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Thursday, February 17, 2011
It's 44 degrees here (freezing!) and me and Dutch are totally sweatered. I heard a pug named Emmitt in Colorado went big - dropped the heater by 6 degrees instead of 3 and put on TWO sweaters! That's hardcore.
Even though it's a Canadian thing, I think we should all do Sweater Day. A pug named Winston has even changed things up a little bit and made today Stubby's Sweater Day, in memory of my man Stubby - the Greenest pug who ever lived. So, even if you don't really care about saving the planet, you should break out your sweaters to honor one very awesome pug.
22 comments:
- Barbara said...
- February 17, 2011 at 11:40 AM
You got it! Just so happens, I have a pretty good sweater wardrobe! ;-P
- February 17, 2011 at 11:42 AM
You look really good in turquoise!
Kris- from Oklahoma - February 17, 2011 at 11:44 AM
Stubby's tribute made me cry again...
Sammy - February 17, 2011 at 11:45 AM
- Noodles said...
Hi Puglet.
My family went a step BEYOND Emmitt and actually BROKE our heater. It is chilly in our house but we figure we are saving the planet and some greenbacks.
Secretly I hope the heater is fixed soon - but in the meantime I am totally about the SWEATER.
Love Noodles - February 17, 2011 at 11:48 AM
- Crabbie Chris said...
Oh man, you know how I feel about dressing up! Personally I think Stubby preferred me naked! Hehe....I agree it's chilly right now (and raining!), but to honor my buddy I'm going to put on an invisible sweater.
- February 17, 2011 at 12:09 PM
- Molly in PA said...
Heya Pug,
I'm with Sammy, Stubby's tribute made my human leak lots. Took her like 3 tries to get through it :(
Annnnd, guess what?! For the first time in like 3 months it's not Sweater Day in Pennsyltucky -- it's almost 70*!!!!! I will turn the thermostat down though.
My tail is curled a little tight and my step is a little lighter on this beautiful spring-y day.
Molly in PA - February 17, 2011 at 12:12 PM
Hey Puglet,
So glad to see you supporting Sweater Day. You are such a progressive Pug.
Kudos to Winston for sending out the challenge to participate regardless of where you live.
We have a weather warning for blowing snow today so I am bundled in my sweater and buried deep in blankets. What's a little sacriface if it can help Mother Earth?
Licks from a Canadian Pug,
Sabrina - February 17, 2011 at 12:23 PM
Hey Puglet, thanks for the info...our human is an avid knitter (her email is knit1pug2) but we won't let her knit us anything...when we put a sweater on, neither one of us will move. But, she may be getting the best of us, it was pretty cold this morning (and wet) walking.
We all leaked reading Stubby's memorial, for the second time.
Pearl and Tessa - February 17, 2011 at 12:53 PM
- Unknown said...
Puglet, you look fabulous in blue! I'll dig out my Christmas sweater but I've packed on some love handles over the winter so it's gonna be a tight squeeze. But to honor Stubby, I'm in!
Scoutie - February 17, 2011 at 12:58 PM
Hi Puglet,
It's 77 here in San Antonio so we won't be breaking out sweaters, the heat is not on in the house nor the A/C.
But, in honor of your good pal Stubby our mom will light a candle. Mom has this thing about lighting candles to remember people and pets.
So...in honor of Stubby a lovely french vanilla candle will be burning brightly.
Ellie, Emmitt and Eli from Texas - February 17, 2011 at 1:18 PM
- Ollie said...
I'm ashamed to say we had no idea it was Sweater Day here in Canada. But for us, every day is sweater day when its cold; my human can't stand central heating, it makes her feel unwell.
Today it's 44 degress here too, Puglet, and for us that's really warm!
So instead of a sweater, I offered to honor Stubby by having some Popeye Nuggets but my human is not cooperating.
I will honor the Wise Green Pug by sending out some good thoughts and wishes for his friends and family. - February 17, 2011 at 1:53 PM
- Salinger The Pug said...
GREAT post Puglet!
We think Stubby must be up there playing a joke on all of us to make the temp SIXTY FIVE in Indy today! I was sweating my PugButt off!
Stay warm dude!
S-Dog - February 17, 2011 at 2:07 PM
Our heater is new energy efficient so they say and yet we hardley use it because we like to cuddle in the blankets! Stubby was an inspiration to us all. Btw you look great in your sweater!!!!
- February 17, 2011 at 4:34 PM
It just so happens that I have a wardrobe full of leftover baby sweaters from Goodwill I've been dying to try out. =) I'd love to help your tribute to Stubby, because a similar thing happened to Marshmallow, an old friend of mine.
Isabella - February 17, 2011 at 5:33 PM
- the teacher's pets said...
I have been at work all day and finally caught up with the big news about sweater day and I am sorry to say that Daisy the coonhound and our cats have not pulled out their sweaters during my absence! Fur shame, fur shame! I plan to add one more day to this holiday so we can play catch up! By the way, your sweater is very spring-like....love it!
- February 17, 2011 at 5:51 PM
- Mary said...
Hiya Puglet, me 'n Bear both have lots and lots of fur, especially Mr. Bear. My mom says he has a double coat and he's a winter weather dog. He likes to nap in a snowdrift, no lie. Mom can't get him to come back in the house, he wants to stay outdoors. So no sweaters for us, it makes us pant and drool and then my mom says eewwwww when she sees the drool. Plus it was 70 degrees here, like it was California or something. But we celebrate Sweater Day all winter long. Mom turns the heat down to 60 degrees during the day and wears lots of big sweaters. Which is a pretty big deal when it's -10 degrees outside. She has slippers with feathers in them to keep her feet warm. Plus I lay down on her feet. Mom likes that best.
Murphy - February 17, 2011 at 6:12 PM
- Mary said...
P.S. Sometimes at night the thermostat is even lower than 60 degrees. Because my mom makes big fat quilts for us to sleep under, and everybody is warm as toast. She even makes quilts from wool, you don't even need a heater if it's wool.
Murphy - February 17, 2011 at 6:16 PM
- Tweedles -- that's me said...
Hi Puglet
I am Stuibbys friend too, and I turned my heat down and put on my sweater.
Your sweater is gorgeous and the way your described why we were doing this, was awsome.
To honor my earth friend Stubby.
tweedles - February 17, 2011 at 6:43 PM
Oh yes puglet we canadians know cold. today it was -20....-25 with windchill. its pretty much sweater season from end of october to april/mayish lol.
Maxwell the boston beagle. British Columbia Canada. - February 17, 2011 at 7:22 PM
- Winston Wilbur said...
Hi Puglet,
That is great that you gots into the sweater day event. Thanks for helping the earth and paying tribute to our friend Stubby.
We have entered yous into our sweater contest.
Winston - February 17, 2011 at 9:51 PM
- Bella said...
Puglet, your sweater is AWESOME! It's 65 degrees here today which for NJ in February is, like, totally weird. But, I am NOT complaining and it means we can prolly go on a long walk in the park tomorrow WITHOUT a sweater!
But here's to being green and to remembering good friends like Stubby.
Snorts and snarfles,
Bella - February 18, 2011 at 11:44 AM


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Delighting customers with their surprise store visits were the "General's Daughter" star Angel Locsin who went to the Mang Inasal Circuit Makati store and comedian Empoy Marquez who went to SM Fairview and SM Novaliches stores during the NHHSD.
Starring in the latest Mang Inasal Pinoy Halo-Halo TV commercial aired on the same day as the NHHSD, Angel told customers at the Circuit store that she is really a member of "Samahang Simot," or those diners who really finish their halo-halo up to the last drop.
"Narito po kami ngayon ng Mang Inasal para magpasalamat sa inyong walang sawang pagsuporta sa Pinoy Halo-Halo. Alam naman po ninyo na talagang paborito ko ang Pinoy Halo-Halo dahil ito ang da best sa creaminess. Espesyal ang gatas nito dahil ito ay ginawa lang para sa Mang Inasal (We are here today to thank you for your endless support for Pinoy Halo-Halo. You know that it is really my favorite because it is the creamiest. It is made from special milk made exclusively for Mang Inasal)," she said.
One of the customers who came to celebrate was a balikbayan from Malaysia, Susan Casteral, who came with her son. She always eats at Mang Inasal every time she goes back to the Philippines. She said that she loves eating the Mang Inasal Pinoy Halo-Halo because it has the right amount of sweetness and the creaminess that stands out.
Josephine Quiatchon, who came with her friend, is a senior citizen who loves Mang Inasal Pinoy Halo-Halo. She finds it really delicious because it has the creamiest milk and generous serving of ingredients.
Katrina Nagidao, who came with her daughter, even won a prize in one of the NHHSD raffle draws at the Mang Inasal-SM Novaliches store. She said that she and her daughter always eat at Mang Inasal since her daughter loves its Chicken Inasal, while she craves for its creamiest Pinoy Halo-Halo.
Mang Inasal Brand Manager Schubert Quilinquin said that the National Halo-Halo Sarap Day was celebrated in over 500 stores nationwide as Mang Inasal's way of showing its appreciation to its customers who contributed to making its Pinoy Halo-Halo a well-loved dessert or merienda (snack).
"We thank everyone who joined us in celebrating the National Halo-Halo Sarap Day this year. We hope to celebrate with all of you again next year, as we prepare more surprises for you at our stores," he said.

subset: commoncrawl


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Restaurant Team Member
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- Full time
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You work hard every day for your family and we're always hard at work to take care of ours. You deliver quality and awesome service to our customers. We will deliver possibilities to you!
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We've covered the basics here but we'll have more details for you once you apply. We can't wait to welcome you to our pizza family. Apply today and let's do this!


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PROJECT: PLAYTIME is a Free-to-Play multiplayer horror game where six players attempt to create one giant toy while surviving a terrifying monster that roams the toy factory. After installing the new update, some players are experiencing multiple issues with Project Playtime, such as screen flickering or tearing issues on the PC.
Now, if you're also one of the victims of such an issue, don't worry because here, we've shared the troubleshooting guide for you that should help you out. Screen flickering, tearing, or freezing has been common among PC games for years. Whatever game you're playing, you might encounter such issues on multiple occasions. But there are some ways to fix this issue that you can check out easily.
Also Read
Page Contents
- Fix: Project Playtime Screen Flickering or Tearing Issue on PC
- 1. Enable V-Sync in Nvidia Control Panel
- 2. Try Lowering In-Game Graphics Settings
- 3. Update GPU Drivers
- 4. Close Unnecessary Background Tasks
- 5. Check Your Internet Connection
- 6. Update Project Playtime
- 7. Verify Integrity of Game Files
- 8. Set High Performance in Power Options
- 9. Set High Priority in Task Manager
- 10. Update Windows
Fix: Project Playtime Screen Flickering or Tearing Issue on PC
Suppose you're facing the screen flickering or tearing issue while playing the multiplayer game modes, during specific sessions, or even during checkpoints. In that case, you should check whether your internet connection is working properly. Sometimes in-game graphics settings may also trigger these issues whatsoever. Some reports also indicate that screen shimmering occurs during the cutscenes.
Whereas it's also worth recommending cross-checking the V-Sync option for the Project Playtime game because that can trouble you a lot for some titles on the PC. So, until the problem gets fixed for you, follow all the methods. Now, without wasting any more time, let's jump into it.
1. Enable V-Sync in Nvidia Control Panel
Turning on the Vertical Sync feature on your Nvidia Control Panel app for the Project Playtime game is recommended to avoid graphical glitches up to some extent. Remember that this method only applies if you use an Nvidia graphics card.
- Launch the Nvidia Control Panel from the Start menu. If it's not installed, go to Microsoft Store and install it.
- Go to '3D Settings' > Select 'Manage 3D settings in the Nvidia Control Panel interface.
- Select 'Program Settings' > Click on 'Add' and select 'Project Playtime' from the list of programs on your PC.
- If the game application isn't listed, click on 'Browse' and head over to the installed Project Playtime directory on the drive. Simply locate the Project Playtime folder and add the Project Playtime.exe application > Then select the game in the list and add it.
- Now, scroll down to 'Vertical sync' > Click on it and select 'On' to enable it. This will force the Project Playtime game to use V-Sync every time.
- Restart your computer to apply changes and play the game to check for the issue again.
2. Try Lowering In-Game Graphics Settings
First, you should try lowering the in-game graphics settings on your PC or console to check if that helps you fix the frame drops or stuttering issues. Try turning off some of the display settings for the Project Playtime game, such as texture details, shadow effect, v-sync, anti-aliasing, etc. This should improve the FPS count and performance/smoothness in gameplay.
3. Update GPU Drivers
If in case, you haven't updated your graphics driver on the Windows computer, then make sure to install the latest patch version. To do so, you'll need to check for available updates by following the steps below:
- Press Windows + X keys to open the Quick Link Menu.
- Now, click on Device Manager from the list > Double-click on Display adapters.
- Right-click on the dedicated graphics card that you're using.
- Next, select Update driver > Choose to Search automatically for drivers.
- If an update is available, the system will automatically download & install it.
- Once done, restart the computer to apply changes immediately.
4. Close Unnecessary Background Tasks
Another thing you can do is simply close unnecessary background tasks on your PC to ensure there is no additional consumption of system resources happening in the background. Keep Project Playtime, Steam, and other system-related tasks running. To clear out background tasks:
- Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to open Task Manager.
- Click on the Processes tab > Select the task you want to close.
- Once selected, click on End Task. Make sure to do the steps for each task individually.
- Finally, restart your computer immediately to change effects, and check for Project Playtime screen flickering or tearing issues.
5. Check Your Internet Connection
You should also try checking for the internet connection on your PC and whether it's running well. A slower internet speed or unstable connectivity can cause issues with the game launching or fetching data from the server. You can also try switching the internet connection from wired (ethernet) to wireless (Wi-Fi) to cross-check the network connectivity problem.
If your IP address has some issues or your DNS address is troubling you, then make sure to use the Google DNS address on the PC to avoid rubberbanding connection or stuttering, or even lagging issues that can happen due to slow internet.
6. Update Project Playtime
Sometimes an outdated game version can also bring multiple bugs or issues. Updating your Project Playtime game is better by following the steps below. If an update is available, then simply install the latest patch. To do this:
- Open the Steam client > Go to Library > Click on Project Playtime from the left pane.
- It'll automatically search for the available update. If there is an update available, make sure to click on Update.
- It may take some time to install the update > Close the Steam client.
- Finally, reboot your PC to apply changes and launch the game again.
7. Verify Integrity of Game Files
If, in case, there is an issue with the game files and somehow it gets corrupted or missing, then make sure to perform this method to check for the issue easily.
- Launch Steam > Click on Library.
- Right-click on Project Playtime from the list of installed games.
- Now, click on Properties > Go to Local Files.
- Click on Verify Integrity of Game Files.
- You'll have to wait for the process until it gets completed.
- Once done, just restart your computer.
8. Set High Performance in Power Options
If in case, your Windows system is running on the Balanced mode in Power Options, just set the High-Performance mode for better results. Although this option will take higher power usage or battery usage. To do this:
- Click on the Start Menu > Type Control Panel and click on it from the search result.
- Now, go to Hardware and Sound > Select Power Options.
- Click on High Performance to select it.
- Make sure to close the window and fully shut down your computer. To do this, click on the Start Menu > Go to Power > Shut Down.
- Once your computer is turned off, you can power it on again.
9. Set High Priority in Task Manager
Make your game priority in the higher segment via the Task Manager to tell your Windows system to run the game properly. To do this:
- Right-click on the Start Menu > Select Task Manager.
- Click on the Processes tab > Right-click on the Project Playtime game task.
- Select Set Priority to High > Close Task Manager.
- Finally, run the Project Playtime game to check whether it crashes on PC.
10. Update Windows
Updating Windows OS build is essential for PC users and gamers to reduce system glitches, compatibility issues, and crashes. Meanwhile, the latest version mostly includes additional features, improvements, security patches, etc. To do that:
- Press Windows + I keys to open up the Windows Settings menu.
- Next, click on Update & Security > Select Check for updates under the Windows Update section.
- If there is a feature update available, select Download and install.
- It may take a while to complete the update.
- Once done, restart your computer to install the update.
That's it, guys. We assume this guide was helpful to you. For further queries, you can comment below.


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Censorship by Google?: In the Western world?
(Note: Unexpectedly, this months-long problem has just got solved, shortly after the bloggers started complaining publicly about it. - d.)
A Web guy at Uncommon Descent writes me to say,
On approximately the 19th of September, the blog operated by Bill Dembski and friends (including me) Uncommon Descent
was delisted from the Google search index. [That means that you can't find items from Uncommon Descent using the Google search engine.]
No reason has ever been given for why the site was delisted, despite requests for reinclusion.
This blog has tens of thousands of legitimate links, especially from trusted institutions of higher education.
This blog had been around for well over a year.
This blog has a Google PageRank of 6/10 (meaning it is considered quite important, even by Google)
The blog is run by a nationally recognized scholar and author [Dembski]
Well, over to you, Google monster. I've heard that the problem might have been caused by some idle fellow who swatches copy from Uncommon Descent, so that he and his friends can beggar around with it. But if that kind of thing has tied up Google, then Google has some glitches to fix.
Meanwhile, readers interested in following the ID controversy should make a point of using the Uncommon Descent link on the blogroll window to the right. You are missing half the fun if you don't!
If you like this blog, check out my book on the intelligent design controversy, By Design or by Chance?. You can read excerpts as well.
Labels: censorship, Google, Western world


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A surety bond is an unusual form of insurance in that one person or organization pays for it, while another receives the benefit. It's easier to understand with an example. Imagine a contractor is building a new office building for a government agency. The agency naturally wants a guarantee that the taxpayer won't be left paying out of pocket if the contractor fails to deliver the offices as promised.
How do surety bonds work?
The answer is a surety bond. The contractor pays a premium to an insurer to purchase the surety bond. The insurer then pays the necessary compensation to the agency if the contractor fails to deliver. The big difference between this and ordinary insurance is that the insurer can and will go after the contractor to get this money back. The point of the surety bond is that the agency gets the assurance that it won't have to chase after the money itself. Here are some examples of the different types of surety bonds:
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The difference between the principal and the obligee.
While government agencies commonly insist on a bond, it can work with any two organizations. The one that purchases the bond is the principal, while the one that gets any payout is the obligee. If the principal fails to perform the work they are bound to complete, the obligee is compensated for financial loss or may be able to get another contractor to complete the project.
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Congratulations! You are at the right page to give your students a great memory to take with them. The most beautiful ending to celebrate this milestone.
The Professor Set exists of a Professor Graduation Cap and matching Professor Graduation Gown.
Our graduation Cap is a high-quality product with a nice matte finish, just as our Graduation Gown. On top of the Graduation Cap is a button where you can attach a colorful Tassel. The Graduation Cap has an elastic band on the back and is therefore available in one universal size. The Graduation Cap fits good on every head and is very comfortable.
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Get coverage for lost income and replacement costs with livestock mortality insurance.
What does livestock mortality insurance cover?
In simple terms, livestock mortality insurance generally covers the premature death of a covered animal due to non-natural causes. This may include death from accident, injury, illness, disease, disability, or extreme weather. The exact coverage options will depend on what your specific policy includes, however. Essentially, this coverage will act like a business loss policy, where it helps cover the cost of replacing the animal, as well as any lost revenue between the time of the loss and the actual replacement. It's important to note that exclusions may apply depending on your policy and that natural causes of death would not be covered.
What coverage options can be included?
When selecting a livestock mortality insurance policy, you may be able to add on additional coverage options for specific perils that are more likely to happen, such as those based on the type of animal or your local environment. Some of these coverage options may include extreme weather events, fire, vehicular accidents, theft, accidental shooting, wild animal attacks, and building collapses, among others. These options will allow you to focus your coverage for your operation.
What livestock can be covered?
Whether you have dairy cows, chickens, sheep, goats, hogs, pigs, horses, alpaca, emus, or even zoo animals, you may be able to cover them with livestock mortality insurance.
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There are several factors that may be used to determine the price of your livestock mortality insurance policy. For example, if you are insuring a single cow versus an entire herd of cattle, the price of the policy may vary based on sheer numbers. In addition, the type of animal you are covering may impact the cost, particularly in terms of how difficult it would be to replace that animal. Things like health conditions and age may also play a role. Regardless, a policy payout could mean the difference between holding steady or financial loss based on replacement cost and decreased revenue.
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Many businesses rely on animals and may benefit from having a livestock mortality insurance policy in place. For example, cows, pigs, sheep, chickens, and goats would be commonly covered by traditional farming operations. Zoos would require unique coverage for the exotic and rare animals they feature. Breeders would need specialty coverage to protect their animals, such as purebreds and seed stock cattle. Whatever your operations are, having this policy in place is an important way to help safeguard your investment and revenue.
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WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — The actor best known as the nerdy high-school student Arnold Horshack on "Welcome Back, Kotter," has died in Florida.
Ron Palillo was 63.
Palillo's friend, Karen Poindexter, says Palillo died early Tuesday in Palm Beach Gardens of an apparent heart attack.
Palillo was forever remembered for the character he played from 1975 to 1979 on the ABC sitcom: a nasally Brooklyn teen whose hand shot skyward and who barked out a string of "Ooohs" when a teacher posed a question.
Though his co-star on the show, John Travolta, went on to fame, Palillo struggled to expand beyond his role as Horshack.
Of Horshack, Palillo once told an interviewer from the Birmingham News: "While I loved him, I really loved him, I didn't want to do him forever."


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Construction Workers Find Human Remains Under Movie Theater
Personally, I prefer my movie theater ghosts onscreen, instead of actual spirits haunting the building because it was built on a long-forgotten cemetery.
No one is claiming New York City's beloved Anthology Film Archives, a haven for experimental and independent film for almost 50 years, is haunted. But it's only a matter of time. The New York Daily News has a wild story about construction workers drilling underneath Anthology and finding several (!) human skulls.
They were excavating the base of a wall at the Anthology Film Archives on E. 2nd St. at 2nd Ave. when they made the gruesome find around 2:30 p.m. Friday, cops said. Investigators believe the skulls are part of an old cemetery underneath the theater, police said.
A movie theater built on an old cemetary? This sounds like the best idea for a horror movie ever.
If you haven't been to Anthology before, here's a picture of the building, which was built in the early 1900s and was previously a courthouse before it became the two-screen repertory house.
I have been to Anthology many times over the 15 years I've lived in New York City. I was last there for a screening in the fall; my favorite visit was for one of Crispin Glover's movies along with a live performance of his stage show. And in all of those visits, I never felt even the slightest presence that suggested to me a haunting or a ghost. I am curious to hear if others have spooky stories of the Anthology already, or if such stories emerge now that this report is out there. If I was Anthology, I would embrace them. With so much competition in New York City, I have to imagine being the city's only "haunted theater" would help it stand out from the crowd.


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iOS: We've talked about why you should set up your to-do list in a plain text file before, and now our favorite plain text manager, Todo.txt, is available in a simple, touch-based app for iOS.
Todo.txt has been out on Android for awhile, but now iOS users can get in on the fun too. Todo.txt Touch syncs your task list in a plain text file over Dropbox, so you can open it with any text editor, sync it to just about any service under the sun, and have complete control over how you use it. The iOS app is designed for touch screens, though, making it super easy to tweak your task list. You can complete tasks with a swipe, or tap on them re-prioritize them, update their tags, and you can sort the list in any way you see fit. It's the perfect mobile companion for Todo.txt on the desktop, and all you need to do is log in with your existing Dropbox account to get started.
Todo.txt Touch is a $1.99 download for iOS devices.
Todo.txt Touch | iTunes App Store


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BaaySCI Weigh Boats are made of antistatic polystyrene and will withstand temperatures to 90˚C, as well as exposure to diluted acids, alcohols, bases and aqueous solutions. Their flexibility and smooth interior surfaces with rounded corners allow for easy decanting of powdered samples. Their flat bottoms ensure stability and prevent tipping.
Weigh Boats are available in the traditional square shape as well as in a new diamond shape for easier pouring. Originally designed as weighing containers, they have proven ideal for dispensing & storage and as disposable mixing/quick freezing trays. They are available in black or white for improved sample contrast/visibility and packaged in ultra-compact dispenser packs.
Available in diamond or square shape.


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Torture, arbitrary detention, and severe restrictions on freedom of expression, association, and religious freedom remain routine in Eritrea. Elections have not been held since Eritrea gained independence in 1993, the constitution has never been implemented, and political parties are not allowed. There are no institutional constraints on President Isaias Afewerki, now in his twentieth year in power.
In addition to ongoing serious human rights abuses, forced labor and indefinite military service prompt thousands of Eritreans to flee the country every year.
Access to the country for international humanitarian and human rights organizations is almost impossible and the country has no independent media. In recognition of the "continued widespread and systematic violation of human rights," the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) in 2012 appointed a special rapporteur on Eritrea.
Forced Labor and Indefinite Military Service
National service keeps most young Eritreans in perpetual bondage. Although a decree mandating compulsory national service limits service to 18 months, in practice the government prolongs service indefinitely. National service conscripts are poorly fed and receive inadequate medical care. Eritrean refugees describe them as emaciated. Their pay (less than US$30 per month) is insufficient to provide sustenance for a family. Female conscripts report sexual abuse by commanding officers. In early 2012, President Isaias acknowledged that national service members and government employees are so poorly paid that they essentially "have been fulfilling their duties apparently without pay" for the past 20 years.
Conscripts allegedly provided forced labor to construct infrastructure at the Bisha gold mine, Eritrea's only operating mine and a major source of revenue. Although the Eritrean government had agreed with the mine's principal international owner that no national service conscripts would be allowed to work at Bisha, it required use of a ruling party-controlled contractor, Segen Construction. Segen makes widespread use of conscript labor and there is evidence that it did so at Bisha as well. Escapees told Human Rights Watch in 2012 that they worked 12-hour shifts and endured dangerously inadequate food and housing conditions. They did not complain because, as one escapee told Human Rights Watch, "we were afraid for our lives."
Recent escapees report that conscripts are also involuntarily assigned to public works projects, the ruling party's commercial and agricultural enterprises, farms owned by high-tanking military officers, and the civil service.
On average, over 1,500 Eritreans flee the country monthly despite shoot-to-kill orders to border guards and immense dangers along escape routes. Unaccompanied minors also flee; the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported over 1,100 unaccompanied minors living in one Ethiopian refugee camp in 2012. Not only are ordinary citizens defecting, so are those the government had privileged with authority, foreign travel, and publicity.
In October, two senior air force pilots defected to Saudi Arabia in the plane normally used by Isaias. Earlier, Eritrea's standard bearer at the 2012 Olympics asked for asylum along with three teammates. Repression in Eritrea, he said, "forces people to do things that may cost them their life, but at the end of the day sometimes there isn't a choice." Two prominent musicians were also reported to have fled abroad.
Torture, Death, and Prolonged Incarceration without Trial
Eritreans are routinely subject to imprisonment without explanation, trial, or any form of due process. Incarceration often lasts indefinitely. Senior government officials and journalists, arrested in 2001 after they raised questions about President Isaias' rule, remain jailed incommunicado. Defecting guards report that most of these officials have died.
According to accounts from those who have fled, conditions in Eritrea's detention facilities are abysmal, with minimal food and medical care. Prisoners are held in underground cells and shipping containers, subject to boiling and freezing temperatures. Many prisoners die from the harsh conditions.
Torture and other abuses during detention are routine. Punishments include mock drowning, being hung from trees by the arms, being tied up in the sun in contorted positions for hours or days, being doubled up inside a rolling tire, having handcuffs tightened to cut off circulation, as well as frequent beatings.
Restrictions on Freedoms of Expression and Association
The Isaias government closed the independent press in 2001 by revoking their licenses and arrested its editors and publishers. Based on former guards' testimony, Reporters without Borders reported that four journalists died in prison in 2012, including two imprisoned since 2001. Journalists working for government agencies, arrested since 2009 for allegedly providing information to Western nongovernmental organizations and governments, remain incarcerated incommunicado.
All domestic media are controlled by the government. Two of four internet service providers prohibit access to sites unapproved by the government and persons using internet cafes are subject to surveillance. Eritrea periodically jams satellite radio transmissions by opposition groups. For the sixth year, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) in 2012 named Eritrea "one of the world's most censored countries."
Defectors describe a climate of intense fear in the country. To question authority, much less criticize it, can result in imprisonment and worse. Gatherings of more than seven unrelated people are forbidden and formation of NGOs is prohibited. Political organization is restricted to the ruling party, the Peoples Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ). Unions are prohibited, except for PFDJ subsidiaries.
Interference with Religious Beliefs and Practices
The Isaias government controls all religious activity. The government acknowledges a right to exist only for four "recognized" religious groups, the Orthodox Church, Sunni Islam, Roman Catholicism, and the Evangelical (Lutheran) Church. Other religious groups have applied for recognition since 2002 but the government has never acted on their applications. It deposed the Eritrean Orthodox Church patriarch in 2005, after he protested government interference in church affairs. He remains under house arrest in ill health. The government selected his successor and also appointed the current Sunni mufti, the chief Islamic legal authority.
Members of "unrecognized" religions are arrested, held in oppressive conditions, and sometimes tortured to compel them to recant their faith. Jehovah's Witnesses are especially victimized. Twelve were arrested in 2012 while attending a funeral, and one died in 2012 because of heat prostration in an underground cell. Currently, 56 Jehovah's Witnesses are incarcerated, including 11 in their 70s and 80s and 3 conscientious objectors held since 1994.
Retaliation against Family Members
Since at least 1995, Eritrea has imposed a 2 percent income tax on Eritrean expatriates (retroactive to 1992) to be eligible for consular services, such as notarizing powers of attorney, certifying educational decrees, and issuance of travel documents. Relatives in Eritrea of expatriates who refuse to pay the tax have been threatened with loss of business licenses or have been prevented from selling property because of a missing notarial. Canada and Germany prohibit collection of the tax, while the Netherlands and others are considering a ban.
Families of national service conscripts who abscond are fined 50,000 Nakfa (US$3,333), a crushing sum for many in a country where annual per capita income is 8,040 Nakfa (US$536).
Horn of Africa Relations
Eritrea is under UN sanctions for trying to destabilize neighboring states by arming rebel groups and for having attacked Djibouti.
Relations with Ethiopia remain strained 12 years after the end of a border war between the two countries. Ethiopia occupies territory that a Boundary Commission, established by the parties' armistice agreement, awarded to Eritrea, a decision that Ethiopia has ignored. A United Nations Security Council (Security Council) Monitoring Group on Eritrea and Somalia reported in July 2012 that Eritrea continued to violate Security Council resolutions "by deploying Ethiopian armed opposition groups via Somali territory." Earlier in the year, Ethiopia launched brief cross-border raids against rebel groups that Ethiopia claimed Eritrea was training and arming. Eritrea mobilized but did not retaliate militarily. In October, Ethiopia released 75 Eritrean prisoners of war (POWs) captured in the raids; seven POWs asked for asylum.
Eritrea invaded Djibouti in 2008 but persistently denied it had done so until 2010 when, succumbing to international pressure, it pulled back its troops and agreed to Qatari mediation of border issues. Even so, Eritrea refused to address Djibouti's claims that it was holding 19 POWs. In 2012, three escaped POWs told the UN Monitoring Group they had been among eight POWs held by Eritrea. All suffered from malnutrition and denial of medical treatment for wounds. As a result, the other five prisoners were too weak to escape; two had gone blind, one had lost use of an arm.
The UN Monitoring Group reported it had found no evidence of direct Eritrean support for Al-Shabaab in Somalia in 2012.
Key International Actors
At the end of 2011, Eritrea expelled nearly all remaining foreign nongovernmental aid groups (a small UN aid mission remains). Although President Isaias asserts the expulsions promote his policy of self-reliance, they reinforce his policy of isolating the Eritrean population from foreigners. Earlier in 2011, Isaias accused international NGOs of having a "pathological compulsion for espionage."
In late 2011, Eritrea cancelled a multi-year European Union assistance program. No country that had previously provided loans or grants to Eritrea announced new financial assistance in 2012. Isaias repeatedly accuses the CIA of conspiring against Eritrea. The CIA, he said in 2012, "is preoccupied with targeting the key aspects of the Eritrean economy."
One source of foreign exchange comes from extensive smuggling of weapons and Eritreanrefugees to Sudan and Egypt by Eritrean security forces, according to the UN Monitoring Group.


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We are a group of professional and amateur traders founded by principals of a quantitative research firm which develops strategy and periodicity diverse programs and risk modeling tools. Our own internal process involves using this webspace as a collective resource for sharing both discretionary thoughts during intraday sessions and as a sort of virtual think tank for our ongoing quant research. A big part of that research has consistently shown that the 'Holy Grail' of the purely mechanical, single market intraday trading strategy that produces near linear returns without significant ongoing adaptation DOES NOT exist. As such we have found that for most traders pursuing single market intraday strategies, an adaptive, risk management focused discretionary approach is likely to bear the most fruit. Ironic, given that rigid, purely mechanical systems are what the vast majority of retail traders (including us at one time) seem to be in relentless pursuit of.
In the spring of 2010 we created a private, member only forum behind the blog devoted to our ongoing discussions related to discretionary analysis of market structure, price action and order flow to like minded retail traders as a sort of experiment. Since we have always found the format in which we use this space privately to flesh out ideas to be so beneficial, we wondered if it might be even more fruitful to increase the sheer numbers of those participating in this process and with that, DTG as it exists today was born. By any measure, the experiment has been almost unfathomably successful for us in terms of its role in keeping us sharp in whatever discretionary or quantitative work we happen to be engaged in at the time. Sharing our experiences and interacting with the greater numbers continues to spark new ideas for all of us, making our little experiment a huge win on all fronts in our book. For information about the types of trading which are the foundations for what most members pursue here, follow this link:


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When Modern Records' president Jules Bihari set off on his 1947 field trip to Houston, Texas, he was looking for among other things an act that would rival R&B's biggest name of the time, Amos Milburn. He'd received a tip about a teenage boogie piano prodigy, who could both bang the ivories and sing in a most Milburnesque manner and who had already put out a poorly-recorded, locally-distributed 78 that had sold like hotcakes. Bihari only had to hear Willie Littlefield's other repertoire to know that Modern had found their answer to Milburn, right there in the heart of Houston.
Bihari signed Littlefield to a deal that spanned around three years and yielded around fifty masters, including some of the best "boogies, blues and bounce" of the period. Little Willie Littlefield soon showed that he was much more than merely a Milburn clone, and his recordings prove time and time again that he has as much right to the title "R&B Legend".
What we have for you this month is the long-awaited second volume of Willie's best Modern recordings. Where the earlier "Kat On The Keys" focused primarily on Willie's later Modern sessions, BOOGIE, BLUES AND BOUNCE brings you the killer cuts from his earliest dates for the label, stretching all the way back to a 1947 audition session that Jules Bihari had the foresight to preserve for the delight of future R&B fans!
Here are the sides that built LWL's reputation as a boogie bluesman par excellence, ranging from the cool blues of his Houston-recorded breakthrough hit, It's Midnight, to cerebrally-blasting R&B rockers that were cut in Los Angeles with the cream of the Central Avenue session scene.
Many of the best tracks here included went unreleased until Ace started to reissue Modern's catalogue in the early 1980s, and many of those have been unavailable since the advent of CD. Ace's purchase of Modern in the early 1990s has revealed yet more unissued LWL performances than were originally thought to exist, including a second vocal/piano demo session from 1947 featuring prototype versions of several songs that, with full band accompaniment, would form some of Willie's earliest Modern singles. Despite the ragged quality of this source material sometimes, these are some of Willie's best-ever recordings and we're delighted to premiere them.
Talking of "ragged", not all of the Modern acetates have survived in the kind of condition that one might like, and some of the acetates from Littlefield's earliest full sessions have survived less well than most. Their raw quality has given the Sound Mastering team something of a challenge, but as is always the case they have improved the technical quality without compromising the integrity of the performances. You may hear a few more ticks and pops here than you do on most of Ace's Modern reissues, but the great performances will always win out over the odd click or two.
Although the release of "Boogies, Blues And Bounce" completes Ace's LWL reissue programme for now, there are still several excellent alternate takes in the vault not to mention the remainder of Willie's original audition session for Jules Bihari. We hope that we'll be able to bring at least some of these to you in forthcoming Modern multi-artist compilations. Meanwhile we know you're gonna dig what Willie's putting down on these fantastic sides from almost half a century ago. In the words of the man himself "C'mon Kats, Let's All Get In The Groove" .
By Tony Rounce


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Video Actor: jaye summers
Jaye Summers
The performers are essential to interpret the characters in the videos on my sites. Acting and realism are the basis of high quality products.
Jaye Summers
TAGS are very important in determining Google's indexing through targeting. The tags on my sites are divided into tags related to the person's physical appearance or role. The Tags are those of the tube videos.
In fact, all tags are as important as categories. Tags are those of the actors and actresses.
I also committed to spreading videos on the subway or live cam because they are the future of mankind. In fact, only love can save humanity and I will strive to spread it in all possible ways. Even through the most depraved and forbidden sexual activities. Go beyond the boundaries of the mind. The tags are also those most linked to the activities and positions done.
In fact, the mind, only in the mind can these fantasies exist and only in the mind can they come true, because the human being is also this. Sex, in fact, is part of human nature and it is obvious that evil corrupts even depraved sex. Even the forbidden attracts the deepest desire. It's hidden. In fact, taboos are overcome. In fact Prohibitions generated by the earthly church, not by true good. Nature accepts sex and all that it entails.


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Posts Tagged network city
The quality of neglection
23/10/2005 - Comments Off on The quality of neglection by Michel van den Bogaard - Blog, Featured
Cities, especially big cities and metropoles, are involved in processes of globalization. They are the most important scenes of current technological, economical and cultural transformations. An important feature in this context is the influence of an ever growing number of migrants, tourists, investors, and developers in cities today. These developments have a big influence on public spaces. Large scale developments like; highways, industrial areas, shopping malls, sports facilities, residential areas, theme parks, airports, harbors, etc. are influencing the contemporary city.


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The hundreds of e-mails being made public after someone hacked into Phil Jones� Climatic Research Unit (CRU) computer system offer a revealing peek inside the IPCC machine. It will take some time before we know whether any illegal activity has been uncovered (e.g. hiding or destruction of data to avoid Freedom of Information Act inquiries).
Some commentators even think this is the beginning of the end for the IPCC. I doubt it.
The scientists at the center of this row are defending themselves. Phil Jones has claimed that some of the more alarming statements in his e-mails have been taken out of context. The semi-official response from RealClimate.org, a website whose roots can be traced to George Soros (which I'm sure is irrelevant), claims the whole episode is much ado about nothing.
At a minimum, some of these e-mails reveal an undercurrent of elitism that many of us have always claimed existed in the IPCC. These scientists look upon us skeptics with scorn. It is well known that the IPCC machine is made up of bureaucrats and scientists who think they know how the world should be run. The language contained in a draft of the latest climate treaty (meant to replace the Kyoto treaty) involves global governance and the most authoritarian means by which people�s energy use will be restricted and monitored by the government.
Even if this language does not survive in the treaty�s final form, it illustrates the kind of people we are dealing with. The IPCC folks jet around the world to all kinds of exotic locations for their UN-organized meetings where they eat the finest food. Their gigantic carbon footprints stomp around the planet as they deride poor Brazilian farmers who convert jungle into farmland simply to survive.
Even mainstream journalists, who are usually on board with the latest environmental craze, have commented on this blatant display of hypocrisy. It seems like those participating � possibly the best example being Al Gore — are not even aware of how it looks to the rest of us.
The elitist attitudes exist elsewhere, too. While the skeptics� blogs allow those who disagree to post opinions as long as they remain civil about it, RealClimate.org routinely ignores or deletes posts that might cast doubt on their tidy worldview. The same thing happens at Wikipedia, where a gatekeeper deletes newly posted content that departs from the IPCC party line.
A few of the CRU e-mails suggest that manipulation of climate data in order to reduce the signature of natural climate variations, and to exaggerate the supposed evidence for manmade climate change, is OK with these folks. Apparently, the ends justify the means.
The defense posted at RealClimate.org actually reinforces my point. Do the IPCC scientists assume that this is how all climate scientists behave? If it really was how the rest of us behave, why would our eyebrows be raised up to our hairlines as we read the e-mails?
If all of this sounds incompatible with the process of scientific investigation, it shouldn�t. One of the biggest misconceptions the public has about science is that research is a straightforward process of making measurements, and then seeing whether the data support hypothesis A or B. The truth is that the interpretation of data is seldom that simple.
There are all kinds of subjective decisions that must be made along the way, and the scientist must remain vigilant that he or she is not making those decisions based upon preconceived notions. Data are almost always dirty, with errors of various kinds. Which data will be ignored? Which data will be emphasized? How will the data be processed to tease out the signal we think we see?
Hopefully, the scientist is more interested in discovering how nature really works, rather than twisting the data to support some other agenda. It took me years to develop the discipline to question every research result I got. It is really easy to be wrong in this business, and very difficult to be right.
Skepticism really is at the core of scientific progress. I�m willing to admit that I could be wrong about all my views on manmade global warming. Can the IPCC scientists admit the same thing?
Year after year, the evidence keeps mounting that most climate research now being funded is for the purpose of supporting the IPCC�s politics, not to find out how nature works. The �data spin� is increasingly difficult to ignore or to explain away as just sloppy science. If it walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck�


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Andrew Biggio is a United States Marine Corps infantry sergeant and currently serves on the police force in Boston, Massachusetts. He is a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan and serves as president of New England's Wounded Veterans, Inc. Biggio holds a master's degree in homeland security from Northeastern University.
The Rifle is the inspirational story of a twenty-eight-year-old US Marine, Andrew Biggio, who returned home from combat in Afghanistan and Iraq, full of questions about the price of war. He found answers from those who survived the costliest war of all-WW... SEE MORE


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Dove Award-winning band Big Daddy Weave, currently enjoying the tremendous fan reception of their life-changing, mega-hit "Redeemed," will release Love Come to Life: The Redeemed Edition on March 11. The 17-track album, produced by group member Jeremy Redmon, features their career best-selling album Love Come To Life with the addition of five bonus tracks including both acoustic and live versions of the K-LOVE Fan Award-winning and Billboard Music Award-nominated "Redeemed" and their current hit "The Only Name (Yours Will Be)." Love Come to Life spawned three straight No. 1 hits including "Love Come to Life," "Redeemed" and their current chart topper "The Only Name (Yours Will Be)." Big Daddy Weave is currently on the second leg of "The Only Name Tour" with 40 dates through May.
"It is incredible how people have received this song and this album," said Big Daddy Weave front man Mike Weaver. "We are humbled by the many stories we've heard of God working in people's lives through it. We're equally excited by the ongoing life of this album and the stories to come through new versions of 'Redeemed' and 'The Only Name (Yours Will Be),' and two songs not previously released on this album that are as close to our hearts as any songs on the record. God is good!"
Love Come To Life: The Redeemed Edition Track Listing:
1. Jesus Move
2. Magnificent God
3. Love Come To Life
4. Stay
5. Different Light
6. If You Died Tonight
7. Redeemed
8. The Only Name (Yours Will Be)
9. Save My Life
10. Maker Of The Wind
11. Give My Life Away
12. Overwhelmed
13. Everything Beautiful*
14. No Other Name*
15. Redeemed (Acoustic Edition)*
16. The Only Name (Yours Will Be) [Live]*
17. Redeemed (Live)*
Dove Award-winning band Big Daddy Weave, one of Christian Music's mainstays, is currently enjoying its career best-selling album, Love Come To Life, an album boasting three consecutive number one radio singles: "Love Come To Life," "Redeemed," and "The Only Name (Yours Will Be)." In 2013, Big Daddy Weave's monster hit song and career best-selling track, "Redeemed," spent 11 weeks at No. 1, and took home the prestigious trophy for "Song of the Year" at the first-ever K-LOVE Fan Awards, while receiving nominations for "Christian Song of the Year" at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards, and "Song of the Year" at the 2013 Dove Awards.
The first Christian AC-Monitored radio chart of 2013 featured "Redeemed" in the number one position, while the first AC-Monitored chart of 2014 rang in with "The Only Name (Yours Will Be)" in the top spot. The band, comprised of Mike Weaver, Jay Weaver, Jeremy Redmon, Joe Shirk and Brian Beihl, formed when the original members were attending the University of Mobile.
In 2002, Big Daddy Weave stepped into the spotlight with the release of its second album, One and Only, which debuted in SoundScan's Christian Top 5 and earned them a Dove Award nomination for "New Artist of the Year." In 2010, Big Daddy Weave took home the Dove Award for "Christmas Album of the Year" for its seventh album, Christ Is Come. The band has also been honored at ASCAP's Christian Music Awards and BMI's Christian Music Awards and is one of the 10 most played artists at Christian radio over the past decade.


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The American - The online Magazine of the American Enterprise Institute
By Rep. Fred Upton
It is an exciting time for American energy, but only if American energy policy spurs innovations rather than stifling them.
U.S. energy policy needs a reboot—a broad reassessment of our strategies—because much of what we thought we knew has either dramatically changed or turned out to be plain wrong.
When I first became involved in these issues, President Jimmy Carter told us our domestic energy supplies were running out and a foreign cartel would determine everything from the cars we drove to the temperatures in our homes. The future he painted looked bleak.
Consider oil and natural gas. Not long ago, many believed supplies had peaked and it was only a matter of time until we were left with nothing but dry holes in the ground and increased dependence on foreign imports. Based on this belief, Washington decided that American taxpayers needed to spend dramatically on developing alternative supplies to replace hydrocarbons.
[Alleged] President Obama continues this policy today. During his recent energy public relations tour, he repeatedly referred to Republicans as subscribers to the "flat earth" worldview because we do not share his affinity for massive taxpayer spending on more expensive energy sources. But if anyone is stuck in the past, it's [Alleged] President Obama, as he has refused to acknowledge the great potential of America's energy resources thanks to new technologies that help us unlock them.
New discoveries and production of resources like shale oil and gas are dramatically altering our energy supply outlook and the entire global geopolitical landscape. And the pace of change—particularly in the past few years—continues to accelerate.
When it comes to energy supply, efficiency, and environmental safety, our prospects are better than they have been in a long time. And the outlook will only improve if the government unleashes the private sector and stops getting in the way.
North Dakota's story is illustrative. As recently as 2006, the state ranked ninth in the country in oil production. By 2013, the state could move to the number three spot, behind only Texas and Alaska, according to The Institute for Energy Research. In fact, North Dakota's January oil output eclipsed the current third place holder, California. Production may more than double again within five years.
Private sector breakthroughs created this new energy boom; the federal government is not involved.
By fully harnessing the power of our own previously inaccessible energy resources—and by forging strong partnerships with neighboring nations—America is on the cusp of being able to chart a course toward North American energy independence. It is an exciting time for American energy, but only if American energy policy spurs these innovations rather than stifling them.
Despite imperfect knowledge about what lies ahead, we have learned important lessons from the past that are guiding our reforms. The House Energy and Commerce Committee, of which I'm chairman, has already begun this fundamental reform effort and we will continue our activities in the months ahead.
First, government choosing technology winners does not work. Instead, we too often pick losers. In the late 1970s, billions were wasted on synthetic fuels. Today it's Solyndra. It turns out that our energy outlook has changed not due to government subsidies, but to private sector technology innovation. For example, America is now the largest natural gas producer in the world and could become the largest oil producer by 2017. Why? Because private sector know-how and market forces helped unlock previously inaccessible supplies. The House Energy and Commerce Committee is conducting an exhaustive review of the limits of government-sponsored energy production, and hopes to release our findings in the next several months.
Second, we need not stifle resources to protect the environment. We can develop energy resources as we improve environmental safeguards. For example, horizontal drilling technology means that a single surface operating structure can replace several surface structures. Likewise, the pipelines we build to carry oil and natural gas will employ, wherever needed, state-of-the-art inventions such as automatic or remote control shut-off valves and leak detection systems that didn't exist just a few years ago. I made sure that provisions for those technologies were included in the pipeline safety reauthorization bill that [Alleged] President Obama signed into law on January 3. This year, my committee will provide the American people even more information about how technology has improved the energy and environmental outlook.
Third, we need an "all may compete" energy policy. In this hyper-partisan age, vilifying certain types of energy has become a common way of promoting others. This will not improve energy affordability. It's a mistake to declare war on any source of supply because, if we have learned anything about energy, it is that future technology will not be what is now predicted. My committee will continue to assess whether current policies advantage some energy sources over others.
Finally, given our new knowledge about resource abundance, including the power of technology to unlock supplies and use them in cleaner, more efficient ways, we should do all that we can to reduce barriers to responsible development of domestic resources. Approving projects like the Keystone XL pipeline or streamlining the extensive permitting process for energy projects are two examples of how we can get government out of the way. Before the end of the year, the House will pass measures to spur energy development by cutting through the red tape.
We stand at a unique and bright moment in our energy history. To take full advantage of the opportunities that lie ahead, it is imperative that we reconsider our basic assumptions about energy policy, including rethinking the correct role of the federal government. Ingenuity and freedom have produced a more abundant energy future than we ever imagined. Misguided Washington interference is the biggest threat to these gains.
Rep. Fred Upton (R-Michigan) is chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
FURTHER READING: Nick Schulz interviews Upton in "Revolution in the Rust Belt." Kenneth P. Green contributes "Not Free to Choose: The Reality behind Clean Energy Standards" and "Government Is a Lousy Venture Capitalist." Mark J. Perry says "Unleash Private Sector to Produce Energy, Create Jobs." Jon Entine asks "Future Energy: Natural Gas Fracking—Who Blew Up the 'Bridge to the Future'?" Arthur Herman adds "Framing the Keystone Debate."


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Okanagan Lockmaster provides the most advanced and state-of-the-art biometric access control (BAC) systems on the market. Our BAC systems can be used to track and monitor groups of people or individuals. They also allow for full access control and identity access management. Moreover, our BAC systems can implement various means to recognize or detect a person based on unique traits such as DNA. For instance, we provide BAC systems that recognize faces and appendages (i.e., retinal scanners), voices (i.e., voice recognition software), and fingerprints.
For example, Okanagan Lockmaster currently provides 4 different kinds of fingerprint readers. Our pin-less fingerprint reader does not require a pin pass code. It allows you to manage and program over a thousand users by simply using a remote programmer. Moreover, we provide an online fingerprint reader that can detect up to 4000 unique fingerprints with template management being handled centrally using the provided software. However, if you do not wish to use biometric compatible computers, Okanagan Lockmaster also provides a standalone model that can be programmed to detect up to 300 unique fingerprints directly from the fingerprint reader itself. Furthermore, we provide a fingerprint verification reader that uses post-it patches and a smart card. That is, it will only allow access if both the smart card and fingerprint are verified at once, allowing for dual security measures.
Moreover, Okanagan Lockmaster installs biometric door locks that incorporate multi-core detection technology. Our cylindrical fingerprint locks are battery operated and are installed as standalone locks. Furthermore, they can detect fake fingerprints using algorithmic analysis, electrostatic capacity, and optical features such as infrared lighting.
Concerning our face capture biometric technology, it consists of self-contained units that implement multi-core visualizers, panoramic cameras, infrared lighting, and internal networking software in order to provide the most advanced and accurate biometric face detection technology on the market.
However, we have found that the majority of our clients prefer voice recognition biometrics for their security needs. Voice recognition technology is less intrusive and easier to implement, while providing impressive accuracy. Our voice recognition technology is top-of-the-line and unparalleled because it detects both voice pitch and tone, as well as speech patterns using stored digital profiling. This makes it impossible for a voice mimicry expert to gain access due to the subtle nuances that only speech patterns unique to an individual can provide.


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A report issued by the United States Government Accountability Office on June 6 confirms a trend of the educational publishing industry: textbook costs to students at higher education institutions are rising 6% per year on average, and have risen 82% over the last decade. The study, ordered by Congress, looks at the efforts of publishers and colleges to increase the availability of textbook price information and "unbundled" buying options as required under provisions in the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA). The GAO also interviewed faculty regarding benefits of this transparency and offering of new options for students purchasing course materials.
What they found
Findings of the study indicated that faculty are more aware of textbook affordability issues than they used to be, though they see the appropriateness of materials as the most important factor when it comes to choosing resources to use in a course. HEOA requires publishers to include information about textbook prices when marketing to faculty, including wholesale prices and copyright dates of previous versions. While the report finds that publishers have passively made this information available through their websites and other materials, the GAO did not investigate whether publishers are actively providing the information to faculty as required by law. Making this information not only available, but highly visible, is the best way to support and equip faculty to consider textbook costs and potentially explore more affordable and flexible textbook options.
The study also finds that textbook price transparency helped students save money, particularly because of the information colleges and universities posted in course catalogs. Of the 150 institutions the GAO reviewed, 81% provided textbook information online during the months leading up to the fall 2012 semester. This allowed students the opportunity to consider the costs associated with each course and the time to seek cost-cutting alternatives like used books and renting. But even with this relief, textbook prices continue to reach into the $200-and-more range for high-enrollment courses. The end goal of the HEOA price transparency provisions is to pressure publishers into lowering their prices for good.
What this means
As Nicole Allen, Affordable Textbooks Advocate for the Student Public Interest Research Groups (Student PIRGs) explained, "Overall, the report shows that the HEOA requirements have helped students and professors become more aware of textbook costs, and this awareness builds market pressure that will eventually lead to fairer prices and more affordable alternatives. Although right now publishers stubbornly continue driving prices skyward, they can only ignore the call for affordability for so long."
The report mentions other textbook affordability efforts that colleges and universities explored alongside providing textbook price information. About two-thirds of the schools that the GAO interviewed offered an institutional rental program, and many offered price information for alternate formats, such as e-textbooks. For example, the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges' Open Course Library, which offers Open Educational Resources (OER) and other low cost materials for the system's 81 largest courses, has saved students $5.5 million to date—about three times as much as the program cost. As the shift of resources towards efforts that provide more options to students and faculty is seen across the US and in other areas around the world, we anticipate more participation in communities around OER. Which is a great thing.
Next steps towards affordable textbooks
The HEOA requirements for textbook price transparency were a good first step, but there's more work to do to solve rising textbook costs and lack of flexibility in choosing learning materials for courses. OER, like those created, revised, and shared in the Open Course Library have the potential to significantly offset these costs while at the same time providing more options for faculty and students to customize textbooks and other courseware to their needs. CC believes that OER is the next step in providing affordable, flexible, and truly open educational opportunities for students and faculty, allowing global citizens to better choose their own learning pathways.
A joint statement issued by Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.) and Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) on June 7th affirms the potential for OER as a solution: "As the GAO report suggests, transparency alone isn't enough. Students need more access to high-quality, affordable options that challenge the current price structure set by a handful of publishers. Open Educational Resources, which include high-quality open textbooks that are free for faculty to adopt and students to use, offer a promising step forward. With many recent technology advancements it will be important for Congress to continue to learn more about the textbook sector to ensure that there are accountability mechanisms in place to protect students and taxpayers."
The Student PIRGs announcement about the study is here.
The full report of the GAO's study can be found here.
And lastly, a podcast with a member of GAO's staff that led this study is here.
Originally published on creativecommons.org and republished using Creative Commons.


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BSK 6th Stage 4th Block has 100 feet main road connectivity to several other main roads. These include the Kanakapura Road, Kodipalya Road, Dr. Vishnuvardhan Road via Technology Road and Sompura NICE Ring Road entry/exit.
BMTC Bus Facility:
BMTC buses run regularly between Banashankari 6th stage 4th Block and other nearby areas via 100 feet main road connecting Kanakapura Road, Dr. Vishnuvardhan Road and Kodipalya Road. Dr. Vishnuvardhan Road further continues till Kengeri Bus Terminal, which is within 6 km radius.
Bengaluru Metro, also known as Namma Metro, on Kanakapura Road, which is near to BSK 6th Stage 4th Block, connects the Silk Institute metro station and Nagsandra metro station via Nadaprabhu Kempegowda metro station (Majestic). It also connects to the Bengaluru Metro-Yellow line at Rashtreeya Vidyalaya Road metro station, which gives connectivity to Bommasandra metro station via Silk Board metro station and Electronic City metro station, which is expected to be operational by 2023-24. The closest station is Thalaghattapura metro station, which is within 4 km radius.
Bengaluru Metro – Purple Line:
Bengaluru Metro on the Mysore Road connects Kengeri metro station and Baiyappanahalli metro station via Nadaprabhu Kempegowda metro station (Majestic). It further connects Whitefield metro station from the Baiyappanahalli metro station, which is expected to be operational by March 2023. The closest station is Kengeri Bus Terminal metro station, which is within 7 km radius.
Nearby Hospitals:
Ritu Hospital, Shankar Super Specialty Hospital, Cloudnine Hospital, and Cura Hospital on Kanakapura Road, all within 7 km radius.
Schools & Colleges:
Schools like Presidency School, National Public School (NPS), Delhi Public School, Rashtrotthana Vidya Kendra and Chinmaya Vidyalaya are within 7 km radius. KSIT Collage, City Engineering College, RV College of Architecture, R. V. College of Engineering, RNS Institute of Technology and JSS Academy Of Technical Education are some of the prominent colleges are within 7 km radius.
Nearby Amenities:
Kanaka Bavana Convention Center, Sri Convention Centre, Banashankari 6th Stage 5th Block park and BDA Sculpture Park.
Shopping Complex:
Proposed BDA complex at Technology Road junction is within 1 km, Gopalan Arcade Mall on Mysore Road within 12 km radius and DMart on Kanakapura Road is within 6 km radius.
Please contact for further information:-
➡ For mobile users:
Look for WhatsApp icon at the bottom of the mobile screen and tap to share details.
➡ For desktop users:
Scan the WhatsApp QR code available in the sidebar and share the Listing ID provided in "Overview" section. You can also share it to this WhatsApp number 97397 66656 for details.


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Nina Mahmoudian
Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Purdue University
585 Purdue Mall
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2088
Office: KEPNER
- Postdoctoral Associate, Aerospace Engineering, University of Maryland, 2010
- Ph.D. Aerospace Engineering, Virginia Tech, 2009
- B.S. Aerospace Engineering, Tehran Polytechnic, 1999
Research Interests
- Robotics
- Marine Robotics
- Unmanned Systems
- Energy Autonomy
- Systems Design
- Coordination and Controls
Fundamental Research Area(s)
Application Area(s)
Awards and Recognitions
- Participant in National Academy of Engineering Frontiers of Engineering Symposium, 2016
- Featured as Emerging Scholar by Diverse: Issues in Education Magazine, 2016
- National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development (NSF CAREER) Award, 2015
- Office of Naval Research Young Investigator Program (ONR YIP) Award, 2015
Selected Publications
Li B., Page B., Hoffman J., Moridian B., and Mahmoudian N., "Rendezvous Planning for Multiple AUVs with Mobile Charging Stations in Dynamic Currents", IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters (RA-L), 2019. DOI: 10.1109/LRA.2019.2896899
Page B. and Mahmoudian N., "Simulation Driven Optimization of Underwater Docking Station Design", IEEE Journal of Oceanic Engineering (JOE), 2019. DOI: 10.1109/JOE.2018.2885200.
Page B., Naglak J., Kase C., and Mahmoudian N., "Autonomous Docking for Exploration of Extraterrestrial Lakes", AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition 2019, San Diego, CA, January 7-11, 2019.
Ziaeefard S. and Mahmoudian N.,"Marine Robotics: an Effective Interdisciplinary Approach to Promote STEM Education", Robotics in Education, Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing Series, Springer, vol 630, 154-165, 2018.
Li B., Moridian B., Kamal A., Patankar S., and Mahmoudian N., "Multi-robot Mission Planning with Static Energy Replenishment", Journal of Intelligent & Robotic Systems, Springer, 2018. DOI: 10.1007/s10846-018-0897-2
Moridian B. and Mahmoudian N., "Training Mobile Robots from Demonstration for Semi-Autonomous Remote Operation", IEEE International Symposium on Safety, Security, and Rescue Robotics (SSRR), Philadelphia, PA, August 6-8, 2018.
Ziaeefard S., Miller M., Rastgaar M., and Mahmoudian N., "Co-robotic Hands-on Activities: A Gateway to Engineering Design and STEM learning", Robotics and Autonomous Systems Journal, vol. 97, pp. 40-50. DOI: 10.1016/j.robot.2017.07.013
Ziaeefard S., Page B., Pinar A., and Mahmoudian N., "Effective Turning Motion Control of Internally Actuated Autonomous Underwater Vehicles", Journal of Intelligent & Robotic Systems, Springer, 2017. DOI: 10.1007/s10846-017-0544-3
Moridian B., Mahmoudian N., Weaver W., and Robinett R., "Post-Disaster Electric Power Recovery Using Autonomous Vehicles", IEEE Transactions on Automation Science and Engineering (T-ASE), vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 62-72, 2017. DOI: 10.1109/TASE.2016.2614927
Page B., Ziaeefard S., Pinar A., and Mahmoudian N., "Highly Maneuverable Low-Cost Autonomous Underwater Glider: Design and Development", IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters (RA-L), vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 344-349, 2017. DOI: 10.1109/LRA.2016.2617206


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A geographical information system is an essential part of an Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS) implementation. Supporting a Land Parcel Identification System (LPIS), our system can be used from within the institution and made publicly available if desired.
Our GIS infrastructure is built so that it can run on both high-end (blades) and low-end (PC clusters) servers. Furthermore, we have developed a number of integrated applications for administration and control, such as: Farm Registry, LPIS, On-the-spot controls. Components of the applications can handle, for example, land consolidation, meliorations, disease outbreak, forestry and others.


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There's nothing worse than trying to spot your black suitcase among all the other black suitcases on the packed airport conveyor belt. Our luggage tag will definitely stand out, so you can easily find your bags. Made from full-grain leather, our luggage tags are built to withstand whatever airport bag handlers can throw at them.
The tags are printed using a proprietary process we developed in-house. This process bonds the image to the leather, so the two become one. Each tag is paired with a complimentary paracord color, and holds any standard business card.
4.5 x 2.75"


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Tell us what you're looking for and we'll reach out to the top clinics all at once
Tell us what you're looking for and we'll reach out to the top clinics all at once
Neurosurgery is a medical specialty that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of disorders/diseases or injury that affects any portion of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, spinal column, and peripheral nerves. This specialty includes both adult and pediatric patients. A physician who specializes in neurosurgery is called a neurosurgeon. Although they are mostly known as 'brain surgeons,' they are also medically trained to help patients who suffer from neck and back pain, as well as a wide range of other illnesses. Some of the most common conditions that neurosurgeons can treat include:
A neurosurgeon can provide diagnostic procedures, as well as both surgical and non-surgical treatment. These include, but are not limited to:
Your length of stay depends on the type of procedure you underwent. For diagnostic tests, you may need to stay in Tunisia for 3 to 7 days to wait until the results are ready and to discuss the results with your neurosurgeon. In some cases, you may be allowed to leave for home immediately. For medical treatments, you usually need to stay in the hospital for two to five days, and stay in Tunisia for 7 to 14 more days, sometimes even longer. During your stay, you will have to attend regular checkups where your neurosurgeon monitors your condition. If everything is fine, you will be allowed to travel home.
Since there is a wide range of procedures, recovery times vary. In general, it can take around 4 to 12 weeks to recover from surgery. During this period avoid strenuous activities and take time off of work. Your doctor will gradually allow you to increase your activity levels, based on their examination at the follow-up visits.
After neurosurgery treatments, you will have to change your lifestyle. A healthy diet, such as keeping your salt levels down and avoiding sugary food, is crucial to prevent complications. It is also important that you exercise regularly and get enough sleep. For some types of surgery, you will need rehabilitation therapy, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech, language therapy.
Given the advances in technology, understanding of the nervous system, and surgical understanding, the success rate of neurosurgery continues to improve and is now higher than before. For example, the success rate of endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) is around 95%, while the likelihood of being seizure-free five years after epilepsy surgery is around 95%. Still, every procedure come with potential risks and side effects, such as infection, excessive swelling of the brain, spinal fluid leakage, and seizures.
If you have any conditions related to your nervous system, you can go to a neurologist as the alternative. However, since neurologists do not perform surgery, they will refer you to a neurosurgeon should surgery be required as part of your treatment.
This information has been accurately sourced and verified by a medical professional for its accuracy, however, we strongly recommend you to consult with your doctor before pursuing medical procedures overseas.


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QUETTA, Pakistan — Bombings killed 49 people in three different areas of Pakistan on Sunday, just as Britain's prime minister was in the capital pledging to help to fight extremism.
In the deadliest of the attacks, twin blasts near a Shiite Muslim mosque in Quetta, the capital of southwest Baluchistan province, killed at least 28 people, including nine women and several children, said city police chief Mir Zubair Mahmood. Dozens of others were wounded.
Initial reports indicated a hand grenade caused the first blast, forcing people to run in the direction of the mosque, where a suicide bomber detonated his explosives, said another police officer, Fayaz Sumbal said.
Security forces prevented the bomber from entering the mosque, or the death toll would have been higher, said the provincial Home Secretary Akbar Durrani. Radical Sunni Muslims have stepped up attacks in the past two years against minority Shiites, whom they consider to be heretics.
Local TV video showed ambulances rushing victims to the hospital and wheeling them inside on stretchers. Some of the bodies were covered with white sheets. Relatives of the victims frantically entered the emergency room to inquire about their loved ones. Security forces cordoned off the area of the attack. The walls of shops near the blast were pockmarked with holes caused by small steel balls packed with the explosives to cause maximum death and destruction.
No one has claimed responsibility for the attack. Suspicion will likely fall on the militant group Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, which has carried out many of the attacks against Shiites in Baluchistan in recent years.
In the northwest, a car bomb exploded as a convoy of paramilitary troops passed through the outskirts of the city of Peshawar, killing at least 17 people and wounding dozens of others, police said.
Most of the dead and wounded were civilians, although nine paramilitary Frontier Corps troops were hurt, said police official Shafiullah Khan. The blast struck one Frontier Corps vehicle, but the other passed by safely.
The explosion damaged many other vehicles and shops in the area, according to local TV video. Frontier Corps vehicles rushed to the scene, and a police officer collected evidence from the crater caused by the bomb.
Elsewhere in the northwest, a roadside bomb struck an army convoy and killed four soldiers in the North Waziristan tribal area, the main sanctuary for Taliban and al-Qaida militants in the country, said intelligence officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to reporters. The blast also wounded 20 soldiers, the officials said.
No one has claimed responsibility for the attacks in the northwest, but suspicion will fall on the Pakistani Taliban. The group has been waging a bloody insurgency against the government for years that has killed thousands of security personnel and civilians. The militants have proven resilient despite a series of army offensives against them in the tribal region.
British Prime Minister David Cameron told his Pakistani counterpart, Nawaz Sharif, that Britain would do all it can to help fight extremism, a battle that he said requires both a tough security response and measures to fight poverty and promote education.
Britain pledged to provide Pakistan more equipment to battle the kind of improvised explosives that killed the soldiers in North Waziristan and to share expertise in protecting sporting events. Britain hosted the Olympic Games last summer.
"The enemies of Pakistan are enemies of Britain, and we will stand together and conduct this fight against extremism and terrorism together," Cameron said at a joint news conference with Sharif in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad.
Cameron arrived in Pakistan following a visit to neighboring Afghanistan. He welcomed Pakistan's stated commitment to help promote a peace deal with the Afghan Taliban.
Pakistan is seen as key to any deal because of its historical links with the insurgents. Pakistan pushed the Taliban to carry through with its recent step to set up a political office in the Gulf country of Qatar, although acrimony between the insurgents and the Afghan government has hampered the negotiation process.
"I assure Prime Minister Cameron of our firm resolve to promote the shared objective of a peaceful and stable Afghanistan to which the 3 million Afghan refugees currently living in Pakistan can return with honor and dignity," Sharif said at the news conference.
Sharif has also pushed for peace talks with the Pakistani Taliban, although a series of attacks by the group since he took office in early June have led many to question that approach.
The Taliban claimed responsibility for shooting to death 10 foreign mountain climbers and a Pakistani guide in northern Pakistan a week ago, an attack the group said was retaliation for a U.S. drone strike that killed the Taliban's deputy leader.
The Taliban withdrew their offer of peace talks with the Pakistani government following the drone strike. The government continues to stick by its stance that negotiating with the group is the only way to bring peace.
Critics of talks point out that past peace deals eventually collapsed, offering the militants a chance to regroup. They also note that the Taliban reject Pakistan's democratic government and believe Islamic law should be applied throughout the country.
Khan reported from Peshawar. Associated Press writers Sebastian Abbot and Zarar Khan in Islamabad and Rasool Dawar in Peshawar contributed to this report.