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As for men, if they hurt when the women throw culture to the winds, they must first preserve it themselves. Otherwise, "For a Rama like you, there will only be a Sita like me!!" will be the irrefutable argument. In the streets of Delhi or New York, the dhoti, vibuthi, etc., must see the light of day.
Some argue that it is the nature of Hinduism to adapt to changing times, that only the spiritual goal is important and not the external symbols of religion. It rather seems to me that it is the nature of Hindus to compromise our culture, slave under the culture of others and justify it all with philosophy. The externals symbols are our protective fences. They protect not only us but our entire community, religion and ways of life. My thanks to Hinduism Today for highlighting this point in various ways.
Prabhu Janakiraman
Ypsilanti, Michigan USA
pjanakir1978 _@_ gmail.com
I enjoyed reading the article on the sari (October/November/December, 2008). You have done a great job. You are probably not aware of the nine yard saris of the orthodox bramin ladies, the Iyers and Iyengars of Chennai. My mother and mother-in-law both wore these. The bramin style is the most sensuous one. When I was at the University of Michigan, snow or sunshine, I clung to my Indian traditions and always wore a sari.
Lakshmi Sridharan
San Jose, California
lakshmisridharan _@_ lakshmi-sridharan.com
I applaud your magazine for the article "A Fraudulent Mission" (October/November/December, 2008) by Dr. David Frawley. I am Jewish but a regular reader of Hinduism Today. I work in the information technology sector in the US. A few years ago when my company started using many Indian contractors, missionary tracts aimed at Hindus started to show up in our break room. When I found them, I would throw them away. I was embarrassed that my Indian coworkers might come to this country and be quickly exposed to the message that many Americans disrespect their religion. I am used to seeing missionary materials because I live in the Bible Belt and Christianity is the accepted norm, but I was shocked at how quickly materials aimed specifically at Hindus showed up in our area, because my city had few Hindus prior to this point. This goes to show, I think, how well-organized the missionary industry is. Everyone who does not believe in the supremacy of one religion over another must unite and stand up together against missionaries who preach that very message. We need to do a better job teaching others about what our religions have to offer–not to proselytize, but to inform. I particularly agree with the last sentence in that article, "The world desperately needs better access to India's wealth of spiritual resources." Thank you for all your efforts.
Jennifer Plunk
Georgia, USA
jplunk _@_ bellsouth.net
I was upset and shocked at the outright attack on Christianity by Dr. Frawley. As Hindus, we seem to pride ourselves in the tolerance we have for other religions, yet here was a representative attacking the cornerstone of the Christian faith. Yes, many Christians do send plenty of money and manpower to India. I agree with the statement, but not the problem. What we should be asking ourselves is, "What void is Christianity filling for these converts that Hinduism is not?" It's a tough question for the prideful, but our holy books teach us to not be so arrogant. I believe that we all have been made with minds that think and make decisions. Far be it from me to look down on those who find happiness in another religion as I have found in Hinduism.
K. T. Bray
Lexington, Kentucky, USA
ktbray.artrep _@_ gmail.com
These missionaries from outside India have no knowledge or respect for the diversity of India. For centuries tribals have celebrated their tribal faiths in peace in a Hindu India. Now they face the prospect of losing their small faiths to a well-financed machine. This has already happened in Africa and northeast India. If we stand by and do nothing, we will certainly lose that idea that is India, a place where persecuted people, such as the Parsees, Bohras, Jews and recently the Tibetans, have found safe refuge. They did so because of our Hindu ideals and values.
It is Hinduism that says God made man a human being, but we humans have divided ourselves into Hindus, Muslims and Christians. Once we die, we are no longer humans or animals but just souls and it is these souls, regardless of religion or faith, that ascend to Rama's heaven. All good souls, even atheists, are welcome in Rama's heaven.
Christians may have a better-funded organization, but we are not entirely helpless. I call upon good Hindus to wake up and help as much as they can. With the power of the Internet, we can now influence people with just the click of a mouse. I see a lot of Hindus discussing whether Hinduism is dvaita or advaita, whether Hinduism is polytheistic or monotheistic. These discussions are important, but what is more important is to spread the values of Hinduism. Even our own young are ignorant of the glorious values that Hinduism teaches.
Vanamali Thotapalli
Chicago, Illinois, USA
malipalli _@_ yahoo.com
The influence of Christianity is a problem for Hindus living abroad. Well-educated and well-heeled Indian Hindus living in the US routinely throw elaborate Christmas parties. Their children brag about who had the biggest Christmas tree and who received the most Christmas gifts. As a mother raising a child in the US, I face this problem every Christmas. I clash with my husband on the issues of bringing a Christmas tree home, buying Christmas gifts, etc., for the sake of our children so they are not left out–left out of what? A well-educated Hindu mother once chided me when I spoke against the influence of Christmas on our children. Her reply was, "It is such an innocent, happy holiday. What's wrong if our children take part in it?" Most people fail to realize the subtle influence here. We do not take part in the Muslim or Jewish holidays, so why Easter or Christmas? Hindus should look deeply into their mind set and find out the answer themselves. If parents are not careful, our next generation will be affected by the glamour and glitter of Christianity which surrounds the celebration.
Vidya Bhide
Ledgewood, New Jersey
bhi196 _@_ yahoo.com
Hinduism Today's founder, Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, developed the festival of "Pancha Ganapati" for Western Hindus to provide Hindu festivities for the children during this holiday time, from December 21 to 25. Google "Pancha Ganapati" for how your family can celebrate the Hindu way during the Christmas season.
The stampede at Jodhpur has come as a shock to everyone. How could the state government be so lax when thousands attend the temple every day? They should have made secure entry and exit routes for the crowds. And this follows on earlier stampedes at other temples, also the result of lax arrangements. Now we see the usual giving out of checks to the next of kin, but the same money could have been used earlier to make the temples safe.
Tuneer Bondhopadhyay
Kolkata, India
tuneer73 _@_ hotmail.com
I was raised a Catholic, but never believed what the church taught. Even as a small child, I could see through the arguments that everyone needed to be baptized to go to heaven. This led to me extensively reading books concerning Buddhism and Hinduism. My three sons rejected Christianity in very short order. As a family, we have established a coping strategy to deal with proselytization attempts aimed at our children. When told they must accept Jesus, or that the Bible is the word of God, they simply respond, "I do not believe that." They are repeatedly asked if they go to church, and answer, "That's none of your business."
Now is the time for everyone to talk to their children concerning how to deal with these individuals. It is my belief that by making this a continuous topic within our home, it will make us stronger as a family and help our children to develop a similar strategy when they become parents in the future.
Ron Higgins
Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
ronaldwhiggins _@_ live.com
I came to know about your magazine through the Internet a few weeks back. It is excellent in content and the presentation of Hindu views and way of life. I felt an inner urge to submit my thanks for the service you are rendering.
C. Sivaraman
Pondicherry, India
sivadeeva _@_ gmail.com
After reading the article "Interreligious Marriage" (July/August/September, 2008) by Dr. Dilip Amin, I would like to give my own comments. In my part of the world, Malaysia, Hindus are the third largest population group after the Malays and the Chinese. There is frequent intermarriage between Hindus, Chinese, Toaists, Sabahans, Sarawakians and Buddhists. These intermarrying couples face very few problems, religious or otherwise.
At Hindu temples in Malaysia, it is quite common to see Hindu husbands coming to pray with their "intermarried" wives, complete with Hindu attire. In Malaysia, women usually follow the religion of their husbands. Hence, the issue of conversion seldom arises. Couples believe in the concept of one God, and that all religions are good. To these intermarrying couples, love is all that matters.
I have been married to my Taoist Chinese wife for the last fifty years, and we never faced any religious problems. Our children speak fluent Chinese and Tamil and respect all religions. It looks like in Malaysia inter-marriages are here to stay, bringing forth new and better generations.
K. Thuruvan
Rasah, Serembam, Malaysia
The photograph on page 2o of the October issue was by Amit Kumar. A photo on page 22 showing arati being performed was flipped. It incorrectly shows the pujari using his left hand for the worship, which would never be done.
The article on Christian missionaries by Dr. David Frawley was drawn from a dialogue with the Catholic archbishop of Hyderabad in 1997, not 2007 as stated
Shailesh trivedi was born in the USA in 1977, and grew up with a rare advantage. His parents lovingly taught him all the Hinduism they knew and, when he was a little tot, they subscribed to Hinduism Today! The magazine was part of the family–a small detail of great consequence, as it happened.
There were times when young Shailesh experienced the inevitable second-generation gloomies. "I knew the basics, attended bhajan and celebrated home puja, but there were gaps," he explains. "We lived far from any Hindu community and there was too much I did not understand. It all became a big blur. I belonged neither here nor there. I felt disconnected."
Fortunately, Hinduism Today was always around and, over time, it brought in the clarity he was looking for. "Time and again, I was awed, realizing what a great culture I possessed. And the magazine was always bright, light, humorous, with nothing ponderous anywhere. It was the perfect teacher, and it transformed me. I cannot imagine my life without it." Shailesh lives in Fallbrook, California, where he owns and operates a flower farm.
Recently, he gave $500 to the Hinduism Today Production Fund, which is a part of Hindu Heritage Endowment. "I wanted to help bring to others what has meant so much to me. What a great cause, helping people be clear in their beliefs, know who they are and what they should do! And these treasures, more and more, Hinduism Today gives away free, resources on their website and their digital edition, for example. I find it inspiring to give so they may give more. My little gift, through their hands, becomes a great big gift to the world."
Please consider donating to the Hinduism Today Production Fund so that your magazine may continue to give, and give and give.
Contact us to receive our Production Fund e-newsletter: +1-808-822-3012 ext.244 email@example.com [email@example.com] www.hheonline.org/ht/plannedgiving/ [http://www.hheonline.org/ht/plannedgiving/]


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Streetwise: Progressive views on Philippine and international issues published in BusinessWorld, the Philippines' leading business newspaper, and more.
posted by Carol P. Araullo @ Thursday, March 29, 2012 0 Comments
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Dr. Carol Araullo is the chairperson of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN, New Patriotic Alliance), global vice chair for internal affairs of the International League of Peoples' Struggle (ILPS) and co-convenor of the Gloria Step Down Movement (GSM), Movement of Concerned Citizens for Civil Liberties (MCCCL), PlunderWatch, DEFEND Philippines, Justice Not War Coalition, US Troops Out Now! and other broad alliances. Her experience as a social activist includes being vice chairperson of the UP Student Council; practicing community medicine upon graduation from the UP College of Medicine; co-founding the Health Alliance for Democracy (HEAD); joining the fight against the US-backed Marcos fascist dictatorship; and helping push the peace negotiations between the Manila government and the National Democratic Front as a former executive director, and now Board Trustee, of the Philippine Peace Center. Dr. Araullo writes a weekly column for BusinessWorld, the Philippines' leading business newspaper.
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CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP) CAS-002 with CompTIA Accredited E-Book Study Guide
CompTIA's CASP – CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner , is a vendor-neutral certification that validates IT professionals with advanced-level security skills and knowledge. This certification course covers the technical knowledge and skills required to conceptualize, design, and engineer secure solutions across complex enterprise environments. It involves applying critical thinking and judgment across a broad spectrum of security disciplines to propose and implement solutions that map to enterprise drivers, while managing risk.
There is no required prerequisite for this course however, the CASP certification is intended to follow CompTIA Security+ or equivalent experience and has a technical, hands-on focus at the enterprise level.
This CASP training course follows the CompTIA authorized objectives, ensuring you receive the training and knowledge needed to succeed.
CompTIA CASP – CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner Exam Objectives:
Domain and percentage of Examination:
1.0 Enterprise Security: 30%
2.0 Risk Management and Incident Response: 20%
3.0 Research and Analysis: 18%
4.0 Integration of Computing, Communications and Business Disciplines: 16%
5.0 Technical Integration of Enterprise Components: 16%
Course Syllabus:
CompTIA CASP – CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner – Course CAS-002 Curriculum
Course Overview
Module 1 – Business Influences and Associated Security Risks
Risk Management
Business Model Strategies
Integrating Diverse Industries
Third Party Information Security and Providers
Internal and External Influences
Impact of De-Perimeterization
Module 2 – Risk Mitigation Planning – Strategies and Controls
CIA Triad
Business Classifications
Information Life Cycle and Steak-Holder Input
Implementing Technical Controls
Determine Aggregate CIA Score
Worst Case Scenario Planning
Calculation Tools and Attacker Motivation
Return Of Investment
Total Cost of Ownership and Risk Strategies
Risk Management Process
Identifying Vulnerabilities and Threats
Security Architecture Frameworks
Business Continuity Planning
IT Governance
Security Policies
Module 3 – Security-Privacy Policies and Procedures
Policy Development Updates
Developing Processes and Procedures
Legal Compliance
Security Policy Business Documents
Outage Impact and Estimating Downtime Terms
Sensitive Information-Internal Security Policies
Incident Response Process
Forensic Tasks
Employment and Termination Procedures
Network Auditing
Module 4 – Incident Response and Recovery Procedures
E-Discovery and Data Retention Policies
Data Recovery-Storage and Backup Schemes
Data Owner and Data Handling
Disposal Terms and Concepts
Data Breach and Data Analysis
Incident Response Guidelines
Incident and Emergency Response
Media-Software and Network Analysis
Order of Volatility
Module 5 – Industry Trends
Performing Ongoing Research
Security Practices
Evolution of Technology
Situational Awareness and Vulnerability Assessments
Researching Security Implications
Global Industry Security Response
Threat Actors
Contract Security Requirements
Contract Documents
Module 6 – Securing the Enterprise
Benchmarks and Baselines
Prototyping and Testing Multiple Solutions
Cost/Benefit Analysis
Metrics Collection and Trend Data
Security Controls-Reverse Engineering and Deconstructing
Security Solutions Business Needs
Lesson Learned- After Action Report
Module 7 – Assessment Tools and Methods
Port Scanners and Vulnerability Scanners
Protocol Analyzer- Network Enumerator-Password Cracker
Fuzzers and HTTP Interceptors
Exploitation Tools
Passive Reconnaissance Tools
Vulnerability Assessments and Malware Sandboxing
Memory Dumping and Penetration Testing
Reconnaissance and Fingerprinting
Code Review
Social Engineering
Module 8 – Social Cryptographic Concepts and Techniques
Cryptographic Benefits and Techniques
Hashing Algorithms
Message Authentication Code
Cryptographic Concepts
Transport Encryption Protocol
Symmetric Algorithms
Asymmetric Algorithms
Hybrid Encryption and Digital Signatures
Public Key Infrastructure
Digital Certificate Classes and Cypher Types
Des Modes
Cryptographic Attacks
Strength vs Performance and Cryptographic Implementations
Module 9 – Enterprise Storage
Virtual Storage Types and Challenges
Cloud Storage
Data Warehousing
Data Archiving
Storage Area Networks (SANs) and (VSANs)
Network Attached Storage (NAS)
Storage Protocols and Fiber Channel over Ethernet (FCoE)
Storage Network File Systems
Secure Storage Management Techniques
LUN Masking/Mapping and HBA Allocation
Replication and Encryption Methods
Module 10 – Network and Security Components-Concepts-Security Architectures
Remote Access Protocols
IPv6 and Transport Encryption
Network Authentication Methods
802.1x and Mesh Networks
Security Devices
Network Devices
Wireless Controllers
Router Security and Port Numbers
Network Security Solutions
Availability Controls-Terms and Techniques
Advanced Router and Switch Configuration
Data Flow Enforcement of Applications and Networks
Network Device Accessibility and Security
Module 11 – Security Controls for Hosts
Trusted Operation Systems
Endpoint Security Software and Data Loss Prevention
Host Based Firewalls
Log Monitoring and Host Hardening
Standard Operating Environment and Group Policy Security
Command Shell Restrictions
Configuring and Managing Interface Security
USB-Bluetooth-Firewire Restrictions and Security
Full Disk Encryption
Virtualization Security
Cloud Security Services
Boot Loader Protections
Virtual Host Vulnerabilities
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure
Terminal Services
Virtual TPM
Module 12 – Application Vulnerabilities and Security Controls
Web Application Security Design
Specific Application Issues
Session Management
Input Validation
Web Vulnerabilities and Input Mitigation Issues
Buffer Overflow and other Application Issues
Application Security Framework
Web Service Security and Secure Coding Standards
Software Development Methods
Monitoring Mechanisms and Client-Server Side Processing
Browser Extensions and Other Web Development Techniques
Module 13 – Host-Storage-Network and Application Integration
Securing Data Flows
Standards Concepts
Interoperability Issues
In House Commercial and Customized Applications
Cloud and Virtualization Models
Logical and Physical Deployment Diagrams
Secure Infrastructure Design
Storage Integration Security
Enterprise Application Integration Enablers
Module 14 – Authentication and Authorization Technologies
Authentication and Identity Management
Password Types-Management and Policies
Authentication Factors
Dual-Multi Factor and Certificate Authentication
Single Sign On Issues
Access Control Models and Open Authorization
Extensible Access Control Markup Language (XACML)
Service Provisioning Markup Language (SPML)
Attestation and Identity Propagation
Federation and Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML)
OpenID-Shibboleth and WAYF
Advanced Trust Models
Module 15 – Business Unit Collaboration
Identifying and Communicating Security Requirements
Security Controls Recommendations
Secure Solutions Collaboration
Module 16 – Secure Communication and Collaboration
Web-Video Conferencing-Instant Messaging
Desktop Sharing
Presence Guidelines
Email Messaging Protocol
Telephony-VoIP and Social Media
Cloud Based Collaboration
Remote Access and IPsec
Mobile and Personal Device Management
Over Air Technology Concerns
WLAN Concepts-Terms-Standards
WLAN Security and Attacks
Module 17 – Security Across the Technology Life Cycle
End to End Solution Ownership
System Development Life Cycle
Security Implications of Software Development Methodologies
Asset Management
Course End
Course Delivery: Online
About the CompTIA CASP+ CAS-002 Accredited E-Book Study Guide
CASP: CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner Study Guide: CAS-002 is the updated edition of the bestselling book covering the CASP certification exam. CompTIA approved, this guide covers all of the CASP exam objectives with clear, concise, thorough information on crucial security topics. With practical examples and insights drawn from real-world experience, the book is a comprehensive study resource with authoritative coverage of key concepts. Exam highlights, end-of-chapter reviews, and a searchable glossary help with information retention, and cutting-edge exam prep software offers electronic flashcards and hundreds of bonus practice questions. Additional hands-on lab exercises mimic the exam's focus on practical application, providing extra opportunities for readers to test their skills.
CASP is a DoD 8570.1-recognized security certification that validates the skillset of advanced-level IT security professionals. The exam measures the technical knowledge and skills required to conceptualize, design, and engineer secure solutions across complex enterprise environments, as well as the ability to think critically and apply good judgment across a broad spectrum of security disciplines. This study guide helps CASP candidates thoroughly prepare for the exam, providing the opportunity to:
- Master risk management and incident response
- Sharpen research and analysis skills
- Integrate computing with communications and business
- Review enterprise management and technical component integration
Experts predict a 45-fold increase in digital data by 2020, with one-third of all information passing through the cloud. Data has never been so vulnerable, and the demand for certified security professionals is increasing quickly. The CASP proves an IT professional's skills, but getting that certification requires thorough preparation. This CASP study guide provides the information and practice that eliminate surprises on exam day.
About the Author:
Michael Gregg has over 20 years of IT experience, and is the COO of IT security firm Superior Solutions, Inc. He's an expert on security, networking, and Internet technologies, and has written over 15 books focusing on IT security. He holds two associate's degrees, a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, and the following certifications: CASP, CISSP, SSCP, CISA, CISM, MCSE, MCT, CTT+, A+, Network+, Security+, CNA, CCNA, CCE, CEH, and CHFI.
Technical Details:
Title: CASP CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner Study Guide: Exam CAS-002
Author(s): Micahel Gregg
Publisher: Sybex
Edition: 2nd


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Coral reefs can both positively and negatively influence the acidity of their surrounding seawater. That is the take-home message of two papers recently published in the international journal Global Change Biology, by a group of scientists from the Australian Institute of Marine Science (Dr. Ken Anthony), the National Center for Atmospheric Research in the US (Dr. Joanie Kleypas), and from the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique in France (Prof Jean-Pierre Gattuso). The studies provide a world-first look at how the ocean acidification threat to coral reefs varies with reef type.
As the CO2 concentration in Earth's atmosphere increases, so does the acidity of the world's oceans. This phenomenon, called "ocean acidification", threatens the life of shell- and reef-forming organisms in the sea. Coral reefs are highly vulnerable to ocean acidification as it reduces their ability to maintain coral structures and fish habitats. But so far, assessments of the threat from ocean acidification to coral reefs have not considered how some reef areas can locally reduce this risk by decreasing acidity, whereas other areas naturally acidify their water, adding to the ocean acidification stress. "Overall, CO2 enrichment and ocean acidification is bad news for coral reefs", says Dr. Ken Anthony, Research Team Leader for the Climate Change and Ocean Acidification team at AIMS. "But some reef areas take up more CO2 than they produce (through photosynthesis), which can lower the vulnerability of neighbouring reef areas to ocean acidification. On the other hand, reef areas with greater coral cover produce more CO2 than they consume (through calcification and respiration) and that adds locally to the ocean acidification threat". "If we can start to understand which areas of large reef systems such as the Great Barrier Reef can counteract pH changes locally and which areas cannot, then we are better able to assess the relative risks of ocean acidification", says Dr. Joanie Kleypas. The studies' findings emphasise the severity of the global ocean acidification threat to the healthy function of coral reefs, but add a new - and potentially positive - dimension to the problem. "Reef managers have been faced with the problem of ocean acidification as a uniform threat affecting all reef areas equally. These new studies are a first step to help reef managers understand how some areas might in fact lower the impact of ocean acidification in neighboring areas, whereas others will further acidify themselves. Seagrass beds, for example, can significantly reduce CO2 levels in the water, providing more favourable chemical conditions for neighbouring reefs", says Dr. Anthony. "Our studies showed that shallow-water reef areas with longer water circulation times have greater potential to influence their seawater pH, whereas reef areas more exposed to ocean currents will experience pH levels set more by the atmospheric CO2 concentration", says Dr. Gattuso. The team is continuing their work, and aims to produce new models for how ocean acidification risks will vary over the scale of the Great Barrier Reef. They conclude by stating: "By studying how reef, ocean and atmospheric processes interact, we hope to give reef managers a clearer picture of potential ocean acidification buffering capacity, or vulnerability, within reef areas. The creation of ocean acidification risk maps can assist in the planning of management efforts in different reef areas as the ocean pH continues to drop under increasing atmospheric CO2."
This free educational webinar will provide a detailed process for climate-driven "pre-response" in a variety of key areas including: Supply Chain Disruptions, Employee Safety and Productivity, Regulatory and Compliance Risks …and many more areas.


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Last updated 2011-11-09.
The Rules
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Phantasy Star Online or Phantasy Star Universe codes/cheats posting that affects other people online playing in any shape or form, is not allowed here.
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Material that is knowingly defamatory, illegal, abusive, threatening or harassing, is strictly prohibited - in any way, shape or form. As with anything, you, as a member, should use good common sense when posting.
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The 'Aquaman' Trailer Rises From the Depths of Comic-Con
YEAYUHH! It's here, the first trailer for the long awaited Aquaman movie. Not a dream! Not a hoax! Not a joke on Entourage this time! It is Aquaman. A totally legitimately real, big-budget movie about a dude with tribal tattoos who can talk to fish. What a world!
After a cameo in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and debuting in Justice League, Jason Momoa's Arthur Curry gets to swim off in his very own movie. The cast also includes Amber Heard as Mera, Willem Dafoe as Nuidis Vulko (Nuidis!), Patrick Wilson as Ocean Master, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Black Manta. James Wan (The Conjuring, Furious 7) directed the film. The trailer just made its world premiere at Comic-Con and we've got it for you. And it looks even better than James Cameron's version!
Here is the film's official synopsis:
From Warner Bros. Pictures and director James Wan comes an action-packed adventure that spans the vast, visually breathtaking underwater world of the seven seas, "Aquaman," starring Jason Momoa in the title role. The film reveals the origin story of half-human, half-Atlantean Arthur Curry and takes him on the journey of his lifetime—one that will not only force him to face who he really is, but to discover if he is worthy of who he was born to be ... a king.
Aquaman opens in theaters on December 21. MY MAN!
Gallery - Actors Who've Appeared in Marvel and DC Movies:


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Beat the Streak leader's run halted at 41
Trout goes hitless in Houston, ending Colorado State student's march
The Angels-Astros game on Friday night was a hit parade, with the teams combining for 26 base knocks.
Outfielder Mike Trout was not a major part of the slugfest, as the Astros walked him three times -- including once with the bases loaded in his final plate appearance of the night.
As a result, Camille Emily Svendson's Beat the Streak run ended at a remarkable 41 straight successful selections, more than 70 percent of the way to the game's $5.6 million grand prize. In case you were curious, no larger jackpot has ever been offered in the history of fantasy sports.
Svendson's impressive streak fell six correct selections shy of the season's overall lead, which is held by Braves fan William Bryan, a 30-year-old police officer, husband and father.
As it stands, Bryan is in line to win the $10,000 consolation prize set aside for the Streaker who ends the year atop the BTS standings.
Friday's result notwithstanding, Svendson had good reason to pick Trout, a phenom who entered the evening with a .335 average, 23 homers, 85 RBIs, 101 runs scored and 32 steals. Normally, there's nothing he cannot accomplish on the field.
Svendson's choice was also supported by Friday night's batter-pitcher splits, as Trout's early plate appearances came against Dallas Keuchel and his 4.99 ERA entering the day. The two had faced off in five at-bats this year prior to first pitch, with Trout tallying a base knock twice for a .400 average.
Although Svendson fell short of the game's jackpot, she should be lauded for compiling one of the longest streak's in the history of BTS play.
In Beat the Streak, participants try to establish a virtual "hitting streak" by picking one or two big leaguers per day, with their runs continuing as long as their selections collect at least one hit. In 13-plus seasons of BTS play, no one has matched Joe DiMaggio's magic number of 56, set in 1941. To win the $5.6 million prize, one must top Joe D.'s run by one.
To join the fun, visit mlb.com/bts or download Beat the Streak, presented by Dunkin' Donuts, from the Apple app store or through Google Play. Participation is free.


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Physical Therapy in Loveland for Pain Care
Welcome to Northern Colorado Spine & Sport's resource about Piriformis Muscle Injections.
Piriformis muscle injections are commonly used to determine what is causing buttock and sciatica type pain. Piriformis muscle injections are both diagnostic injections and therapeutic injections, meaning that they can both help your health care professional determine the cause of your pain and may also provide you with relief from the pain. These injections work to eliminate pain temporarily by paralyzing the piriformis muscle and stopping spasm in the muscle. If the piriformis muscle is injected and your pain goes away for several days, then it is very likely that a portion of your pain is caused by piriformis syndrome. Once you and your health care professional know what structure is causing your pain, you can begin to explore options for treating the condition.
This guide will help you understand:
- where the injection is given
- what your doctor hopes to achieve
- what you need to do to prepare
- what you can expect from the injection
- what might go wrong
- what Northern Colorado Spine & Sport's approach to rehabilitation is


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Barracuda Web Application Firewall
Energize Updates
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Kansas has a weak open records law. Wichita doesn't want to follow the law, as weak as it is.
As citizen watchdogs, I and others need access to information and data. The City of Wichita, however, has created several not-for-profit organizations that are largely funded by tax money. The three I am concerned with are the Wichita Downtown Development Corporation, Go Wichita Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Greater Wichita Economic Development Coalition.
I have asked each organization for checkbook-level spending data. Each has refused to comply, using the reasoning that they are not "public agencies" as defined in the Kansas Open Records Act. But consider the WDDC: When I made a request for records, its percent of revenue derived from taxes was well over 90 percent every year but one. In many years the only income WDDC received was from taxes and a small amount of interest earned. Click here to see how much of WDDC's revenue comes from taxes.
The Wichita city attorney backs these organizations and their interpretation of the law. So do almost all city council members. After 14 months investigating this matter, the Sedgwick County District Attorney agreed with the city's position. (Click here to read the determination.) The only course of action open to me is to raise thousands of dollars to fund a lawsuit.
Citizen watchdogs and others need the ability to examine the spending of tax money. When government creates quasi-governmental bodies that are almost totally funded through taxes, and then refuses to disclose how that money is spent, we have to wonder why the city doesn't want citizens to know how this money is spent.
An example of why this is important is the case of Mike Howerter, a trustee of Labette Community College in Parsons. He noticed that a check number was missing from a register. Upon his inquiry, it was revealed that the missing check was used to reimburse the college president for a political campaign contribution. While the college president committed no violation by making this political contribution using college funds, this is an example of the type of information that citizens may want regarding the way public funds are spent.
In Wichita, because of a loophole in the Kansas Open Records Act, a large amount of tax money is spent without this type of scrutiny.
The Attorney General's page on the Kansas Open Records Act is here. The Kansas Legislator Briefing Book chapters for the Kansas Open Records Act and Open Meetings Act may be found here.
Wichita doesn't value open records and open government
On the KAKE Television public affairs program "This Week in Kansas" the failure of the Wichita City Council, especially council member Wichita City Council Member Pete Meitzner (district 2, east Wichita), to recognize the value of open records and open government is discussed.
For more background, see Wichita, again, fails at open government.
Wichita, again, fails at open government
The Wichita City Council, when presented with an opportunity to increase the ability of citizens to observe the workings of the government they pay for, decided against the cause of open government, preferring to keep the spending of taxpayer money a secret. Continue reading here.
Wichita could do better regarding open government, if it wants
Tomorrow the Wichita City Council will consider renewing its contract with Go Wichita Convention and Visitors Bureau. The renewal will provide another opportunity for the council to decide whether it is truly in favor of open government and citizen access to records. Continue reading here.
Wichita government's attitude towards citizens' right to know is an issue
At a meeting of the Wichita City Council, Kansas Policy Institute president Dave Trabert explained the problems in obtaining compliance with the Kansas Open Records Act. Continue reading here.
Open records again an issue in Kansas
Responses to records requests made by Kansas Policy Institute are bringing attention to shortcomings in the Kansas Open Records Act. Continue reading here.
In Wichita, disdain for open records and government transparency
Despite receiving nearly all its funding from taxpayers, Go Wichita Convention and Visitors Bureau refuses to admit it is a "public agency" as defined in the Kansas Open Records Act. The city backs this agency and its interpretation of this law, which is in favor of government secrecy and in opposition to the letter and spirit of the Open Records Act. Continue reading here.
Additional information on open records is at:
- Open records, rights of Kansans disrespected at Wichita City Council
- Wichita open records issue buried
- For Wichita city government, open records are not valued
- Wichita open records intent not what it seems
- Wichita Convention and Visitors Bureau should follow Kansas Open Records Act
- City of Wichita and the Kansas Open Records Act
- Wichita's open records policy is contrary to the interests of citizens
- Wichita Downtown Development Corporation and City of Wichita refuse to follow Kansas Open Records Act
- Kansas open records examined
- Kansas open records law needs an overhaul
- In Wichita, disdain for open records and government transparency
- Video: Open Records at Wichita City Council
- Video: City of Wichita and the Kansas Open Records Act
- Video: Kansas Open Records Act at Wichita City Council


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In Louisiana today a federal judge upheld the state's gay marriage ban. The ruling stands out at a time of many court decisions on same-sex marriage. And that's because it runs counter to the more than 20 rulings this year, all considered victories for supporters of gay marriage. NPR's Debbie Elliott has been following these cases and joins us now.
And Debbie, this lawsuit was brought by several same-sex couples fighting the ban in Louisiana. Explain the judge's ruling.
DEBBIE ELLIOTT, BYLINE: Well, his basic premise was that states have a right to define the institution of marriage. And to give you a little background here, in 2004 voters in Louisiana approved a constitutional amendment that defines marriage as only the union of one man and one woman and it prohibits the state from recognizing marriages that are outside of that definition. So these same-sex couples sued, saying, we got married out of state where it is legal. Now we've - you know, we live in Louisiana, we have a legal marriage, but you're discriminating against us in matters ranging from adoption to taxes - and that's a violation of our right to equal protection and due process under the U.S. Constitution.
Today, U.S. District Judge Martin Feldman of New Orleans disagreed; rejected that argument outright, siding with the state's position that Louisiana has a quote, "legitimate interest in addressing the meaning of marriage through the democratic process."
CORNISH: Ever since the Supreme Court struck down the Federal Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA, last year, we've seen so many other courts strike down gay marriage bans in the states. I mean, what might explain the different outcome here?
ELLIOTT: Well, I think it's the judge. And in his opinion he acknowledges such. He says he knows his interpretation runs counter to these recent rulings that have struck down gay marriage bans in the state. And he talked about what he called, quote, "today's blurry notion of the evolving understanding of equality."
He wrote that any right to same-sex marriage is not yet so entrenched as to be fundamental.
And just to sort of give the lay of the land here, about 19 states and the District of Columbia have legal - allow - same-sex marriage. And in other states, where we've seen all these court cases where some form or another of a ban exist.
He went on to say that if there's this new established point of view that marriages will be reduced to contract law and anyone will be able to claim marriage, you know, what's next, he said - minors? An aunt and a niece? Must marriage be limited to only two people, he questions. So he has some pretty serious views on this.
CORNISH: Now what happens next in Louisiana? But also, elsewhere in the country?
ELLIOTT: Well, in Louisiana in the immediate short term, a spokesman for the gay rights group Forum for Equality Louisiana says an appeal is planned. That appeal would go to the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. There are appeals courts around the country where these cases are pending. Two have ruled, most recently in Virginia, where the Fourth Circuit said that state's gay marriage ban was unconstitutional. But the U.S. Supreme Court stopped that from being enforced and said, well wait a minute, we'll give you a chance to appeal to us, to the U.S. Supreme Court. And that's where this question is now headed.
CORNISH: Debbie, thank you.
ELLIOTT: Thank you.
CORNISH: That's NPR's Debbie Elliott speaking with us about a federal judge's ruling in Louisiana upholding that state's ban on same-sex marriage. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.


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2021 Grammy Awards Postponed
"And the Grammy goes to ..." It's music's biggest night but according to reports the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards will keep artists waiting for an answer to that statement for a little while longer. Rolling Stone has reported that multiple sources have confirmed to them that the upcoming Grammy ceremony will be postponed to later this year due to COVID-19 concerns.
The Grammy ceremony was scheduled for Jan. 31 with The Daily Show's Trevor Noah set to host the event which is booked at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, but according to the Rolling Stone report there are currently discussions about rescheduling the event potentially to be held sometime in March.
The 2021 Grammys would have looked different than the traditional show. Last year's event took place prior to the pandemic, but this year it was expected that there would be no audience with only presenters and performers allowed to attend and most likely with some winners accepting their Grammy via remote.
Some of this year's rock and metal Grammy nominees include Poppy, Body Count, In This Moment, Power Trip, Code Orange, The Strokes and Ozzy Osbourne producer Andrew Watt.
Los Angeles is currently one of the hardest hit cities in the U.S. for Covid cases. Just yesterday (Jan. 4) a new single-day record was set with 74,000 new cases. A report surfaced Tuesday (Jan. 5) via CNN that the hospital system has been stretched so thin than ambulance crews have been advised to ration the oxygen supply and not transfer patients who have virtually no chance of surviving.
More than 7,600 people are hospitalized with COVID-19 in Los Angeles County with 21 percent of those currently in Intensive Care Units according to a report issued Monday.
UPDATE: A statement has now been made concerning the 2021 Grammys with the ceremony moving to Sunday, March 14. The statement reads as follows:
The following is a joint statement from HARVEY MASON JR., Chair & Interim President/CEO of the Recording Academy; JACK SUSSMAN, Executive Vice President, Specials, Music, Live Events and Alternative Programming, CBS; and BEN WINSTON, GRAMMY Awards Executive Producer, Fulwell 73 Productions.
"After thoughtful conversations with health experts, our host and artists scheduled to appear, we are rescheduling the 63rd Annual GRAMMY Awards® to be broadcast Sunday, March 14, 2021. The deteriorating COVID situation in Los Angeles, with hospital services being overwhelmed, ICUs having reached capacity, and new guidance from state and local governments have all led us to conclude that postponing our show was the right thing to do. Nothing is more important than the health and safety of those in our music community and the hundreds of people who work tirelessly on producing the show.
We want to thank all of the talented artists, the staff, our vendors and especially this year's nominees for their understanding, patience and willingness to work with us as we navigate these unprecedented times."


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Holy Redeemer Church—Kanata, Ontario
Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year "C")—September 28, 2013
[Texts: Amos 6:1, 4-7; [Psalm 146]; 1 Timothy 6:11-16; Luke 16:19-31]
Today's Old Testament reading and gospel present biting criticisms of luxurious living. Each faults those who possess an abundance of goods for their failure to show compassion. The psalm describes God as the champion of the dispossessed of every kind. Finally, the epistle calls to mind the commitment of the baptized to live their faith.
The prophet Amos denounced what today we would call conspicuous consumption. The seer's stinging criticism noted signs of opulence, people lying on "beds of ivory" and "lounging on couches". He observed excess as they drank wine by the bowlful rather than from a goblet in moderation.
Amos preached his message in the second quarter of the eighth century B.C. It was a time of apparent peace that seemed to promise increasing prosperity. The Northern Kingdom dreamed of grandeurs to come (Amos 6.13-14).
Especially among the residents of Samaria—to whom the words we hear today were addressed—luxury and a certain snobbishness held sway. Beneath the superficial calm, however, a social cancer lay lurking.
Into this dream world Amos came preaching a social gospel rooted in radical faith in God alone. To those who lacked a social conscience Amos promised the first place in the coming deportation.
Faithful Samaritans ought to have cared for the poor with whom they were bound in a common faith. Instead, they cared not at all for the "ruin of Joseph", their community of faith and culture. Their indifference would be met with a divinely-imposed recompense.
The positive side of Amos' proclamation foreshadowed that of the gospel of Jesus. He inquired of his hearers what things they possessed that they had not received from God, wondering how they could boast of them as if they were their own (cf. 1 Corinthians 4.7).
By stressing God's identification with the lot of the poor, Amos anticipated what Jesus would say, "what you did to one of these, the least of my sisters and brothers, you did to me" (Matthew 25.40).
An aspect of the teaching of Jesus regularly emphasized in Luke's Gospel is the prudent use of material possessions. Throughout Luke's narrative of Jesus' journey to Jerusalem (Luke 9.51-19.27), He offered instruction to various groups. In this case, Jesus spoke to the Pharisees who were said to be "lovers of money" (16.14) and illustrated His saying that "what is prized by human beings is an abomination in the sight of God" (16.15).
Jesus' teaching in this parable, the only one in which a character is given a proper name (Lazarus), illustrates the "everlasting dwellings" spoken of in the Parable of the Dishonest Steward (16.9). Likewise, it emphasizes the reversal of situations taught earlier about the rich and poor (6.20, 24)
The parable has two parts: in the first, Jesus taught that in the after-life there is a counterbalancing of the situation that held sway in this life; in the second, Jesus argued that even a messenger from the dead cannot effect repentance among rich people whose hearts have been hardened against the poor.
There's a problem we have to face as we read these reflections and that is the question of God's initiative in drawing us to himself and our response.
In his recent interview, Francis noted that men and women religious are called like Amos to be prophets. They are to show how Jesus lived on earth and proclaim how the kingdom of God will be in its perfection.
Pope Francis said, "A religious must never give up prophecy…The charism of men and women religious is like yeast: prophecy announces the spirit of the Gospel." And yes, prophets make us uneasy.
In images, Francis returned to the patristic concept of the Church as a hospital for sinners.
"I see clearly," he says, "that the thing the church needs most today is the ability to heal wounds and to warm the hearts of the faithful…The most important thing is the first proclamation: Jesus Christ has saved you. And the ministers of the church must be ministers of mercy above all."
Each of us, you see, is called to share in the new evangelization, providing that you yourself are evangelized. Pope Francis has indicated that he wants to move the church away from ideological fixations of a moralizing sort and toward proclaiming the gospel. The order of church life must be inviting people to know God in Christ first. Then comes the moral order, as a response to one's coming to know God's mercy, forgiveness, and joy. Often the order gets reversed and that's where trouble ensues. This is where the issues of abortion, contraception, active homosexuality, and other life issues come in. Virtuous behaviour in these areas is a response to God's grace, not a pre-condition to belonging to the community of God's Kingdom and the Church.
Most people need a close walk with the Lord to understand why the Church says no to abortion, gay marriage, and contraception. Without Jesus deeply in your life, it is hard to understand these prohibitions. But how do people get to know Jesus? People get to know him by God's people—you—evangelizing and telling them about your Lord and Saviour. By you telling a person you know what Jesus has done for us and for you in particular. You must tell that person how Jesus has saved you, loved you, and healed you. Then you must let the Holy Spirit take over as you pray for that person.
I pray that all of us here today, especially those who have taken part in this program supporting women dedicated to the spiritual motherhood of priests may share the faith and serve the poor, enter fully into these sacred mysteries that we are celebrating at this Lord's Day Mass. On this Saturday, which honours Our Blessed Mother, let us ask Mary's aid in being drawn to her Son so that we, in our turn, may draw others to him.
Photo credit: David Chan
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September 30 features the annual memorial of Saint Jerome, inspiration and patron of those engaged in scriptural translations and the teaching of Sacred Scripture.
Leonardo da Vinci's, St. Jerome in the Wilderness (c. 1480) in Rome's Vatican Museums.
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A Prayer of Saint Jerome for Christ's Mercy
O Lord, show Your mercy to me and gladden my heart. I am like the man on the way to Jericho who was overtaken by robbers, wounded and left for dead. O Good Samaritan, come to my aid. I am like the sheep that went astray. O Good Shepherd, seek me out and bring me home in accord with Your will. Let me dwell in Your house all the days of my life and praise You for ever and ever with those who are there. Amen.


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St. Louis, MO - On Monday, June 20, the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments in Blizzard v. BnetD, a case that could dramatically impact consumers' ability to customize software and electronic devices and to obtain customized tools created by others.
Along with co-counsel Paul Grewal of Day Casebeer, the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) is representing three open source software engineers who reverse-engineered an aspect of Blizzard's Battlenet game server in order to create a free software game server called BnetD that works with lawfully purchased Blizzard games. The BnetD server lets gamers have a wider range of options when playing online. The lower court held that the reverse-engineering of the games needed to create this new option for consumers was illegal.
The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals will determine whether the three software programmers were in violation of the anticircumvention provisions of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) and Blizzard Games' end user license agreement (EULA). EFF will argue that the DMCA expressly protects the programming and distributing of programs such as BnetD and this protection cannot be undercut by general state contract law as applied to EULAs.
EFF took the case to stand up for consumer choice in the marketplace. Reverse engineering is often the only way to craft a new product that works with older ones. Congress expressly recognized this when it created an exception to the DMCA for reverse engineering. Whether it's allowing gamers to choose a better server for Internet play, or allowing a printer owner to purchase from a range of printer cartridge replacements, reverse engineering is a critical part of innovation in a world where more and more devices need to talk to each other in order to operate correctly.
The hearing will take place Monday, June 20, at 9 a.m. at the Eighth Circuit US Court of Appeals, 27th Floor, Southeast Courtroom, at the Thomas F. Eagleton Courthouse, 111 South 10th Street in St. Louis, MO.
Jason Schultz
Staff Attorney
Electronic Frontier Foundation
Annalee Newitz
Policy Analyst
Electronic Frontier Foundation


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T-Mobile is expanding into… banking?
The wireless provider announced Wednesday it's launching a new program that essentially allows customers to open checking accounts. Customers can register for the service to pay bills and direct deposit paychecks, as well as receive a re-loadable prepaid T-Mobile Visa card that allows them to make retail purchases and withdraw cash from ATMs. The advantage, T-Mobile says, is its customers won't face fees for activation, monthly maintenance, ATM withdrawals, replacing lost cards or account overdrafts.
T-Mobile's announcement comes amid increasing competition among wireless carriers, with Verizon expanding into television and AT&T offering T-Mobile customers $450 to switch services.


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Should You Rent Your Home?
A scenario: You find a great job in another state. Do you sell or rent your home? Think about reasons for maintaining ownership. Do you want to keep the home in case you ever move back? Are you looking for a tax break through property depreciation? Do you want the home as a retirement investment? On the other hand, are you prepared to be a long-distance landlord? There are other costs involved as well, often running 30-40% of income before the monthly mortgage cost.
If you decide to rent the home, where do you start? Get the house in shape, including interior and exterior painting and patching, carpet cleaning, appliance tune-up, ensuring adequate insulation, and fixing what needs fixing. A property management company can research prices in your area, or you can look in the real estate section of your Sunday paper.
It's not essential to hire a property manager, but it can make life easier, especially if you move out of the area. Interview at least three companies. Ask about accreditation, customer service, references, screening, experience, vacancy rates, maintenance, monthly reporting, handling evictions, insurance, fee structure, dealing with prospective buyers, inspection of the property, and any special services.


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Why Us
Loan Factory is a private mortgage broker company headquartered in San Jose, California.
Our mission is to provide AMAZINGLY LOW mortgage rates combined with great customer service. We believe that we can accomplish both these goals with the use of technology and the willingness to help our customers.
In order to achieve these goals, we
1. Work with select lenders who have great, low rates.
2. Reduce overhead costs, such as advertising, and operate efficiently using superior technology.
3. Provide clients with real-time rate quotes and rate alerts and inform you when it's the best time.
4. Improve customer service by automatically updating borrowers' loan status.
5. Build trust by not collecting any funds until the rate is locked. At that time, the only fee collected is the appraisal fee which is refundable in the case of a no cost loan.


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We have a thousand levels of dustless seminars, a 100 -level workbench, an automatic production line and the Acollete test laboratory.
ISO9001 and ISO14001 quality management system standards have passed 3C, ROHS and other product certification.
Product quality inspection must pass eight processes, including IQC, IPQC, FQC, etc., and OQC, and control the quality of product delivery in strict accordance with policies and goals.
It is a high-tech enterprise with more than 10 years of experience in integrating optical device manufacturing and optical imaging system solution provider.The company was established in Hong Kong, and the factory is headquartered in Shenzhen, China., covering an area of 3500 square meters, integrating production and export.
Optical core technologies such as camera modules are at the leading level in China, and have a large market share at home and abroad.focuses on the R & D of CMOS camera module.It is widely used in face recognition, biometrics, living body detection, AI machine vision, vehicle, UAV, self-service terminal, picture transmission, bar code scanning and other fields.We boast professional and well-trained R & D and manufacturing teams, to provide strong technical support and R & D services, have passed the I S O 9,001:2,008 quality management system, I S O14,001 environmental management system and other certifications.At the same time get RoHS, REACH product testing report and have obtained many patent certificates, and have been successfully exported to Europe, America, South America, Southeast Asia and other parts of the world. The company strives for survival by the quality, strives for development by the innovation, strives for the prestige by the good faith the anagement idea, lets the customer satisfaction is our unremitting pursue;Integrity is our eternal business purpose;High quality is our invariable principle.
Camera module optimization is the process of enhancing the image quality and performance of a camera module by adjusting various parameters, such as lens design, sensor configuration, image processing algorithms, and environmental factors. Camera module optimization aims to achieve the best trade-off between image resolution, noise reduction, dynamic range, color accuracy, autofocus speed, and power consumption. Camera module optimization is essential for improving the user experience and satisfaction of various applications that rely on camera modules, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, security cameras, and drones.
Choosing the right lens for your camera module is an important decision, as it affects the image quality, field of view, depth of field, and distortion of your photos and videos. There are many factors to consider when selecting a lens, such as the focal length, aperture, zoom, and optical quality. The focal length determines how much of the scene you can capture and how magnified the objects appear. The aperture controls how much light enters the lens and how blurred the background is. The zoom allows you to change the focal length without changing the lens. The optical quality refers to how well the lens can resolve details and avoid aberrations. Depending on your needs and preferences, you can choose from a variety of lenses, such as wide-angle, telephoto, macro, fisheye, and prime lenses.
Camera module is a complex device that consists of many components, such as lens, sensor, image processor, and connector. Sometimes, camera module may encounter some common problems, such as blurry image, distorted image, low light performance, color cast, or no image output. To troubleshoot these problems, you need to check the following aspects: the lens condition, the sensor settings, the image processing parameters, the power supply, and the connection. You may need to clean the lens, adjust the focus, change the exposure, white balance, or gain settings, replace the power source, or reconnect the cable. If the problem persists, you may need to contact the camera module manufacturer or supplier for further assistance.
Camera module can be classified into different types according to various criteria, such as sensor type, lens type, interface type, and function type. For example, based on sensor type, camera module can be divided into CMOS and CCD camera module. CMOS camera module uses a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensor that converts light into electrical signals. CCD camera module uses a charge-coupled device (CCD) sensor that transfers electrical charges across the device. CMOS camera module has the advantages of low power consumption, high integration, and fast processing speed. CCD camera module has the advantages of high sensitivity, low noise, and high image quality. The choice of camera module type depends on the specific application and requirements of the user.
1.The usb camera module is a master control solution, which can be plug and play.
2.The Sensor camera module needs to be used by customers with their own pcba master control solution for imaging.
Support customization, we have a R&D and production team that can evaluate customization needs through technology and give solutions.
Support, but the camera module is part of the hardware, and the algorithm belongs to the software. The camera module can embed the algorithm through the customer's platform.


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23Aug, 2016
CRE8TIVITY 006: "Bill Allred"
by webmaster
Since Steve won't bring chocolates to the show, we bring the show to the chocolates! Steve & Dylan welcome BILL ALLRED from x96's Radio From Hell! We explore Bill's journey from his start in theater, his start in radio and what's been happening since. Enjoy the conversation and thanks for listening! And don't blame Blume for the audio. […]


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Hillary Clinton's gratuitous decision to enrich herself through secret speeches to two of the world's most fraudulent banks – Goldman Sachs and Deutsche Bank – gifted freebies essential to Trump's election. Clinton advisers repeatedly warned her that the Republicans would use the secret paid speeches as a mace to attack her. She and Bill Clinton were, through tens of millions of dollars in speech fees, already wealthy. She had no financial need to take money from two of the world's most destructive criminal enterprises. Her greed trumped her ambition, so she ignored her advisers' warnings and did the secret speeches. Those freebies gifted the election to Trump.
From the NYT article cited in the article:


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Supreme Court Refuses to Block Texas Abortion Law
The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to block Texas' sweeping abortion law, which may close down as many as one-third of the abortion clinics in the Lone Star State.
In a five to four decision, the Court decided late Tuesday afternoon to not block the implementation of the abortion law commonly known as HB 2, which is presently undergoing a lawsuit from pro-choice groups.
The majority was comprised of Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., Justices Samuel A. Alito, Jr., Clarence Thomas, and Anthony M. Kennedy; Justice Antonin Scalia wrote a concurring opinion with the majority.
"We may not vacate a stay entered by a court of appeals unless that court clearly and 'demonstrably' erred in its application of 'accepted standards'," reads the Scalia opinion.
"The dissent promises to show that the Fifth Circuit committed such error when it granted a stay in this case … but that promise goes unfulfilled."
Dissenting from the majority were Justice Stephen G. Breyer, who wrote the minority opinion, and Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Sonia Sotomayor, and Elena Kagan.
Two of the Justices in the majority were appointed by former President George W. Bush and two of the Justices in the minority were appointed by President Barack Obama.
Last summer, Texas Governor Rick Perry called a special session of the state legislature to pass a sweeping pro-life bill that would, among other things, increase regulation of abortion providers.
Supporters of the legislation argued it was necessary to have abortion clinics held by the same standards as hospitals while critics argued it was a way of forcing abortion facilities to close.
The initial special session gained national attention, especially via the filibuster of State Senator Wendy Davis, which lasted about 12 hours.
While the first special session failed to conclusively pass any legislation, Gov. Perry called a second session which did successfully pass House Bill 2.
Not long after Perry signed the bill into law, Planned Parenthood, the American Civil Liberties Union, and others filed a lawsuit against the legislation.
In late October, U.S. District Court Judge Lee Yerkel ruled that portions of the bill were unconstitutional, while letting components, like the ban on abortions after the fetus is 20-weeks old, go into effect.
Not long after Yerkel's decision, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the lower court decision, allowing the law to stand for the time being.
The Supreme Court's refusal to block the law reaffirmed the Fifth Circuit's decision earlier this fall. Pro-life and pro-choice groups sounded off on the news Tuesday evening.
Elizabeth Graham, director of Texas Right to Life, said in a statement that the Supreme Court's decision was a "victory" for the pro-life movement.
"The recent closures of abortion clinics, even if temporary, prove that HB2 does have a major impact in protecting women and their unborn children from substandard care at abortion clinics," said Graham.
"We celebrate the U.S. Supreme Court's approval of the law staying in effect until this absurd legal battle is over."
Ilyse Hogue, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, referred to the Supreme Court's refusal to block the law as detrimental to women's health.
"A decision like this one from the Supreme Court should send a chill down the spine of everyone in this country who believes medical decisions should be left in the hands of doctors and patients and not judges or politicians," said Hogue in a statement.
"NARAL Pro-Choice America and our affiliates and members around the country will fight every day until we stop laws like this one from undermining quality health care for women in Texas and across the country."


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Green Sense Concrete
Green Sense Concrete is an optimized mixture program in which recycled cementitious and non-cementitious materials are used in combination with specially formulated admixtures. The result is an environmentally-friendly, cost-effective concrete that meets, and often exceeds, performance targets. The positive impact of using Green Sense Concrete on sustainability criteria is quantified by certified eco-efficiency analysis or life-cycle analyzer tool.
Why it's a sustainable technology
- Uses advanced mix optimization techniques to increase the amount of supplementary cementitious materials (ex. fly ash, slag cement)
- Lowers energy demands, CO2 emissions and other environmental impacts per unit volume of concrete produced
- Uses inert filler materials that may otherwise end up in landfills
Benefits of Green Sense Concrete:
Because Green Sense Concrete is optimized for cost and performance, many tangible benefits can be realized by the entire construction team.
- Optimized and economical concrete composition cost
- Faster truck discharge
- Desired setting time, slump retention, and strength performance
- No water needed at jobsite – less performance issues / callbacks due to water addition
- Highly workable concrete
- Good pumpability and finishing characteristics
- Faster placement and production
- Desired durability performance
- Lower shrinkage and cracking potential
- Contributes toward sustainability credit schemes
Environmental Agencies / Community
- Less cement / CO2 / energy used per unit of concrete produced
- Less by-product materials targeted for landfill
For more information about Green Sense Concrete please contact us


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For many of the 1.6 million U.S. service members who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001, the trip home is only the beginning of a longer journey. Many undergo an awkward period of readjustment to civilian life after long deployments. Some veterans may find themselves drinking too much, unable to sleep or waking from unspeakable dreams, lashing out at friends and loved ones. Over time, some will struggle so profoundly that they eventually are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress Disorder (PTSD).
Both heartbreaking and hopeful, Fields of Combat tells the story of how American veterans and their families navigate the return home. Following a group of veterans and their their personal stories of war, trauma, and recovery, Erin P. Finley illustrates the devastating impact PTSD can have on veterans and their families. Finley sensitively explores issues of substance abuse, failed relationships, domestic violence, and even suicide and also challenges popular ideas of PTSD as incurable and permanently debilitating.
Drawing on rich, often searing ethnographic material, Finley examines the cultural, political, and historical influences that shape individual experiences of PTSD and how its sufferers are perceived by the military, medical personnel, and society at large. Despite widespread media coverage and public controversy over the military's response to wounded and traumatized service members, debate continues over how best to provide treatment and compensation for service-related disabilities. Meanwhile, new and highly effective treatments are revolutionizing how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides trauma care, redefining the way PTSD itself is understood in the process. Carefully and compassionately untangling each of these conflicts, Fields of Combat reveals the very real implications they have for veterans living with PTSD and offers recommendations to improve how we care for this vulnerable but resilient population.