text:
I Believe in the Power I AM
I was coaching a little boy today … he is 47 years old.
'Peter' is a brilliant man having achieved a very senior level in his organization and pretty much destined for the very top job. So why did I refer to him as a 'little boy'?
While Peter has an IQ score which is off the charts, when we started coaching his EQ was on the extreme side of low … probably from old school parents telling him that the expression of emotions and having compassion, for example, is 'girly' or is 'fluffy stuff'. In his awakening during the coaching process, Peter realized that he needs to be a balanced leader with both transactional skills (high IQ) for the purposes of both analysis and focused action, and transformational skills (high EQ) for the purposes of inspiring his people to reach their full potential and truly excel at their jobs.
As his Executive Coach, the only way to permanently raise his EQ score was to take him into his subconscious mind to find out what negative beliefs he had about himself. We also found the root cause events that cemented these negative beliefs into his subconscious. For example, his Mother wanted to say Grace before each dinner meal but his Dad scoffed at it … saying that he was an atheist or agnostic and didn't believe in a Higher Power. [Dad is thinking to himself, "I am bad. Why would anyone want to bless me?"] His Dad's behaviour shut down Peter's spiritual side.
So guess what? Peter took on the patterns of his Dad in terms of not believing in a Higher Power which made him turn to his logical left brain for solutions (IQ) versus his right brain which is our connection to our genius or Higher Power. With the support of our Power Coaching® with Mind-Kinetics® sessions Peter is a changed man. He is no longer a little boy.
Instead of playing in the mud of his left brain he now plays creatively and with great passion in the bottomless quarry of the sand box of his right brain and believes in himself and in his people. It is extraordinary to watch.
Here are some of the belief systems that Peter anchored in his subconscious mind to dig himself out of the mud:
If any of these feel as if you could benefit from them, replace Peter's name with yours. Then, you may wish to anchor them all at once in your subconscious mind by doing www.TheBrainWalk.com. Select "A Journey for Peace of Mind".
Read your new beliefs every day for a few days. Watch as miracles start to happen around you. No wonder Bruce Lipton says the subconscious is one million times more powerful than the conscious mind.
Betska, The Guru Coach™
Sign up for CLI QuickTips™ and Blog Updates on:
Coaching and Leadership International Inc.


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subset: commoncrawl


text:
Subpart F—Overpayments, Underpayments, Waiver of Adjustment or Recovery of Overpayments, and Liability of a Certifying Officer
Authority: Secs. 204, 205(a), 702(a)(5), and 1147 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 404, 405(a), 902(a)(5), and 1320b–17); 31 U.S.C. 3711; 31 U.S.C. 3716; 31 U.S.C. 3720A.
§ 404.501. General applicability of section 204 of the Act.
(a) In general. Section 204 of the Act provides for adjustment as set forth in §§ 404.502 and 404.503, in cases where an individual has received more or less than the correct payment due under title II of the Act. As used in this subpart, the term overpayment includes a payment in excess of the amount due under title II of the Act, a payment resulting from the failure to impose deductions or to suspend or reduce benefits under sections 203, 222(b), 224, and 228(c), and (d), and (e) of the Act (see subpart E of this part), a payment pursuant to section 205(n) of the Act in an amount in excess of the amount to which the individual is entitled under section 202 or 223 of the Act, a payment resulting from the failure to terminate benefits, and a payment where no amount is payable under title II of the Act. The term pandemic period as used throughout this subpart for the purposes of the waiver authority in § 404.506(b) refers exclusively to the period of time beginning on March 1, 2020, and ending on September 30, 2020. The term underpayment as used in this subpart refers only to monthly insurance benefits and includes nonpayment where some amount of such benefits was payable. An underpayment may be in the form of an accrued unpaid benefit amount for which no check has been drawn or in the form of an unnegotiated check payable to a deceased individual. The provisions for adjustment also apply in cases where through error:
(1) A reduction required under section 202(j)(1), 202(k)(3), 203(a), or 205(n) of the Act is not made, or
(2) An increase or decrease required under section 202(d)(2), or 215 (f) or (g) of the Act is not made, or
(3) A deduction required under section 203(b) (as may be modified by the provisions of section 203(h)), 203(c), 203(d), 203(i), 222(b), or 223(a)(1)(D) of the Act or section 907 of the Social Security Amendments of 1939 is not made, or
(4) A suspension required under section 202(n) or 202(t) of the Act is not made, or
(5) A reduction under section 202(q) of the Act is not made, or
(6) A reduction, increase, deduction, or suspension is made which is either more or less than required, or
(7) A payment in excess of the amount due under title XVIII of the Act was made to or on behalf of an individual (see 42 CFR 405.350 through 405.351) entitled to benefits under title II of the Act, or
(8) A payment of past due benefits is made to an individual and such payment had not been reduced by the amount of attorney's fees payable directly to an attorney under section 206 of the Act (see § 404.977).
(9) A reduction under § 404.408b is made which is either more or less than required.
(b) Payments made on the basis of an erroneous report of death. Any monthly benefit or lump sum paid under title II of the Act on the basis of an erroneous report by the Department of Defense of the death of an individual in the line of duty while such individual was a member of the uniformed services (as defined in section 210(m) of the Act) on active duty (as defined in section 210(l) of the Act) is deemed a correct payment for any month prior to the month such Department notifies the Administration that such individual is alive.
(c) Payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution. When a payment in excess of the amount due under title II of the Act is made by direct deposit to a financial institution to or on behalf of an individual who has died, and the financial institution credits the payment to a joint account of the deceased individual and another person who was entitled to a monthly benefit on the basis of the same earnings record as the deceased individual for the month before the month in which the deceased individual died, the amount of the payment in excess of the correct amount will be an overpayment to the other person.
[34 FR 14887, Sept. 27, 1969, as amended at 44 FR 34942, June 18, 1979; 47 FR 4988, Feb. 3, 1982; 48 FR 46149, Oct. 11, 1983; 55 FR 7313, Mar. 1, 1990; 85 FR 52914, Aug. 27, 2020]


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Page 63
A GREAT NUMBER of things that you look on as realities are simply transient shadows that can be dissipated into nothingness by your telling them the truth as to their unreality.
The one cause, the unmanifest mind, from which springs all manifestation, is Principle whose inherencies are potentially perfect. Like the principle of mathematics or of music, it enters not into error or discord. "Thou ... art of purer eyes than to behold evil." That is, Principle is supreme good, absolute substance, mind, life, love, intelligence. Its ideals are like it, perfect. The Christ man or true man is the perfect ideal, and humanity is that ideal on the way to realization. The ideal man, the perfect man of Divine Mind thus appears in the process of manifestation as subject to the conditions produced by his conscious thinking.
There can be no question that the origin of what we perceive as evil is in human nature itself. As long as we identify with negative emotions by connecting our sense of I Am to them, our minds will be attempting to negate divine ideas. There are countless reasons why many continue to do this, and as long as anyone is doing it, sin happens and evil continues to exist. The level of human consciousness where most negating of divine ideas is attempted is the level generally designated as "false personality." This is the area of lies and illusions within human nature where most of our negative identifying occurs. In Bible symbolism this is called Satan, the devil, the adversary, the tempter, demons, evil spirits, etc.
Ed Rabel - Metaphysics 1, The Problem of Evil, The Origin of Evil
- Ed Rabel
Although potentially perfect and incapable of producing a single condition of permanent consciousness out of harmony with divine Principle, many persons are impregnated with a belief of limitation, and they need the dissolving power of denial to set them free. By and through the imaging power of thought man can produce illusions that confuse him. This occurs only when he fails to look to Divine Mind for the source and nature of his ideals. Obviously,
Page 64
many are deceived into thinking that they are indeed bound, and the unhappy conditions claimed do show forth in them. This is only consciousness entangled in its own effects. We know that pure mind cannot be subject to lack in any form, and that which so appears must in some way be a departure from creative Mind.
It is an axiom in physics that action and reaction are equal. Thought is the working power of mind; it is mind in action. Your ancestors thought that which was not in harmony with the All-Good, and their thought showed forth in their bodies and affairs. You have admitted the error, and you must deny it in order that your consciousness may be restored to its clear, spiritual perception.
Denials may be made in many ways. It is not always necessary to say specifically, "I deny so and so." The conscious acknowledgment that you have been incorrect in your conclusion is denial. Refusing to entertain longer any thoughts of a sensual nature is denial. Withdrawing mental sustenance from low ideals is denial.
There is but one Mind, and we can deny away error conditions for one another. For instance, you have a patient who is in the consciousness of fever. You acknowledge to the mind of perfect serenity that there has been a departure therefrom, and that peace is now restored. The acknowledgment by you that there is but one universal Mind, and that your clear consciousness of this frees everybody and
Page 65
everything from sin and sickness, will release you, or another you hold in thought, from any belief you may have reflected. Jesus said, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do."
If you are not at all times conscious that God is the source of your being, and that He is universal justice, purity, peace, wisdom, and love, you wander from your course and are aware of danger, you are dashed upon the rock of selfish personality. Then you give way to a fit of anger or jealousy; you lust after the flesh, or envy your neighbor his possessions. "We have sinned [gone into error, fallen short], because we have forsaken Jehovah."
You cannot have consciousness without thinking. It is the nature of mind to think; your every thought, no matter how trivial, causes vibrations in the universal ether that ultimate in the forms of visibility. You know that the working power of mind is thought and that through thought all the conditions that seem to encompass you were formed.
If consciousness departed from Principle and formed images that were manifested as disease, discord, any limitation of the perfect, is it not possible for that same consciousness to undo its faulty work and build anew according to wisdom's plan? It certainly is, and we know by experience that when guided by the Spirit of truth, or Christ within, our consciousness rebuilds the weak and tottering structures of materiality and vivifies them with an undying energy and life.
Page 66
You have been deceived into believing that you were born of fleshly parents, and that you are subject to the peculiar mental and moral trials and physical ills of your ancestors. The Spirit of truth, which is, yesterday, today, and forever, pure perfection, and which is now present in you, sets you free from this delusion.
You have been deceived into believing that mind is subject to matter. You have been told that the brain produces thought, and that mind is evolved from matter. You have not taken these claims right home to your own innermost intelligence and thought about them logically. Now that your identity as mind, as invisible unconditioned spiritual substance, is made clear to you, these surrounding delusions are cleared away. You now say daily and hourly, "All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth."
You have been deceived into believing that there are those among your associates who are your mental, moral, or social superiors; that they have by acquired or conferred authority the right to dictate to and to influence you in matters religious, social, or moral. But the meek and lowly yet dignified and all-wise Spirit within you now burns with its own clear light, and you henceforth understand that you are one with the supreme mind that knows only original thought — that is influenced by nothing outside of itself. This is Truth, and the Spirit of truth in you now flames forth in acknowledgment.
Page 67
You have been deceived into believing that you have certain traits of character to which you are bound by nature, and through them are confined or hampered in life. You may suppose, for instance, that you are naturally timid and fearful, therefore nervous and unfitted to face the world; or that you are cold and unsympathetic; or that you lack language or expression for your ideas; or that your memory is poor; or that you lack perfection in some other way.
Now these illusions crumble into nothingness, and your clear consciousness recognizes its own. At the center of the mind of every man is the light, the white light of Spirit. Fan to a flame this white light at the center of your being by proclaiming your identity with Christ. The salvation of the world rests with those who join Him and thereby bring peace and good will to all men. When the light of Christ comes to any man, it does not confine its rays to his consciousness alone but those who sit in darkness and negation see and feel its power.
You now know the law of righteous thinking that will bring you into a consciousness of your perfect dominion. Life is worth living because you can surround yourself with your highest ideals. Henceforth you are to keep in mind the consciousness of your spiritual origin. Now that you know your being is pure transparent mind, you can intelligently deny any undesirable trait and center your consciousness on the perfect Spirit within.
Page 68
We have been burdened too long with the rubbish of antiquity. Cast it out of your consciousness and assume the mental dominion that was yours before the worlds were formed and you were one with the consciousness of the Father.
The same Holy Spirit that glorified Jesus, and through which He overcame the world, is now right here with us. It is here awaiting our recognition. It will cleanse our mind of all beliefs of heredity if we acknowledge its presence and power. Bathe yourself in this boundless ocean of wisdom, love, and light by holding for a few moments in the silence the thought:
"Thy Spirit sets me free: Thou, only, healest me."
You are not afraid when your consciousness is centered in the principle of good. You know that God is all; that there can be no opposing power. The plague and pestilence do not then reach you, for you have nothing in common with the cause that brings them about.
Man ought never to show forth sickness, poverty, discord, or death, and he never would have done so had his consciousness remained in its primitive relation to cause.
It is now dawning on the consciousness of those who in these latter days listen attentively to Spirit, that, when understood in its right relation, even the form symbol or body will take on the appearance of immortality. Consciousness will become
Page 69
so intensely alive and so thoroughly at one with the supreme life that the form idea, which is potential in mind, will reflect bodies whose perfection will be divine. Many are now coming into an understanding of the law that will ultimate in their physical translation, like Elijah, in chariots of fire. This does not come under the head of the miraculous, for if history is to be credited, many in the past went through this change; and as God is Principle and "no respecter of persons," we should expect at any time a recurrence of that which has been. Progressive men in the ranks of physical science are being led by analogy to the conclusion that this is a possibility. Edison said that his investigations had convinced him that atoms are centers of intelligence; that the human body being composed of atoms (each of which is an intelligent entity), a man could, by getting control of these atoms through the will, live forever.
This is the legitimate outworking of perfect Principle — the steady onward march of mind from stage to stage in the unfoldment of its infinite possibilities. In the harmonious working of life's problems according to Principle, there are no backward steps.
"God is not the God of the dead, but of the living," said the illumined Jesus. The God of the living is always present with you, awaiting your conscious recognition. Let the divine life substance flow into your mind, and it will cleanse you of all
Page 70
false race beliefs. You will become renewed in thought and in action; your face will again show forth the freshness of youth, and immortal life will be written upon your brow.
When your consciousness rests in Spirit, your dominion is sure and certain; then you do not come under the law of denial. You can simply conform to the command, "Be still, and know that I am God," and the work is done.


text:
Sale Time: How to Survive!!
Sales are started and running to the better deal is always around the corner, but to avoid disappointments and purchases without restraint that make us regret the money spent and empty wallet, today I want to give some small advice.
Personally I prefer to s...
Read more →


text:
This vibrant and dynamic illustration titled "Curvy Arrow Illustration PNG Design" is perfect for adding a touch of creativity to your projects. Featuring a hand-drawn doodle style, this illustration showcases a curvy arrow shape that adds a sense of movement and flow. Its solid design and bold colors make it a versatile icon for various purposes. Whether you need to emphasize direction, progression, or simply add an eye-catching element, this curvy arrow illustration is an excellent choice. Available in PNG format, it can be easily incorporated into your designs with a transparent background. arrow doodle shape Curvy Doodle PNG Arrow
This "Straight horizontal arrow doodle PNG Design" illustration is a versatile and eye-catching graphic that combines simplicity with creativity. The hand-drawn doodle style gives it a unique charm, making it perfect for various design projects. With its solid arrow shape and straight horizontal orientation, this illustration is ideal for conveying direction, movement, or progression. Use it as an icon or symbol to add visual interest to your designs. The PNG format ensures easy integration into your projects, allowing for seamless customization and flexibility. arrow doodle shape Horizontal Arrow Sketch PNG
This captivating illustration titled "Red Pointing Arrow Isometric PNG Design" showcases a vibrant red, solid arrow in an isometric perspective. With its sleek design and precise detailing, this illustration effectively communicates direction, making it perfect for a variety of creative projects. Whether you need to highlight a particular point, guide your audience, or add visual interest to your designs, this pointing arrow illustration is a versatile asset to have. Available in PNG format, it seamlessly integrates into any digital or print project with ease. pointing-arrow isometric arrow Directional Arrow Isometric PNG
This eye-catching illustration titled "Yellow pointing arrow isometric PNG Design" features a vibrant yellow arrow, designed in an isometric style. The arrow is solid and pointed, making it ideal for indicating directions or drawing attention to specific areas. With its distinct shape and color, this illustration can be used for a variety of purposes, such as signage, website design, or presentations. The PNG format ensures a transparent background, allowing for easy integration into different projects. Grab this versatile design and let it guide your audience in the right direction. pointing-arrow isometric arrow Isometric Yellow Arrow Pointing


text:
- Description
- Reviews
- Shipping & Returns
" 1. Water-repelling fabric to help keep you stay lightweight and dry
2. Flywire strength resists stretch around the neck, so it holds its shape.
3. Strategic ventilation over major heat zones helps keep you cool.
4. Zoned stretch fabric at the sides is tailored for a precise fit and movement.
5. Tailored fit for comfort
6. Flexible twill numbers
7. No-tag neck label
8. Stitched player's name, number on chest, back and sleeves
9. Stitched nike logo on each sleeve and team wordmarks or logos on chest
10. TPU metallic-effect shield at V-neck
11. Laser-cut embossed jock tag
12. Fabric: BODY: 91% NYLON/ 9% SPANDEX MESH: 88% NYLON/ 12% SPANDEX
13. Machine wash cold
14. Made in El Salvador
* Delivery Time.
We need 1-2 days to process your order before shipping.There are two shipping methods. Fast Delivery: The delivery time for US, European countries the delivery will take 3-5 days.Slow Delivery: The delivery time for US, European countries the delivery will take 10-20 days.
* Tracking information.
After we ship package, customer receive automatic email with tracking details.
* Lost Package Policy.
If a package did not arrive in 4 weeks after the shipping date, then this package is treated as Lost. In this case a new package will be shipped to the customer provided we are able to give the same items as those purchased by the customer. If we are not able to provide the same items to substitute the lost ones we will either propose to the customer similar items or refund their cost as it will be mutually agree with the customer. If one or more items neither the same nor similar are available to be shipped, the customer can request to cancel the order entirely, thus the total cost of the order including shipping and handling cost will be fully refunded.


text:
The Fujita Tornado Intensity Scale is a standard six-point scale used for rating the intensity of a tornado or other severe wind inferring its wind force from the type and extent of the damage it caused after it has passed over a man-made structure. It also measures both the path lenght and the path width.
The maximum wind speed is estimated and thus not comparable with direct measurements by
Doppler radar. Class F5 tornadoes are rare. The scale was introduced in 1971 by
Tetsuya Theodore Fujita and Allen Pearson and is also known as the Fujita-Pearson Scale.
The Fujita Scale may not be a perfect system for linking damage to wind speed, but it was simple to use in daily practice and it is widely accepted today.
However, one key point to remember is that the size of a tornado is not necessarily an indication of its intensity. Large tornadoes can be weak, small tornadoes van be violent. The Fujita scale is based on damage, not the appearance of the funnel. The Fujita scale is very subjective, and varies according to how experienced the surveyor is. The official rating is usually set by the national weather services.
Media hype and inexperience with tornado damage plays a big part in exaggerated F-Scale claims seen on television or in the papers.
The Fujita Tornado Damage Scale | ||||
light - some damage to chimneys; branches broken off trees, shallow-rooted trees uprooted, sign boards damaged |
There is another innofficial Fujita force. F6 - inconceivable damage with estimated winds greater than 320 mph. These winds are very unlikely. The small area of damage they might produce would probably not be recognizable along with the havoc produced by F4 and F5 wind that would surround the F6 winds. Missiles, such as cars and refrigerators would do serious secondary damage that could not be directly identified as F6 damage. If this level is ever achieved, evidence for it might only be found in some manner of ground swirl pattern, for it may never be identifiable through engineering studies |


text:
A Letter to Momo
120 min
Clinging to an unfinished letter written by her recently deceased father, young Momo moves with her mother from bustling Tokyo to the remote Japanese island of Shio. Upon their arrival, she begins to explore her new habitat, meeting local children and learning their routines and customs. However, it's not long before several bizarre occurrences crop up around the previously tranquil island. Orchards are found ransacked, prized trinkets start disappearing and, worst of all, each morning after her mother leaves for work, Momo hears strange mumblings coming from the attic of their home. Annoyed by these creepy goings-on and her mother's refusal to believe them, Momo embarks on a strange and supernatural adventure to discover the source of the mischief, which leads her to a trio of troublesome imps: the flatulent lizard Kawa, the childlike Mame and their hulking ogre leader Iwa. Momo also learns that her visit to the island is in some way connected to her father's mysterious letter.
Released: 2012-04-21
Kadokawa Pictures,
Kadokawa Shoten Publishing Co.,
Production I.G,
Kadokawa Shoten Publishing Co. Ltd.


text:
Set of 10 stencil MiNiS featuring some of our most popular Christmas motifs and borders. All wrapped up in one tidy Stencil MiNi package, perfect for a gift or a treat for yourself!
Save £20 per set with this handy little Stencil MiNi bundle.
Perfect for stencilling furniture, fabric, walls and endless arts and crafts projects including card making and scrapbooking.
All designs are also available individually..
See our other MiNiS Bundles..
Set of 10 Animal Stencil MiNiS
Set of 10 Pattern & Border Stencil MiNiS
Set of 10 Shabby Chic Stencil MiNiS
Our Stencil MiNiS are...
- Size 20 cm x 8 cm (stencil sheet size)
- Packaged - with instructions on the reverse - ideal for a gift !
- Perfect for cards, furniture, crafts and all sorts of small decorating projects.
- Easy to use and reusable.
- Made from thick durable plastic Mylar (190 microns).
- Made from food safe Mylar - great for cakes & cookies
- Washable. Flexible.
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Stencils provide a versatile, cost effective and fun way to decorate your home. Stencil any surface including walls, fabric, furniture, floors and more. Just use the correct paint for the surface you are working on and get stencilling! Not sure where to start or what you'll need, see our "HOW TO" page for top tips and advice.
All stencil designs & illustrations are copyright of The Stencil Studio Ltd.


text:
This Saturday, hundreds of hackers, designers, and entrepreneurs are going to descend upon the San Francisco Design Center Concourse for the TechCrunch Disrupt Hackathon. There will be pizza, caffeine, beer, and MacBook Pros as far as the eye can see. Most of the participants won't leave (and many won't sleep) until 11 am the next day, when each team will have 90 seconds to present what they've created to our expert panel of judges.
This demo session is free and open to the public, and it's really something to see. An analogy: if the Startup Battlefield at Disrupt is "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire", this demo session is "Jeopardy!". No frills, no extras, no lifelines or waffling over whether to take the money, just pure unadulterated content. Wow us in a minute and a half and let's move on to the next one. The winner gets a spot on stage at Disrupt.
You don't need to have stayed overnight or even have participated in the Hackathon to come and see the results on Sunday. If you do come check it out, you'll be in good company and might even meet some of our expert judges:
Cyan Bannister
Brett Bullington
Rebekah Cox
Chris Dixon
Bradley Horowitz
Dean Hovey
Michael Marquez
Christopher Poole
Joshua Schachter
Mike Schroepfer
And of course, if you're not really the spectator type, there are still a few slots left to actually participate in the Hackathon, so sign up here for your shot at presenting on stage at Disrupt.


text:
artist: Artist: Dave Bainbridge / category: Category: Live Recordings
Album Downloads
In this section you can find info on all the Iona CD and DVD releases, and many
of the great solo and collaborative projects by the band members. Albums are
presented in chronological order starting with the most recent. Click on a
cover or 'More Details' for photos, audio samples, lyrics, reviews, and much more.
More Details >
The Remembering
In Stock
by Dave Bainbridge
Released in 2016
Download*: £9.99
*available in raw AIF & MP3 formats
An evocative and atmospheric first collection of solo piano improvisations: "Bainbridge's style is contemporary, yet imbued with the dynamic spirit of Ravel and Debussy, with a thrilling dash of Bill Evans... an album that's pure class from first not...
More Details >
Celestial Fire
Not Available
by Dave Bainbridge
Released in 2014
Download*: £9.99
*available in raw AIF & MP3 formats
The follow up to Dave's much acclaimed first solo album 'Veil of Gossamer' is in some ways an album he's always wanted to make. "...an album which really draws upon the excitement and exhilaration I first felt, listening to many of my early musical h...


text: Need a software request form for your company? There's no easier way to allow your employees to request the tools they need for better project management and work efficiency than the free Software Request Form sample. Start your form using our template or create your own form by using our flexible drag-and-drop editor.


text:
- NORMALIZE: Whether or not the MNIST should be divided by 255, which is the max value for a pixel.
- BATCH_SIZE: The mini batch size used for the model. The idea is that an initial BATCH_SIZE examples are considered for training the network. Then, the weights are updated and the next BATCH_SIZE examples are considered
- NUM_EPOCHS: The number of training epochs used during the experiments
- NUM_FILTERS: The number of convolutional filters / feature maps applied
- NUM_POOL: The side length for max pooling operations
- NUM_CONV: The side length for convolution operations
- DROPOUT_RATE: The dropout rate. It acts as a form of regularizations by introducing stochastic connections in the network
- NUM_HIDDEN: Number of hidden neurons used in the dense network after applying convolutional and maxpooling operations
- VALIDATION_SPLIT: The percentage of training data used as validation data
- OPTIMIZER: One among SGD, Adam and RMSprop
- REGULARIZER: Either L1, or L2, or L1+L2 (ElasticNet)
At the beginning the 60.000 MNIST images are loaded. The training set contains 60000 examples, and the test set 10000 examples. Then, the data is converted into float32 the only format allowed by GPU computations. Optionally, the data is normalized. The true labels for training and test are converted from the original [0-9] set into One Hot Encoding (OHE) representation a prerequisite for the following classification.
Then, we implement the proper LetNet architecture. An initial set of convolutional operation of size NUM_CONV x NUM_CONV is applied. It produces NUM_FILTER outputs and uses a rectified linear activation function. The input of this layer is passed through a similar convolution layer and a subsequent maxpool layer with size NUM_POOL x NUM_POOL. For avoiding overfitting, an additional module drops out some connections with rate DROPOUT_RATE. This initial block is then repeated with a second identical block. Notice that Keras automatically computes the dimension of the data moving and transformed across different blocks.
After the proper convent layers two dense layers have been introduced. The first one is a layer with N_HIDDEN neurons, and the second one has NUM_CLASSES outputs which are aggregated into a single neuron with softmax activation. You might wonder why we are adopting this particular architecture and not another one perhaps simpler or more complex? Well, indeed the way in which convnet and maxpool operations are composed depends a lot on the specific domain and there are not necessarily theoretical motivations explaining the optimal composition. The suggestion is to start with something very simple then check the achieved performance and then iterate by adding more layers until gains are observed and the cost of execution is not increasing too much.
I know it seems a kind of magic, but the important aspect to understand is that even a relatively simple network like this one outperforms traditional machine learning techniques. The model is then compiled by using categorical_crossentropy as loss function and accuracy as metric. Besides that, an early stop criterion is also adopted.


text:
New, new…? No, not really new, XQuery Update (W3C standard/draft 2011) was already implemented in 188.8.131.52.0, but is now officially also announced. Besides the XQuery Full Text support (XQFT for short, W3C standard/draft 2011), this is one of the big new features in Oracle 12c. With this update XQuery functionality, the XQuery standard is further expanded in a mature query language for XML (/unstructured) information.
Now also in Oracle 12c, this has immediate consequences for following, implementing a XQuery standard across the board. The following features, functions have now been given the status "deprecated" (most of them introduced in Oracle version 10.2) for updating XML data:
All Oracle SQL functions for updating XML data are deprecated. Oracle recommends that you use XQuery Update instead. These are the deprecated XML updating functions:
Although being signaled "deprecated", be aware that they are still supported, but Oracle move to a position that the new XQuery Update functionality will be the basis for further (performance) improvements and after a while will be the sole solution to update XML content. Following along of the XQuery standard is not that surprising, especially noticing very interesting movements regarding XQuery extensions like JSoniq (JSON Extension for XQuery – have a go at it in the Zorba demo environment). This will make interesting standard architectural solutions available for all kinds unstructured data environment.
A small example of an update of XML content could now be done via:
-- Modifying the content of existing nodes using XQuery Update.
update PURCHASEORDER
set object_value = XMLQuery
'copy $NEWXML := $XML modify (
for $PO in $NEWXML/PurchaseOrder return (
replace value of node $PO/User with $USERID,
replace value of node $PO/Requestor with $FULLNAME,
replace value of node $PO/LineItems/LineItem/Part[@Description=$OLDTITLE]/@Description with $NEWTITLE
return $NEWXML'
passing object_value as "XML",
'KCHUNG' as "USERID",
'Kelly Chung' as "FULLNAME",
'The Mean Season' as "OLDTITLE",
'The Wizard of Oz' as "NEWTITLE"
returning content
where xmlExists(
passing object_value as "XML",
'AFRIPP-20120430212831873PDT' as "REF",
'The Mean Season' as "OLDTITLE"
Have a further look at some of the Oracle OpenWorld Hands-on Lab Oracle OpenWorld 2012 Hands-on Lab Examples or the Oracle 12c XMLDB Developers Guide.


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Is Your Organization Protected Against These IoT Exploit Risks?
In a changing digital environment, is your business keeping up with risk management?
The modern workforce is more connected and dynamic than ever before. Digital communication continues to dominate the way businesses get work done. This digital transformation has helped professionals of all kinds make huge strides to get work done faster and from anywhere. Additionally, the Internet of Things (IOT) has made office management and operational efficiency easier than ever.
However, this transformation has come increased risk. In order to provide anywhere, anytime access to business data, organizations are using more devices and in turn, have created more access points to their company networks. Though employees may be able to work from anywhere and through office operations are streamlined, the risks to IT security have undoubtedly increased.
Increased access and IoT streamlining are amazing technological developments that organizations should definitely be taking advantage of. However, with increased access points comes increased risk of cyber attacks of all kinds. In this new age of increasing connection, organizations would be smart to get informed about IoT risks and develop proactive strategies for patching holes and addressing vulnerabilities.
Defining IoT: What is The Internet of Things?
First things first, some may be wondering: what in the world is the "Internet of Things" (IoT). Though it may sound like part of a futuristic sci-fi movie, it actually involves the process of connecting and integrating everyday objects such as tech devices on internet networks. IoT involves the various range of devices that can now be connected to a business network and integrated with other connected devices.
Computers, smartphones, tablets– these are the obvious ones that most businesses use and rely on daily. However, IoT involves a much more expansive range of devices from all corners of an organizations operations. That SmartTV or SmartBoard in your conference room? The new, digital thermostats that allow you to remotely control the office temperature? Your security cameras or digital lock system? All of these modern devices represent access points that leave you vulnerable to cyber invasion.
Securing an IoT Network: Considerations and Challenges
So, with such an expansive network of potential access, security in the IoT age must be a top priority for businesses and organizations of all kinds. Gone are the days of simple firewalls and password protocols. While these things are still critically important, IT security strategies must be much more sophisticated if they're to stand a chance against increased cyber risk.
Without a strategic and proactive approach to IoT security, your organization can and will be left open to threats you never would have considered. For instance, consider the case of the high-profile casino whose network was hacked via a fish tank thermostat! Yes, that sort of thing is now possible and hackers are taking every opportunity to break through the weakest security areas and wreak havoc in your network.
However, there's no denying that trying to lock down and manage a growing number of network access points is no easy task. This is especially difficult when more and more businesses are greenlighting bring-your-own-device (BYOD) models. Each of these is another access point where cybercriminals can now infiltrate your computer network.
The only way to get a handle on more proactive and all-encompassing network security is to take inventory of all the access points you need to protect. This will include the basics, like company-owned computers and phones, but should also include the wider range of devices used in your office including thermostats, security systems, employee and visitor devices, etc.
The IoT Exploits You Haven't Considered: Securing Your Digital Headquarters from All Angles
For context, let's break down some of the key weak spots that are often missed as business professionals attempt to secure their networks. Take a minute to think. Can you think of all the potential devices or access points that exist in relation to your company network? Our guess is that even if you can, you may be missing some. Further, even if you can think of them all, can you say for sure that each access point is completely monitored and secured?
Check out these leading IoT exploits that could be keeping your organization vulnerable:
Tablets have revolutionized the computer in the business space. They're portable, convenient, and can be used for a variety of purposes. Many employees bring them to meetings for taking notes. More and more, organizations are relying on tablets to help them get work done faster and more efficiently.
Tablets can be found in conference rooms, emergency rooms, and in the briefcases of remote workers. Often, tablets function as a mission control port from which audio-visual systems can be controlled or team meetings can be logged and recorded. However, though tablets have become second nature, their connection to your network make them ports for potential cyber invasion.
If your organization uses tablets, you must treat them like any other computer in the office. Their use should be subject to access control and their connection to the larger network should be secured. This means tablets should be subject to monitoring in the same way that computers and smartphones are. If a device is connected to your network, it must be considered a potential open-door for cybercriminals.
Speaking of conference rooms, SmartTVs and SmartBoards are quickly replacing the AV equipment of the past. Sleek presentations can be displayed on these devices in hopes of making business meetings more interactive, integrated, and engaging. This has been a great boardroom improvement; however, the increased risk must not be ignored.
SmartTVs are connected to your company network and often have a connection to the public internet for easy searching and browsing. Even worse? SmartTVs are notorious for having less-than-ideal security protocols. This can leave a gaping hole in an organization's network security. In fact, there have been cases of SmartTV malware hacks where the infected TV attempts to infect any connected device in its range. This can have catastrophic effects for your network.
So, be sure to include all your organization's 'smart' devices in your security inventory. If you rely on a SmartTV for regular meetings or use a SmartBoard to upload company data to the network, these devices must be secured. The last thing you want is a cybercriminal listening in on company meetings or holding your network hostage thanks to an unsecured SmartTV.
Security Cameras
Organizations of all shapes and sizes rely on security monitoring to keep a constant eye on company property and office space. In the spirit of the digital transformation, most security cameras are now IP-based and are connected to company internet networks. They're cost-effective and offer Cloud-storage and web-streaming features.
Security cameras are supposed to help keep your organization safe, right? That's obvious. However, these digital security cameras present a unique problem. Because the security feeds can be accessed via the web, they're easy prey for malicious hackers. Countless stories have hit recent headlines about hacks on company webcams or security cameras that allowed remote spying.
Even worse, some hackers are attempting to infect the camera itself in hopes of getting inside the network to cause trouble. Just like with the SmartTV, security cameras can be hacked and infected with malware. The infection can spread to other connected and in-range devices. This could be devastating for your organization.
If your company relies on a digital security monitoring system, be sure to give it the top-notch security it deserves. The ease and peace of mind offered by anytime access to your security feed are tempting. However, if you're going to take this approach, you must make sure these endpoints are secured and reserved for your eyes only.
Healthcare Devices
It must be noted that the corporate business world isn't the only place where IoT devices are dominating. The healthcare sector is evolving, adopting more and more digitized healthcare devices than ever before.
X-ray and MRI machinery are continually becoming digitally connected. Electronic Medical Record (EMR) software is changing the way patient data is stored and shared. Heart-rate monitors and fitness trackers are personal health devices that can connect to networks wherever they go. In fact, most healthcare environments have a 10-1 ratio of IoT devices to computers – meaning that IoT attacks are much more likely in the healthcare setting.
Even worse? Many of these healthcare IoT devices run on old or outdated versions of Windows, making them more vulnerable to new and worsening cyber threats. With outdated operating systems, patches and loophole fixes are harder to implement. This means that critical healthcare devices like MRI machines can be subject to widespread attacks like the 2017 WannaCry hack.
For healthcare professionals, ensuring that devices are secure can be a huge challenge. Especially when considering the heavy weight of patient confidentiality and regulatory standards. Healthcare professionals and their IT teams must be consistent and diligent in their efforts to control access and secure IoT devices.
Unauthorized Network Bridge
Take a second to think about the day-to-day operations in your office. You likely use a printer semi-regularly and its likely set up wirelessly over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. This is a no-brainer for most modern businesses as it makes it more convenient for anyone on the team to access printing services anytime, without requiring a physical connection to the network.
However, as is the trend with IoT, often it's the things that make life easier that also open your organization to increased risk. Printers are especially dangerous because many larger entities have a huge number of printers wirelessly connected to the broader network. This leaves a massive security hole and offers the potential for any in-range device to use the printer as an unauthorized network bridge.
So, while your company printers may seem like the last thing you need to worry about in terms of network security, think again. To patch these security holes, make sure that each printer in your office is a monitored and secured device among all other network devices.
Protection of Gas Distribution Facilities
Okay. We've covered business and healthcare, but what about the increasing digital transformation in the manufacturing and utility industries? Industrial IoT is continuing to drive efficiency in these sectors. Using connected devices like sensors, valves, and other control mechanisms make remote control easier and optimize production.
However, these devices are very enticing to hackers and cybercriminals. And, given the nature of the work these industries do, the potential impacts from hacks on connected devices can be devastating and even fatal. Manufacturing and utilities do not make IoT security a priority and these devices were not designed with security in mind. As such, the manufacturing devices are difficult to patch and update, meaning even greater risk for the organizations using them daily.
In order for manufacturing professionals to prevent deadly hacks or mischief, these IoT devices must be secured at all endpoints. A good rule of thumb for manufacturers is to give every device a second glance. In fast-moving industries that have been subject to wide-spread digitization, analyzing all the technology in use and making sure everything is adequately secured is critical to larger network security.
Rogue Network Stealing Credentials
Finally, the modern office is subject to one wide-reaching risk. Most organizations these days – especially those with public spaces – are equipped with multiple wireless access points for user connection. Additionally, many modern devices are designed to connect automatically to the closest and best available network. Further, when faced with choosing a network, wireless users will usually opt for the strongest looking connection.
Sophisticated cybercriminals have learned to exploit this wireless activity by creating phony wireless access points in hopes of duping users into connecting. This offers hackers the opportunity to invade connected devices and get their hands on confidential data and user credentials.
If your organization offers access to a wireless network, be wary of this potential spoofing tactic. Do whatever you can to secure your wireless network and create a guest connection for visiting users who don't need access to your larger network. Be open and honest with your team about wireless connection protocols and train them to be vigilant when connecting to wireless networks on business devices.
Navigating the New Cyber Landscape: Security for Today's Digital Environments
There's no denying this is a lot of information to take in and it represents some critical security concerns for you to consider. We get it! All this information can be seriously overwhelming, especially with new devices and tech developments happening at lightning speed. However, as challenging as it may seem, it doesn't have to be impossible or daunting.
As mentioned, the key is keeping a detailed inventory of what devices are connected to your network and maintaining a record of all access points. Additionally, your organization should have key policies and procedures in place regarding network security and access control management.
Clearly posted expectations for employees is imperative, as is ongoing training for them. Employees must be reminded often of the importance of maintaining the security of your organization. Stay on top of employee training. Make sure your team understands the significance of securing the company network at all endpoints. It's especially important to provide training for your staff in higher positions, such as managers, supervisors … even those in the boardroom.
Make it a priority to develop a plan for staying on top of the continually evolving digital business climate. Being proactive and consistent will help ensure that your organization stays alert and up-to-date when it comes to risk management.
Finally, when in doubt, reach out to a managed IT services partner for consultation and guidance about navigating the IoT landscape and managing risks with efficiency and focus. IT security concerns can seem much less daunting with the experience and expertise of an industry professional in your corner.


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What about the sample size? 395 doesn't seem like that many?
The 395 tweets mentioned are the number of geocoded tweets referencing the given keywords from November 1 until November 7 at approximately 4:00 pm EST. This is NOT a sample, but the total population of geocoded tweets that matched our search criteria as outlined in the post. Geocoded tweets make up a tiny fraction of overall Twitter activity (could be as large as 5% or as small as less than 1%), so the actual number of tweets referencing these keywords is likely much, much larger, though we are not sure as to this number.
That said, we don't know what the geographical distribution of non-geocoded tweets is. However, given that many geocoded tweets are the product of GPS-enabled smart phones, it is likely that geocoded tweets tend to come from wealthier locations. All things being equal, this means that the geocoded data likely underrepresents relatively poorer and more rural locations. Should this actually be the case, the location quotients for Mississippi and Alabama would actually be even higher than our initial study showed, but the exact nature of this phenomena is unknown.
Note: People concerned about our methodology should also check out our post on 11/12/2012 using geocoded tweets to located the epicenter of an earthquake in Kentucky. (this paragraph added at 10:20 am EST 11/12/2012)
Why didn't you map references to hateful comments towards Mitt Romney?
First, the motivation for this posting was the observations posted on the Jezebel blog linked in our original post, noting the uptick in racist tweets following President Obama's re-election. Second, we focus on racist language directed at President Obama because racism directed at black Americans is not only historically more significant, but because it also highlights the persistence of explicitly racist attitudes in what some have (fallaciously) termed 'post-racial America'. Third, we did check for both the number of tweets referencing Mitt Romney containing some racially charged terms, as well as the number of derogatory comments about white people. Depending on the terminology used, the results show that there are 7-15x the amount hateful tweets direct towards President Obama than Mitt Romney.
Finally, if this is your first response to our map, and not "that's really f---ed up!", then we probably have more important issues to deal with than the minutiae of our methodology. Though we endorse neither hatred, discrimination or violence against anyone, we refuse to acknowledge the equivalence of the terms being used to describe President Obama and Mitt Romney.
Did you remove uses of the "N word" that were positive?
No. We didn't filter the tweets used in this database, however a quick look at the data reveals that most are derogatory in nature. By leaving the data as is, we are more easily able to compare the number of references to, say, the kinds of comments about Mitt Romney people are clamoring for us to map, without inserting ourselves into an undoubtedly subjective filtering process. Regardless, even if we were to filter tweets, it very well might not change the overall spatial distribution, e.g., a filtered tweet could be from California or Alabama, leaving the map looking essentially the same as it currently does.
A further point is that the term 'n----r' is almost universally associated with negative, derogatory intent, as opposed to the more colloquialized (and appropriated by the black community) 'n---a', which a quick inspection of the data shows is used more positively. References to 'n---a' were not included in the study.
What about multiple tweets by the same individual?
Like our decision not to filter tweets based on their context, nor did we filter based on multiple tweets by the same individual. However, a quick look at the map indicates that tweeting activity is not entirely concentrated at any individual point, meaning that barring the remote possibility of a hyper-mobile tweeter fixated on racist slurs or a racist twitter bot, this is not issue enough to undermine our findings.
Moreover, when we returned to the data and looked at users rather than tweets, very little changes in the location quotients, with Alabama's being even higher. We thus see this as being a moot point.
Are you saying I'm racist because I didn't vote for Obama? Are you saying that everyone in a state that had more racist tweets is racist?
No and no. Nor do we imply such a thing anywhere in our original posts or our reactions to comments. However, we believe that the concentration of racist tweets in the South is indicative of the persistence of racism in the South, which is correlated with, though not necessarily causally-related to, statewide voting for Mitt Romney. Just because you live in Mississippi or Alabama does not make you a terrible person. If, however, you use the "N word" to degrade an individual or group of people, as the tweets we are talking about here do, it's a different story altogether.
What else do you have to say for yourself?
This map and blog post have received more attention than we could have imagined, most of it positive and thought-provoking. Though racism undoubtedly remains a touchy subject, and one perhaps not best dealt with by fairly simple maps, we hoped to use this exercise to show the persistence of racism in the US, even with the country's first black president being re-elected to a second term, and the need to address this head on, rather than counter such explicitly racist language and behavior with claims of 'reverse racism' as many of the critics of our map have done.
Of course, our map does not encompass the entirety of racism as it is experienced by black Americans, much less members of other groups who are systemically discriminated against, both in explicit language directed at these individuals and groups, as well as structural forms of racism that continually limit the ability of people to live happy, healthy and comfortable lives. As geographers, we like to think of ourselves as especially attuned to such issues. However, as the focus of this blog is dedicated to studying the world through the lens of the geoweb, we limit ourselves in this forum to analyses like those presented in the original post.


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Taking care of your hands and feet doesn't only mean moisturizing. Simple steps in your daily routine can protect against nasty infections and even cancer. You probably have a daily regimen for keeping your face clean as well as moisturized, but what about your hard-working hands and feet? Hands are the most frequently used body part. They can become dry and ashy really fast. And feet take a beating from bearing your body weight all day. As winter approaches, hands and feet are both more likely to look dull, red or cracked. Don't just throw on mittens and boots to hide them until spring. Caring for them now can have long-lasting health benefits. Here's how to put your best foot – and hand – forward. 1. Scan nails for dark spots. If a spot or band is black, brown or purple, don't assume it's a bruise. It could mean melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer. To be safe, always get a discolored nail checked by a dermatologist. 2. Keep nails growing strong. New cells develop deep under cuticles and push out older, dead cells. That forms those flat, hard surfaces we love to pamper and polish. If you're always waiting for yours to grow out, try the b-complex vitamin biotin. This supplement – found at health-food stores – has been shown to help with nail growth. 3. Make the most of a mani-pedi. All the polish in the world can't make ridged, scraggly tips look pretty. Buffing will smooth the surface. Rub gently so you don't thin the nail too much, which increases weakness. A non-acetone nail-polish remover will keep nails from drying out, and filing nails in one direction, rather than sawing back and forth, prevents splitting. The most important tip for healthy nails: Don't share files and other nail tools, since germs and fungus can travel on them, causing serious infections. If you get your nails done at the salon, bring your own file, orange stick, clipper and cuticle nipper. 4. Don't overlook cuticles. Cuticles may seem insignificant when they're healthy, but small tears, usually from hangnails or dryness, leave the area vulnerable to infections that may cause painful swelling. Hydrating that delicate area with a cuticle cream or hand moisturizer will help create a protective barrier against bacteria, fungus and yeast. And resist the urge to cut cuticles, which can break that barrier. Instead, apply cuticle remover – which softens and breaks down the skin – then push cuticles back gently with a clean orange stick. 5. Choose the right moisturizer. It's no secret that wind and cold temperatures dry out skin on hands and, in severe cases, cause chapping and painful cracks. And the sun, while it may warm hands, isn't much better for keeping skin smooth. When going outdoors, coat exposed hands in SPF 15 to protect against water loss and harmful rays. Cancer is your biggest risk, but the sun's rays also dry skin. Although feet aren't as exposed to the elements, being cooped up in socks, shoes, and carrying body weight all day can dry them out. The remedy for chapped, cracked hand and feet: Moisturize, a lot and often. To help the moisturizer penetrate – and keep it off your sheets – apply a thick layer on feet and hands right before getting into bed. Then, slip on cotton socks and gloves, which let skin breathe. If you don't have cotton gloves, slip socks on hands too. 6. Wear the right shoe size. Cramming feet into too-small or pointy shoes isn't only uncomfortable; it can make your toenail grow into the surrounding skin. That can lead to the dreaded ingrown nail, which causes pain, swelling and infection. It's an inflammatory reaction that occurs because your skin sees the nail as a foreign body. Too-long toenails can also cause problems. If they constantly hit the front of the shoe, you can have bruising under the nail. These bruises, in turn, cause a break in the seal between the nail and toe underneath, allowing bacteria and fungus to get in and causing infections. Avoid both types of pain by keeping toenails neatly trimmed straight across. 7. Don't go barefoot in public. Keep your shoes on while at public places (swimming pools, locker rooms, shoe stores, etc.) to avoid nail fungal infections. These account for about half of all nail disorders, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Fungus doesn't only travel from floors to feet through small cuts or separations between the nail and nail bed. If you have a nail fungal infection, it can spread from one nail to another, and the skin. If left untreated, an infection can cause permanent nail damage or lead to serious infections in other parts of your body, according to the Mayo Clinic. Warning signs to watch for: A nail that's thickening, yellowing, crumbling or lifting from its bed (as if it's about to fall off). To lessen risk of fungal infections, wash and dry feet thoroughly after showering, and wear shoes when you can – including flip-flops in gym showers. It feet sweat a lot, change socks often. |
Contact UsAuthorWelcome! I'm Stephanie (Jo to close friends), founder of EdenSong. Aside from my university studies, I have a natural passion for all things organic. I enjoy living and learning about natural ways, all things health related, cooking, gardening with herbs and flowers, photography, DIYing, yoga, bicycling, ballet, traveling and being with family and friends. A quirk of mine is my near obsession of Asian culture, particularly Korean history and its language. Would you like to know more? Find out about us. Categories
December 2014
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The prognosis to avert a government shutdown looks promising for now as the House and the Senate voted Thursday for a short-term spending bill to keep the federal government running for another two weeks.
President Donald Trump signed the bill on Friday, according to the Associated Press.
But all eyes will be on the White House, where Trump and top congressional leaders met earlier Thursday to resolve longstanding policy differences so Congress can pass a long-term spending bill by Christmas. And that's no sure thing.
House Republicans had enough votes to pass the stopgap bill -- a positive sign for Republican leaders that the early showdown by the conservative House Freedom Caucus has ended. Republican leaders and Freedom Caucus principals had several meetings Wednesday, with aides and members describing the talks as a positive step to moving forward on the two-week measure. According to one GOP House aide, members were even told they could expect to go home Thursday instead of Friday if they got their work done ahead of the deadline.
However, the major obstacle is what comes after December 22, when the government runs out of money once again.
Democratic leaders Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer already canceled a previous meeting with Trump after the President tweeted that he didn't see any way forward on a deal.
The hurdle will be not only what Republican leaders in the House can negotiate with their own members, a delicate balance as they seek to ensure nothing disrupts their progress on their tax bill, but also what Republicans can negotiate with Democrats.
There is a growing recognition on Capitol Hill that including immigration provisions to protect DACA recipients in the year-end spending bill could be a deal breaker for Republicans even as some Democrats in the House have threatened to vote against a spending package that doesn't include it.
Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Illinois, said the liberal base would erupt if Pelosi and Schumer agreed to a deal that doesn't address DACA. "There'd be no tolerance. I mean, that would be an act of betrayal," he said.
The reality is, in the Senate, DACA may not be make or break. The thinking is that Republicans could likely still win over eight Democratic senators -- the number they'd need to pass it-- even without a DACA fix.
Lawmakers are still unsure what would be included in another spending package, saying that there are a myriad of possibilities at this point as leaders and their staff continue negotiating the spending caps for the bill.
"(There will be) some kind of package. What all's in it? I don't know," said Rep. Mark Sanford, a conservative from South Carolina.
House Freedom Caucus members have been pushing for assurances from leadership that the spending bill on December 22 would include some kind of increase in defense spending while domestic spending would stay the same. However, there is little reason to believe a package like that would win 60 Senate votes to pass. HFC members are also asking at this point for GOP leaders to accelerate the timeline on tax reform.
"There are a number of things, we're trying to make sure that the time frame for tax reform is very aggressive and strong. ... We want to make sure tax reform is sped up, there are three or four things that we want to make sure get addressed in the tax reform changes. They're not unique to the Freedom Caucus but just important things that have to be done," said Freedom Caucus Chairman Rep. Mark Meadows, R-North Carolina. "And then ultimately is not only the second step of funding but what is the third and fourth and fifth step if necessary, and making sure that we fully understand those and how we best make sure that we make good conservative fiscal decisions."


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Possible Dell Bidder Eyeing Oracle President If Michael Dell Won't Stay
The Blackstone Group is reportedly considering a higher offer than the $24.4 billion deal currently agreed to by the Dell board of directors with Silver Lake Partners and others, according to Fortune.
Blackstone would prefer that Michael Dell remain the CEO if it purchases the company but has to consider alternatives if Dell remains committed to Silver Lake, according to Fortune. Blackstone's recruiting effort of Hurd, also the former CEO of Hewlett-Packard, is considered "aggressive," but the company may also consider ex-Compaq CEO Michael Capellas, according to the report.
Related: Dell CEO Personally Lobbies Partners On Private Equity Play
Dell is currently working on a leveraged buyout by Silver Lake, Michael Dell and others -- including a loan of up to $2 billion from Microsoft -- for $13.65 per share.
The customary "go-shop" period for the board to receive alternative offers ends March 22, and although no formal offers have been made public, Blackstone, Icahn Enterprises and several others are reportedly mulling the idea of taking over Dell at a higher price.
Wall Street apparently expects a formal deal to be announced as the company's stock has traded above the $13.65 mark for more than a month now. Dell shares closed Wednesday at $14.33, up 2 cents.


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Sellers have a great opportunity this season as buyer demand still heavily outweighs the current supply of homes for sale. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), today's housing inventory sits at only a 2.6-month supply. To put that into perspective, a neutral market typically features a 6-month supply. That places today's market firmly in the sellers' market category.
That same NAR data also shows today's inventory of single-family homes is trailing behind the level we saw last year (see graph below):Because of the ongoing supply challenges, buyers can feel like they're wandering across a vast, empty desert when searching for their next home. That means your house could provide an oasis for buyers thirsty for options – and it could increase the chances of buyers entering a bidding war for your home.
The latest Realtors Confidence Index Survey from NAR shows houses are receiving an average of 3.8 offers. A multiple-offer scenario lets you select the best offer and gives you incredible leverage when you sell this fall.
Bottom Line
Buyers today are looking for relief as they wander today's inventory desert. Listing your house this fall – before more options appear – gives your house the best chance to be noticed by multiple buyers. Let's connect today so your house can stand out as the oasis it truly is.


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Loyal readers will remember that back in May we had a table at the Trenton Ave Arts Fest to raise loot for a project with Neighborhood Bike Works (NBW). Now that the project is well under way, it's time to share the fun.
Hiver Jack Zylkin designed an adorable blinky odometer, and we've been teaching 8-14 year olds at the NBW summer camp how to build and solder them. We've had a blast, and maybe even inspired a few mad scientists and junior engineers. Many thanks to Cat, Alison, Joe, Brandon, Mustafa, and all the great coordinators and students at NBW.
If you're interested in this fun and very basic electronics project, let us know. We might be persuaded to run a class. And if you're feeling generous and want to support more programs like this, feel free to make a donation and note that you'd like it to go to youth education, bikes, rehabilitation of troubled robots, etc.


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Updated at 1 p.m. ET
Former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., the man largely responsible for making his state's presidential caucuses a prominent early contest, has declined the opportunity to defend caucus systems in an interview with NPR.
"I will talk about that after Super Tuesday, after when we get California and Texas out of the way," Reid said. "Right now, we're gonna make the best we can of the system we have."
Reid, who spoke to NPR at his office in the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas ahead of Saturday's Nevada Democratic caucuses, said he thinks the state party in Nevada is "doing quite well."
Caucuses are an hours-long, in-person process that are difficult for many people to attend, meaning only the most committed activists turn out. In 2016, just around 84,000 people showed up to Nevada's Democratic caucuses, out of more than 600,000 registered Democratic voters in the state.
In an effort to make the caucuses more accessible this year, Nevada's Democratic Party offered voters an early caucusing option for the first time, where they could register their preferences on paper. It proved so popular that some people found themselves waiting for hours. More than 70,000 people participated in early voting, a spokeswoman for the Nevada State Democratic Party said early on Wednesday.
As of this morning, @nvdems can report more than 33,000 Nevada Democrats early voted on Tuesday, bringing the total to more than 70,000 participants in our historic early voting period.
— Molly Forgey (@mbforgey) February 19, 2020
Stay tuned for final numbers this afternoon! #NVDemsCaucus
Asked if the popularity of early voting was an indication that caucusing may not be the best system, Reid was coy. "States are looking at this all over and saying maybe it's not such a good idea, but I'm not going to say anything about caucuses until we get rid of ours on the 22nd," Reid said, clarifying that he meant when the caucuses are "over with" on Feb. 22.
"I don't want to do anything to harm our caucus," he said.
All eyes are on Nevada after the epic caucus blunder in Iowa earlier this month. Reid insists his state won't have the same problems. He sees an opportunity in Iowa's failing that could be used to vault Nevada into the first-in-the-nation spot next election cycle.
"I think we have a tremendously good case now," Reid said, emphasizing that with its diverse population, Nevada is more reflective of the Democratic electorate than Iowa and New Hampshire, which currently precede it on the nominating calendar.
You "get a false perception of what's happening around the country when you have those two states determining what's going to happen in a presidential election," Reid said. "I don't think it's fair."
Even with a currently splintered Democratic field, Reid said he doubts there would be a brokered Democratic convention this year but wouldn't rule it out.
He said if the field stays tight all the way up to the convention, "then is the time that we're going to have to see if we can broker a deal."
In that case, party leaders might need to say to some of the remaining candidates that they are "better off throwing [their] support to somebody else so we don't have to have a brokered convention."
Asked whether he, as a former top leader of the party in Congress, would have a role in such a deal, Reid said he'd be willing if asked.
"Maybe we could even get Barack Obama to do it," he said. "The two most popular people in the country, and perhaps the world, are Barack and Michelle Obama."
Reid said he hasn't spoken to the former president about this possibility but that they do chat from time to time and he considers Obama a friend.
When Reid cast his early caucus vote, he chose "uncommitted" to maintain his neutrality in the race.
Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.


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With the threat of payless paydays for city of Detroit employees perhaps just weeks away and Governor Rick Snyder considering an emergency financial manager for the city, state lawmakers just set a new land speed record in capitulating to a billionaire developer's request for taxpayer subsidies.
The handout, which will benefit Detroit Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch's business empire, is being styled by politicians as a "catalyst development." To help accommodate the project's financing, lawmakers recently passed House Bill 5463.
It appears history is doomed to repeat itself. If catchy labels and taxpayer-subsidized projects were the answer to what ails crumbling cities, then Detroit's 1977 Renaissance Center would have triggered a Motor City rebirth, and Flint's 1984 AutoWorld would have put that city on the road to recovery. They didn't, nor did Detroit's People Mover, Comerica Park (built to house Ilitch's Detroit Tigers) or Ford Field spark the promised comeback by proponents of their government dollars. Decades of similar "investments" demonstrate that big, government-aided projects do not ignite economic revolutions, despite politicians' promises or even the good intentions of developers.
The grandiosity of those promises has been surpassed only by the ineffectiveness of the results. To justify subsidies for a new baseball stadium, then-Mayor Dennis Archer said in April 2000, "Comerica Park will help restore the excitement of urban living that has been missing far too long from downtown Detroit." Over the next 10 years, a staggering 25 percent of the city's population demonstrated their excitement by moving out.
Even if the project is completely financed privately, it does not necessarily herald a renaissance for the city. At the Renaissance Center's 1977 dedication, booster Henry Ford II remarked that the $350 million project was an indication that the city "has reached bottom and is on its way back up." It was not to be. The complex was sold 19 years later for $76 million.
The custom-made Ilitch subsidy law empowers Detroit's Downtown Development Authority to borrow and spend on "infrastructure" for the project, the center piece of which will be a new hockey arena for the Red Wings. Supposedly, the development will boost nearby property values, with resulting increases in property tax receipts used to repay the new debt at a rate of around $13 million or more annually. It's unclear whether this new law may also empower the DDA to provide a loan guarantee for the private debt incurred by the Ilitch organization on its project.
Most likely the promises and the increased tax revenues expected to pay off all this debt are pipe dreams. Academic and other research suggests that neither these "tax increment financing" schemes nor publicly financed stadiums benefit cities or taxpayers. To cite only a few examples:
Economists Richard Dye and David Merriman studied the history of such schemes in Chicago and wrote in 2006, "Any growth in the TIF district is offset by declines elsewhere." In other words, this is at best a zero-sum game.
In a May 22, 2012, Huffington Post commentary, Nick Mosvick and Cato Institute scholar Ilya Shapiro recapped the academic literature studying the impact of sports franchises on local economic and income growth. The consensus of scholars is that they have no effect, or a negative one.
Jobs research reported in 2011 by economics professor Robert Baade found that the cost per job from sports subsidies is higher than other types and that "98 percent of the jobs … are in the relatively low-paying, non-manufacturing sector."
Long-time observers of Michigan's corporate welfare empire won't be surprised to learn that the last-minute bill language authorizing the Ilitch subsidies was inserted at the behest of the Michigan Economic Development Corp. Once again, the agency was carrying the water for "millionaires and billionaires" whose subsidized developments over the years have provided little to no net benefits for Detroit or Michigan.
The record shows that more exotic subsidy schemes to private businesses — crony capitalism at its worst — are not the path to prosperity. It is also fundamentally unfair to tens of thousands of taxpayers on the hook for projects like "WingsWorld," particularly to those with no interest in the sport or the team.
If politicians confiscating wealth from the many to redistribute it to a lucky few were the answer, Michigan would have been at the top of the heap over the past half-century rather than scraping along the bottom.
Michael D. LaFaive is director of the Morey Fiscal Policy Initiative at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, a research and educational institute headquartered in Midland, Mich. Permission to reprint in whole or in part is hereby granted, provided that the author and the Center are properly cited.
The Mackinac Center for Public Policy is a nonprofit research and educational institute that advances the principles of free markets and limited government. Through our research and education programs, we challenge government overreach and advocate for a free-market approach to public policy that frees people to realize their potential and dreams.
Please consider contributing to our work to advance a freer and more prosperous state.


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Stress is something more Americans have been dealing with over the last year and one of the many health impacts it can have is making you look older.
"So, there's absolutely a mind-skin connection, in fact, the embryologic roots of the skin are the same as the central nervous system. And so, what does this mean? When we get stressed and the various factors that our brain releases our skin can respond as well as our immune system. And so, we know when we're stressed, our skin loses water more readily. It becomes inflamed more readily and no question, the past year-plus has been extraordinarily stressful, which will clinically or optically appear as maybe more sullen or more irritable skin," said Dr. Adam Friedman, Chair of dermatology at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Being on Zoom or other video chatting platforms too much is also something that can have an impact on this.
Doctor Friedman says when you can see your face all day, you may start to notice more imperfections on your skin and do more to try and fix it.
"Often too much of a good thing is a bad thing. For example, washing your face five times a day, not a good idea, using too much products with retinas or retina-like, acid-like retinoids is also not a good idea. Moderation is key, and I think because we're seeing ourselves so much, we're trying to do too much at once, and that can also be harmful," said Friedman.
The good news is in most cases, looking older from stress won't be permanent. Friedman says skin on your face is constantly renewing itself.
It's only when stress becomes chronic that it will have lasting effects like fine lines or wrinkles. He says the typical ways to reduce stress will also help your skin, things like exercise, yoga, and meditation.


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"The night is dark and full of terrors, but the fire burns them all away!" In the spirit of scare and horror you can add flare to a picture of your choice with our burning fire effect. Colour your photo with dancing flames and warm yourself during the cold days!