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The FIFA World Cup has one of the most unique and compelling formats of any tournament in the world of sports, thanks in large part to its global scale -- 32 teams go toe-to-toe, literally -- and its compact, month-long schedule.
No matter which country you're pulling for, supporting your team is essential during the mid-June to mid-July showdown -- you've already got your team socks, yes? -- and doing so in a convivial and public way is part of the joy for fans.
Let's take a look at some of the Bay Area spots where fans can catch some World Cup action, starting with a couple outdoor-viewing options.
In downtown San Jose, there will be 20 matches played on the big screen along with live music and the best street food in town. First round games will be screened at Cesar Chavez Plaza on Saturday, June 14, starting at 8:30 a.m. The second round, quarterfinal and final matches will be held at St. James Park on Saturday, June 21. For details of the events, click here: http://www.sjearthquakes.com/summerofsoccer
There will also be outdoor events in San Francisco for the whole family to enjoy. In the City, the matches will be presented at the Civic Center Plaza. Football games, youth clinics and art activities will all be offered for children in attendance. The event begins on Saturday, June 14, starting with the match on Monday where Greece plays Colombia. For the full itinerary of the live matches, click here: http://www.worldcupsf.com/#!schedule/cjg9
And, for those who prefer to watch the matches together with their favorite food and drink, here's a list of restaurants and bars that also broadcast the matches and events with the World Cup:
San Francisco
McTeague's, 1237 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Union Square Sport's Bar 115 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Public House, 24 Willie Mays Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94107
Momo's, 760 2nd St, San Francisco, CA 94107
Roccapulco, 3140 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
The Kezar Pub, 770 Stanyan St, San Francisco, CA 94117
The Phoenix Bar & Irish Gathering, 811 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Pisco Latin Lounge 1817 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Era Art Bar & Lounge, 19 Grand Ave Oakland, CA 94612
3000 Broadway, 3000 Broadway Oakland, CA 94611 (enter Brook Street and 30th Street)
Luka's Tap Room, 2221 Broadway, Oakland, CA 941612
World Ground Cafe, 3726 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland, CA 94619
San Jose
Jack's Bar & Lounge, 167 E Taylor St, San Jose, CA 95112
Britannia Arms Downtown, 173 W Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA, 95113
San Jose Bar & Grill, 85 South 2nd Street, San Jose, CA, 95113
4th St. Pizza Co., 150 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose, CA 95113
Rookies Sports Lodge, 1535 Meridian Ave., San Jose, CA 95125
O'Flaherty's, 25 N. San Pedro St., San Jose, CA 95110
Finals Viewing Party at Gordon Biersch brewery (Hosted by San Jose Earthquakes), 357 East Taylor Street, San Jose, CA 95112
Los Gatos
Double D's Sports Grille, 354 N. Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95030
Katie Blooms, 369 East Campbell Avenue, Campbell, CA 95008
Santa Clara
The Hut, 3200 The Alameda, Santa Clara, CA 95050
Wicked Chicken, 2565 The Alameda, Santa Clara, CA 95050
Lilly Mac's Restaurant and Pub, 187 S Murphy Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94086
Duke of Edinburgh, 10801 N. Wolfe Road, Cupertino, CA 95014
Mountain View
Agave Mexican Bistro, 194 Castro St., Mountain View, CA 94041
Fiddler's Green, 333 El Camino Real, Millbrae, CA 94030
The complete World Cup schedule is posted here.


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This question attempts to collect the few pearls among the dozens of bad C++ books that are published every year.
Unlike many other programming languages, which are often picked up on the go from tutorials found on the Internet, few are able to quickly pick up C++ without studying a well-written C++ book. It is way too big and complex for doing this. In fact, it is so big and complex, that there are very many very bad C++ books out there. And we are not talking about bad style, but things like sporting glaringly obvious factual errors and promoting abysmally bad programming styles.
Please edit the accepted answer to provide quality books and an approximate skill level — preferably after discussing your addition in the C++ chat room. (The regulars might mercilessly undo your work if they disagree with a recommendation.) Add a short blurb/description about each book that you have personally read/benefited from. Feel free to debate quality, headings, etc. Books that meet the criteria will be added to the list. Books that have reviews by the Association of C and C++ Users (ACCU) have links to the review.
*Note: FAQs and other resources can be found in the C++ tag info and under c++-faq.

subset: commoncrawl


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SPONSORED POST: Truck Driver Job Requirements in Canada (With Visa Sponsorship)
Truck Driver Job Requirements in Canada (With Visa Sponsorship)
Let's take a look at the prerequisites for getting a truck driver job in Canada. This will help you know what's required to get a visa sponsorship truck driver job being a foreigner in Canada.
They include the following:
- Truck driver jobs in Canada include permanent, full-time, overtime, weekend, day, night, and evening works.
- A secondary school diploma is preferred but not essential for this position.
- Heavy-duty driving expertise is a plus, but it is not essential.
- The ability to communicate in basic or functional English is necessary.
- Certificates, Licenses, memberships, courses, and other credentials will be required for this job.
- A valid driver's license (Class 1 or A) is necessary, as well as the Air Brake (Z) Endorsement.
- Trucking and Equipment Types: Tractor-trailer, Flatbed, Refrigerated, Highway, Straight truck (4,600kg+ or 10,000lbs+ with 3+ axles).
- Safety and Security: Basic security clearance, criminal background check, driving record check (abstract), medical examination, and drug test are all required.
- Information about transportation and travel: Willing to travel throughout Canada and the United States. Willing to travel during the day, evening, or night, including overnight routes, and willing to travel for long periods of time.
- Other: Candidates must be legally permitted to work in Canada and willing to operate in a two-person team to drive long-haul trucks.
Skills Required:
- Ability to operate and drive straight or articulated trucks for the transportation of products and supplies.
- Cargo loading and unloading, tarping, and guaranteeing cargo safety and security
- Ability to plan your trip routes and schedules.
- You should have the ability to use atlases and other planning tools to help you plan your journey.
- Receive information and relay it to the central dispatcher.
- The ability to drive in a convoy or as part of a two-person squad.
- You should also be able to examine the vehicle's condition and inspect the tires, lights, brakes, cold storage, and other equipment.
Top Provincial Programs in Canada for Truck Driver Jobs
Here is the rundown of the leading programs to find a truck driver job with visa sponsorship in Canada:
British Columbia
British Columbia is a provincial program for truck drivers in Canada is
A full-time job offer in long-haul trucking is the gold standard for candidates in British Columbia's entry-level and semi-skilled category, which has over 400 positions on the job bank. Long-haul drivers can live in the province permanently. Learn more about immigration in British Columbia by visiting their website at https://www.immigration.ca/british-columbia-immigration/.Quebec
With 837 job adverts now available, Quebec leads the way in terms of provincial opportunities for truck drivers. According to information on the Quebec government's employment website, truck driver employment prospects are 'excellent' with their platform.
Access Quebec website at https://www.immigration.ca/en/quebecimmigrationprovincial.html.Ontario
In July 2019, the NOC code for transport truck drivers (7511) was added to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program Employer Job Offer In-Demand Skills Stream, along with three other occupations.
It means that experienced truck drivers who have a work offer in Ontario can follow a defined path to permanent residence in Canada. Learn more about immigration at https://www.immigration.ca/en/ontario-immigration.html.Alberta
Long-haul truckers are another in-demand profession under the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program, with over 500 job openings on the employment bank. Both the Alberta Opportunity Stream and Alberta Express Entry are open to truck drivers.
Employers wishing to hire truck drivers in Manitoba should use the federal Labour Market Impact Assessment for Temporary Foreign Workers process. The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program only allows businesses to hire outside of the LMIA procedure provided certain criteria are met, such as recruitment efforts and compliance with provincial labor laws.
Visit the Manitoba immigration website at https://www.immigration.ca/en/manitoba-immigration.html to discover more.Newfoundland and Labrador
This is a province in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador
The Labour Market Outlook 2025 report in Newfoundland and Labrador highlights truck driving as an occupation that will require significant immigration to meet job vacancy demand. For the NLPNP's Skilled Worker and Express Entry streams, trucking companies must apply to be eligible employers.Saskatchewan
For people already working in Canada on a work permit, Saskatchewan Immigration has a separate Long-Haul Truck Drivers Sub-Category. The occupation also qualifies for the province's Express Entry and Occupations In-Demand categories, which each draw targets certain occupations.
Nova Scotia
Transport Truck Drivers (NOC 7511) are one of two target jobs in the Nova Scotia Nominee Program's Occupations In-Demand Stream. This provides a clear road to permanent residence for drivers.
You can hope to get a truck driver job with visa sponsorship in Canada, through this program.Wages for Truck Drivers in Canada
Truck drivers' hourly salaries are now competitive with national and provincial averages.
According to job bank and Statistics Canada data, the median wage of truck drivers is slightly lower than the national average, but it can soar to more than $8 over that average, to $32 per hour, in several circumstances.
Wages for truck drivers are projected to climb as labor market demand rises in the future years, as is expected.Conclusion
If you're contemplating a truck driver job with visa sponsorship in Canada for foreigners, then you were on the right page. This article highlighted these opportunities and the various programs offering them.


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- This event has passed.
Advisory Design Panel – CANCELLED
August 28, 2017 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm
The Advisory Design Panel (ADP) exists to give impartial professional recommendations to Council and staff on matters relating to the design context of development proposals or policies that affect Duncan's physical environment, as established by the ADP Terms of Reference. The ADP reviews and advises Council on the conformance of major development permit applications (commercial development over 200 square meters, or residential development with 5 or more units) and other matters referred to it by Council or staff.
The ADP meets at 2:30 p.m. on the fourth Monday of every month, as required.
The meeting agendas are posted two working days prior to the meeting and the minutes are available as soon as possible after the meeting. Please note that meeting minutes are draft until approved by the Panel.
Questions? Contact the Corporate Services Coordinator at email@example.com or 250-746-6126
Organization | Name |
Canadian Institute of Planners | Sharon Horsburgh, MA, MCIP RPP (Chair) |
Architect | Joyce Troost, Architect, BARCH, MARCH, Architect AIBC |
Architect | Ron Hart, M.arch, Architect AIBC |
Landscape Architect | Cam Campbell, BCSLA, CSLA, P. Ag. |
Sustainable Building Designer | David Coulson |
City Council | Councillor Michelle Staples (Non-Voting) |


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All Events for this Division are listed in either the Event Calendar located on right hand side panel or you can select from the Sport options listed in the left hand side panel to filter all Division Events for that Sport.
Results for winter sports have been uploaded. Click on "Results" icon and select AFL football link for all results.Results can be accessed for all sports by clicking on the Results Tab in the right hand panel of this page.
Please contact the Division Coordinator listed at the top of this page should you have further queries regarding the Division Events listed.


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Biography - Who is Peter Joseph?
In late 2009, Charles Robinson was able to interview Peter Joseph, the creator of Zeitgeist: The Movie, Zeitgeist: Addendum, Zeitgeist: Moving Forward, several lectures and a presentation Founder of The Zeitgeist Movement and a friend of Jack Fresco, in his home.
He described himself and his life in details in what is likely a rare interview.
He was kind enough to provide him with previously unreleased media and video and in turn Charles did his best to create a documentary (albeit kinda poor in quality compared to his work!) that would help express who this person is.
Peter Joseph was born in North Carolina to a middle class family. He has said in interviews that his mothers role as a social worker helped shape his opinion and impressions of American life.
He later moved to New York to attend art school. Currently he lives and works in New York City as a freelance film editor/composer/producer for various industries.
Due to the controversial content of his films and a desire to keep his day job private, he has not released his full name to the public.


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* MATERIAL: Stainless Steel
* FINISHING: 18K Gold Plating
Care Instructions
Care Instructions
Amarouge jewelry comes with a complimentary polishing cloth for your use & care instructions. Basic cleaning can be done at home, we recommend having your jewelry professionally cleaned.
To keep your jewelry looking its best follow our below recommendations.
Store jewelry separately in an air-tight jewelry box to avoid scratching Wipe away dirt and oil buildup with a soft cloth - preferably a microfiber, or jewelry cloth. Dirt and oil buildup will temporarily darken the appearance of the jewelry unless cleaned properly.
Avoid direct perfume, hairspray on the gemstones or pearls as it jeopardizes the integrity of the material, also will contribute to fading. Never expose jewelry to household cleaning products, especially bleach and highly reactive solutions. Do not sleep in delicate necklaces.
*Hypoallergenic jewellery is made from materials less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
Amarouge only have 4 types of base metal which are Silver, Titanium, Stainless Steel and Brass. Who has very sensitive skin, we reccomand the first 3 materials (Silver, Titanium, Stainless Steel). But we still cannot guarantee everyone will have the same experience, but we do recommend hypoallergenic jewelry as the best option for those with sensitive skin.
Every order will be delivered in our gift box.
We offer free shipping for every order.
Every package will be shipped out within 48 to 72 hours after the order placed. Usually will arrive in 7-16 working days. There can be the occasional customs or courier delay which may affect your delivery time frame from time to time.


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How a Family Limited Partnership Can Power an Estate Plan
One challenge faced by family-run businesses involves transitioning both the ownership and operations from one generation to the next. A family limited partnership (FLP) is a legal agreement that enables business owners and their heirs to address succession, estate, and tax planning needs all at once.
Business owners who want family members to inherit their businesses in the future could use FLPs to transfer assets out of their taxable estates during their lifetimes. And to do so, the owners of a valuable business might begin this process many years before they intend to give up operational control.
Estate tax threat
The IRS calculates the estate tax due on an individual's gross taxable estate by adding the value of all owned assets, including a home and a business, and subtracting any applicable exemptions. Even if the taxable estate falls below the current generous federal estate tax exemption level ($13.61 million or $27.22 million for a married couple in 2024), the family might not be entirely out of the woods, especially if they live in a state that has an estate tax or an inheritance tax with a lower exemption amount. Perhaps more concerning, the federal estate tax exemption is scheduled to revert to inflation-adjusted 2017 levels in 2026.
When business owners fail to consider that federal and state estate taxes could be due upon their passing, the funds needed to pay the taxes may not be available, and their heirs may be forced to borrow the money or liquidate the business.
72% = Share of U.S. business owners who want to ensure their business stays in the family
Source: US Family Business Survey, PricewaterhouseCoopers, 2023
Family discount
With an FLP, general partners run the business. Limited partners (such as the children of general partners) have no vote and no say about day-to-day operations, and they are not liable for the debts of the FLP.
A general partner (or a corporation or limited liability company controlled by the general partner) can gift ownership shares to limited partners in installments that conform to the annual gift tax exclusion of $18,000 per recipient (in 2024). Because limited partners have restricted rights, these annual gifts may be valued at a discount — typically 30% or more — from fair market value. For example, more than $25,000 worth of property or business shares (currently valued at $18,000 for gift tax purposes) could potentially be transferred to each limited partner without triggering gift taxes. Of course, every family's situation is different, and actual results will vary.
Setting up a family limited partnership can involve complex tax rules and regulations, and there are up-front costs as well as ongoing fees and operating expenses to consider. Be sure to consult with your tax and estate planning professionals.


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Piece description from the artist
Modern abstract landscape.
With a B.F.A. from Virginia Commonwealth University and a M.F.A. from Cornell University, Tamara mainly produces Color Field and Abstract Expressionist works. But when Tamara's son left for college and the house became quiet, she began experimenting with watercolors. She was surprised to find that she absolutely loved it. Watercolors are a huge change for Tamara, as she had never painted anything close to realism before, but she is enjoying this new dimension.
Tamara and her family live in Massachusetts, a short drive away from Lake Winnipesaukee, the White Mountains, the cape, and Maine. However, her standalone favorite place to paint is the American west. She loves to paint from photos she's taken at the National Parks she's visited. Her favorite part about painting realist works is seeing people's face light up when they recognize the locations in her paintings.
The next new adventure for Tamara will be returning to abstract work, but this time around experimenting with small scale and encaustic works.
An Art Advisor will get in touch with you today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your artwork needs.
Get Started


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Our Former Page is Hacked and META is Incapable of Recovering the Page.
Open Daily at 11:00am
(Open Special Hours for FC Bayern Games)
In a City built on German Heritage, the Old German Beer Hall represents the spirit and tradition of Munich's legendary Hofbräuhaus, the most famous beer hall in the world. Milwaukee's Old German Beer Hall offers a glimpse of Bavarian social life, and 400 years of tradition and history. With replica tables and benches from the "Schwemme", visitors will feel the connection to the original Munich beer hall.The beer served is brewed in Munich according to the "Reinheitsgebot" or Purity Act of 1516. Our kitchen serves up traditional Bavarian festival food and specialties. Featuring Giant Pretzels imported from Munich. Come experience Gemütlichkeit, at a magical place where people enter as strangers and leave as friends. Prost!
CLICK HERE: A Brief Video History of the Munich Hofbräuhaus
Visit these websites to learn more about the Hofbräuhaus


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Travellerspoint Wiki Travel Guide
Our Wiki Travel Guide is written by travellers just like you
Travellerspoint members have helped write this world travel guide. We hope you will join us by contributing content. Why not start by checking your home town and seeing if you can improve it?
Key pages
Famous Festivals Featured
Festivals are portholes into a society's culture, offering fascinating glimpses into ancient traditions. Be they religious, cultural, musical or something else, travellers know that festivals are great opportunities to absorb and experience another culture.
This article offers an overview of some of the most famous festivals in the world.
Caribbean ferries Featured
The Caribbean Islands are a popular place to travel to. Many North Americans and Europeans go there, often just to relax in the sun and maybe do a day trip or two. Of course, for the independent traveller there are lots of options for travelling around and seeing much more of the islands than beaches and beer. Most travellers fly into one island and usually fly out of the same island again at the end of their trip. But there are several ways to combine many islands and thus create a fantastic trip.
Seoul Featured
Seoul (서울) is the heart of South Korea, hosting about a quarter of the country's population of nearly 50 million. Seoul was also the historic capital of Korea from the 14th century until the nation's partition into North and South in 1948. Located just 50 kilometres south of the North Korean border, Seoul symbolises the division of North and South Korea.
Seoul enjoys a lively nightlife, which has earned it comparisons with Tokyo. Thankfully though, Seoul is much cheaper than the Japanese capital.
Texel Featured
Texel is the largest of the Dutch Wadden Islands. The island with 13,727 inhabitants is also a municipality. With just over 7,000 people Den Burg is the largest village on the island. Texel is the largest of the Dutch Wadden Islands. The island with 13,727 inhabitants is also a municipality. With just over 7,000 people Den Burg is the largest village on the island. It is the largest and most populated island of the West Frisian Islands in the Wadden Sea. The island is situated north of Den Helder, northeast of Noorderhaaks, also known as "Razende Bol" and southwest of Vlieland.
Hawaii Island Featured
Hawaii Island, or the Big Island, is (as the name correctly suggest) the biggest island of Hawaii. Unlike Oahu, where Honolulu is located and Maui, it sees far less tourists and is far more attractive and impressive regarding nature and landscapes as well. It is home to three of the most famous and prominent mountains of the state: the ever-active Kilauea in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the largest mountain in the world in volume (Mauna Loa) and the tallest mountain in the world as measured from its base on the sea floor to its peak (Mauna Kea).
Rio de Janeiro Featured
Rio de Janeiro is the pumping heart of Brazil. From dusk till dawn this thriving city has a multitude of fantastic sights, sounds and experiences to be had be they hidden gems like the rickety tram up to Santa Theresa or standing proud like Christ the Redeemer that heralds visitors in to this unique city. Named the River January because settlers thought that the mouth of the bay was actually the mouth of a river, the city is enfolded and runs itself like an oozing river among the feet of a handful of majestic mountains, Sugarloaf and Corcovado among other smaller hills.
Spain Featured
From the thumping beats of nightclubs to the intoxicating rhythms of the flamenco, Spain is a land with a rich tradition and a sharp eye for the future. Fine art, revolutionary architecture, inspiring fashion and world class music - Spain is a lesson in diversity. From the official capital at Madrid to the cultural capital at Barcelona and the beach capital at Valencia, Spain has something for everyone, whether you're after beaches or sweeping plains, lively clubs or impressive cathedrals.
Switzerland Featured
Switzerland is a country as famous for its pocket knives as it is for its chocolate. But to travellers, Swiss fame is largely focused on its Alpine landscape. Beautiful and majestic, many visitors prefer to take in the scenery through activity, rather than mere sightseeing: skiing, hiking, hang-gliding and rafting are only a number of the outstanding opportunities the Alps award.
Edinburgh Featured
Edinburgh may be dubbed the Athens of the North, but in truth it is an exceptional and unique city. While it's surpassed in size by Glasgow, Edinburgh is Scotland's most popular attraction as well as its capital. It is home to the Scottish Parliament and features a historic combination of Georgian and Medieval architectural styles.
Bahamas Featured
With their pristine waters, picture-perfect beaches and classy resorts, the Bahama Islands remind you of a finely sculpted replica of paradise. Their waters are ideal for fishing, swimming with dolphins and scuba diving; their beaches are gorgeous and draw thousands of visitors to relax under the warm Caribbean sun; and the stylish capital, Nassau, is dotted with five star resorts.
Belize Featured
Owning an almost audacious amount of coastline, Belize's geographic location is given to diverse travelling. The entire coast is sidelined by a barrier reef, making for exceptional diving opportunities. But head a little inland and you will discover many more attractions. Hundreds of Mayan ruins have been discovered in Belize's heartland and well organized tours make these fantastic sites to visit, their attraction accentuated by enjoyable nature trips.


text: Education is the process of facilitating learning, or the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, beliefs, and habits. Educational methods include storytelling, discussion, teaching, training, and directed research. Education frequently takes place under the guidance of educators, but learners may also educate themselves. Education can take place in formal or informal settings and any experience that has a formative effect on the way one thinks, feels, or acts may be considered educational. The methodology of teaching is called pedagogy.


text:
Tuesday, October 18
the three C's... day two
22 comments:
- Vintage Market Place said...
It turned out so cute and almost Mushroom like!
I am sure you will fill it will all kinds of lovelies
I grew up in a house in the 70s where sticky paper was everywhere, no cabinet, drawer or shelf was safe from it. We had that wood liner, flowers, little girls playing with dogs, the list goes on and on....
My mom still has my dresser from childhood and I am sure you could peel 7 layers of sticky paper like a tree and its rings to show its age.
Have a fun time covering things
Amy - October 18, 2011 at 10:46 AM
looks great!
- October 18, 2011 at 11:06 AM
- Primrose Beresford said...
Loving the sticky backed plastic - I agree that it is so easy to use, and I love the retro look it gives.
Primrose - October 18, 2011 at 11:17 AM
- Sparkle and Co said...
Great idea!!! i could do that with my son, He will be happy to craft something.
- October 18, 2011 at 11:27 AM
- Charis said...
Well done Tif your table looks delightful!
- October 18, 2011 at 12:16 PM
- dottie angel said...
thank you kindly my dears!
Amy, i love your childhood memory and just thinking of that dresser like a tree with rings made me smile, thank you for your lovely comment :) - October 18, 2011 at 2:28 PM
- dottie angel said...
ps. Amy, gosh your etsy store is beautiful! full of handmade vintage goodness and mighty peachy :)
- October 18, 2011 at 2:31 PM
- dulcy said...
When I was a little girl, I would cover cardboard cigarette packs (no, didn't smoke.. supplied from our little neighbor lady across the street) with woodgrain contact paper. Then I would glue on a picture from a magazine, and it would become a TV for my dollhouse, which I had also covered with same contact paper. I loved using that stuff!!
- October 18, 2011 at 2:40 PM
- greenrabbitdesigns said...
Goodness that was well done, I could never back a book without getting a bubble in it!!!
I did love Blue Peter. :)
Vivienne x - October 18, 2011 at 3:11 PM
- Vintage Market Place said...
OH Thank you soooo much!!!!
- October 18, 2011 at 3:31 PM
- Little Blue Mouse said...
I remember making a Blue Peter wardrobe for doll's clothes from a shoe box and a vase for Mother's day from the bottom of an empty washing up liquid bottle, both covered in sticky backed plastic!
- October 18, 2011 at 3:53 PM
Oh the Blue Peter days. How I loved every craft...sticky back plastic being my favorite thing in the world. I remember begging my mum to buy some. I think I watched the very first episode...or maybe it was Coronation Street.
Love to stroll down Memory Lane.Cheers, English Robin - October 18, 2011 at 5:46 PM
- Lola Nova said...
Dearest Dottie,
I am almost always a-nodding my head whenever one of your peachy, spiffy, or happy crafting ways come to light here on your lovely blog. I almost always end up thinking, 'Oh yes, now that's a fine idea indeed!' For I almost always find you most craftily clever and good.
I must admit that this is one time that I find my head vigorously a-wagging side to side with an emphatic no! My granny did, my mother did, but I can not. Faux wood sticky paper is...not for me.
All the best though!
xo - October 18, 2011 at 7:37 PM
- Jaclyn Trecartin said...
Your corner sure is looking cozy!
--Jaclyn T
TrickArt: Nature Inspired Jewellery
http://www.positiveponderings.blogspot.com - October 18, 2011 at 8:09 PM
- Jen said...
my past attempts at sticky paper crafting have all gone awry with nothing turning out so peachy as your table.
your success has inspired me to give it another go as soon as we get settled in our new home!
Jen x - October 18, 2011 at 11:29 PM
- A mermaid in the attic said...
Sigh, Tif, I think we here in the southern hemisphere got the non-existent autumn and the 3 week winter! Parts of my garden are starting to die off already and we're only (officially) half way through spring.
*Chuckle*, I'm with Amy, I remember that stuff being on EVERYTHING. Just last year I rescued a lovely old Kitchenette and stripped OFF old crinkled sticky back stuff (if only everyone was as careful in applying it as you are!), and repainted the inside a lovely apple green which makes me smile every time I open it to get my pretty cups out! It's the finished product making us happy that matters! Absolutely 'spiffy' (I really love that word!) - October 19, 2011 at 12:05 AM
- Arthur Ransome said...
Sorry to be negative, but Fablon will let you down in the end. I've recently acquired a good old table which has had marble-effect Fablon put on it many years ago - I've no idea how I'm going to get it off to make the table all lovely again (ie put a few coats of paint on it). I'm also rehashing an old sideboard which has had Fablon stuck in its drawers (sounds painful) and I cannot prise it loose for love nor money and am going to have to paper over it. But your coffee table does look good - for the present (voice of doom).
- October 19, 2011 at 4:19 AM
- Two Halves Whole said...
Oh my....I must have been channeling my inner dottie this weekend, I stumbled across that exact same paper at the hardware store too and thought I should do something crafty with that! Too funny...love the coffee table's "new spiffy-ness"! You have inspired me to go back to the hardware store and get some rolls for future craftiness.
Kelly - October 19, 2011 at 6:10 AM
- Elizabeth said...
Your table looks wonderful and I think you've done a truly spiffing job with ye olde sticky-back plastic. I've always found it quite the little devil to work with - much prone to ending up with bumps and blisters in the darned stuff.
- October 20, 2011 at 10:02 AM
- dottie angel said...
oh such fine and peachy memories of sticky back plastic on the one hand,
and then on the other,
crimes committed by sticky back plastic!
ha ha hee hee, love the comments my dears, indeed i am quite sure one day my coffee table in years to come will be in a thrift store and some one will gasp in horror at the faux top!!
cheers my dears :) - October 20, 2011 at 10:44 AM
- dottie angel said...
oh and just in case a few of you are thinking of tackling it again, i suggest the 'sticking your tongue out slightly, in concentration' method might help with the bubbles and troubles sticky back plastic can bring :)
- October 20, 2011 at 10:45 AM
- Leanda said...
Wow SBP nostalgia... I never got my Blue Peter badge, which was always a regret from my childhood, although I did get a nice letter from Roy Castle once for nearly not breaking a record. Nice table Tif!
- November 4, 2011 at 5:13 AM


text:
Gay Tulsa
Tulsa sits amid naturally forested rolling hills in what's known as "Green Country." Once called the "Oil Capitol of the World," the the city's economy has diversified, and redefined itself as the cultural and arts center of the region. It has two renowned art museums, full-time professional opera and ballet companies, and 15 institutions of higher education. Some of the nation's best and most numerous examples of art deco architecture can be seen here.
Small wonder Tulsa is such a magnet for gay folk from all around these parts. The city has a thriving gay community of bars, shops, and restaurants. The city has a thriving gay community of bars, shops, and restaurants. The Brady Heights Arts District just north of downtown is one of the gayest areas of the city.
Tulsa Pride takes place the first week of June each year.
Getting here
Tulsa International Airport is the city's main gateway. It's about 10 miles from downtown. Taxis are the best way to get to your hotel, but Tulsa Transit (route 203) has bus service to their main Denver Avenue Station (319 S. Denver), and also to the Memorial Midtown Station (on 33rd).
Getting around
On the Tulsa Transit interactive website you can find out if the public transportation system can provide what you need to get around. If not you'll likely need a car to get around this sprawling city, more so to explore the surrounding countryside.
Media & Resources
The GAYly is Oklahoma's gay news source. The Oklahomans for Equality website has a community guide, gay events and business listings,
For map locations and website links to businesses below, and more listings, see our gay Tulsa listings pages.
Going Out
Area 18 (39 E 18th St), new upscale mixed bar and ultra lounge, dancing, shows, guest vocalistd.
Bamboo Lounge (7204 E Pine St), OK's oldest gay bar, outdoor patio; pool, darts and volleyball games; drag pageants and karaoke.
Club Majestic (124 N Boston), popular gay dance club, good sound and lights, patio, live entertainment, amateur talent contests, 18-plus Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays.
New Age Renegade (1649 S Main St), show bar with nightly entertainment including drag, karaoke and monthly "Twisted Theatre" production shows.
Tulsa Eagle (1338 E 3rd St), mostly men's Levi leather, bear and live music bar with strippers, where everyone is welcome.
Yellow Brick Road Pub (2630 E 15th St), midtown neighborhood tavern for men and women, gay or straight.
CLOSED: End Up (5336 E Admiral Pl), dance bar, male strippers; Mojo's Bar (426 South Memorial Dr), neighborhood bar, erotic go-go dancers/shows; Rum Runnerz (822 S Sheridan Rd), LGBTQ/ mixed country music dance club; TNT's (2114 S Memorial), women's bar, live music.


text:
How Can You Help Paraplegic Man from New Jersey Rebuild His Home Destroyed By Hurricane Sandy?
Eric Katz is one of thousands of people whose life was turned upside down by Hurricane Sandy, but his story is definitely more unique than most.
Katz, 30, is a paraplegic from Toms River, New Jersey who finished building his custom-built dream home two weeks before Sandy destroyed it last fall. The house was a labor of love that had been under construction for four years at the time the hurricane hit.
After Sandy, Katz – who also creates prosthetic limbs -- gutted the house, with some help from family and friends.
Unfortunately, new flood maps don't take into account wheelchairs, which is a dilemma because Katz will need to allow more space for ramps and has to figure out how he can live higher off the ground than he did before:
For every one inch of rise, you need 12 inches of run."
None of the damages sustained by the house are covered by insurance, so Katz is turning to the public for help.
So far, only 3% of the money needed to help Katz has been raised, but here's hoping more people contribute. It'd be harder to find a more worthwhile cause.


text:
Terry Crews Facing Backlash Over Latest Black Lives Matter Tweet
Brooklyn Nine-Nine star and America's Got Talent host Terry Crews is facing backlash online after a recent tweet commenting on the Black Lives Matter movement and suggesting that black lives should not be exalted over all other lives.
Crews tweeted, "If you are a child of God, you are my brother and sister. I have family of every race, creed and ideology. We must ensure #blacklivesmatter doesn't morph into #blacklivesbetter."
A majority of the backlash comes from the final sentence of the tweet, with some stating that Crews was undermining the movement and that no one had been suggesting that black lives be held above all others.
Among those speaking out were Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s daughter Bernice King, actress Holly Robinson Peete and comedienne Amanda Seales among others. Read a few of the responses below:
Crews did receive some support for his comments in the tweets as well, as seen below:
This marks the second time in 2020 that Crews has faced criticism concerning the issue of race. Back in January, he received some heat for invalidating Gabrielle Union's claims of racism on the set of America's Got Talent during an appearance on NBC's Today Show.
"I can't speak for sexism because I'm not a woman, but I can speak on any racism comments," Crews said at the time. "That was never my experience. In fact, it was the most diverse place I have ever been in my 20 years of entertainment."
He later received criticism online, but offered up a personal apology to Union on Twitter. "I told Kevin Hart a while ago, he needed 2 'acknowledge the pain of other people.' Right now I have to do the same thing. I want to apologize for the comments I made," started Crews. "I hear you, I respect you and understand you. I am sorry and I am here to support you. I spoke from my own personal point of view without first taking into consideration someone else's experience. I allowed disrespectful comments directed at me and my family to cause me to react angrily instead of responding thoughtfully. This certainly caused more harm, and it is my hope that I can amend any pain I have caused to those who were hurt by my words."
He continued, "I realize there are a lot of Black women hurt and let down by what I said and also by what I didn't say. @itsgabrielleu, I want you to know it was never my intention to invalidate your experience— but that is what I did. I apologize. You have been through a lot in this business, and with that I empathize with the struggle toward fairness and equality in the workplace."
"@itsgabrielleu You are a role model to the entire black community and In my desire to be professionally neutral as your co-worker, I should have at the very least understood you just needed my support," concluded Crews in his apology to Union.
In addition to Brooklyn Nine-Nine and America's Got Talent, Crews' credits includes TV's Everyone Hates Chris and the films The Expendables, Idiocracy and White Chicks.
Best Performances by Non-Professional Actors


text:
El día de ayer Domingo, Jets Chinos fueron interceptados por la Fuerza Aerea Japonesa, cerca
de las costas de la Isla de Okinawa.
Pareciera que las fuerzas armadas Chinas, están probando la preparación y alerta temprana de los
Nipónes. Ninguna disculpa o explicación se dió por este hecho.
Japan's PM Warns China On Use Of Force As
Jets Scrambled
Oct. 27, 2013 - 01:40PM |
By HARUMI OZAWA, Agence France-Presse | Comments
Reports said Sunday that Tokyo scrambled fighter jets in response to Chinese military aircraft flying near Okinawa. Pictured: Japanese F-15 jets fly Oct. 27 during a military review at the Ground Self-Defence Force's Asaka training ground. (Toru Yamanaka / AFP)
- World News
- Asia & Pacific Rim
TOKYO — Japan's leader warned China on Sunday against forcibly changing the regional balance of power, as reports said Tokyo had scrambled fighter jets in response to Chinese military aircraft flying near Okinawa.
Verbal skirmishing between Asia's two biggest economies, who dispute ownership of an island chain, escalated as Beijing warned Tokyo that any hostile action in the skies against Chinese drones would be construed as an "act of war."
"We will express our intention as a state not to tolerate a change in the status quo by force. We must conduct all sorts of activities such as surveillance and intelligence for that purpose," Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said in an address to the military.
"The security environment surrounding Japan is becoming increasingly severe. This is the reality," he said. "You will have to completely rid yourselves of the conventional notion that just the existence of a defense force could act as a deterrent."
Abe presided over an inspection of the military at which a US amphibious assault vehicle was displayed for the first time, an apparent sign of Japan's intention to strengthen its ability to protect remote islands.
The defense ministry plans to create a special amphibious unit to protect the southern islands and retake them in case of an invasion.
"There are concerns that China is attempting to change the status quo by force, rather than by rule of law," Abe earlier told the Wall Street Journal in an interview following a series of summits this month with regional leaders.
"But if China opts to take that path, then it won't be able to emerge peacefully," he said in the interview published Saturday.
"So it shouldn't take that path, and many nations expect Japan to strongly express that view. And they hope that as a result, China will take responsible action in the international community," Abe added.
Kyodo News reported that Japan scrambled jets Sunday for the third successive day in response to four Chinese military aircraft flying over international waters near the Okinawa island chain.
Two Y8 early-warning aircraft and two H6 bombers flew from the East China Sea to the Pacific Ocean and back again but did not violate Japan's airspace, it said.
The Japanese defense ministry was not immediately available for confirmation.
Japan's military is on increased alert as Tokyo and Beijing pursue a war of words over the disputed islands in the East China Sea that lie between Okinawa and Taiwan.
On Saturday China responded angrily after a report said Japan had drafted plans to shoot down foreign drones that encroach on its airspace if warnings to leave are ignored.
Tokyo drew up the proposals after a Chinese military drone entered Japan's air defense identification zone near the disputed islands in the East China Sea last month, Kyodo said.
"We would advise relevant parties not to underestimate the Chinese military's staunch resolve to safeguard China's national territorial sovereignty," China's defense ministry spokesman Geng Yansheng said in comments posted on the ministry's website.
"If Japan takes enforcement measures such as shooting down aircraft, as it says it will, that would constitute a serious provocation, an act of war of sorts, and we would have to take firm countermeasures, and all consequences would be the responsibility of the side that caused the provocation."
Tokyo and Beijing both claim the small uninhabited islands in the East China Sea. Japan administers them and calls them the Senkakus. China refers to the islands as the Diaoyus.
One of Abe's first decisions as prime minister was to increase the defense budget for the first time in 11 years.
Tokyo also plans to hold a major air and sea exercise next month to bolster its ability to protect its remote islands.
In the Wall Street Journal interview, Abe said Japan had become too inward-looking over the past 15 years, but as it regains economic strength "we'd like to contribute more to making the world a better place."
The Journal said he made it clear that one way Japan would "contribute" would be countering China in Asia.


text: Thanks to everyone who voted for us, and especially to YouTube, for this incredibly cool opportunity. At the World Food Programme, we believe that hunger is the world's greatest solvable problem. It affects nearly a billion people worldwide and yet we have the means to solve it. WFP is the world's largest humanitarian aid agency on the front lines of hunger. When we're not saving lives in emergencies, we're helping families get back on their feet. When we're not serving meals in schools, we're protecting mothers and children from malnutrition. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and find out what it's like to drive across the Sahara, ride a yak through the Himalayas or fly a helicopter in South Sudan as we deliver food assistance to some of the most dangerous and remote places on Earth. We'll see you there.


text:
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As a custom door manufacturer we are happy to match another manufacturer's paint or stain color. We will need to know the manufacturer and the paint/stain code/color. When selecting a stain please understand that the stain color may vary based on the species selected and ageing may impact color as well. Rustica can only be responsible for applying a "standard" amount of the stain chosen on the species selected. We can not guarantee it will match other existing wood products whether they are the same species are not, only that we will apply the stain selected.
Rustica Unassembled Kit Door Guide
1. In some areas of the country we see more damage than acceptable when kit doors are shipped unassembled in a ground shipping box, so it is likely that a kit door may ship in a crate via a freight carrier so that your beautiful door arrives without damage.
2. Doors ordered as kits (regardless of if they are shipped unassembled or assembled) do not have a warranty against warping, separating or splitting.
3. It is possible that your kit door may come unassembled and need to be assembled using the 7 inch lag screws through the side of the stiles.
4. For both Unassembled and Assembled doors... the hardware (hangers, handles and pulls) is not installed and the doors are not pre-drilled which allows every installation the ability to make any unique changes needed.
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The Stuttgart Region Welcome Service (SRWS) aims to attract international skilled specialists and students as well as their family members to the Stuttgart Region for the long term and to assist them in the integration process.
To do this, it provides tailored advice on the following topics over the phone, by e-mail and in person at the Stuttgart Welcome Center:
- Entry and residence rules
- Learning German abroad and in Germany
- Looking for and applying for jobs
- Finding accommodation, childcare, etc.
The Welcome Service is embedded in the professionals offensive of the Stuttgart Region Economic Development. As a project of Fachkräfteallianz Region Stuttgart (Stuttgart Region Skilled Specialists Alliance) (Link), it provides a central interface to the bodies responsible, the initiatives and associations that are involved with migration, integration and the labour market in the Stuttgart Region. The Stuttgart Region Welcome Center can put interested parties in touch with those stakeholders and can also mediate with contact persons in the municipalities and at universities as needed.


text:
St. Anthony was a Franciscan, a man of great prayer and an amazing teacher of Scripture and theology in France and Italy. St. Anthony gives us a beautiful example of what happens when one completely surrenders his life to Christ. He is the patron saint of lost items, the poor, and travelers.
"Attribute to God every good that you have received." -St. Anthony of Padua
St. Anthony, pray for us!


text:
The Power of Tax Deferral Contributing to a tax-deferred account has two key advantages that may help you accumulate more for retirement. $90,191 $1,148,334 $794,752 $586,612 $451,089 $272,949 $231,062 $97,801 Assumptions: $7,000 annual investment 6% rate of return Taxable (24% rate) Tax deferred 10 years 20 years 30 years 40 years This hypothetical example is used for comparison purposes only and does not represent any specific investments. Investment fees and expenses are not considered and would reduce the results shown if they were included. Lower maximum tax rates for capital gains and dividends, as well as the tax treatment of investment losses, could make the taxable investment return more favorable, reducing the difference in performance between the accounts shown. Rates of return will vary over time, especially for long-term investments. Actual results will vary. 1. When you contribute to a tax-deferred account, you might be able to contribute more without reducing your cash flow because of the current-year tax savings. 2. Your pre-tax contributions and earnings have the opportunity to accumulate tax deferred, potentially increasing long-term savings growth. Even though you will be liable for income taxes when you make withdrawals from a tax-deferred account, you might be in a lower tax bracket when you retire. You should consider your investment time horizon, risk tolerance, and income tax brackets, both current and anticipated, when making investment decisions. Typically, a 10% federal income tax penalty may apply to distributions from a tax-deferred account prior to age 59½.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTEyOTYzNw==


text:
Some people instantly make us feel important. Some people instantly make us feel special. Some people light up a room just by walking in.
We can't always define it, but some people have it: They're naturally charismatic.
Unfortunately, natural charisma quickly loses its impact. Familiarity breeds, well, familiarity.
But some people are remarkably charismatic: They build and maintain great relationships, consistently influence (in a good way) the people around them, consistently make people feel better about themselves–they're the kind of people everyone wants to be around…and wants to be.
Fortunately we can, because being remarkably charismatic isn't about our level of success or our presentation skills or how we dress or the image we project–it's about what we do.
Here are the 10 habits of remarkably charismatic people:
1. They listen way more than they talk.
Ask questions. Maintain eye contact. Smile. Frown. Nod. Respond–not so much verbally, but nonverbally.
That's all it takes to show the other person they're important.
Then when you do speak, don't offer advice unless you're asked. Listening shows you care a lot more than offering advice, because when you offer advice in most cases you make the conversation about you, not them.
Don't believe me? Who is "Here's what I would do…" about: you or the other person?
Only speak when you have something important to say–and always define important as what matters to the other person, not to you.
2. They don't practice selective hearing.
Some people–I guarantee you know people like this–are incapable of hearing anything said by the people they feel are somehow beneath them.
Sure, you speak to them, but that particular falling tree doesn't make a sound in the forest, because there's no one actually listening.
Remarkably charismatic people listen closely to everyone, and they make all of us, regardless of our position or social status or "level," feel like we have something in common with them.
Because we do: We're all people.
3. They put their stuff away.
Don't check your phone. Don't glance at your monitor. Don't focus on anything else, even for a moment.
You can never connect with others if you're busy connecting with your stuff, too.
Give the gift of your full attention. That's a gift few people give. That gift alone will make others want to be around you and remember you.
4. They give before they receive–and often they never receive.
Never think about what you can get. Focus on what you can provide. Giving is the only way to establish a real connection and relationship.
Focus, even in part and even for a moment, on what you can get out of the other person, and you show that the only person who really matters is you.
5. They don't act self-important…
The only people who are impressed by your stuffy, pretentious, self-important self are other stuffy, pretentious, self-important people.
The rest of us aren't impressed. We're irritated, put off, and uncomfortable.
And we hate when you walk in the room.
6. …Because they realize other people are more important.
You already know what you know. You know your opinions. You know your perspectives and points of view.
That stuff isn't important, because it's already yours. You can't learn anything from yourself.
But you don't know what other people know, and everyone, no matter who they are, knows things you don't know.
That makes them a lot more important than you–because they're people you can learn from.
7. They shine the spotlight on others.
No one receives enough praise. No one. Tell people what they did well.
Wait, you say you don't know what they did well?
Shame on you–it's your job to know. It's your job to find out ahead of time.
Not only will people appreciate your praise, they'll appreciate the fact you care enough to pay attention to what they're doing.
Then they'll feel a little more accomplished and a lot more important.
8. They choose their words.
The words you use impact the attitude of others.
For example, you don't have to go to a meeting; you get to go meet with other people. You don't have to create a presentation for a new client; you get to share cool stuff with other people. You don't have to go to the gym; you get to work out and improve your health and fitness.
You don't have to interview job candidates; you get to select a great person to join your team.
We all want to associate with happy, enthusiastic, fulfilled people. The words you choose can help other people feel better about themselves–and make you feel better about yourself, too.
9. They don't discuss the failings of others…
Granted, we all like hearing a little gossip. We all like hearing a little dirt.
The problem is, we don't necessarily like–and we definitely don't respect–the people who dish that dirt.
Don't laugh at other people. When you do, the people around you wonder if you sometimes laugh at them.
10. …But they readily admit their failings.
Incredibly successful people are often assumed to have charisma simply because they're successful. Their success seems to create a halo effect, almost like a glow.
Keyword is seem.
You don't have to be incredibly successful to be remarkably charismatic. Scratch the shiny surface, and many successful people have all the charisma of a rock.
But you do have to be incredibly genuine to be remarkably charismatic.
Be humble. Share your screwups. Admit your mistakes. Be the cautionary tale. And laugh at yourself.
While you should never laugh at other people, you should always laugh at yourself.
People won't laugh at you. People will laugh laugh with you.
They'll like you better for it–and they'll want to be around you a lot more.
Follow @nairobiwire


text:
After many PDF Generator conversions on JBoss, the conversions intermittently fail with an exception. This initially results in intermittent failures, but without a server restart, it can cause all operations to start failing. The error message seen in the logs is as follows:
org.omg.CORBA.NO_RESOURCES: (Pool)[0/1000] no idle threads but maximum number of threads reached (1000) vmcid: 0x0 minor code: 0 completed: No
The issue is caused by jacORB (the ORB bundled with JBoss) keeping a thread waiting to connect to a peer that is no longer available. Repeated occurrences of this situation causes threads to needlessly remain occupied, causing the thread pool to exhaust.
Red Hat provides the JBPAPP-10887 patch to resolve the issue on JBoss EAP 5.2.
The details about the patch are as follows:
- The patch is specific to JBoss EAP 5.2. JBoss EAP 5.2 has been added to the supported platforms for LiveCycle ES4 Service pack 1 (SP1). Therefore, upgrade to LiveCycle ES4 SP1 with JBoss EAP 5.2.
For more information about the service pack, see What's New in LiveCycle ES4 SP1.
- After installing the patch, add a property to server/<servername>/conf/jacorb.properties: 'jacorb.connection.client.eager_close' with its value set to true.
For example: jacorb.connection.client.eager_close=true - The fix is not available for previous versions of JBoss EAP.
Contact Red Hat support to get the patch ported back to previous branches of JBoss EAP or to inquire about the future versions of JBoss EAP that are likely to include this patch. The workaround is to restart the server when the conversions start failing intermittently with the following error:
org.omg.CORBA.NO_RESOURCES: (Pool)[0/1000] no idle threads but maximum number of threads reached (1000) vmcid : 0x0 minor code: 0 completed: No
You can obtain the patch directly from Red Hat support, and apply it as recommended. If you do not have a support contract with Red Hat, you can contact Adobe Enterprise Support to obtain the patch.


text:
ISLAMABAD — The nightmares come easy and often for Afghan journalist Taqi Daryabi.
When they do, the 22-year-old reporter for the Afghan newspaper Etilaatroz is instantly transported back to a dank room in a Taliban-run police station, where a group of former fighters brutally beat him and his colleague Nematullah Naqdilast month for covering a women's protest in Kabul.
"All of them started beating me with whatever they had in their hands — with whips, batons, with rubber, with wood," says Daryabi, who is still in and out of the hospital for treatment of his lacerations. "With whatever torturing tool they had, they beat me until I passed out."
Naqdi, his colleague, has partially lost his vision from the beating he endured that day.
About 500 miles away, in the western city of Herat, it's not the past that haunts 26-year-old journalist Atefa. It's the fear of the future.
Atefa, who wants to use only her first name to protect her safety, used to write critically about the Taliban's attitudes and treatment of women for various Afghan news outlets. Now she's in hiding.
Ever since the group recaptured Herat in mid-August, her neighbors have been telling her the Taliban have been looking for her. In recent weeks, she's received text messages from unknown numbers, containing grisly video clips. She presumes they're from the Taliban, warning her of what's to come.
"One recent video I got shows the Taliban torturing a man to death," she says. "I am ready to be killed by a bullet, but I do not want to fall into the hands of the Taliban. I don't want to be cut up into pieces."
There's a disconnect between what Taliban officials say and what their foot soldiers do
Reporting has long been a dangerous and even deadly business for Afghan journalists. They have been targeted with attacks and kidnappings, some of which have been claimed by the Taliban. Now, with the Taliban in power, the mix of threats, detentions and vague media rules, plus a shattered economy, have set the clock back on Afghan media progress.
More than 150 media companies and radio stations across the country have shut down, according to TOLO News, Afghanistan's most prominent broadcast news outlet.Hundreds of Afghan journalists have fled the country since Taliban forces took control of Kabul in August.
Those who have stayed, like Daryabi and Atefa, say they don't know where the Taliban's red lines are. Many have stopped working for fear of retribution, violent assaults and inexplicable detentions.
"The Taliban doesn't have full control over the way its people operate," says Steven Butler, the Asia program coordinator at the Committee to Protect Journalists.
He has been following the cases of Afghan journalists and says there appears to be a disconnect between Taliban leaders, who insist publicly that they support press freedoms, and its foot soldiers who mete out harsh punishments.
Taliban leaders argue that those now patrolling the streets have spent the last 20 years fighting, not policing or engaging with civic society. Some lower-level Taliban admit they're struggling to adjust to their new lives andmiss the battle.
Taliban officials use this as justification for media restrictions.
"We have repeatedly said that we believe in the freedom of speech in the media," Taliban spokesman Inamullah Samangani tells NPR. "Of course, because the situation is not normal yet and is not fully under control, we want to prevent some irregular and disorderly scenarios and assure the security and safety of journalists ... to prepare the ground for them to report. Right now, in places like military centers or places that are still contested and combative and not yet fully in our control — we advise journalists not to report from there."
Adding to the confusion, Samangani denies the existence of 11 harsh rules for the press that were announced by Qari Muhammad Yousuf Ahmadi, the Taliban's interim director of the Government Media and Information Center, at a Sept. 19 press conference.
For now, Samangani specifies two general prohibitions: "There are two issues we won't tolerate — when our religious rights are attacked, and second, when there's an obvious agenda against our national interest," he says. "Apart from these two items, I told you we are open to accepting criticism and we can be held accountable. But the problem is that the regime is not formed well yet. It is in the process of forming and it is our view that all institutions should start their affairs first, and that will allow for better cooperation and dissemination of information. That's when we will be ready to have long investigative stories and we will cooperate with them."
When asked about the violent detention of Daryabi and his colleague, Samangani expresses regret but deflects blame.
"We believe that the journalists turned into the victims of an illegal protest. The protest was not run in cooperation with the government and legal systems," he says. "Unfortunately, the mujahideen who were there for security were not aware and were not prepared to deal with that."
The Taliban are unlikely to promote press freedom
Even the most ardent critics of U.S. military involvement in Afghanistan regard the flowering of Afghan media as one of the country's greatest success stories of the last 20 years. Few could have imagined that TVs — largely banned during Taliban rule in the 1990s — or radios, which only carried propaganda and Islamic programming back then, would eventually offer a vibrant array of news, programming and entertainment. By this year,the country had roughly 70 television stations, more than 170 FM radio stations and 175 newspapers.
Butler fears Afghanistan is likely headed toward a system in which the Taliban control what journalists write. "Journalists who step over a line will get into trouble one way or another," he warns.
As foreign correspondents are called to cover other crises and conflicts, the world's attention will inevitably turn away from Afghanistan. It is at that moment that the story of Afghanistan will fall squarely on the shoulders of Afghan journalists — and that, Butler says, is when the Taliban's true positions on a free press will come into focus.
"You have to ask yourself, is this a government that is willing to accept criticism, you know, sharp criticism that a free press normally would deliver?" says Butler. "I think it's unlikely."
Fazelminallah Qazizai reported from Kabul.
Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.


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text: The past few months have been impressive for Missouri State's biology department. Several biology professors, students and alumni have co-authored publications during that time. We are grateful for their contributions to the scientific community. About the publications The recent publications co-authored by biology professors, students and alumni include: … [Read more...] about Congratulations to the biology department


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Shark Fins Going Once, Going Twice, Sold!
How does the market for shark fins help demonstrate Asia's upwardly mobile status?
May 21, 2011
Each kind of auctioneer has a style. There's the robust cattle auctioneer, who spits out numbers in a bold, singsong voice that determines where animals go to be bred or slaughtered. There's the elegant estate auctioneer, whose rich, mellifluous tone entices art and furniture collectors to fork over their savings. And then there's Charlie Lim.
A spectacled, wiry man in his early fifties, Lim sports a short-sleeved, button-down shirt and a modified bowl cut that lets his straight black bangs fall neatly across his forehead. Standing in front of the sort of shiny whiteboards that appear in classrooms and corporate conference rooms across the globe, he doesn't talk much as he auctions off his wares. Instead, he shakes an abacus in short, regular bursts. Much of the time, the clicking of the beads is the loudest sound in the room.
Lim is a shark fin trader. More precisely, he's the secretary of Hong Kong's Sharkfin and Marine Products Association. And at the moment he's standing in a nondescript auction house whose spare white decor evokes a Chelsea art gallery. But when the auction begins, the buyers crowd around Lim in a semicircle, jostling for a look at the gray triangular fins splayed across the floor.
A shark fin auction is as fast as it is secretive. By the time Lim takes his position at the front of the room, one of his assistants has already marked on the board behind him — in a bright red felt-tipped pin — which sorts of fins are being auctioned in any given lot. As soon as men dump the contents of a burlap bag on the floor, the bidding begins. Any interested buyer must approach Lim and punch his suggested price into a single device that only the auctioneer and his assistant can see. The bidders must make a calculated guess about what price will prevail, rather than compete with each other openly for a given bag of fins.
Within two minutes the lot is sold, and the winning price per kilogram is duly noted on the board. Lim's assistants sweep the pile back into its bag, using a dustpan to gather any errant fins that might have escaped to the side. Another bag — containing the first dorsal, pectorals and lower lobe of the caudal fins that are most valuable — is dumped on the floor, and the cycle begins again.
The group of men gathered here — and it's all men — are experienced traders who hear about these auctions through word of mouth. There is no downtime, no chitchat. There aren't even chairs for them to sit on during the auction. Given the quick pace of shark fin sales, they must be prepared to bid without hesitation. The bidders show no emotion during the entire process. This isn't fine art they plan to furnish their homes with, or livestock they will devote months to raising. It is a heap of desiccated objects they will seek to transfer to someone else as soon as they acquire it.
Lim does make a few remarks in Cantonese about the fins before his feet, but it's not the sort of chatter most auctioneers use to boost the price of a given lot. He's not saying, "Take a look at these gray beauties!" or anything to that effect. Sometimes he indicates the species that's collected in a given bag: blacktip, hammerhead or blue shark. But a shark fin auction is not really about salesmanship. It's about moving product.
Some rare metals and stones have carried a high market price for centuries. Basic foodstuffs, including several fish species, have also held a quantifiable commercial value over time. The shark trade, however, is a more recent arrival to the world scene. Unlike many other fish, such as salmon or red snapper, for example, shark does not derive its value from its taste or nutritional worth. In fact, there's ample evidence that the high levels of toxins sharks accumulate in their bodies pose a potential threat to humans, just as tuna does.
While many consumers — especially in China — view shark meat and fins as nutritious, sharks are likely to contain high levels of mercury because they are large, slow-growing fish that consume other fish as their prey, which allows mercury to build up in their muscle tissues. WildAid, an environmental group that crusades against shark fin trafficking, commissioned a study by the Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research in 2001 that found shark fins in Bangkok's markets contain mercury concentrations up to 42 times above the safe limit for human health.
The market for sharks is based more on the animals' mystique than anything else. In the same way that De Beers has convinced young men across the globe that women will be more likely to accept their marriage proposal if it comes with a diamond ring, men like Lim have managed to persuade Asian consumers that the very presence of stringy shark fin cartilage in their soup speaks to their own social status.
Other marketers have different pitches, bottling sharks' mysterious promise in a range of salves. One U.S. entrepreneur has made a decent amount of money peddling the line that sharks cure cancer, while other companies are in the business of advertising shark oil's anti-aging properties. None of these appeals are based on science, but they tap into our long-held beliefs about the power of an animal that can consume us.
And nowhere do they resonate more strongly than in Asia, where an ever-expanding group of consumers is seeking new ways to demonstrate its upwardly mobile status.
Editor's Note: This feature is excerpted from Demon Fish: Travels Through the Hidden World of Sharks by Juliet Eilpren. Published by Pantheon in 2011. Reproduced with the permission of the author.
Basic foodstuffs, including several fish species, have also held a quantifiable commercial value over time. The shark trade, however, is a more recent arrival to the world scene.
A study in 2001 found that shark fins in Bangkok's markets contain mercury concentrations up to 42 times above the safe limit for human health.
Men like Lim have managed to persuade Asian consumers that the very presence of stringy shark fin cartilage in their soup speaks to their own social status.


text: Samsung building science fiction narrative with lots of star-power from the world of football / soccer to promote its "Galaxy" product line. It all comes with a website dedicated to the story, where Samsung's "Galaxy" line is presented as the technology that's behind the "good guys". Very interesting case of tailored story for brand and product marcoms.


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'news' is often a polite way of saying 'editor's whim'
It took nearly twelve months for me to get round to finish reading a whole book on the Kindle. Hundreds of editions of the Irish Times or the Evening Standard have been scanned, but never the complete contents of a novel.
Maybe, given the shift from print to online and e-ink, Tom Rachman's The Imperfectionists was a suitable first tale to finish on the Kindle.
Considering the economic pressures on the newspaper industry, his novel perhaps captures the spirit and soul of a trade that is spinning down the plug hole, soon never to be seen again: a Lake Wobegon of the newspaper trade, complete with its neuroses and foibles.
Each chapter sketches in aspects of the life of a particular member of staff (and one reader) in the unnamed English-language newspaper based in Rome. At times the vignettes overlap, providing contradicting perspectives or extending a particular storyline.
There's the obituary writer Arthur Gopal whose "overarching goal at the paper is indolence, to publish as infrequently as possible". He sneaks out of the office during afternoons to pick up his young daughter Pickle from school and takes her to explore antiques shops. But a trip to Switzerland to gen up on a dying feminist engenders in him an unexpected enthusiasm.
Ruby Zaga, a copy editor, is 46 and has only ever worked at the paper. She's given the boring pages to check and describes the rest of the copydesk team as a "coven of losers". Her insecurity extends to never staying at home on New year's Eve, but instead dressing up as an American business women and checking into a hotel pretending to be "stuck overseas during the holiday".
The working life of news editor Craig Menzies overshadows the talents and ambitions of his biddable girlfriend Annika. A gifted photographer, her life shifts into a different gear when Craig givers her yoga lessons and a subscription to a photography magazine for her birthday. In fact, her life accelerates away from Craig's cosy existence, and leaves him humiliated.
Throughout the book, the Chief Financial Officer, Abbey Pinnola – nicknamed 'Accounts Payable' – is built up as a harsh, prickly bean counter, hiring and firing newspaper staff, before showing her human side and being dealt her comeuppance.
But perhaps the best vignette is reserved for a reader – Ornella de Monterecchi – who got a little behind with her newspaper reading due to her OCD need to read every paragraph on every page before being able to start the next edition.
"One year into her newspaper reading, she was six months behind … When it was the 1990s outside, she was just getting to know President Reagan. When planes struck the Twin Towers, she was watching the Soviet Union collapse."
Finally the future of the paper lies in the hands of the American publisher Oliver Ott who prefers the company of his basset hound Schopenhauer to answering phone calls from the struggling paper.
The quality and intricacy of the writing at times prevented the book becoming a rapid page turner. There was a real balance between wanting to soak in the detail and race through the plot to see if and how the threads would be tied up.
Born in London and educated in Vancouver, Toronto and New York, Tom Rachman was an editor on the foreign desk at The Associated Press before reporting from Asia and taking up a posting in Rome. Later he worked part time as an editor for the International Herald Tribune in Paris which may have influenced this first novel, though apparently didn't influence the characters!
Tom Rachman was in Belfast two months ago, "in conversation" with Malachi O'Doherty. As the BBC's Writer in Residence at Queen's University, Malachi has been filling rooms at Queen's and the BBC with members of the public interested in hearing what a long line of local, national and international media personnel have to say about their profession.
Brad Pitt's production company bought the film rights for The Imperfectionists and Scott Silver has been hired as screenwriter. In the meantime, a second novel – with an international flavour but not set in the world of journalism – is due to be completed this year.
Tom Rachman is certainly an author I'll return to, and if the film version can pull off the quirky characters in the Rome newspaper office it'll be compulsive viewing in the QFT!


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Osteochondral Injuries of the Ankle
The ankle joint is an articulation of the end of the tibia and fibula (shin bones) with the talus (heel bone). Osteochondral injuries, also called osteochondritis dissecans, are injuries to the talus bone, characterized by damage to the bone as well as the cartilage covering it. Sometimes the lower end of the tibia or shin bone may also be affected.
Osteochondral injuries are most often caused by trauma to the ankle joint, such as with ankle sprains. Some cases may not have any previous history of ankle injury, and may be caused by local osteonecrosis or a metabolic defect.
The predominant symptom of osteochondral injury is pain, which may be localized to the ankle joint. Other symptoms may include tenderness and swelling of the ankle joint with difficulty in weight bearing, locking of the ankle or instability.
Osteochondral injuries are diagnosed by physical examination, X-ray and CT and MRI scans. Plain X-ray images can reveal other fractures, bone spurs and narrowing of the joint. A CT scan helps identify any bony fragments and cysts, but is not very helpful to visualize bone oedema or cartilage defects. MRI is the best imaging modality, which helps to visualize the cartilage and bone lesions as well as bone oedema.
Non-surgical or surgical treatment may be recommended for the management of osteochondral injuries of the ankle joint. Non-surgical treatment with immobilization, restricted weight-bearing and physical therapy may be ordered to help the bone and cartilage to heal, and improve muscle strength, mobility and coordination. Surgical treatment is recommended for more severe injuries and comprises of debridement (removing) of the damaged cartilage and removal of any loose bodies. Some of the most commonly used surgical techniques include microfracture or drilling of the lesion, grafting of cartilage and bone, or fixation of the fragments with the help of screws.