Louis Pasteur, France in 2004. She was a postdoctoral fellow with Tohoku University from 2004-05, and a researcher with NTT DoCoMo (Japan's largest mobile service provider) from 2005 to 2007. In 2007, she joined the Intelligent Systems Research Institute at the AIST where she worked on the HRP-4C, or Miim robot, a humanoid robot designed to mimic the features of a human female.
"I am shocked and saddened by this tragic loss, and my heart goes out to Dr. Miura's friends and colleagues in the Robot Locomotion Group and, most importantly, to her family," said Professor Daniela Rus, director of CSAIL. "Dr. Miura's research in humanoid robotics was essential to the field, and she made many important contributions during her time at MIT. She truly became an integral part of the CSAIL community during her time here and her loss will be felt by all."
Miura's research focused on human motion analysis and motion generation for humanoid robots in particular. For Tedrake and his research group the opportunity to learn from Miura about her approach to walking, planning and control for humanoid robots was an unparalleled chance to gain insight and knowledge from one of the experts in the field of humanoid robotics. Tedrake and his team were excited to apply Miura's experience to the techniques his group has developed in the realm of dynamics and motion control.
"We learned so much from her from the time she arrived, not only about her specific approach to humanoids, but also about the field of humanoid robots in general. As we were trying to enter this new field of humanoid robotics, she was our expert," Tedrake said.
With the Robot Locomotion Group, Miura conducted research using the language of optimization for control design used in Tedrake's group to reinterpret the successful results Miura had had in her work at the AIST in Japan. Through their collaborative efforts, Miura and Tedrake hoped to come up with new, state-of-the-art techniques for walking and motion control in humanoid robots.
The timing of Miura's arrival at MIT was serendipitous, according to Tedrake, as his research group was just starting a new research project with the group's first humanoid, a robot named HUBO.
During her time at CSAIL, Miura became an essential part of the Robot Locomotion Group, both for her technical expertise and for the warmth, care and friendship she provided to all her colleagues. Tedrake recalled how Miura was an enthusiastic participant in the group runs his research group frequently takes, hosted one of the Robot Locomotion Group parties at her apartment and even became one of the leaders of the team's group coffee breaks. During Robot Day at the Cambridge Science Festival, Miura spent hours explaining the technology behind humanoid robots to crowds of young children.
"She was really part of the fabric of our group. She was not just a visitor in our group, she became a close friend and a member of our family," said Tedrake. "The energy she brought to her work was contagious, and her enthusiasm was easy to see. She loved giving tours, and showing off the lab, and she had an unfailing optimism in the future and importance of humanoid robots."
Mark Pearrow, a software engineer in the Robot Locomotion Group, worked closely with Miura on integrating her knowledge of bipedal locomotion into Tedrake's research group's software and getting it to run on HUBO. "She was bright, patient, very giving of her time and knowledge, humble and funny. It was an honor to be able to work with her and I will miss her terribly," Pearrow said. "I just hope we can find the wisdom and strength to carry her spirit forward in our lives and work."
All members of the MIT community who feel affected by this death are encouraged to contact Mental Health Services at 617-253-2916.
This article will be updated with information about plans to honor Miura's memory as details become available.


text:
A friend of mine noticed that a video of a rev flier (I'm guessing Dave Shenkman) showed up on reddit. If you click the play button at the top you can see the video. Internet fame!
http://www.reddit.com/r/woahdude/commen ... ike_a_pro/
Reddit Famous
Any publicity regarding our club in the news
2 posts • Page 1 of 1
- prairierose
- Posts: 438
- Joined: Tue, Oct 31 2006, 02:03 PM
- Location: Chicago, IL
Re: Reddit Famous
Cool! I can't make out the guy flying, but his style with that little bit of quivering/shaking/teasing is certainly Dave's style.
2 posts • Page 1 of 1
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text:
The 2014 Team America Rocketry Challenge
March 13, 2014
The Team America Rocketry Challenge, or TARC as it is know by its faithful followers, is hosted anually by AIA and poses a different challenge every year. In 2014 the scoring criteria make this contest the most difficult one of the competition's 12-year history. Check out the infographic that explains this year's competition and flight of the rocket! For more complete rules visit www.rocketcontest.org.


text:
We reopened this giveaway because the winner never replied to our email.
Aunt Ilana has been busy writing over the last couple of years and this is her latest offering: Expat FAQs: Moving to and Living in the Dominican Republic, a book that seeks to guide new arrivals to the Dominican Republic through those first difficult steps, like deciding which part of the country to live, finding a house or apartment, a school for the kids, a job, or opening a business, and if retired, how to fill your extended leisure time.
Expats come in many shapes and sizes, ages and types and this book has a bash at catering for all. Something they will all go through, like Aunt Ilana herself, is the journey of discovery of Dominican food.
- You must be 18 years or older.
- Just add a comment to this post. If you're Dominican – tell us about a situation where you introduced a foreigner to Dominican food, and if you're not Dominican - tell us about your favourite Dominican food discovery.
- You can make one entry per day, the more you post the better your chances of winning are.
- Make sure to add the correct email in your post. If I cannot contact you I will void your entry.
- Giveaway finishes Feb 20, 2012 12PM ET, winner will be chosen via Random.org
Good luck and get posting!
There is a sad footnote to this announcement in that Ginnie Bedggood, the co-author, passed away last year. She is greatly missed by many and the book is dedicated to her memory.
Additional info:
Expat FAQs: Moving to and Living in the Dominican Republic is a practical, detailed handbook for anyone considering moving to the DR. It covers all the possible issues a prospective expat might face, from the legal nitty-gritty to real-life situations, as well as the country's cultural and historical context. It is aimed at retirees, professionals and "snowbirds" – people with a second home in the DR
Co-author Ginnie Bedggood (1943-2010) moved to the Dominican Republic from the UK with her partner Grahame in 1992. They settled in Puerto Plata where she taught English, worked as a freelance journalist and tour guide, ran a B&B and eventually 'retired' to reinvent herself as an author. Her first book was published in 2007. Co-author Ilana Benady, originally from Gibraltar, has lived in the DR since 1999. She is the co-author of The Culture Smart Guide to the DR (also with Ginnie Bedggood) and Aunt Clara's Dominican Cookbook and Traditional Dominican Cookery, with Clara González. All photos by Dominican photo-journalist Pedro Guzmán.
Introduction by Santo Domingo based US journalist and campaigner Elizabeth Eames Roebling
Expat FAQs: Moving to and Living in the Dominican Republic
AND THE WINNER IS: Reba Ortiz. Congratulations!


text:
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text:
Part-time Shopper
This job is no longer active.
View similar jobs.
Hurley, NY
JOB DESCRIPTIONEvery few years, a company emerges and transforms an industry. Instacart been leading the evolution of a $800B retail market, and redefining how people shop for groceries. In a few short years we've launched same-day delivery in over 200 major North American markets, provided flexible work to tens of thousands of Personal Shoppers on our platform, and have helped sell and deliver more than $1B in grocery products.
As an In-Store Shopper, you get to make someone?s day each time you shop! Instacart Shoppers help their customers and community by giving back valuable time and enabling easy access to their favorite grocery stores.
What you?ll do
- Shop for groceries using Instacart?s proprietary Shopper App
- Become an expert in your store and its products
- Ensure each customer gets all their items, or a great replacement, in perfect condition every time
- Communicate with the customer to ensure they understand any changes
- Work with our fun, friendly team to pick, pack, and stage orders as efficiently as possible
What you get
- Multiple scheduling options that work with your life
- Be part of a diverse and dynamic team at one of the fastest-growing startups in the world
- A first step toward becoming a supervisor, manager, and beyond ? over 10% of Instacart?s corporate employees are former Shoppers
Our values
As a team member at Instacart, you?ll be expected to live our values every day.
- Solve for the customer ? Do whatever it takes to ensure each customer has a great experience with Instacart
- This is your baby ? Take ownership of every order by picking fresh, high-quality items and packing them with care
- Every minute counts ? Shop every order as efficiently as possible, and use your down time to help others
- Go far together ? Support your teammates in doing their best work
- Of course, but maybe ? Help us improve a little bit every day, and be open to change. We?re a startup!
Basic Requirements
- 18+ years old
- Eligible to work in the US
- Able to safely lift and carry 30 pounds without assistance
- Consistent access to a recent smartphone (iPhone 4S or above or Android 4.0+)
- Available to work Sundays and/or Mondays
- Available to work at least 16 hours each week
- No car required!
This is great role if you have previous experience in the grocery industry (such as a personal shopper, cashier, stocker, customer service representative, produce buyer), or if you just think shopping is fun. And we welcome candidates who may also be working with companies like like Lyft, Uber Eats, or Postmates.
Instacart is an equal employment opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants without regard to gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, veteran or disability status. For all individuals applying to work in SF, we will consider qualified applicants in a manner consistent with the requirements of the SF Fair Chance Ordinance. Apply in under 5 minutes! Attend an in-person session and start work in as little as one week!


text:
KABUL (Reuters) - Taliban gunmen attacked a luxury hotel on Thursday in the centre of the Afghan capital Kabul, police said, and four of the assailants were killed in a shootout with Afghan security forces.
Interior Ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi told Reuters all the gunmen were dead and security forces were in control of the hotel. He said he was not aware of deaths among the staff or guests, but checks were under way and Afghan special forces were on the scene.
The attackers appear to have entered the hotel around six in the evening with pistols hidden in their socks and waited three hours to start their attack, he said.
They fired on guests and then hid in bathrooms when security forces arrived, he said. The gunmen appeared to be under 18 years old.
Two guards had been wounded, he said. No other casualties were confirmed.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for the attack and said the attackers had fired at foreign and Afghan guests celebrating the Afghan new year.
"Suicide bombers have entered the Serena Hotel, heavy battle is underway, enemies suffered heavy casualties," he said in a text message.
His information could not be immediately verified and no one Reuters spoke to reported hearing any explosions.
One person taken to safety along with other guests confirmed the shooting appeared to begin in the hotel restaurant.
The hotel was attacked in 2008 by a suicide bomber and six people were killed.
Since then, it has beefed up its protection and is considered the safest place to stay in Kabul, protected by multiple layers of security including metal detectors and armed guards. It is home to many United Nations staff and foreign delegations.
Earlier in the day, the Taliban attacked a police station in the southern city of Jalalabad with suicide bombers and gunmen. At least 11 people were killed.
The Taliban have vowed to kill anyone associated with next month's presidential elections. The April 5 polls should mark the first time one elected government hands power to another in the history of Afghanistan.
Reporting by Katharine Houreld; Editing by Maria Golovnina and Andrew Roche


text:
1. To be positioned physically next to someone or something. The table is just a little too long—it butts up against the wall over here. Our neighbor's new addition butts against our bushes, unfortunately.
2. To crash into someone or something. My daughter got hurt when another girl on the soccer field butted against her. My car is in the shop because I butted up against a barricade on the highway.
See also: butt
to press against someone or something firmly. This board is supposed to butt up against the one over there. The goat butted against Fred, but didn't hurt him.


text:
September is a time that evokes contemplation.
It is a time of new beginnings; kids start school, college or their first jobs. September is the beginning of the critical 4th qtr business cycle. And in September the Jewish New Year process (all 8 weeks of it starting with Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippor 10 days later to the final capstone of the New Year's process with the 8-day holiday Sukkoth) occupies a fair amount of one's waking time.
All this change and transition drives contemplation. Hence my silence for the last few weeks. But with contemplation comes inspiration and new potential to drive progress.
So what have I been thinking about?
I have been thinking about connections and how people connect in today's super-hyped connected, digitized, info saturated world. I have been thinking about how Judy Consumer within a mere few years has had to absorb an astonishing amount "new" connection possibilities … from friends finding her (many of whom she would have rather not found her), to strangers claiming to be her friends to insta-info with Twitter and so on.
How does she think about all this connectivity? Who does she trust to start a connection with? Which connections are helpful or dangerous? When should Judy Consumer be visible to the open, social world and when should she guard her privacy?
It seems that communications innovation engine is coming at Judy Consumer at an accelerated rate – kinda like a mini version of Kurzweil's "knee of the curve" principle outlined in the book, The Singularity is Near. In communications technology, we ain't seen nothing yet. The new, mobile applications or the new expanding lifecasting capability from the social networking folks open a whole new horizon of connection capability for Judy Consumer.
New beginnings – you bet. But "fasten your seat belts – it's going to be a bumpy ride"…
Judy Shapiro
Filed under: Communications, Facebook, Mobile Communications, social media, social networks, viral marketing | Tagged: id theft, identity management, internetnews, Judy Consumer, judy shapiro, Lifecasting, Trusted Internet, Trusted Web, twitter | Leave a comment »


text:
A couple of weeks ago, we took a fly-by-night trip up to see our brother and sister-in-law and "the cousins".
"Mom, we can't wait to see the cousins!!", my kids
shrieked in a high pitch voice told me
(for daysanddaysanddays).
Top to bottom, L to R: Olivia (3), Ethan (4), Luke (4), Cameron (5), Colin (7), Lola (13 mo.), and Annelyse (4 mo.)
We got there and had lots of fun. Over 48 hours of straight wear-their-mommies-out-ness.
"The cousins" plum tuckered these kids out.
Lola and Annelyse, though nine months apart and still obviously small, seem to have a special bond already.
There was hand-holding....
and smooching,
and lots of cute girlie goodness.
And then....you have....the boys.
Sillyness abounded.
These two are so cute. Livy and E get along so well!
Notice the arm around the waist and the hand-holding. *grin*
Aimee and I giggled every time these two were next to each other about their size.
Both girls, though nine months apart, were 16 pounds 10 ounces at their last checkup.
So amazing to see how God designs children--all shapes and sizes!
Love these little ladies*.
*note to self: need to teach Lo to be more lady-like in a skirt
We had a great time, guys....won't you have us back soon?