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Web giant stays on the sideline in net blackout, in bid to appease users and industry
The internet's watershed political moment in the US arrived
last week. You can Google it. The role of Google itself, however, in the
so-called web blackout is more interesting than a quick Google search would
First, some background. On Jan 18, to protest a pair of
anti-piracy bills in Congress, Wikipedia posted a blackout page on its
English-language site that was seen by more than 162 million people. Google,
meanwhile, gathered 7 million signatures against the bills. These tactics
worked, at least temporarily: At the beginning of the great day of internet
wrath, there were 80 members of Congress who supported the legislation and 31
opponents. Afterward, those numbers were 63 and 122, and Senate Majority Leader
Harry Reid had announced he was postponing this week's scheduled vote on the
Google's statesmanlike Chairman Eric Schmidt has led the
rhetorical charge against the two bills, the Stop Online Piracy Act in the
House and the Protect IP Act in the Senate. In November, he called the bills
"draconian" and said that requiring internet service providers to remove the
URLs of suspected pirates from the Web amounted to "censorship."
On Jan. 18, however, Google didn't disappear. Students with
term papers to write may have had a tough time without Wikipedia, but all of us
could get a blizzard of results from the familiar search giant. If actions
speak louder than words, then what was the meaning of Google's inaction?
Janus-like, Google has two faces: It is both a technology
company - providing a way to navigate to the glories and confusion of the web -
and a media company, producing content
and making choices about what consumers will find useful. Those choices are
based on extensive experience with consumers' use of search results.
Google-as-search-engine relies on user-generated content
(links, pages, reactions) to thrive. As an intermediary, Google doesn't want to
be conscripted as an automatic enforcer of other people's copyrights. Thus
Google's objections to the piracy bills, which give broad immunity from
liability to service providers that block other sites "dedicated to infringement."
This legislation would encourage them to remove links on the mere suspicion of
illegal activity. As Schmidt's remarks indicate, search censorship sets a
dangerous precedent at a time when repressive regimes around the world target
search engines to limit what their citizens can know. Google-as-search-engine
has plenty of good reasons to oppose SOPA and PIPA.
But Google-as-speaker has enormous power to shape the
boundaries of knowledge. This month Google visibly flexed these muscles when it
introduced "Search, Plus Your World," which presents search results to users of
Google+ that include materials coming from people within the users' "circles."
Twitter results weren't included, and Twitter's general counsel, Alex
Macgillivray, himself a former Google employee, said that the introduction of
this product marked a "bad day for the internet" because Google's search engine
had been "warped."
If Google had turned black on Jan. 18, its power would have
become obvious to millions more people. Left without Google, and if ignorant
about alternatives, consumers would have been up in arms. Result: backlash.
Here's a thought experiment: A few decades ago, how would
Americans have felt if one of the three major broadcast networks devoted an
entire day of programming to a particular political advocacy campaign? Given
the dominance of the few media outlets of the time, the initial shock of seeing
a broadcaster display a political point of view would probably have been
followed by anger -- and a push for greater regulation of all of the networks.
Article continues on
next page…
Google obviously didn't want to trigger that kind of fear
and knee-jerk political response. Nor did Google, as a public company, want to
lose revenue by closing down. (Wikipedia, by contrast, is a volunteer
enterprise.) So it stayed on safer ground, tinkering with its logo - it was
blacked out for the day, as if redacted from a classified document - rather
than disappearing its search results.
Google-as-publisher, after all, has content concerns of its
own. What Google did was more akin to a network running a public service
announcement to present its views without preempting anyone's favorite soap
This week, we met a new Google: Google-as-political-influencer.
How you feel about Google's role will depend on your categorization of the
company. To irascible mogul and novice tweeter Rupert Murdoch, Google is a
pirate: "Piracy leader is Google who streams movies free, sells advts around
them. No wonder pouring millions into lobbying." As a media company, Google
would say it was adhering to its principles by putting users first and being
transparent: It didn't make it difficult for users to get work done, and the
company made clear where the Google "editorial" began and ended.
Making an editorial comment openly is arguably an upgrade
from the way media companies have historically sought to influence politics. An
old-media company might have played backroom politics by threatening to run
programming critical of a candidate. Christopher Dodd, the former senator and
now chief executive of the Motion Picture Association of America, played the
old-media political heavyweight this week when he said that Hollywood would be
withholding money from Barack Obama's campaign because of the White House's
views on the piracy bills.
Google isn't perfect. But we should root for its attempt to
balance its search-engine job with its media role, and encourage every company
- on the tech side, the content side, or in between - to make clear what it's
up to when it engages in politics.
(Susan Crawford is a
Bloomberg View columnist and a visiting professor at the Harvard Kennedy School
of Government and Harvard Law School. The opinions expressed are her own.)
Wikipedia was blacked out. But Google's cached page was still available. So effectively, Wikipedia was available throughout the blackout.


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Awoken Haku Prize Figure - Puzzle & Dragons Vol.15
Detailed character statues by Puzzle & Dragons Game comes with a great quality, bright colors and durable material. The figure is officially licensed and imported directly from Japan.
Product size: 6"h
Material: PVC fully assembled and painted
Item includes: based and stand
Character: Awoken Haku

subset: commoncrawl


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Scholarships available for postgraduate research degrees Scholarships available for postgraduate research degrees
There has never been a better time to improve your knowledge, expertise and skills through postgraduate research. We are proud to offer a number of partial fee scholarships for Postgraduate Research degrees in various subject areas and to enable candidates from across the world to experience the excellent research environment we have at UEA and on the Norwich Research Park.
For fully-funded or self-funded postgraduate opportunities, please visit the PhDs and Studentships page or the Faculty Graduate School pages.
UEA Alumni 10% Scholarships
A scholarship of a 10% fee reduction is available to UEA Alumni looking to return to undertake postgraduate research at UEA to start during 2019-20. Terms and conditions apply.
Vice-Chancellor's International Partnership Doctoral Scholar Award
A scholarship of a 20% fee reduction is available to recent graduates from international partner universities or those recommended by our international agent partners looking to undertake postgraduate research at UEA to start during 2019-20. Terms and conditions apply.
The FJW Oncology Scholarship
The FJW Oncology is a donor-funded scholarship to support a postgraduate research student whose PhD focuses on an aspect of cancer research. The Scholarship offers £3,000 annually for a maximum of 3 years and contributes either towards the recipients fees, or is given as a maintenance grant.
Find out more information about The FJW Oncology Scholarship.
50% Final Year Undergraduate Continuation Scholarships
Current final year UEA undergraduate students who gain a first class degree and progress immediately onto a postgraduate research course will receive a 50% fee reduction scholarship. Those who do not gain a first class degree will still be eligible for the 10% UEA Alumni Scholarship outlined above. Terms and conditions apply.
International Postgraduate Scholarships
Details of other funding opportunities for international students can be found here.
Any questions?
Please contact firstname.lastname@example.com for more information.


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New York critics picks: Will the academy get behind 'The Artist' too?
The New York Film Critics Circle has spoken, giving its best picture nod to "The Artist." Was that a surprise? Hardly. Does it make the film the leading contender for the best-picture Oscar? In short: It's way too early to tell.
In the past 25 years, only five NYFCC picks for best picture have gone on to win the Oscar, most recently in 2010, when "The Hurt Locker" took home both prizes. At last year's Oscars, "The King's Speech" won the big enchilada after "The Social Network" landed the NYFCC prize. For the most part, the New York critics pick a film that has played far better with critics than with a broader audience, as in 2009, when the academy went with the big crowd pleaser, "Slumdog Millionaire," while the NY critics went with "Milk," the art-house favorite. Ditto for 2007 when the academy picked "The Departed" while the NY critics chose "United 93."
So the real question is: Can "The Artist" appeal to both constituencies, as "The Hurt Locker" and "No Country for Old Men" did when they won both awards? The answer lies with the academy. If given a choice, it will pick a more commercial film, as long as there is a commercial film that also has strong artistic credibility. That's what happened last year when there were two films with artistic cred to pick from--the critics went with the edgier "The Social Network" while the academy went with the more distinguished and old-fashioned "The King's Speech."
"The Hurt Locker" won both prizes because its only serious rival, "Avatar," was ultimately judged by the academy as being more like an animated film than a true dramatic picture, which sunk its chances, since animated films never win best-picture Oscars. "No Country" won both prizes because its only serious competitor was "Juno," which out-performed it at the box office but played too young for the academy, which, with a median age of 65, skews older than the audience of any CBS procedural crime show.
So "The Artist's" Oscar chances depend on whether a rival picture emerges that has most of "The Artist's" artistic credentials, but even more commercial clout. That would seem to limit the possible contenders to David Fincher's "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," if it hits pay dirt and doesn't make voters too squeamish, or Steven Spielberg's "War Horse," if it has box-office legs without coming off as too trite and emotionally manipulative. My favorite film, "The Descendants," remains a plausible threat but only if it can out-perform "The Artist" at the box office.
Nearly all of the other contenders have something else going against them: "Moneyball" is too much of a broad entertainment, "The Help" is too cliched and sentimental, while "J. Edgar" and "The Iron Lady" won't have the box-office goods to make a run. No one's seen "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" yet, but it can't be a good sign that its studio didn't make the film available to show to the NY critics before they made their picks.
In other words, "The Artist" has the pole position in the Oscar race. Some film will have to make a strong stretch run to catch it before it goes wire-to-wire.
The Oscar race: Is it time for a luxury tax on studio spending?
Ricky Gervais and the Golden Globes: Let the insults begin!
--Patrick Goldstein
Photo: Jean Dujardin, right, stars in the Oscar contending film, "The Artist." Credit: Peter Iovino/The Weinstein Co.


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3 Bedroom / 8 Berth
The owner welcomes guests with or without dogs and goes above and beyond to cater for families with children; providing a large selection of indoor and outdoor toys, games station and age appropriate character bedding. Inside, this homely and immaculate caravan has a cozy sofa, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a (soon to be fitted) wrap-around deck that will keep children and dogs secure. Bask in the afternoon sun, the outside space is a perfect suntrap and close to the children's park.
The caravan is 8 berth comprising 1 x double room, 2 x twin rooms and a there is also a double pull-out bed in the lounge. There is sufficient storage space in each room for all your belongings and hangers in the wardrobes.
The caravan is insulated, has double glazing and central heating throughout so it's warm all year round.
In the homely lounge, you will find a comfortable sofa – perfect for chilling out on in front of the TV.
There is also a DVD player and a range of DVDs, games, puzzle books and board games for your enjoyment.
You will find a whole host of toys, books and games for babies and younger children.
The modern kitchen and dining area are fully equipped with everything you'll need during your stay, including a microwave and all the bits and bobs you'd have at home. We even provide you with a tea towel and store cupboard essentials, which you are welcome to use. All we ask is that you replace anything you use the last of with a like-for-like item to extend the next guests the same courtesy.
An A-rated full size fridge/freezer means you can buy plenty of groceries. Local supermarkets provide a delivery service direct to the caravan, just state the address of the caravan on the order so they can find you easily. With a well-stocked shop on site, a pharmacy, a Papa John's pizzeria, a chip shop, burger vans and a McColl's newsagents within walking distance you don't need to venture far to get the things you'll need.
There are 3 bedrooms and the sofa in the lounge quickly and easily converts to a double bed.
The main bedroom is a double with a vanity area with mirror and stool. There are bedside units, wardrobes, drawers, plenty of hangers and a hairdryer too.
In the other 2 bedrooms, you will find twin beds, wardrobes and over-bed storage cupboards with pelmet lighting to store your belongings.
Bathroom and WC
The main bathroom has a large shower cubicle with thermostatic shower mixer and sliding glass door.
The white porcelain toilet is surrounded by a shelving unit and the pedestal basin has ample storage space beneath for your toiletries, a mirrored cabinet above and a shaver light.
Next door is a second, separate WC with toilet and pedestal wash basin, mirror and shelves.
Hand towels are placed in the bathroom and WC. You will also find bath mats, hand wash and cleaning essentials to maintain hygiene during your stay.


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I chanced upon this book review of by Toni on Wifely Steps and I just had to gush over her find!
If you're Filipino, you'll flip over this one! A is for Adobo, B is for Bagoong, C is for ...
This is an alphabet book and, if you're like me who just gets hungry by flipping through glossy recipe books because of the photos, you'll get your share of and Filipino food porn too! Its brilliantly Pinoy na Pinoy!
I'll definitely try and get my hands on a copy! Hop on over to Toni's blog to see some pics of the inside pages!


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Dish Goes Local in Tarheel Country
EchoStar Communications Corp.'s Dish Network said Thursday that it will offer local channels via satellite in the Greenville, N.C., area.
Greenville-area Dish customers in 15 counties can now receive CBS channel 9 (WNCT), Fox channel 8 (WFXI), NBC channel 7 (WITN) and PBS channel 19 (WUNM).
Dish now offers local channels in 142 cities and their metro areas, in 50 states and in the District of Columbia.


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Many people everyday look to health food products and diet foods for their daily energy. And many others try and use them primarily because they are looking to lose stomach fat fast. But taking a closer look, do these products have what it takes to give you energy, help you lose stomach fat and give your body essential nutrients, so you have energy?
Well, the answer is not so simple, because I don't know exactly which ones you are feeding yourself. But, I can tell you one thing for sure. 93% of the diet and health food products are complete junk, wrapped in attractive packaging. The bars, the shakes, the snack cookies etc.
Sometimes you might even be better of buying natural desserts as compared to some of these so-called healthy products.
Here's why…
If you flip over the label you will discover some shocking stuff… Excessive sugars, corn syrups, artificial sweeteners, trans-fats, refined oils and overly processed fats. And that's not it, so many of these products come with flavor enhancers that give them great taste. Chemicals like MSG, commercials salts and chemicals, that even you and I can't pronounce. Many of these chemicals, have been directly linked to cancer, tumors and other deadly diseases that develop over time.
So why eat them?
They save time, they're easy to get and for the most part they don't cost much. If you have fallen into this trap, or you're just researching the truth about health foods and diet foods, either to supplement your diet or lose stomach fat.
Here is what you need to do…
Skip them altogether, go with whole nutritious foods like eggs, organic cheese, green veggies, yams, sweet potatoes, grass fed beef, avocados and extra dark chocolates. In doing this you will be giving your body essential nutrients that it needs to function. Your other choice is to start becoming an investigator and research the best diet foods. All you have to do is look at the labels…
Don't listen to what is on the front of the package, always turn it around. Good products will only have 5 to 7 ingredients at the most… For example: Oats, nuts, seeds, cocoa, butter and whey.
Start making good and simple decisions like these everyday and you will immediately start feeling what its like to have lots of energy and, if its your goal, lose that stubborn stomach fat.


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You are hereHome >
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We keep producing and consuming more and more "stuff." How can we do a better job of improving the quality of our lives? Our New Economy program is finding answers.
PIRG Consumer Watchdog
For more than 40 years, we've been educating consumers how to protect themselves and their rights. We fight to get dangerous products off store shelves, to end exploitative practices, and ensure a level playing field in the marketplace. And we advocate for new rules, institutions and policies to defend consumers from the economic and political power of special interests. Right now, our Watchdog team is focused on consumer threats from data breaches to dangerous toys.
Pledge to be Toxic-Free
Safe alternatives are possible and profitable.
Recalled infant sleepers
Every day, millions of kids are dropped off at child care facilities across the country by parents and caretakers who are looking forward to seeing them safe and sound at the end of the day. But new research found some dangerous recalled products are still in use at child care facilities across the country.
Reining in Wall Street
Standing up for consumers against reckless banking and financial practices.
A report exposing toxic fragrance chemicals in beauty, personal care and cleaning products
Stand Up For Repair
Microsoft pressed criminal charges against Eric Lundgren for printing restore disks that allow people to fix old computers—even though though the software on those disks is available online for free.
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Expensive, wasteful highway projects shouldn't take precedent over public transportation needs.
Stop The Overuse Of Antibiotics on Factory Farms
Widespread overuse of antibiotics is putting our health at risk.
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Your donation supports ConnPIRG's work to stand up for consumers on the issues that matter, especially when powerful interests are blocking progress.


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Community engagement is a key component of the Comprehensive Plan update. The goals and recommendations developed within the Plan will be derived from the input received by residents throughout the process. Check back for updates!
Steering Committee Meeting Agenda's:
What is a Comprehensive Plan?
Minnesota law enables cities to adopt a "comprehensive" plan to guide economic development, transportation, and land use actions. The comprehensive plan is a policy document rather than an ordinance or law, but provides the legal foundation for the city's ordinances, programs, and capital investment plans.
A Comprehensive Plan identifies a community's desired future, looking out 20 years, or in this case, the Grand Rapids of 2040. The desired future is described with a future land use map and supporting written goals and policies. Plans typically have three important parts –background information to define the "what is," maps and goals to define the "desired future condition," and a set of implementation actions to bridge between the "what is" and the "desired future."
The Existing Comprehensive Plan
In July of 2011, the City of Grand Rapids adopted an updated Comprehensive Plan, after a yearlong process of background studies, engaging residents and businesses, and detailed discussion. Since adoption, many 2011 Plan goals have been achieved, including public investment in new street connections, new economic development projects and initiatives, and additional planning efforts such as the Arts and Culture Roadmap and an updated Parks and Trails Master Plan.
Changing situations, however, diminish the importance of some Plan goals, and new challenges and opportunities, not envisioned during the creation of the 2011 Plan, are arising. Has there been a change in the community's vision of an ideal future or the core community values that drive that vision. Should the current and desired future socioeconomic environment change the City's long-term priorities? What actions should be taken to achieve the vision and is the City situated to sustain its resources - community, economy, and natural – over the long term?
What happens, and how can I be involved?
The Comprehensive Plan update will take place over 9-10 months. The City will hold two public meetings, to present draft maps, policies and other work for public input, as well as a final comment meeting. In addition to public meetings, the City intends to conduct a public survey, and conduct a series of community engagement discussions to get detailed input on issue identification and community vision, values, and redevelopment/growth area preferences.
The City Council has appointed a Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee to serve as advisors to the Planning Commission and the City Council and to be the decision-making body for creating a draft Plan.
The structure of the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee is intended to ensure a wide representation of interests. The Steering Committee represents the following interests:
• Business- Manufacturing Representative (1)
• Business- Downtown Retail/Service Representative (1)
• Business- Non-downtown Retail/Service Representative (1)
• Builder/Developer Representative (1)
• Tourism/Hospitality Industry Representative (1)
• Social Services Representative (1)
• Housing Representative (1)
• Health Care Industry Representative (1)
• Education Representative (1)
• Residential Representatives (4- residents/one from each quadrant of town)
In addition to these volunteer appointments, the Steering Committee will have two representatives from the Planning Commission and two City Council representatives. The Grand Rapids EDA will provide oversite and guidance in the development of the economic development element of the plan.
For more information on the project, contact Rob Mattei, Director of Community Development, City of Grand Rapids, 218-326-7601.
© 2020 City of Grand Rapids, MN All Rights Reserved.


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Member3pra clear cockerpoo puppies for saleLlangadog, Carmarthenshire3pra cockerpoo puppies for sale mum is a red kc reg pra fn clear cocker spaniel dad a chocolate min poodle pra clear we have 3 red apricot and 4 black both boys and girls available in both colours the puppies have been fully vet checked microchipped wormed de-fleas house...£650
New3Shih you cross chihuahuaBirmingham, West Midlands8 week old females, wormed and flead. Please contact to ask any questions. Thanks£550
New4Sprocker pupLlandudno, ConwyWe have 1 male sprocker left to find a new home, out of a litter of 6. Mum is a Welsh Springer and dad is a cocker spaniel both are working dogs hence why the pups have had their tails legally docked. Absolutely beautiful pups well worth the view. He is just over 5 weeks...£600
Showing latest ads instead.
New1Staffy pupsHawick, Scottish BordersFemale pups and male pups great temperament lovely markings as well message me for more info pls£12,345
New4Adult only homeNewport Pagnell, BuckinghamshireWe are looking for a forever adult home for our jack Russell he's 7 this June he is entire he needs to be the only pet homes will be checked he's such a loving dog but unfortunately my job is with animals and I need to bring them home he's ok with older teens but would...£100
New1WantedRugby, WarwickshireLooking to buy a Shih tuz puppy (black and White or White and Brown) that will be ready to leave home at 8 weeks old. Must be microchipped, had 1st lot of vaccinations, wormed and health vet checked. Will need to be seen with the mother
New1Jack Russell female wanted 100 poundHartlepool, County DurhamHi I'm looking to re-home a jack Russell female most be house trained and good around children
New7French bulldog x bichon friseBridgend, Bridgend3 beautiful male pups. Ready to leave for new families now. They've had the first vaccination, they are chipped, wormed and vet checked.£550
New4Saluki Cross For SaleRotherham, South YorkshireSaluki Cross for rehoming. 11 week old, microchipped and had first lot of injections. Lovely pup only selling due to my little girl having an allergic reaction. She will come with a crate, bed, bowls, leash, harness, toys, food and treats! Please PM me.£300
See our lovely rescues >>
See our lovely rescues >>
Lovely boy for rehoming
Precious - Liverpool
Buddy - Dorset
For adoption
Handsome Flint is looking for his forever home...
Newcastle upon Tyne
Carolina(Lina) - Nuneaton
Can I be your Friday :)
NewCookie312 week old Jack Russell - vaccinated - Northern IrelandNewtownabbey, NewtownabbeyCookie is a 12 week old loving Jack Russell, currently located near Belfast. He has a distinct white coat with brown ears and a patch over one eye, we got him just after the new year however unfortunately a member of the family is facing allergies. Cookie has built up a...£150
New2Female Yorkshire terrierBridgend, BridgendShe is 20 weeks old she is a small girl£650
New9F1B FOX RED CAVAPOO PUPPIESHorsham, West SussexHere I have for sale is my stunningly beautiful F1B fox red cavapoo girls, looking for there new forever loving home. They are very calm and loving therefore great around kids and other pets. They have been flead wormed and vaccinated also health checked, PRA hereditary...£1,750
New7Confirmation beautiful kc french bulldogsBlackburn, LancashireToday has been confirmed that my beautiful black-brindle kc french bulldog girl Minnie is currently carrying 7 babies could possibly more babies she is due 25th March 2020 Possible carrying Blue- Blue & tan- Lilac Lilac &blue Brindle-black Tan-brindle Blue-brindle I am...£2,500
NewWinnie81 Year Old Female Shih Tzu (READ DESCRIPTION)Lydney, GloucestershireOnly enquire if you're definitely interested in offering the home Winnie is in need of and will not mess us around!!! This is Winnie, she is a loving, energetic, playful, affectionate 1 year old. The decision to re-home her is purely based on her needs that I am unable to...£500
New1Gorgeous American cocker puppyBristol, GloucestershireGorgeous 10 week old American cocker puppy, crate trained, partly house trained, fully vet checked, vaccinated wormed etc. He is from quality lines but for sale as pet only, wonderful temperament, genuine loving homes need only apply£995
New4KC reg Pug Puppies for SaleLondonderry, LondonderryKC registered puppies born mid Jan 2020. Mum and dad can be seen as family pets. Pups come with injections and regular worming complete. 1 male - black and white markings on chest and 1 female - fawn. Other female (black & white marked) pup is sold *pending payment*...£900
MemberCocoKC registered Rottweiler femaleBradford, West YorkshireCoco Female KC registered Rottweiler 7months old She is endorsed not for breeding Coco was bred by us, she has been returned to us in order for us to find her a suitable new home Although she gets along with other dogs here I do feel she would be much better as an only...£600
New6Choc & tan mini dachshund boyLlandysul, CeredigionI have one absolutely gorgeous chocolate & tan boy left from a litter of four. He is kc registered, microchipped and has had the best possible care in life. He is now fully vaccinated (so can mix with other dogs). He has also had two health checks with the vet and is in...£1,000
MemberCavapoo puppies ready soonBradford, West YorkshireWe have 4 beautiful boys available from litter of 7 It is a first litter for the Mother honey our cavalier King Charles spaniel DNA tested clear for Eposodic falling dry eye and curly coat Father is our stunning miniature poodle snoopy DNA tested clear for prcd-PRA...£1,000
New10JackapoosRomsey, Hampshire9 jackapoo puppies for sale 2 boys 7 girls born 31/01/20 been vet checked at 3 weeks ready to leave for there forever homes27/03/20 will be microchipped and 1st jab before leaving viewing welcome£550


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NYT on 'The Scholarship in Selfies'
Consider Parmigianino's "Self-Portrait in a Convex Mirror" for what it is: a selfie. Painting a Renaissance masterpiece takes more skill than tapping a camera app, but in the emerging field of selfie studies, they can be part of the same conversation.
Read more: The Scholarship in Selfies, New York Times, 31 July 2015.


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Owner Statements Available Online
Did you know that you can now access your owner statements online?
- Concise statements covering the performance of your property for the previous month
- All data on your property is stored in a secure data center
- Access information about your property 24/7
- Access information about your property from anywhere with an internet connection
How it works:
In order to keep your financials secure, we use a state of the art portal system that requires you to login with an email address and password known only to you.
Each time you wish to view your reports, just visit your portal, enter your email address and password. If you're a new user, you will be prompted to set up a password.


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The database discovery scripts (DiscoverSQL200*DB.vbs) fail on SQL servers with DBs larger than 32GB in the 6.0.6441.0 version of the SQL MP
In case you missed it, The MOM team announced a new issue they've discovered. Apparently the database discovery scripts can fail on a system that has a DB that is larger than 32GB. I posted the description of the issue and a link below:
Issue: We've recently become aware of an issue with the recently released version of the SQL MPs that results in the database discovery scripts failing on any system that has a DB which is larger than ~32GB. The error message generated in the "Operations Manager" log on the agents is shown below. No data is lost as a result of this error, but after importing the MPs the error messages shown below will be generated, and no new discovery will occur.
For more information visit http://blogs.technet.com/momteam/archive/2008/11/13/the-database-discovery-scripts-discoversql200-db-vbs-fail-on-sql-servers-with-dbs-larger-than-32gb-in-the-6-0-6441-0-version-of-the-sql-mp.aspx
J.C. Hornbeck | Manageability Knowledge Engineer


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Member of the Joint Opposition, MP Udaya Gammanpila stated that former Defence secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa will not join with the leadership of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party.
Minister of Labour and Trade Union Relations W.D.J. Senevirathne, addressing a SLFP meeting at Kolonna yesterday said that the former Defence secretary should be nominated as the second in line for the leadership of the SLFP.
Speaking to our news team the general secretary of the Pivithuru Hela Urumaya, parliamentarian Udaya Gammanpila stated that the former Defence secretary has not engaged in any talks with regard to the matter.
When contacted by our news team, the former Defence secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa stated that he is unable to issue a statement on this at the matter.


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The science of sleep: a survey to know how Argentines rest
A team of two CONICET researchers is conducting a survey to map the quality of rest in the country.
What time is it? The answer to this question does not seem to be so obvious: are we governed by our watches? Maybe the time that is imposed on us has some fragile – and even doubtful – grounds. "Although we should adapt to our geography, the time zone of Argentina is a political decision", says Diego Golombek at the Laboratorio de Cronobiología [Chronobiology Laboratory] of the Universidad Nacional de Quilmes (UNQ). He is a biologist and a researcher at the National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET). At his lab, which has posters of clocks between the benches used for experiments, he studies the biological rhythms of humans. As part of his work, he's just launched a national survey to analyze how Argentines sleep. The idea is to obtain useful information that serves as a public tool to debate the time zone in which Argentina should be, among other issues. The scientist explains that this type of changes could improve our sleep, productivity, mood and propensity to get sick.
Exposition to natural light seems to be one of the keys not only to deal with those issues but also to have a restful sleep. "The objective of this study is to make people aware of their biology and its relationship with the environment. If we can also draw conclusions that provide advice, improve and contribute to decide public policies, even better." With María Juliana Leone, researcher of the Council, and Marina Giménez, from Holland, the scientist designed the "Crono Argentina" survey, which can be filled in from an anonymous platform in around 20 minutes and is addressed to any Argentine older than thirteen years old. The questions range from basic personal information of the population (date of birth, gender, weight, height) to daily preferences and sleep habits. The first data analysis could be ready by the end of 2018.
Sources of inspiration
This will not be the first time in which scientists analyze the sleep of Argentines. There are surveys like the ones of the Observatorio de la Deuda Social Argentina of the Universidad Católica Argentina (UCA), which analyzed about six thousand cases related to sleep variables linked to socioeconomic aspects. The difference of this initiative is aimed at becoming a decentralized and representative sample of all the country.
Crono Argentina is based on previous work performed in other countries: the first similar experiment, the "Human Sleep Project", was conducted by Till Roendneberg, ten years ago, in Munich. The scientist developed a test to identify chronotypes –morning (lark) or night (owl) people– and then compared the sleep habits on weekends and business days so as to compare some kind of "social jet lag" –which would be the difference between the time of our biological watch and the world's-. The Sleep Project turned into a German massive database of thousands of cases.
"One simple survey can lead to powerful conclusions: in a small country like Germany, it was found that sleep and social jet lag depend on the photoperiod, the time of sunrise and the change of seasons (east/west). Besides, this examination showed that there is a relationship with some interesting factors such as the consumption of nicotine or obesity. One of the conclusions is linked to the definition of adolescence: time preference moves towards later times and the biological clock at that age looks more like a nigh owl as it tends to move towards the afternoon", explains Golombek.
Another similar experiment was carried out in Brazil, where experts surveyed the most developed areas of the country, such as the maritime coastline, from Porto Alegre to Natal. "That examination allowed scientists to define changes in sleep and the relationship with chronotypes."
There are also previous studies conducted by Golombek. They can be used as a base like the one he and his team did in a community of Mapuches in Neuquén. The research team analyzed the correlation of the seasonality and the relocations of the community considering sunlight as reference. The second research started in 2015 with international colleagues in two communities of Tobas in Formosa. The scientists compared the sleep of one community exposed to electric light with the other one without it. "We proved that the ones that have electric light sleep less, have different behavior and organize their life in a different way".
Taking into account those previous studies, the research team spent about a year to design the questions for Crono Argentina. They used two forms: a classic one for sleep chronotypes (recording asleep and awake times on weekdays and weekends so as to know if the individuals are morning or evening type, etc), and a second one for temporal preferences, more psychological (with questions such as: "If you were invited to play a football game in the morning, how would you feel? Fine, tired?"). The scientists also added some questions related to habits and exposition to sun.
The shoemaker's son always goes barefooted
Golombek sleeps little. As he writes and works during the silence of the night, the hours of sleep he has do not cover the ideal amount. He wakes up religiously at 5.45 to take his son to the subway. "I tend to sleep less than seven hours, occasionally six, but never eight". Although he does not have a TV, he uses the computer and cell phone all day, what also interferes with his sleep. "The problem is that some modern screens use the type of LED that stimulates the biological clock. Receiving that light at night misleads the clock". He never takes naps and does not remember his dreams. Furthermore, he does not suffer from insomnia, except when the following day he has something stressful to do. "There are two types of insomnia. The classic one is obviously when you don't sleep but the other one involves the lack of perception of sleep: a person that sleeps quite well but feels that doesn't sleep at all. That happened to my father, who even consulted a physician expert on sleep". One of the things that keeps me awake is to understand the secrets of the biological clock: that instrument that without chronometer regulates the times of the activities of humans. As it was discovered in the 70s, this clock is located in the brain, specifically in the suprachiasmatic nucleus.
With Crono Argentina, the researcher aims at learning not only about the clock itself, but also about the average clock of the Argentines. "We want to know if there is any geographical correlation: if in the north-south and east-west axis the chronotypes vary. After that, we will relate them with the variables from the survey and the demographical ones: urban and rural populations, big population centers, etc.", Golombek explains. The goal is to survey one per cent of the population, that is to say, 450 thousand Argentines. "As we obtain tens of thousands well represented geographically we will be able to reach valid conclusions".
There is no database like this in Argentina and it is important to have it for basic and applied matters. "First because to know about folk or circumstantial matters such as in which parts of the country people sleep more, or less, or take naps, seems to be important so as to turn that information into figures. Beyond that, this could serve to make recommendations about public policies", Golombek states. That is the objective when they refer to time zone as an example. "For historical reasons, Argentina is in the time zone minus three, but if one analyzes it geographically, it is in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, not where it should be. Why? It is necessary to consider the time zone that best adapts to our geography".
"If you change the time to have more light at night, people eat later so they sleep less and their quality of life decreases. According to one study, we sleep about one or two hours less than fifty or a hundred years ago: that is a lot and the consequences are significant. If people sleep less, there are more accidents, their mood changes, we make more mistakes and get sick more often. Let's place sleep as one factor of public importance and not only as a possible circumstantial aspect", the scientist says. So when someone asks us "what time is it?" the answer is only one and convincing: the right time.
To participate in the survey: www.cronoargentina.com
The nap: yes or no?
"The world is divided between those who take a nap and those who do not", Golombek joked. However, the statement can be true. "At two pm, people are drowsy whether they had eaten or not because it is the moment when alertness decreases, and it is certainly part of the sleep cycle. It is logical to want to rest at that time. But the idea is to take a short nap. If it takes more than one hour, it is counter-productive: something happens in the brain that makes people get up more tired and in a bad mood", the scientist states and adds "That is possible for those who are used to taking a nap. But if that is not the case, even a short nap can induce tiredness and waking up in a bad mood. The truth is that at that time in which there is an increase in fatigue and a decrease in alertness it is not a good idea to do physical or cognitive-demanding activities".
By Cintia Kemelmajer
Translation: Cintia B. González


text: Main Content House Bill 4725 (2019) rss? friendly link printer friendly Friendly Link: http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?2019-HB-4725 Sponsors Ronnie Peterson (district 54)Abdullah Hammoud, Vanessa Guerra, Yousef Rabhi, Kyra Harris Bolden, William Sowerby, Mari Manoogian, Kristy Pagan, Brian Elder, Sherry Gay-Dagnogo, David LaGrand, Sarah Anthony, Isaac Robinson, Terry Sabo (click name to see bills sponsored by that person) Categories Law enforcement: investigations; Law enforcement: local police; Law enforcement: state police; Law enforcement; investigations; stop-and-frisk policies procedure; eliminate. Amends 1927 PA 175 (MCL 760.1 - 777.69) by adding sec. 5 to ch. XVI. Bill Documents Bill Document Formatting Information [x] The following bill formatting applies to the 2019-2020 session:- New language in an amendatory bill will be shown in BOLD AND UPPERCASE.- Language to be removed will be stricken.- Amendments made by the House will be blue with square brackets, such as: [House amended text].- Amendments made by the Senate will be red with double greater/lesser than symbols, such as: <<Senate amended text>>. (gray icons indicate that the action did not occur or that the document is not available) Documents House Introduced Bill Introduced bills appear as they were introduced and reflect no subsequent amendments or changes. As Passed by the House As Passed by the House is the bill, as introduced, that includes any adopted House amendments. As Passed by the Senate As Passed by the Senate is the bill, as received from the House, that includes any adopted Senate amendments. House Enrolled Bill Enrolled bill is the version passed in identical form by both houses of the Legislature. Bill Analysis History (House actions in lowercase, Senate actions in UPPERCASE) Date JournalAction 6/13/2019HJ 61 Pg. 796introduced by Representative Ronnie Peterson 6/13/2019HJ 61 Pg. 796read a first time 6/13/2019HJ 61 Pg. 796referred to Committee on Military, Veterans and Homeland Security 6/18/2019HJ 62 Pg. 802bill electronically reproduced 06/18/2019