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The Markets
A lot of people are worried that a recession may be in our future. Some think it may already be here.
Unemployment is low (3.6 percent), and inflation is high (9.1 percent). Both tend to occur when an economy is experiencing strong growth. That makes it difficult to believe the United States is in a recession, but some data is pointing that way.
Last week, the Atlanta Federal Reserve's GDPNow estimated that economic growth in the United States was -1.6 percent for the second quarter of 2022, after adjusting for inflation. They measured economic growth using gross domestic product or GDP, which is the value of all goods and services produced in the United States over a specific period of time. GDPNow is based on a simple, unadjusted mathematical model. It is not an official reading, and the model tends to be a bit volatile. For example:
- On April 29, when relatively little data was available for the second quarter, it was +1.9 percent.
- On May 17, as retail trade and industrial production statistics filtered in, it was +2.5 percent.
- On July 1, when construction spending and manufacturing data came out, it was -2.1 percent.
- Last week, after housing starts were released, it was -1.6 percent.
The Atlanta Fed's estimate becomes more accurate as more data is added. It tends to be most accurate near the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BES)'s official GDP release date, reported a source cited by Jeff Cox of CNBC.
Since the United States economy shrank by 1.6 percent in the first quarter of 2022, that would mean the U.S. has experienced two quarters of declining economic growth. Technically, that's a recession.
Not everyone expects GDP to shrink. Bloomberg surveyed economists and found they anticipate 0.5 percent growth in the second quarter, which would be an improvement on the first quarter.
There is an important distinction between the two quarters. The slowdown in the first quarter was caused by surging imports and slowing exports, which is unusual. The slowdown in the second quarter may be caused by a slowdown in consumer spending, which is the primary driver of U.S. economic growth, and business spending.
The next BEA's GDP numbers will be released this Thursday, July 28.
Last week, Randall Forsyth of Barron's reported that major U.S. stock indices gained. Yields on shorter maturity Treasuries rose last week, while yields on Treasuries with maturities of one year or longer fell.
Data as of 7/22/22 | 1-Week | Y-T-D | 1-Year | 3-Year | 5-Year | 10-Year |
Standard & Poor's 500 Index | 2.6% | -16.9% | -9.3% | 9.9% | 9.9% | 11.4% |
Vanguard Total Intl Index (Foreign Stocks) | 3.2 | -17.5 | -17.5 | 2.2 | 2.2 | 5.3 |
Total Bond Market (U.S. Dollar Bonds) | 1.2 | -8.7 | -9.7 | -0.4 | 1.1 | 1.5 |
Gold (per ounce) | 1.8 | -4.6 | -3.5 | 6.8 | 6.7 | 1.0 |
Bloomberg Commodity Index | 2.7 | 17.5 | 22.0 | 13.8 | 7.1 | -2.0 |
S&P 500, Vanguard Total International Stock Index, Vanguard Total Bond Market Index, Gold, and Bloomberg Commodity Index returns exclude reinvested dividends (gold does not pay a dividend) and the three-, five-, and 10-year returns are annualized. Sources: Yahoo! Finance; MarketWatch; morningstar.com; djindexes.com; London Bullion Market Association. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly.
THE CHALLENGES OF DATING. As if the pandemic didn't create enough dating challenges, inflation is now pushing the cost of dating a lot higher. More than 40 percent of people on the dating app Hinge said they think more about the cost of dating today than they did a year ago, especially members of Gen Z (the oldest Gen Zers are age 25), reported Paulina Cachero of Bloomberg.
Instead of meeting for drinks (the cost of alcoholic beverages was up 4 percent year-over-year in June) or sharing a meal in a restaurant (the cost of full-service dining was up 8.9 percent year-over-year in June) many people are opting for less expensive options, such as meeting for coffee, taking a walk, or cooking a meal at home.
Another challenge is keeping up with ever-evolving dating slang. "When you're looking for love these days, it's totally possible you might get breadcrumbed and orbited on your way to the soft launch," reported Ashley Austrew on Dictionary.com. Here are a few definitions to know.
- Breadcrumbing. This is slang for leading someone on. Usually, breadcrumbing is chatting or flirting online through text or social media.
- Orbiting. When an ex – or someone else – stops communicating completely (i.e., they ghosted you) but they immediately offer a reaction when you post a picture or story on social media, they are orbiting you, reported Sophie Lloyd of Newsweek.
- Soft launching. When a product is soft launched, it goes through testing in limited groups. It's the same with dating. A soft launch gives a person's friends and followers the chance to get used to the idea of a significant other. It's a slow-motion version of the boyfriend or girlfriend reveal, reported Kaitlyn Tiffany of The Atlantic.
The bad news is that it's never easy to learn a new language. The good news is that the price of gas is dropping so the cost of dating should, too.
Weekly Focus – Think About It
"Little else is requisite to carry a state to the highest degree of opulence from the lowest barbarism but peace, easy taxes, and a tolerable administration of justice."
—Adam Smith, economist and philosopher
Best regards,
Waterford Advisors
P.S. Please feel free to forward this commentary to family, friends or colleagues.
Securities offered through Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Waterford Advisors LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Waterford Advisors and Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc. are separate entities.
* These views are those of Carson Coaching, not the presenting Representative, the Representative's Broker/Dealer, or Registered Investment Advisor, and should not be construed as investment advice.
* This newsletter was prepared by Carson Coaching. Carson Coaching is not affiliated with the named firm or broker/dealer.
* Government bonds and Treasury Bills are guaranteed by the U.S. government as to the timely payment of principal and interest and, if held to maturity, offer a fixed rate of return and fixed principal value. However, the value of fund shares is not guaranteed and will fluctuate.
* Corporate bonds are considered higher risk than government bonds but normally offer a higher yield and are subject to market, interest rate and credit risk as well as additional risks based on the quality of issuer coupon rate, price, yield, maturity, and redemption features.
* The Standard & Poor's 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general. You cannot invest directly in this index.
* All indexes referenced are unmanaged. The volatility of indexes could be materially different from that of a client's portfolio. Unmanaged index returns do not reflect fees, expenses, or sales charges. Index performance is not indicative of the performance of any investment. You cannot invest directly in an index.
* Gold represents the 3:00 p.m. (London time) gold price as reported by the London Bullion Market Association and is expressed in U.S. Dollars per fine troy ounce. The source for gold data is Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (FRED), https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/GOLDPMGBD228NLBM.
* The Bloomberg Commodity Index is designed to be a highly liquid and diversified benchmark for the commodity futures market. The Index is composed of futures contracts on 19 physical commodities and was launched on July 14, 1998.
* The DJ Equity All REIT Total Return Index measures the total return performance of the equity subcategory of the Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) industry as calculated by Dow Jones.
* The NASDAQ Composite is an unmanaged index of securities traded on the NASDAQ system.
* International investing involves special risks such as currency fluctuation and political instability and may not be suitable for all investors. These risks are often heightened for investments in emerging markets.
* Yahoo! Finance is the source for any reference to the performance of an index between two specific periods.
* The risk of loss in trading commodities and futures can be substantial. You should therefore carefully consider whether such trading is suitable for you in light of your financial condition. The high degree of leverage is often obtainable in commodity trading and can work against you as well as for you. The use of leverage can lead to large losses as well as gains.
* Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance.
* Economic forecasts set forth may not develop as predicted and there can be no guarantee that strategies promoted will be successful.
* Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.
* The foregoing information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee it is accurate or complete.
* There is no guarantee a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.
* Asset allocation does not ensure a profit or protect against a loss.
* Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision.
https://www.atlantafed.org/cqer/research/gdpnow (or go to https://resources.carsongroup.com/hubfs/WMC-Source/2022/07-25-22_GDP%20Now_3.pdf [Choose GDPNow Model Data and Historical Forecasts in the right-hand column for historical data. May 17 data is below the chart under maximum estimate.]
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-07-23/us-growth-is-looking-sickly-as-fed-keeps-hiking-rates-eco-week (or go to https://resources.carsongroup.com/hubfs/WMC-Source/2022/07-25-22_Bloomberg_US%20Growth%20is%20Looking%20SIckly%20as%20Fed%20Keeps%20Hiking%20Rates_7.pdf)
https://www.barrons.com/articles/the-stock-market-is-entering-its-weakest-months-what-to-watch-out-for-51658535766?mod=hp_LEAD_2 (or go to https://resources.carsongroup.com/hubfs/WMC-Source/2022/07-25-22_Barrons_The%20Stock%20Market%20is%20Entering%20its%20Weakest%20Months_9.pdf)
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-07-21/cheap-dates-how-inflation-is-making-it-more-expensive-to-find-love? (or go to https://resources.carsongroup.com/hubfs/WMC-Source/2022/07-25-22_Bloomberg_Its%20Not%20You%2c%20Its%20Inflation_11.pdf)


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Prayer is doxology, praise, thanksgiving, confession, supplication and intercession to God. "When I prayed I was new," wrote a great theologian of Christian antiquity, "but when I stopped praying I became old." Prayer is the way to renewal and spiritual life. Prayer is aliveness to God. Prayer is strength, refreshment, and joy. Through the grace of God and our disciplined efforts prayer lifts us up from our isolation to a conscious, loving communion with God in which everything is experienced in a new light. Prayer becomes a personal dialogue with God, a spiritual breathing of the soul, a foretaste of the bliss of God's kingdom.
How is one to pray? Only the Holy Spirit can guide us to pray as we should. Just as a child learns to walk by walking, one can best learn to pray by praying, trusting in the help of God. Put your whole soul into your prayer. Think about the meaning of every word you pray. Make it your own personal prayer. Be persistent in prayer. Do not yield to carelessness or neglect. Strengthen your prayer through a lively faith in the Lord, a spirit of forgiveness toward others, and genuine Christian living.
As we pray deeply within our hearts we grow in prayer. By the grace of God we suddenly catch a glimpse of the miracle of the presence of the Holy Spirit working within us. At first it is only a spark but later it becomes a flame freeing and energizing our whole being, provided we do nothing to grieve the Holy Spirit; and if we do sin we repent of our sin immediately and ask for God's forgiveness. To experience the fire of God's holy love, to give it space within us to do its cleansing and healing work as a breath of the Holy Spirit, and to use it as light and power for daily living -- such are the goals as well as the fruits of true prayer.
Holy Pascha, April 14, 1985
Source: My Orthodox Prayer Book

subset: commoncrawl


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Submit an Announcement
Thu, 05/11/2017 - 3:06pm
We welcome local news stories, school and sports information, community event briefs, birth announcements, engagement announcements, letters to the editor, announcements for anniversaries (50th and up) and announcements for 80th birthdays and older to be submitted.
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The Art Of The Photograph: Essential Habits For Stronger Compositions
This book contains a host of great images and instructive text. Here's an indication of what's in store throughout this wonderful book, an excerpt on color and its emotive qualities in the photograph.—Editor
Whenever one thinks of red, one almost immediately thinks of passion and action. Red is a lively color that grabs you; it is not about to sit peacefully in the background. Because of that, red can dominate an image very quickly, even if it isn't intended to be a major part of the scene.
Red is a color of alarm and warning. Think of stop signs, but also think of ladybird beetles, which use their colors to warn predators that they are not edible. Red is also a color with positive connotations: just consider Santa Claus or Superman. People who wear red are generally seen as positive and energetic. In many Latin American countries, red is a major part of clothing and decoration because of its lively impact.
Red is the color of romance and passion, but it is also the color of blood and violence. It is a color of heat, especially when it tends toward red-orange, such as in the image of the forge, where you can practically feel the heat. When red starts heading toward purple, it gains an almost royal aspect.
Fill a composition with red, and you have a photograph with a lot of impact. Red in any photograph is going to attract attention, so be careful how you use it. Be aware of how strong red can be and use it deliberately.
Blue is emotionally almost the opposite of red. Blue is cool and calming. It is passive and peaceful. Rooms painted in blue tend to be restful and relaxing. Some interesting research done many years ago found that when people were in a room with red walls, they felt more energized, but when the walls were blue, they were far more relaxed.
Interestingly, blue is hard to focus on compared to red. Red could be considered a "sharp" color whereas blue is a "soft" one. Our eyes simply don't focus on blue as well as on other colors. Blue is the color of distance; when you look off to a distant horizon during the day, it will have a bluish cast. This is normal and even creates an impression of depth when blue is behind a warm foreground.
Blue is the color of sky and big vistas, as well as of the ocean. Perhaps that is why blue has long been associated with eternity and the "heavens," and is often connected to the divine. Blue is also associated with truth, wisdom, and order—a striking contrast to the passion and activity of red—as well as with something a little less positive: depression. We all talk about being blue at times.
Yellow is the third primary color, along with red and blue. Yellow is often considered one of the purest of the colors. It gets degraded very fast when other colors are added to it; it will quickly look green or orange rather than a pure yellow.
Yellow is the color of the sun, and so is, in a sense, the color of life because the sun gives us life. It is definitely a color of energy and power. It is the color of daytime because that is the time of the sun. It is also the color of gold and is considered a rich and divine color as well.
Yellow is the brightest and lightest of all of the colors. This makes it an extremely visible color, which is why it has long been used when high visibility is needed, such as on warning signs and safety vests. And it is certainly considered a happy color, especially when you consider how many yellow happy faces have been seen over the years. This is not to say that it is only a happy color; just think of people being called yellow because they are cowards.
Green is the color of nature and therefore an important part of nature photography. It connotes life and growth. Green is an extremely variable color, too. Green is what is called a secondary color, meaning that it comes from a combination of blue and yellow pigments and it has aspects of both colors. Greens range from almost yellow to almost blue. As green changes in color, it takes on more of the aspects of the color it is being blended with. Green with yellow will be brighter and livelier than green with blue. Green with yellow is a color of spring and fresh life. Green with blue is a relaxing color and the color of mountain lakes and streams.
Conversely, green is also seen as a solid color, in part because it is the color of grass and trees, which we think of as solid elements of our environment. Green is a color of renewal and health; think of a plant that is vibrant and strong, but when it starts to turn brown, you know it is unhealthy.
Orange is the warmest color of the group. A secondary color, it combines the passion of red with the brightness of yellow. It definitely radiates heat. It also demands attention, much like red does.
Used for warnings, orange also conveys an element of danger. This is not simply a human aspect of the color—in the insect world, bright orange butterflies, such as the monarch butterfly, are warnings to predators that they are not edible.
Orange varies depending on the ratio of yellow to red. As it tends toward the yellow, it feels purer and brighter. As it tends toward red, it gets richer and more passionate.
About The Authors
Art Wolfe's television series, Art Wolfe's Travels to the Edge, airs on PBS stations throughout the country. He is also a popular speaker for such companies as Microsoft, IBM, and Sheraton Hotels. Wolfe has released over 80 books which have sold over 500,000 copies and have been translated into eight languages, including the bestselling The Art of Photographing Nature (Amphoto Books). More of his work can be viewed at www.artwolfe.com.
Rob Sheppard is an author/photographer of more than 30 books and hundreds of articles and is a well-known speaker and workshop leader. He was formerly longtime editor of Outdoor Photography magazine. His work can be viewed at www.robsheppardphoto.com.
Where To Buy
The Art of the Photograph (Amphoto Books, ISBN: 978-0-7704-3316-1, 258 pages, $29.99) is available where fine books are found and online at www.amazon.com and other online booksellers.


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5 Years Ago: Glenn Frey Plays His Last Show With Eagles
Although no one knew it at the time, the two-year History of the Eagles tour served as a farewell trek for co-founder Glenn Frey, who played his last public show with the group on July 29, 2015, in Bossier City, La.
The tour, which shared a name with the band's official documentary, started July 6, 2013, in Louisville, Ky. By delving into their extensive catalog of tunes, the career-spanning performances gave Eagles a chance to reflect upon on their journey from backup band to multi-platinum artists.
After reuniting in the early '90s, the group released only one full-length collection of new material, the 2007 double LP Long Road Out of Eden, so its concerts tended to be fairly focused on the greatest hits, regardless of whatever tour Eagles happened to be on. But the History of the Eagles trek was an even more deliberately retrospective affair, offering fans a lengthy sampling of songs and stories spanning their first 20 years.
To that end, the band adopted a different stage presentation for the tour, starting the sets with Frey and Don Henley on a pair of stools for acoustic versions of the early songs "Saturday Night" and "Train Leaves Here This Morning" — the latter featuring lead vocals by former member Bernie Leadon, who rejoined for the tour. Slowly joined by the remaining Eagles, the co-founders delivered a set that usually included a pair of encores and nearly 30 songs.
The extensive trek ran for more than 140 dates and included stops in 12 countries. Over two sets, two encores and 27 songs, the Eagles celebrated their long legacy in what would be their final public performance with Frey. (You can see the set list for the show below.) Two days later, the group would assemble for a private show at a St. Louis-area high school. The short set was part of a birthday celebration for a private donor, with only 300 fans in attendance.
And then it was over. Frey died on Jan. 18, 2016, following battles with rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis and pneumonia. "The guy played through pain for several years," Henley recalled of Frey during a 2018 interview. "He hid it very well. I could see it in his fingers. His rheumatoid arthritis made his fingers swollen and bent. It was difficult for him many years. But like an old football player, he would get himself taped up and go out there on the field and play the game, so he hid it very well. But he was very uncomfortable for a long time."
Even though Henley admitted the band was "breaking up from the day the Eagles got together," he never envisioned his final moments onstage with Frey playing out the way they did. "When that tour ended, we just thought we would take a two- or three-month break, then we would probably tour some more the following year. Then the tragedy happened in October. That's really when Glenn fell ill. That's when the pneumonia struck. So, you never know what's going to happen in this life. It's full of unexpected events."
Frey's life and legacy was celebrated at the 2016 Grammy Awards, when the remaining Eagles members joined Jackson Browne for an emotional rendition of "Take It Easy." At that time, Henley declared the Eagles were done, calling the Grammy performance their "final farewell."
But, as Henley himself admitted, life it full of unexpected events. Despite initial trepidation, Eagles decided to press forward without Frey, filling the void by bringing in Frey's son, Deacon, in 2017.
"The only way it felt justified to me was to have family blood in the band," Henley explained to Rolling Stone in 2017. "And I have to hand it to Deacon. He had done some gigs with his father – private parties, in front of maybe 200 people. To go from that to 50,000 people is extraordinary. I don't know many people who could have done that without freaking out."
Country singer Vince Gill was also brought into the group, helping Eagles continue in the wake of their co-founder's death. Ever resilient, the band launched a North American tour in 2018, followed by performances in Europe and Australia in 2019. A 2020 residence in Las Vegas had been planned before the coronavirus pandemic brought live music to a halt.
Even as Eagles push forward, their fallen bandmate remains close to their hearts. "Glenn was the one who started it all," Henley noted. "It will be very strange going forward in a world without him in it. But I will be grateful every day that he was in my life."
Eagles, CenturyLink Center, Bossier City, Louisiana, July 29, 2015
1. "Saturday Night" - from Desperado (1973)
2. "Train Leaves Here This Morning" - from Eagles (1972)
3. "Peaceful Easy Feeling" - from Eagles (1972)
4. "Witchy Woman" - from Eagles (1972)
5. "Doolin-Dalton" - from Desperado (1973)
6. "Tequila Sunrise" - from Desperado (1973)
7. "Doolin'-Dalton / Desperado (Reprise)" - from Desperado (1973)
8. "Already Gone" - from On the Border (1974)
9. "Best of My Love" - from On the Border (1974)
10. "Lyin' Eyes" - from One of These Nights (1975)
11. "One of These Nights" - from One of These Nights (1975)
12. "Take It to the Limit" - from One of These Nights (1975)
13. "Pretty Maids All in a Row" - from Hotel California (1976)
14. "I Can't Tell You Why" - from The Long Run (1979)
15. "New Kid in Town" - from Hotel California (1976)
16. "Love Will Keep Us Alive" - from Hell Freezes Over (1994)
17. "Heartache Tonight" - from The Long Run (1979)
18. "Those Shoes" - from The Long Run (1979)
19. "In the City" - from The Long Run (1979)
20. "Life's Been Good" - from Joe Walsh's But Seriously, Folks... (1978)
21. "The Long Run" - from The Long Run (1979)
22. "Funk #49" - from the James Gang's James Gang Rides Again (1970)
23. "Life in the Fast Lane" - from Hotel California (1976)
24. "Hotel California" - from Hotel California (1976)
25. "Take It Easy" - from Eagles (1972)
26. "Rocky Mountain Way" - from Joe Walsh's The Smoker You Drink, the Player You Get (1973)
27. "Desperado" - from Desperado (1973)
See Eagles and Other Rockers in the Top 100 Albums of the '70s


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It should come as no surprise that The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim launched with a whole host of bugs. Bethesda RPGs are renowned for their massive worlds, but with that size comes a greater propensity for stuff to just plain go wrong. Having been through this before, Bethesda started working on a major patch soon after release, and it looks like they're finally ready to deliver.
Wednesday's patch, which has already gone live for PlayStation 3 users, is dubbed "Skyrim 1.2" and aims to fix a whole host of actual bugs. Here's the full list of changes, straight from Bethesda:
- Improved occasional performance issues resulting from long term play (PlayStation 3)
- Fixed issue where textures would not properly upgrade when installed to drive (Xbox 360)
- Fixed crash on startup when audio is set to sample rate other than 44100Hz (PC)
- Fixed issue where projectiles did not properly fade away
- Fixed occasional issue where a guest would arrive to the player's wedding dead
- Dragon corpses now clean up properly
- Fixed rare issue where dragons would not attack
- Fixed rare NPC sleeping animation bug
- Fixed rare issue with dead corpses being cleared up prematurely
- Skeleton Key will now work properly if player has no lockpicks in their inventory
- Fixed rare issue with renaming enchanted weapons and armor
- Fixed rare issue with dragons not properly giving souls after death
- ESC button can now be used to exit menus (PC)
- Fixed occasional mouse sensitivity issues (PC)
- General functionality fixes related to remapping buttons and controls (PC)
Note that this patch is separate from a minor one released last week that properly tied the game's PC executable to Steam. This had the side effect of removing a bunch of mods upon update and subsequently limiting one's ability to tamper with the game, such as installing a third-party large address aware patch that enabled Skyrim to draw on more than just 2 GB of system RAM. (There is now a workaround for those who'd like to take full advantage of their PC's hardware.)
This likely won't be the last Skyrim patch, and future DLC packs will likely come with their own bugs and hiccups. But this should improve the game for scores of players (that texture bug on the 360 is a big one) just in time for the holidays.
Source: Bethesda via Giant Bomb
56 Comments
View All Comments
tipoo - Monday, November 28, 2011 - link
"General functionality fixes related to remapping buttons and controls (PC)"
Sounds like it. Scrolling is too damn slow in the PC version, and you have to use both keyboard and mouse alternatively for different menus, it makes no sense. I hope they fixed it, but I'm also playing far less since I finished the main story. Still lots to do, just not much incentive. -
Lonyo - Monday, November 28, 2011 - link
They might just mean they fixed the inability to 'properly' remap controls.
The give/put inside container key is by default 'R'. This also has some other functions.
If you remap said key, it remaps it sometimes but not all the time, so sometimes you have to press 'R' and sometimes your custom key.
Various other keys also fail to remap properly. -
JarredWalton - Tuesday, November 29, 2011 - link
You can always grab one of the mods to tweak the UI. I use one that at least helps by listing weight, value, and value/weight in a table format, though it doesn't allow sorting right now. -
dusteater - Monday, November 28, 2011 - link
This game is so stupid. I played it for all of 5 minutes on the PC and couldn;t stand it. When are console ports going to end? Please, make some real PC controls. This game is 100% unplayable on the PC. Epic fail! -
tipoo - Monday, November 28, 2011 - link
The menus were annoying, but not enough for me to skip out on an otherwise great game. You can play it with a 360 controller too by the way, but I used a mouse anyways. Hope this patch makes it better. -
Souka - Monday, November 28, 2011 - link
Hmmm... I'm about %50 done, menu's aren't really a problem for me.
My $.02 (since people are commenting on the menus) -
B3an - Monday, November 28, 2011 - link
Come on!... the menu's are the worst. Until this patch you couldn't even press escape to exit them. Other times the mouse decides not to work on buttons. Worst of all though is that they're completely designed for a console controller. It could be SO much quicker and easier if they changed it for PC, or done it like in TES: Morrowind back before the dev's became console whores.
Apart from that it's possibly the best game i've played all year, certainly the most played. -
Makaveli - Monday, November 28, 2011 - link
"ESC button can now be used to exit menus (PC)"
For the love of christ how do you release a pc game and this isn't checked by a beta tester or the developer??
Are you fucken kidding me? -
dusteater - Monday, November 28, 2011 - link
Because Bethesda are a bunch of lazy bums. I would never buy any software from this company. They certainly don't deserve our business. Someone at their level, it is inexcusable for this mistake. -
FITCamaro - Tuesday, November 29, 2011 - link
So shut up and don't read threads on this. I love people who just shit all over a game because they don't like a few bugs or some feature in it.


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Saturday, January 24, 2009
This is, I believe, in itself criminal as it is misleading shareholders and allowing the criminals to simply continue with their actions. In short, it amounts to a fraudulent representation of the company. In times of a global financial melt-down, it is imperative that crime is tackled in an aggressive manner.
In South Africa, those that are supposed to police crime are very seldom keen to do their duty. Many of them are, indeed, part of the problem and not part of the solution. Whereas there are police officers trying to make an impact on crime, they are few and far between. Sadly though, success is not something that is evident in these counter-crime actions. Public regard for crime scene investigators and detectives is reaching an all-time low. Their lack of interest in attending to crime scenes is well documented with excuses as feeble as "we don't have a vehicle…" Visible policing is seen by many to simply be a reconnaissance operation by men in police uniforms before they strike.
The police's lack of will to seriously fight organised crime has given rise to a proliferation of security companies, some good but many simply exploiting the lack of policing. These companies hire men off the streets, place them in uniform and suddenly they have a security company they can sell to unsuspecting businesses. Before long, these companies know every weakness of the client they are supposed to be protecting. Often these weaknesses are exploited by the security companies themselves.
In order to effectively fight organised crime, companies need to understand the fundamentals of crime and the criminal networks they are up against. Once the criminal workings are understood, the companies need to seize the initiative from the criminals and regain control over their profit margins.
Simply knowing that they are losing money to crime does not solve the crime problem. Installing cameras is not the only or best way to counter crime. Technology has its limitations and can be circumvented – especially when there are so-called power outages. Creating a mini-fortress with booms, guards and fences simply makes a company prisoner to its own working environment and advertises the fact that it has something valuable behind the fortress walls.
Visible security measures such as fences and access control systems are an important part of the overall strategy to combat organised crime. But it is not the only action a company should employ to protect its premises, assets and staff.
Fighting organised crime is an action that should be planned in detail and should encompass many varied levels of action. These plans should be pro-active in nature and make provision for a host of different crime scenarios.
As the global economic melt-down continues, crime will escalate. Loose groupings of criminals will become more structured and organised. Their methodology will become more aggressive and their actions bolder. As their profits soar, they will become better armed, equipped and wheeled. They will also exploit the very obvious lack of policing to a greater extent.
The majority of companies are quite content to simply be re-active. It appears as though the premise exists that although crime is hurting profit margins, companies are still able to survive. If they are able to survive despite the crime, why take positive aggressive action? Indeed, if it may have a financial implication, why do it at all?
The indications that kidnappings, extortion, sabotage and the like are being planned are already evident. Will companies have pre-warning? I doubt it. Will they be able to react quickly in the event of the kidnapping of a senior executive? Unlikely. Do they know who within their ranks is feeding information to criminals? No, they don't. Do they usually know anything about the company providing their security? Have they made the security company liable for any burglary, theft or other losses they may suffer while under their watch? Are security companies given a time-line in which to perform adequately and resolve the crime issues within a company?
Whereas a security company may give a warm, fuzzy feeling to the company, they are often there simply because someone is paying their salaries – and often it is a poor salary that would welcome an additional income. Visible they are, effective - not always.
To successfully combat organised crime, companies need prior knowledge. With prior knowledge (intelligence) criminal actions can be predicted and pre-emptive actions taken. Gathering this information requires the ability to identify the criminal gangs and penetrate and infiltrate them with trained agents. Professional agents, subject to regular polygraph testing and other loyalty checks, will be able to position themselves in such a manner that they can gather the information required.
Armed with the criminal intelligence required, the companies will be able to coordinate their fight against the crime threatening their businesses. Additionally, it will allow the companies under threat to seize the initiative and play an active and offensive role in fighting crime.
This approach does, however, require short-, medium- and long-term planning, coupled to the professional training and management of the agents. There are some companies that have adopted a pre-emptive approach to fighting crime and they ought to be applauded. Their security executives think "outside the box", are professional, dedicated and protect the company as though it were their own. They are quick to take bold, decisive action. They view every possible threat as a challenge and they have the support of their senior executives. Their success grows from strength to strength – and nothing breeds success like success.
Sadly though, a great many companies in South Africa and elsewhere are still in the "crime-denial" phase. While they remain in denial, the crime syndicates play the field, dictate the profit margins and grow stronger.
Crime at government-level and trans-national crime is a topic for another day…
My next posting will look at the recklessness of confusing "strategy" with "gadgetry".
30 comments:
- Tango said...
Nothing,but the truth-
"Many of them that are suppose to combat crime are part of the problem"
Crime can be beaten !
You article says it all.
They need a new commissioner of police......A proffesional soldier could lead! - January 24, 2009 at 5:09 PM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
Indeed crime can be beaten, Tango. Our law-enforcement agencies have sadly deteriorated to such an extent that the title "law enforcement" has little to no significance.
With your background in the law enforcement world, have you ever thought of writing a paper on what can and should be done?
Eeben - January 24, 2009 at 5:49 PM
- Tango said...
There is a partner"Sonny the Journalist" Cox.
He is a writer with a lot of theory and practical experience in the field of law enforcement.
The most qualified to do the writing of a paper.
Let's see if i can get him to respond.
A real professional....this time professional has been spelt with two s's and not two f's
SS ......for sharpshooter.
Practical is more fun !
Thanks you for the response
Regards - January 24, 2009 at 7:16 PM
- Aethyr said...
Thank you for that valuable insight! Although I cannot contribute as much to the discussions as I want to regarding your Topics, I am always excited to read your blog.
But I reckon only big companies could afford the measures you are describing? Or am I mistaken? Didn't you carry this approach out effectively in the early days of EO - before the angolan campaign?
David - January 24, 2009 at 7:16 PM
- Robby Noel said...
As usual I'm not to PC ...best way to stop crime ...allow citizens to carry...this video comes from Britain ....say no more!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTq2NEUlhDE&eurl=http://www.eaglesup.com/thursday.html - January 24, 2009 at 11:39 PM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
Thank you, Tango – somehow I thought "alter ego"? Sorry for getting it wrong. But please do ask him to do the paper. I am sure it will be well appreciated by us all.
Eeben - January 25, 2009 at 5:39 AM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
As you know, Robby, we cannot adopt a PC approach to fighting crime…although on the other hand there are those that advocate "criminal rights" as opposed to "victim rights" and who do view attempts to stopping organised crime as "unfair".
Thank you for the link.
Eeben - January 25, 2009 at 5:48 AM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
Thank you for the compliment re the blog, David. It is much appreciated.
It is mainly the bigger companies that I am referring to as they are the main targets of serious organised crime. Yes, is it does cost money – and the bigger the threat from crime syndicates, the more money to penetrate and infiltrate the syndicates – but some of these companies are losing millions a year in crime-related actions.
Usually, it is not a matter of affording it but having the courage and determination to actually do something.
Yes, I assisted several major companies with this approach prior to EO's entrance into Angola in 1993. The results were always astounding as the clients usually never realised just how high their losses really were.
Eeben - January 25, 2009 at 7:11 AM
- Robby Noel said...
Many call me a doom and glomer but I see nothing but a serious rise in crime world wide as the global financial markets go from bad to worse,social unrest is breaking out all over from China to Iceland.
The US is about to get a major wake up call large US cities will exploded as the have "nots" justify the reasons for taking from the haves.
Everyday more and more adds appear on American TV that advertise the need for home security systems I suspect it won't be to long before American homes look like those fortress homes in Jo'Burg
I often joke with friends that Africas past is Americas future. When the wild aspirations of the Obama nation meet the reality that there is no free lunch watch out!
In the corporate world "trust" between the public and business is at historical lows nobody trusts anyone anymore this in turn creates a whole new level of crime as respect for law and order is replaced by the need to survive.
Can't offer any solutions this problem is to big politicians as usual will try and legislate "morality and respect" for law and order but this to will fail because they don't understand that respect is something that needs to be earned.
Sorry for being so glum! - January 25, 2009 at 1:22 PM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
No need to apologise for being glum, Robby. We all fall into that hole at some stage or another.
Down here in Africa, we have become so used to crime that locking ourselves into a fortress every night has become a way of life. Sadly though, the criminals roam free and that is a situation that is occurring across the globe.
My extreme concern is that no-one is willing to really take a tough stand against crime. As long as that attitude exists, we slide deeper down the slope and the criminals get more brazen. Even more alarming is the fact that big business is not doing what it can to beat crime – and crime can be beaten.
I look at the world and see that it is not only the so-called "have nots" that dabble in serious crime but even the "haves" – white collar crime is on the rise and as you point out, trust is no longer something one can rely on. After all, the current economical crisis was sparked not by traditional criminals but largely by white collar abuse.
Eeben - January 25, 2009 at 1:49 PM
- Robby Noel said...
White collar crime in America is off the charts and one could argue that the world wide financial collapse has been caused by "men in suits" who figured out that they could steal more with a briefcase and pen than any "Willie Sutton" wannerbie
The big scam started with left-wing politicians wanting to get votes by accusing banks and mortgage companies of discriminating against the poor by tight lending standards...faced with charges been laid by the US Civil Rights division of the DOJ they adopted what we know as NINJA loans...no income,no job,no ambition
Wall Street in turn figured out how to bundle this toxic mortgages with with good ones and then get the likes of Standard and Poors to give these CDO's AAA credit ratings which were then sold by the trillions of dollars world wide,everything was fine while real estate prices were rising,Warren Buffert once said "you only know who is swimming naked when the tide goes out"....well the tide has gone out and the naked bodies are piling up everywhere.
If you can believe this I've been looking at getting a house at Jefferies Bay,SA proberly is a better bet than the US in the not to distant future ....you guys have dealt with the new worlds reality...I don't think your average American will be able to handle it. - January 25, 2009 at 3:08 PM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
Some fascinating comments you make, Robby. Obviously, I am not a financial specialist but it makes sense that white collar crime at times outstrips "normal" crime. I do, however, understand crime and how it is perpetrated and I know it can be stopped or the odds made so enormous that the criminals will rather go elsewhere and target someone "softer".
One company I did some work for is very fortunate to have some men who will leave no stone unturned to solve the crime problems they believe exist. They treat the company they work for as their own and it was a pleasure to be associated with such men.
To them, crime was crime regardless of the collar-tag.
Eeben - January 25, 2009 at 4:07 PM
- Sonny Cox said...
Hi again EEBEN (sorry for dropping the one "E" in your name)
The following passage says it all...
At the moment we must use the ballot box.
My Vision for a New South Africa
Yes We Can
While the 'Against all Odd's' victory, of Barack Obama, over the Republicans in the USA, is still fresh in every South African's mind, we can, as one great aspiring nation, defeat the ANC, in the forthcoming 2009 Elections.
The only secret is that we will have to stand together as one and run a campaign, second to none, against the failed oppressors of the poor, sick and needy in this Country.
We can fight and win against government corruption.
We can take back our Country from Organised Criminals.
We can stabilize our failing economy.
We can restore service delivery.
We can restore faith in the Judiciary.
We can restore faith in our police force.
We can stamp out nepotism in awarding tenders.
We can rid parliament of criminals and convicted felons.
We can restore faith in our failed health system.
We can stamp out poverty.
We will rid this Country of a "one party state!"
We need CHANGE in order to WIN!
We need to WIN in order to have CHANGE!
We must mobilize all South African, including the young, old and Ex-Pats to combine their votes against the ANC!
© 2009 WEC. - January 28, 2009 at 12:25 PM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
I agree that the ballot box can play a major role in helping us curb crime, Sonny. My only concern is what if the voters get more of the same? Also, even if there is a change of government, I cannot see our law-enforcement agencies acting quickly though. The private sector cannot rely on effective policing and therefore it needs to seize the initiative quickly, before crime escalates to a point where it is an almost unstoppable juggernaut.
Your summation/solution though is a good one, thank you.
Eeben - January 28, 2009 at 4:37 PM
A few quick questions and maybe possible solutions then with your extensive experience - please:
1. They say if you pay peanuts you hire monkeys. Hence they are easier to bribe. Is having in house and well paid security better than outsourced security?
2. Many house invasions have their electric fencing cut. Is there a better way around this problem? Maybe fencing that is near impossible to climb, spikes in the ground under the fence so they cannot dig under it? Hardened gravel at least 2 meters on either side of the fence?
3. In terms of legislation in South Africa. What is a security company allowed to own in terms of weapons? Can you own an armored car (APC), combat helicopter? What is the largest caliber weapon they are allowed to own?
4. Last question being a Hurricane Katrina event in South Africa. What would you recommend in terms of fortifications in such an event for an open farm?
Thanks mate! - January 28, 2009 at 7:28 PM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
You have asked some things that I may not be best placed to answer willywinky. I shall pass on your questions to someone who I have great faith in as regards physical security and I believe that he will be able to give you very sound advice. In the meantime, I will respond as follows to your questions:
1. Peanuts and monkeys go hand-in-hand. I did work for a large company who had outsourced their security wrt intelligence collection. The outsourced company used me on a contract basis to assist them with certain operational preparation and training. The client was fortunate in that the company they were using acted as though they were the client and left no stone unturned to infiltrate and penetrate the organised crime syndicates that were targeting them. Whereas the sub-contracted company is expensive, the client's success at protecting their assets has rocketed to the point that the profit-margins have dramatically increased, making the investment into the security company very worthwhile. In this instance, the outsourced company have proven their value several times over. But, it does differ from company to company and situation to situation. Companies that cut costs in terms of security usually end up the losers in countering crime.
2. I shall get someone to answer this question for you.
3. I shall get someone to answer this question to you.
4. I shall get someone to answer this question for you.
Eeben - January 29, 2009 at 6:06 AM
- Unknown said...
Firstly I want to thank Eeben for giving me the opportunity to try and answer your questions as best I can. I need to state that I am not a LEGAL Expert in this field and obviously my interpretation of the Governing Laws of SA might be wrong. I have been in the Private Security Industry in SA for close on 13 years now and have worked in many areas within the Industry.
That being said...let me try and answer your questions:
Q): willywinky said...
A few quick questions and maybe possible solutions then with your extensive experience - please:
1. They say if you pay peanuts you hire monkeys. Hence they are easier to bribe. Is having in house and well paid security better than outsourced security?
A): This is a catch 22 situation really. You can pay a guard a good salary but if the temptation, opportunity and lack of integrity is present the possibility of the guard getting involved in criminal activities are almost ensured. I use the word "integrity" because eventually it is for an individual to decide whether or not to get involved in unlawful practices or accepting bribes etc. Highly paid and highly ranked police officials have been accused of taking bribes...and they are well paid obviously. Various companies have switched from Outsourced Security to In-house Security just to realise that they sit with the exact same problems and even more so. The Security Industry in SA is highly regulated and the In-House Security needs to abide by those regulations. The net result is a Security Company within a Company with the added financial pressures of HR, Medical, Logistics and the normal Company overheads. By using In-House Security you really only assure one thing...and that is the employment of personnel that you THINK you can trust. The additional Overheads of In-House Security is just too much for most companies to bear. Even the largest mining companies in SA use Out-Sourced Security but with a twist. Their own Security Departments MANAGE the activities properly and therein lies the secret...MANAGE YOUR OUTSOURCED SECURITY, from "screening" the guards that are employed and deployed on your premises' to actively having meetings with the Guarding Company's Management on a regular (almost weekly) basis where concerns are raised and solutions to problems are formulated.
Q 2): Many house invasions have their electric fencing cut. Is there a better way around this problem? Maybe fencing that is near impossible to climb, spikes in the ground under the fence so they cannot dig under it? Hardened gravel at least 2 meters on either side of the fence?
A): This is a question that needs to be answered in a more technical manner. No SINGLE Security System is effective enough to deter criminals. An electric fence is a pro-active system and must give the owner an early warning of an attempt to gain entry to the premises illegally. In the same sense, the system must act as a deterrent and make it as difficult as possible for someone to enter the premises illegally. If the fence is CUT, as in your scenario, a properly installed and maintained electrified fence will send that Early Warning. Yes...there are ways and means to bypass an electrified fence, hence my statement that no single security system is effective enough to deter criminals. One always requires a combination of systems i.e. CCTV and an electric fence, CCTV and Access Control etc. An Electrified Fence Contractor that is worth his money will assess the scope of the installation and ensure that "anti-dig" foundations are installed. This always raises the question of BUDGETS because of the additional material and labour involved. For the normal household this is not an option because of the costs involved. Other methods of "additional" detection are available in "anti-climb detectors working of sensors connected via fibre optic or other communication cable to a control room but these are really only deployed within High Security Areas as an additional method of early detection and should the electrified fence fail for some or other reason. The norm when installing an anti-dig foundation is 500mm to 1m wide by 1m deep concrete slab – assisting also in keeping the electrified fence clear of undergrowth that might lead to short circuits etc. There are numerous other ways of adding additional protection to the electrified fence that is only hampered by BUDGETS.
Q 3): In terms of legislation in South Africa. What is a security company allowed to own in terms of weapons? Can you own an armoured car (APC), combat helicopter? What is the largest calibre weapon they are allowed to own?
A): Legally NO ONE IN SA may own an Automatic Fire Arm. That obviously excludes the Police and Military. A security company's fire arms are governed by two Laws, the first being the Firearms Control Act and the second being the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) regulations. Firstly the company must apply for a licence for each and every firearm which is either granted or declined depending on legal parameters. The company will obviously not be granted a licence for a "Bazooka" – so any hand-held pistol or revolver can be used up to shotguns and in Cash In Transit (CIT) companies. Each Security Guard that is issued with a Fire Arm for use in work related matters MUST have a COMPETENCY CERTIFICATE, issued in terms of the Fire Control Act. Even if you as a security guard own a private registered firearm, you may not use that firearm in your duties as a security guard. Again, I am not giving myself out as an expert in the legal field but merely interpreting the laws. The Security Company also cannot buy any APC and use it as and when they feel like it. This is also regulated and special permission needs to be obtained for operating such vehicles. Suffice to say...combat helicopters are out of the question. An option is however the Taser Law Enforcement system.
Q4) Last question being a Hurricane Katrina event in South Africa. What would you recommend in terms of fortifications in such an event for an open farm?
A) I really cannot answer this one – never had the misfortune of having to content with hurricanes. In SA we are fortunate not to have to worry about tornados and earthquakes too much as those occur once in a while and then not even close to the ferocity of those in other parts of the world. I cannot recall that SA ever had a hurricane – the closest we get is a big storm at sea. Sorry about this one.
I hope the above answers your questions.
Best Regards
Peet vdWalt
www.companis.co.za - January 30, 2009 at 12:06 PM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
Many thanks, Peet. I really appreciate your answer.
I hope this helps to answer your questions, Willywinky? Peet is a specialist in his area and the best person to answer you coherently.
Eeben - January 30, 2009 at 3:57 PM
To say that I am really impressed would be an understatement. Thanks Eben and Peet those answers I am certain will not only benefit me but others who come across the post.
I was considering buying a farm next year once the elections are over and life returns to what has become normal, however I always had the concern about safety and security. There are so many farm killings and on each report it is always that they dug under the fence or somehow got across.
Thanks for your time and excellent advice.
William - January 30, 2009 at 10:02 PM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
You are most welcome, William. You have Peet's web address and if ever you need to question anything on physical security, contact him. He is, as I said before, the man I turn to when I need to get a coherent and decent answer – or even help.
Eeben - January 31, 2009 at 6:19 AM
- klipgeit said...
I find the response units of major comp. a disaster-- 25 min on 4 occasions--.By that time I am shaking the Lord's hands.
Question: I live on a 2.5 hectare plot.The police states that any one illegally entering my plot is merely trespassing,entering my house is could be a reason reason to kill for self defense. I say any one entering my plot is assaulting my body and soul(My space).The plot is in my name and bears all the hallmarks of my signature.
If I show my fist to some one it could be treated as assault. Why must I be a softy on illegal entering my plot. - February 2, 2009 at 11:26 AM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
A lot of these security companies offer anything but security Klipgeit.
I am passing your question on to Peet (www.companis.co.za)who no doubt will give you some advice. As I have said before, when it comes to physical security, I know no better.
Eeben - February 2, 2009 at 12:56 PM
- Unknown said...
Hi again to all.
I will try and answer Klipgeit's statement and question of: "I find the response units of major comp. a disaster-- 25 min on 4 occasions--.By that time I am shaking the Lord's hands.
Question: I live on a 2.5 hectare plot.The police states that any one illegally entering my plot is merely trespassing,entering my house is could be a reason reason to kill for self defense. I say any one entering my plot is assaulting my body and soul(My space).The plot is in my name and bears all the hallmarks of my signature.
If I show my fist to someone it could be treated as assault. Why must I be a softy on illegal entering my plot."
Firstly I share your frustration in regard to Armed Response. I subscribe to Chubb and I sit with the exact same issues. On one occasion the Metro Police responded quicker than they did...goes to show. Fortunately it was a false alarm activated by myself before I had my morning "wake-up-cup-of-coffee".
On your question I again state that I do not see myself as a legal expert nor an advisor. I merely comment on your question. I again share your same views in this regard but unfortunately the Police are correct in terms of the law. If you possess a firearm you should have completed a competency "course" and obtained the certificate stating that you understand the firearm act etc. On that basis and the after the assessment of the SAPS, you would have been issued with a firearm licence. The firearm is issued to you on the following "conditions":
"For self-defence, one firearm – either a handgun or a shotgun – is allowed (Two or more people living in the same household can be licenced to use these firearms)"... to mention one.
I specifically mention this because you need to look at the word and definition of Self-Defence.
I cannot discuss the legal terms and definitions here but do yourself a favour and go to:
The title of the document is - WHEN CAN I FIRE? Use of lethal force to defend property – This was published by the Institute for Security Studies.
You will find your answer in the last paragraph of the above report – "The principle is simple: the life of the attacker can only be taken in order to protect your or someone else's life or to prevent serious bodily harm. It is unlawful to use lethal force in any other circumstances. In other words, your property is not worth the life of the person that is stealing it from you!"
Sorry...but this is the truth under SA Law which you, I and others might disagree with but have to abide by. I also feel that if someone trespasses on my property they are only there to rob, rape or murder or all three of the above.
I hope the report will clarify your question although it might not be satisfactory.... - February 5, 2009 at 2:54 PM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
Thanks very much, Peet. I am sure you have answered Klipgeit's concerns.
Eeben - February 5, 2009 at 4:34 PM
- robert said...
eden i have an organized crime figure who has set a plan to eliminate me, i live in ny , can you help me.
- December 11, 2009 at 2:23 PM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
If this is really a serious request Robert, I would recommend that you approach the NYPD. I do not operate in the USA and additionally, organised crime in the US falls within the ambit of the US law enforcement agencies.
Eeben - December 11, 2009 at 6:34 PM
- Tango said...
Armed confrontations
Shortly afterward, police and soldiers surrounded the area searching in vain for the perpetrators, and ambulances ferried the wounded, including four reportedly in serious condition, to local hospitals.
Chihuahua has long been the scene of gruesome trafficking-related violence and authorities say rehab centres are often targeted because of small-scale drug dealing or the presence of individuals seeking refuge from violence or rival gangs.
In September 2009, two similar attacks in nearby Ciudad Juarez left a total of 28 dead.
Police said the rehab centre targeted overnight may have housed members of the "Los Mexicles" gang linked to the Sinaloa cartel, which is warring with "Los Aztecos", affiliated with the Juarez cartel.
In Madero, a gang of gunmen killed scores of people in a series of armed confrontations and shootings in at least five different locations in the city.
So far, "20 bodies have been found in different parts of the city", a federal police officer said. The attacks reportedly began on Thursday, with confrontations between police and a group of gunmen moving around the city in vans.
Authorities then received reports on Friday that bodies had been discovered on a local beach and in other locations throughout the town.
Military clampdown
There was no immediate information linking the incident to drug violence, but Tamaulipas has been caught in the crosshairs of a bloody confrontation between the Gulf cartel and their former allies, Los Zetas, which was formed by former elite military personnel.
Along with the death toll, the region's violence is unique for the level of cruelty that continues to befall victims of the drug cartels, which have been terrorising residents and officials alike with beheadings, mutilation and depraved methods of torture all part of the daily record.
Mexican President Felipe Calderon condemned the violence in Chihuahua and expressed his condolences to the families of the victims.
"These are outrageous acts that reinforce the conviction of the need to use all out forces to fight criminal groups engaged in such acts of barbarism," Calderon said in a statement from Johannesburg, where he was attending the start of the Soccer World Cup.
Some 23 000 people have died in surging, drug-related violence following the launch of a military clampdown on organised crime, involving some 50 000 troops, at the end of 2006.
The conservative president has staked his term in office on tackling the drug cartels, deploying soldiers to the worst-affected parts of the country to do the job of often-corrupt police. The profitable trade in illegal drugs has allowed cartels to arm themselves with the latest and most deadly weapons available.
Those weapons often come from the US, and Calderon in May urged US lawmakers to strengthen gun laws, warning that over 90% of the guns used by drug traffickers in Mexico come from north of the border.
"Believe me, many of these guns are not going to honest American hands. Instead thousands are ending up in the hands of criminals," he said.
Calderon has scored some victories, including the arrest of top cartel leader Jose Antonio Medina, dubbed the "King of Heroin" and the death of Arturo Beltran Leyva, known as the "chief of chiefs".
But he also faces growing resentment from residents in the worst-affected parts of Mexico, who are angry at his failure to stop the violence and accuse the troops he has deployed of committing abuses.
NS: I hope we don't get to a situation like this in South Africa - June 12, 2010 at 12:25 PM
- Tango said...
This story reminded me of your postig....
"Fighting organised Crime "
Bloodbath in Mexico - 39 dead
Related Links :
US arrests 2 000 in drug probe
16 gunned down in Mexican city
Bodies litter mine in Mexico
Ciudad Juarez - Gunmen brought terror to two towns in northern Mexico, killing at least 39 people, police said on Friday, as the country struggles to tackle the scourge of powerful and violent drug cartels.
In Chihuahua, the capital of northern Chihuahua state, more than 30 armed men stormed a drug rehabilitation centre overnight, killing 19 people and wounding four others.
Meanwhile, an unknown number of gunmen carried out a series of armed attacks and executions across the town of Madero, in the north eastern state of Tamaulipas, police said.
In Chihuahua, the gunmen arrived in six trucks around midnight on Thursday and stormed the second floor of the Templo Cristiano Fe y Vida (Christian Faith and Life Temple).
Firing large-calibre weapons at patients and employees, they killed 14 immediately and then fatally shot another five people before depositing a threatening message and fleeing. The raid lasted little more than 10 minutes, according to residents living next to the centre.
Continued.... - June 12, 2010 at 12:25 PM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
Thanks for the story, Tango. Yes, let's hope we don't walk the same road.
I trust you are still well?
Eeben - June 21, 2010 at 6:01 PM
- Eeben Barlow's Milsec Blog said...
A very valid point, Adam. Unfortunately, these products have become a "must have" as opposed to a "nice to have".
Given that criminals now operate in police uniforms and with police vehicles, one needs to ask if they are robbers dressed as cops or cops dressed as cops. I suspect that two are related and therefore we cannot allow ourselves to go without early warning. Sadly though, some security companies have exploited this to the hilt.
Eeben - October 6, 2010 at 4:41 PM


text:
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Americanism Essay Contest
Deadline is in early December
The Fleet Reserve Association Essay Contest asks 7th through 12th grade students to write an essay up to 350 words on a different topic every year. The best essay will get a prize of a $10,000 U.S. Savings Bond, with $5,000, $3,000 and $2,000 Savings Bonds awarded to the first, second and third place winners in each grade category. All regional winners are judged at the national level and receive a certificate of recognition.
Being an American Essay - This program is no longer being offered.
Deadline is in mid December
In 1000 words or less, you need to answer the question: How does the Constitution establish and maintain a culture of liberty?
Foot Locker Scholar Athletes
Deadline is in mid December
The Foot Locker Scholar Athletes program honors high school athletes who engaged in leadership activities in their communities.
To compete you need to answer three essay questions (between 200 and 350 words each) and obtain two non-family recommendations.
George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay Contest
Deadline is in late December
To participate in the George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay Contest you must do research and write an essay that deals with: an event, person, philosophy, or ideal associated with the American Revolution, the Declaration of Independence, or the framing of the United States Constitution.
Apprentice Ecologist Initiative
Deadline is in late December
An $850 educational scholarship will be awarded annually to the authors of the top Apprentice Ecologist essay in the Apprentice Ecologist Initiative™. This tax-free and merit-based scholarship is available to any full or part-time student (aged 13 to 21) who is a candidate for a degree/diploma at a primary, secondary, or accredited post-secondary educational institution from any country around the world.
Profile in Courage Essay Contest
Deadline is in early January
Students are asked to write a Profile in Courage, an essay of no more than 1,000 words about an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official that occurred during or after 1956, the publication date of Profiles in Courage. The official may have addressed an issue at the local, state, or national level.
GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program
Deadline is in early January
GE has created a scholarship program to award 20 students a year a $10,000 renewal scholarship (the maximum scholarship is $40,000).
Washington Crossing Foundation Scholarship Awards
Deadline is in mid January
In order to compete in the Washington Crossing Foundation Scholarship Awards, students are asked to write a one-page essay indicating why they are interested in a career in government service. Include in the essay any inspiration to be derived from the leadership of George Washington in his famous crossing of the Delaware.
National MS Society Scholarship Program
Deadline is in mid January
The National MS Society Scholarship Program was established to help highly qualified students who have been diagnosed with MS or who have a parent with MS achieve their dreams of going to college.
American Mensa Educational & Research Foundation Scholarship
Deadline is in mid January
If you're looking for a college scholarship that is based solely on your ability to write here it is. The American Mensa Education & Research Foundation college scholarship program is based on essays written by you, no grades, academic programs or financial need issues are considered.
Union Plus Scholarship
Deadline is in late January
The Union Plus Scholarship Program is offered through the Union Plus Education Foundation. To be eligible you must the child of a union member or a union member.
DuPont Challenge Science Essay
Deadline is in late January
The DuPont Challenge© Science Essay Competition encourages students in grades 7 through 12 to express their enthusiasm for science by writing an essay. The essay must be at least 700 words and no more than 1000 words and it must be submitted online.
National Peace Essay Contest
Deadline is in early February
The Academy for International Conflict Management and Peacebuilding runs the National Peace Essay Contest. They believe that questions about peace, justice, freedom, and security are vital to civic education. Over 1,100 students submit entries to the essay contest annually.
Optimist International Essay Contest
Deadline: Varies by district
The Optimist International Essay Contest is sponsored by Optimist International. You must enter the contest through your local Optimist Club (each club has their own deadlines, however, all club contest are done by early February).
National Co-op Scholarship Program
Deadline is in mid February
Several colleges that provide cooperative education for their students are participating in the National CO-OP Scholarship . They are offering over 100 scholarships ranging up to $30,000 ($6,000 per year up to 5 years).
AFA Teens College Scholarship
Deadline is in mid February
The Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA), a national nonprofit organization, has established a college scholarship to encourage teens to express their thoughts about Alzheimer's disease and to engage the younger generation in this cause.
Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship
Deadline is in mid February
The $5,000 Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship is awarded to two high school seniors who have promoted vegetarianism in their schools and/or communities.
Spirit of Anne Frank Awards
Deadline is in early March
The Anne Frank Center is looking for high school seniors that have played a leadership role in their community. The Spirit of Anne Frank Award will go to a student who has exhibited some of the principles and ideals of Anne Frank.
EngineerGirl! Food Engineering Essay
Deadline is in early March
Every year the EngineerGirl Essay Contest asks boys and girls to write an essay about a different subject.
The competition is run by the National Academy of Engineering.
Kaplun Essay Contest
Deadline is in early March
The Kaplun Essay Contest is broken up into two levels. Level 1 is for 7th through 9th graders, they get one essay. Level 2 - Is for 10th through 12th graders, they get another essay.
Society of Professional Journalists Freedom of the Press High School Essay Contest
Deadline is in late February
The Society of Professional Journalists believes that the American people need to understand and be informed about the issues in order to make decisions that impact their lives. Journalists provide this information in an accurate, comprehensive, timely and understandable manner.
Young Naturalist Awards
Deadline is in early March
The Young Naturalist Award is a research-based science competition for students in grades 7-12 to promote participation and communication in science. The student needs to plan and conduct a scientific investigation, one that will include observations, questions, predictions, trips into the field to gather data, and analysis.
DNA Day Essay Contest
Deadline is in mid March
The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) sponsors Annual DNA Day Essay Contest. Students in grades 9-12 are eligible to participate. The contest asks students to think about the important concepts of genetics.
Sylvia K. Burack Writing Award Competition - This program is no longer being offered.
Deadline is in mid March
The Sylvia K. Burack Writing Award is a writing contest for juniors and seniors made in memory of Sylvia K. Burack, an editor and publisher of The Writer magazine.
PFLAG National Scholarship Program
Deadline is in mid March
The PFLAG National Scholarship Program is sponsored by Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) a national non-profit organization. In addition to the National Scholarship Program, there are many local programs, see below for more information.
Ayn Rand Institute "Anthem" Essay Contest
Deadline is in mid March
Anthem is a short novel written by Ayn Rand. It takes place in the future when the world has entered a dark age. Written in pre-war (1937) England, it talks about a period of time when the concept of individuality no longer exists and the word "I" has disappeared from the language.
Youth Scholarship Program
Deadline is in late March
The Electronic Security Association maintains the Youth Scholarship Program, which will award scholarships to two children of active-duty police officers and firefighters. The first place winner will receive $7,500 to put toward their college education and the second place winner will receive $2,500. Awards are based on a combination of academic achievement, national test scores, extracurricular participation and an essay titled, "What it means to me to have my parent or guardian involved in securing our community."
American Foreign Service Association - National High School Essay Contest
Deadline is in mid April
The American Foreign Service Association has an essay competition open to 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th graders who are required to write an essay of 1000 to 1250 words.
Signet Classics Student Essay Contest
Deadline is in mid April
Read a Signet Classic and write an essay. Each English teacher can only submit one junior and one senior essay. See the Penguin Books Website for more details about how the essays must be submitted. Students must be between the ages of 16-18.
Holocaust Remembrance Project Essay Contest
Deadline is in mid April
The Holocaust Remembrance Project is a writing contest about the Holocaust. Participants should study the holocaust and then, in an essay of no more than 1,200 words: (a) analyze why it is so vital that the remembrance, history and lessons of the Holocaust be passed to a new generation; and (b) suggest what they, as students, can do to combat and prevent prejudice, discrimination and violence in our world today.
Toby Nussbaum Contest Jewish Heritage- Writing Contest
Deadline is in early May
To celebrate Jewish Heritage Week the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York is sponsoring The Toby Nussbaum Jewish Heritage Writing Contest for students in the New York City school system. To enter you must write 250 to 300 words about the current year's theme.
NPG Essay Scholarship Contest
Deadline is in mid April
Negative Population Growth (NPG) is a national membership organization whose goal is to educate the American public and political leaders about the detrimental effects of overpopulation on our environment, resources and quality of life. One of the ways they do this is with their Annual Scholarship Contest.
Ayn Rand Institute "Fountainhead" Essay Contest
Deadline is in late April
The Fountainhead is a novel written in 1943 by Ayn Rand. It was an early literary success for her. Over 6.5 million copies of the book have been sold worldwide.
It is the story of Howard Roark, is a young architect who acts on principal and works in obscurity rather than changing his artistic and personal vision. His fight is to practice modern architecture as opposed to more traditional work. More information about the essay contest can be found on the Ayn Rand Institute Website. Submitted essays must be no fewer than 800 and no more than 1,600 words.
Young Native Writers Essay Contest
Deadline is in late April
The Young Native Writers Essay Contest is open to Native American high school students with a relationship with a Native American tribal community.
Skandalaris Family Foundation Scholarship
Deadline is in early May
The Skandalaris Family Foundation is an independent, non-profit foundation that awards scholarships to students characterized by their special talents, leadership skills, unselfish ways, strong values, and commitment to excellence. The majority of their scholarships will be granted to residents of the State of Michigan, but the scholarship is not limited to Michigan residents.
We the Living Essay Contest - This program is no longer being offered.
Deadline is in early May
The essay contest asks high school students in the 10th through 12th grade to write about the book in an essay of 700 to 1500 words.
BP Community Scholarship Program
Deadline is in mid May
The BP Scholarship Program is sponsored by BP employees and dealers in the New York and New Jersey area.
James Beard Foundation Scholarship Program
Deadline is in mid May
Whether you're interested in baking, pastry, culinary arts or some other aspect of food or hospitality management, the James Beard Foundation School Scholarships may be for you. Fourteen US and international schools are participating in this culinary scholarship and each program is somewhat different in both the amount of tuition waiver and what programs of study are eligible.
JASNA Essay Contest
Deadline is in mid May
The Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA) Essay Contest celebrates the life and work of the author. Students at the high school, college and even graduate level are encouraged to enter. This essay contest is open to students worldwide.
Dream Deferred Essay Contest
Deadline is in late May
The Dream Deferred Essay Contest was inspired by a 1951 Langston Hughes poem, What happens to a dream deferred? Just as the Langston Hughes poem helped inspire the civil rights movement, the contest sponsors feel that essay contest will also be regarded as an opportunity for American and Middle Eastern youth to unite over the issue of advancing civil liberties in the Middle East.
Samsung Techwin America Scholarship - This program is no longer being offered.
Deadline is in mid May
The Samsung Techwin America Scholarship is for high school students. To enter applicants must submit a 300 word essay on: How will technology enable the collaboration process in the future?
Big Dig Scholarship - This program is no longer being offered.
Deadline is in early June
Make your grandchildren rich, at least in theory. This essay scholarship asks you imagine that you could bury something in your backyard that would make your heirs wealthy.
Automotive Hall of Fame Scholarship
Deadline is in late June
The Automotive Hall of Fame Scholarship is for high school seniors and college students with an interest in the automotive field and financial need. In addition to the eligibility requirements listed below, you need to write an essay describing your career goals and objectives for the next five years.


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Cats on Cage Rest Following
a Road Traffic Accident
When cats are injured in a Road Traffic Accident, in many cases they are required to be on cage rest, the feline equivalent of bed rest, following extensive surgery. A treatment plan involving cage rest can be just as critical as the surgery itself in helping them make a full recovery.
Typically, the cage rest period is around 6 to 8 weeks and the idea is to confine them to prevent further complications after surgery. As can be imagined, running and jumping around can cause problems when it comes to healing.
It is also very important to keep your cat on cage rest after soft tissue procedures, as there can be a lot of sutures which, again if put under too much strain from overuse, can cause wound breakdown and swelling. A variety of metal implants (plates, screws, wire) can also be used in certain procedures following a road traffic accident. These can break or loosen if put under too much strain and overuse, potentially causing the bone to become displaced or fracture. This can require more surgery and will add to the recovery time and cage rest. The most important thing is the cat heals as well and as speedily as possible.
That said, keeping a cat on cage rest can be easier said than done. Cats' natural disregard for rules is the butt of many a joke, but when they are injured or ill it can be a challenge to keep these fiercely independent creatures from further harming themselves.
The first rule of cage rest is to follow your vets instructions – he or she knows what is needed for your cat to heal in the best possible way. Deviating from these instructions may result in prolonged healing time, improper healing, additional damage to internal organs, or limbs not healing correctly.
Every cat is different, and every injury and treatment process is different too. Some cats soon adapt to being on cage rest, others not so much. Of course, it is distressing to have an upset cat howling for freedom, and those pitiful mews don't make it any easier. However, if ever there is a time for tough love, this is it. The most important thing is for your cat to heal. Considering many RTA victims don't survive, a few weeks on cage rest should help to put things into perspective when compared to what could have been, so it helps to remember this. Tough love!
With that in mind, here are a few tips that could make the cage rest period more acceptable for all…
The Importance of Cage Size
Firstly, the cage needs to be large enough to accommodate your pets size. They need to have soft bedding and be able to get up and change position comfortably. There should also be enough space for food bowls, water bowls and litter trays. The cage should also have a secure roof so that they cannot injure themselves by trying to jump out, and it must be sturdy enough so that they cannot force their way through the sides or door.
The Cage Location
If your pet likes lots of attention, the cage can be kept in a family area in the house so that they don't feel left out and have plenty to look at. However, care should be taken that they do not become too excited and too active if family members are about, or if it is a chaotic environment which your cat can not choose to retreat from when they've had enough.
If your pet is shy or easily frightened, the cage may need to be kept in a quiet spare room so they can relax and rest. Alternating the cage's position throughout the day could keep your cat happiest. Being in a cage with no option to move away is stressful for cats regardless, so help keep them calm and safe from things that they find fearful; such as the vacuum cleaner, dogs, loud noises, cigarette smoke and excessive attention. Again, it all depends on the personality of the cat, but do try to read how your cat is in different environments, and honour what they prefer.
Full VS Part-Time Cage Rest
It all depends on what your vet has personally advised for your cat's injuries, but usually they should be in the cage at all times. This means they will have to use the toilet in the cage. Cats are clean animals so try to keep a keen eye on the tray, and always clean it straight away. Also, cats generally don't like their food/water by each other, or near litter trays. Sadly, there may be no option but to do this during cage rest and it is certainly the lesser of the two evils. Make sure the bowls are sturdy so they can't easily be knocked over and always take out uneaten meat after meal times - especially wet smelly meat. A change in routine under some stress, and due to the fact they will be on medicines, may cause the cat to have 'accidents' so keep an eye on them, and help them out whilst recovering.
Managing Boredom
Some animals adjust quite quickly to the routine of being confined, but sometimes boredom can become an issue - particularly in cats. There are a variety of 'boredom busters' you can try if your pet needs enrichment during their time spent alone such as treats, and toys. Admittedly, for some cats, they will soon get bored of this so try moving the cage so they have different views. Cats that are bored, scared or frustrated can harm themselves trying to escape the cage. These types of cats need stimulation that fits in with their recovery regime. If possible, place the cage near a door or window so they have a view, maybe secure the cage on a sturdy cabinet which is safe, sprinkle bird seed outside to encourage some activity to look at, or create interest with wind-driven toys outside. For cats that are active, puzzle feeders are a great source of both mental and physical stimulation. If your cat is more relaxed by a window, put a blanket over half the cage so they feel they have a 'retreat' area to sleep or to block sunlight.
Getting the Right Temperature
Always be wary of temperature as the cat can no longer move itself to a more desired spot if too hot or too cold. Cooling or heat pads, such as snugglesafe, are a perfect safe way to make your pet comfortable in certain temperatures but always monitor them, and never put heating pads in cages where an animal is in a semi conscious/semi drugged state. Don't forget, many RTA victims have just had surgery and will have large patches of shaved fur so be conscious of the fact they may feel drafts a little more, or even may get sunburnt if placed in a hot sunny spot with no shade escape.
Keeping your cat relaxed and comfortable will help them to recover as best as possible. It also helps owners to contribute to the recovery time, and to feel involved and supportive. All being well, they will be well when they emerge from the cage, and you will feel more like a friendly carer again than a prison warden.
Smell is an important form of communication for cats. Instead of, or as well as, a bed or blanket, give them a piece of your clothing such as a t-shirt or socks. Bring a variety of items for them to smell such as a leaf, flower, feather, a stone or your shoes after a walk... different things for them to investigate. Remove them once they have finished with them. Give as much stimulation as possible, or as required by them. If they can be moved, and it is possible and practical, move the cage into a bedroom at night, as this is when they are most likely to be active and need attention.
Music can also be used to relax cats too, whatever their state and healing requirements. There are a number of CDs/albums on iTunes and YouTube to download specifically for cats. Playing these softly can be relaxing for both cats and owners. Although there are DVDs for cats, these may not be a good idea as they may excite cats with the sight and sound of prey animals so be mindful of that. They could be played with the sound off merely as visual stimulation, if appropriate. If the cat needs to be left alone for a while. it can be useful to leave the radio or TV on softly to provide some human sound for comfort. Go at your cat's pace. If they appear bored, see what they fancy. If they want to be left alone to sleep, let them.
It is important that the carer also has a support system. When cats have to be confined for a long period of time, need constant assistance, or are challenging to confine, it is necessary to have a backup carer to allow the main carer to take a break. Maybe your cat likes a certain family member or friend? Let them take the reins now and again, see if they get a different response whilst also offering another bit of entertainment for your cat. Don't forget, cats react to our boy language and tones - if you're worked up, chances are your cat will pick up on the stress, and it could cause them anxiety.
This beautiful little girl is Bear. She was tragically hit by a car and had 3 operations on her back. Thankfully she made a full recovery and is finally able to walk again after some time. Unlike most CatsMatter hear of, Bear is a star pupil and coped very well on cage rest. Initially this was down to Bear being unable to walk completely unaided, but also because of some of the clever tricks her owner Cobby did throughout.
Now, this may not suit all cats, especially the would be escape artists who prefer to throw themselves at the bars in protest as opposed to waiting out their recovery, but a fabulous idea we love from Cobby is a puppy pen. They only cost around £15 from places like Amazon & Ebay, and Cobby layered it with Carpet tiles to give that extra bit of sturdiness if Bear attempted to lift herself to her feet, but it also makes it much easier to transport the pen around the house or to the garden. This is also great because it's a change of scenery with new smells such as new blankets etc.
Bear sleeps on the bed in this of a night also, which she seems to be more than happy with, and she is close to her owner in case there's an issue. Cobby admits it didn't exactly leave much spare room on the bed though, but Bear's worth it of course. Bear also had pins in her, and was unable to bend her leg to stand up completely at first. There was a worry she might get her leg pins caught in the bars, so Cobby put cardboard on the inside of the cage which had the added benefit of helping with draughts. Bear was also unable to go to the toilet herself properly at the beginning, but Cobby highly rates the vet beds in cases similar. They are thick and fleecy, and any urine goes straight through and absorbed underneath.
Bear and Cobby followed vet's orders well, and she was able to eventually walk again unaided. Her bladder injury will unfortunately be permanent, but she is now on medication to aid this. Initially there was a fear she may need her tail amputated but she got the great news that she can keep her tail.
There was also a surprise waiting for Bear when she fully recovered, just in time for summer as well. Cobby decided to securely enclose the garden so as this terrible incident does not occur ever again, not to Bear or her other 2 cats. The enclosure Cobby installed was one from ProtectaPet. If you are considering garden enclosures for your own cats, do check out our page where you can find out more about ProtectaPet and receive exclusive CatsMatter discounts.
Cats tend to survive cage rest much better than their human carers. They emerge fit and healthy again and tend to easily forgive and forget the trauma. However, it's us who carry the scars and nightmares, so we thought any advice we could offer will hopefully ease the pressure and be well received. If you have a story, or further advise on this issue, do share this on our social media channels to help others.


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What is the meaning behind your logo?
The Ocean Futures Society logo depicts two divers working as a team and is referred to as the "manfish." The design represents the fact that we all depend on the ocean to sustain life and together we must all support the health of the ocean.
The OFS manfish logo is designed by Jean-Charles Roux, a longtime friend and colleague of Jean-Michel and his father, Jacques-Yves Cousteau. Roux was instrumental in the design and look of the Cousteau Society on-camera dive team in "The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau" television series, which featured the "bumble bee" yellow/black dive ensemble, and later the distinctive look of the silver suits, helmets, and underwater scooters. He also designed the unique blue dive suits for Jean-Michel's OFS Expedition Team.
Donate to Two Futures Society
Yes! I want to support the field work, projects and mission of Jean-Michel Cousteau and the OFS team. Make a tax-deductible donation now!
Become a Member
Yes! Sign me up for a free membership!


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Cushion Cut Diamond Knife Edge Engagement Ring With Diamond Pave Sides
Custom made signature cushion cut diamond engagement ring with pave diamond knife edge band, available in platinum, 9ct or 18ct yellow, white or rose gold. Image shown with 1ct diamond centre however can be made in any centre stone size and quality desired. Contact us today, and enjoy a complimentary, personalised appointment with our diamond experts, to design your dream ring within your budget. Virtual, after-hours and off-site appointments are also available for your convenience or simply contact us for further details and information about this style.
Complimentary delivery for all orders over $150.00 Orders under $150.00 are charged a flat fee of $15.00.
Once your order has shipped, please allow 2-7 business days for delivery depending on your location. Orders requiring ring sizing take up to three (3) additional business days to complete.
Free local same day delivery. Delivery radius within 5km from Mia Bella Jewellery. Delivery times:
Monday to Friday 5:30pm - 6:00pm
Saturday 12:30pm - 1:00pm.
Local delivery service closed Sundays and Public Holidays, the item(s) will be delivered the next business day. Orders requiring ring sizing take up to three (3) additional business days to complete. The recipient must be available to receive the item(s) during the delivery times, otherwise the item will be available to collect in store.
If for any reason you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase, you may return it online or in-store within 14 days of delivery for an exchange or full refund. Subject to meeting the requirements of our refund policy.
For more information, visit our FAQ page.
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"Discover How To Tap Into To A CPA World, Obtain Highly Targeted Traffic Sources And Rake In Tons Of Cold Hard Profits Easily!"
You are not alone! Lots of people try to make money online by working for others or taking part in some "ultimate business opportunity" that never really works out or closes the doors before you ever get paid. Some of these companies may have even wanted YOU TO PAY THEM just for the chance to work for them.
You don't need to get paid pennies on the dollar, fill out boring surveys, or pay anybody for the chance to make money. You need to perform a service for brand-name companies, and they will be eager to PAY YOU.
CPA Marketing, is simple, and plenty of top companies are eager to recruit affiliates to promote their products. They've got the budgets, and they are eager to spend them. You spend time online, and you can get a piece of this billion-dollar pie.
Here's an overview of this ultimate guide to dominating CPA world:
- Start earning revenue from the very first day you start exposing valuable information about products and services to other Internet users
- Monetize your website or blog
- Make money from your social media pages and email lists
- Learn to make money from other people you recruit into this program
- You never pay a fee, but you get paid
- Earn as much as you like
Look, this is not a get-rich-quick scheme with lots of promises and no rewards. This is the exact blueprint you can use to join the online affiliate programs of almost any type of company or product that you can think of.