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WESTERN DIGITAL Corp(NASDAQ: WDC)
98.52 -1.06 -1.06%
|NASDAQ national market
|Western Digital Corp
|Data Storage
|Western Digital Corp a Delaware corporation was founded in 1970. The Company is a developer, manufacturer and provider of data storage solutions that enable consumers, businesses, governments and other organizations to create, manage, experience and preserve digital content. The Company's product portfolio includes hard disk drives ("HDDs") and solid-state drives ("SSDs"). The HDDs are primary storage medium for digital content, with the use of solid-state storage products. The Company's products are marketed under the HGST, WD and G-Technology brand names and operate its business through subsidiaries. Its HDDs provide non-volatile data storage, which means that the data remains present when power is no longer applied to the device. Its SSDs use semiconductor, non-volatile media, rather than magnetic media and magnetic heads, to store and allow fast access to data without any moving parts. The Company through its subsidiary delivers high performance 10,000/15,000 revolutions per minute ("RPM") drives targeting server and storage system OEMs, enterprise capacity drives for bulk storage applications for both hyperscale cloud customers and OEMs, helium sealed 6 terabyte ("TB") products that improve capacity and other dimensions of total cost of ownership, mobile drives for the notebook, PC and gaming markets, and a G-Technology line of branded products for professional audiovisual users. In addition it delivers a line of SSDs for the high end of the performance market that includes 2.5" Serial Attached SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) ("SAS") drives as well as Peripheral Component Interconnect Express ("PCIe") SSDs for the server market and embedded flash solutions. It also designs, manufacturers and provides hard drives for range of digital storage uses, from PCs and data centers to home video recorders and home network storage devices; and also packages these hard drives into consumer appliances, which offer portable, desktop and personal cloud storage for accessibility from anywhere and sharing functionality, as well as provide media playing devices to simplify enjoyment of personal content on televisions. The Company's Enterprise storage products consist of HDDs and SSDs for performance enterprise and capacity enterprise markets. Its enterprise storage solutions include performance drives which are optimized for performance applications. Within performance drives it offers factor drives which provide high capacity storage, primarily for data storage systems, and small form factor drives which provide a range of capacity and performance levels primarily for use in enterprise servers, supporting high volume on-line transactions, data analysis and other enterprise applications. The Company also offers Client: Desktop and Notebook PCs including Client compute solutions consist of HDDs for desktop and mobile PCs; Branded Product Solutions consist of HDDs embedded into WD®-, HGST- and G-Technology-branded external storage appliances with capacities ranging from 500 GB to 24 TB and using interfaces such as USB 2.0, USB 3.0, external SATA, FireWireTM, ThunderboltTM and Ethernet network connections.; and Consumer Electronics Solutions used in DVRs, gaming consoles, security surveillance, systems, set top boxes, camcorders, multi-function printers and entertainment and automobile navigation systems. The components of the hard drive are a Head-Disk-Assembly ("HDA") and a Printed Circuit Board Assembly ("PCBA"). Its Competitors include; Intel Corporation, Micron Technology, Inc., Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., SanDisk Corporation, Seagate Technology LLC and Toshiba Corporation. The Company is subject to a variety of U.S. and foreign laws and regulations in connection with its operations and relating to the protection of the environment, including those governing discharges of pollutants into the air and water, the management and disposal of hazardous substances, and the cleanup of contaminated sites.
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[BRIEFING.COM] The stock market finished an upbeat week on a mixed note. The S&P 500 shed less than a point, ending the week higher by 1.3%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average (+0.1%) cemented a 1.7% advance for the week. High-beta names underper ... More
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We understand that choosing to study a postgraduate degree, whether taught or research, is a big undertaking and that everyone's motivations are different.
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
Hello there.
I just wrote the most minimal PHP I could figure out to see if anything connected with anything. I am not on a server; I am trying to do this inside my Windows machine.
My HTML (it has a php suffix, and which works fine otherwise) contains
and in the folder where all the html and php stuff is, there's a folder called "includes". In that folder is just a little textCode:
<div id="kielbasa">
Anybody home?
<?php include "/includes/menu.php";?>
</div> <!--end kielbasa-->
"Anybody home?" is just to see whether the div is working and in place (it is). I can't figure out how to connect the php to display anything after that though. The fellow who got me this far gave me some fancy server language but I stripped it down to what the kiddie pages say to do, to try to get at the basics of what's happening.Code:
anything I try
There's something I'm not understanding here. Would you like to give me a hand? Sorry if what I'm asking doesn't make sense. I don't know enough to make sense.


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Top priorities for sukuul.com :
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This is the number of pages on your website that are indexed by Google™.
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This lists your website's popular pages.
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$1,745 Studio Core-Columbia San Diego CA
$1,745 Studio
Core-Columbia San Diego CA, Core-Columbia, San Diego, 92101
Commute to Downtown Coronado
Apartment For Rent In San Diego. is an eight minute walk from the Blue Line and the Orange Line at the Park & Market Station stop.
This apartment is in the Core-Columbia neighborhood in San Diego. Nearby parks include Morley Field Dog Park and Hiking, Colina Park Golf Course and City Park.
Apartment For Rent In San Diego. has a Walk Score of 97 out of 100. This location is a Walker's Paradise so daily errands do not require a car.
Nearby schools include The Factory, Newschool of Architecture & Design and Kiddie Hall Child Care Center-Infant.
The closest grocery stores are Holistik Health, Valencia Produce and Hub Market & Deli.
Nearby coffee shops include Zanzibar Cafe, Coffee & Art and Le Parfait Paris. There are 245 restaurants within a 15 minute walk including Neighborhood, J Wok and Bootlegger.
Apartment For Rent In San Diego. is near Horton Plaza Park, Childrens Park and Martin Luther King Jr Promenade.
There are some bike lanes and the terrain is flat as a pancake. Apartment For Rent In San Diego. is bikeable, there is some bike infrastructure.
World class restaurants and shopping just steps from your front door, Controlled access building, Gated underground parking, Private courtyard with BBQ grill, Cabanas, Sunning deck, Sand fire pit, Fitness center, Pet friendly, Studio, one and two bedroom floor plans High ceilings, Stainless appliances, Spectacular city views, Open layout, Loft layout, Granite countertops, Laminate flooring, Custom cabinetry, Private balcony, In-unit washer and dryer, Floor to ceiling windows, Ball park views, Controlled heat & air conditioning. Close to dining and shops, bright, gas stove, trash included.
No reviews found. Be the first to write a review.
Owner/manager tools | Report bad listing | From ApartmentHunterz.com
Core-Columbia, San Diego, 92101
Daily errands do not require a car.
Transit is convenient for most trips.
Flat as a pancake, some bike lanes.
Explore how far you can travel by car, bus, bike and foot from Apartment For Rent In San Diego..
Apartment For Rent In San Diego. has excellent transit which means transit is convenient for most trips. Car sharing is available from RelayRides and Getaround.
Rail lines:
Orange Line
0.3 mi
Blue Line
0.3 mi
Green Line
0.4 mi
Bus lines:
0.1 mi
0.1 mi
0.1 mi
0.1 mi
0.2 mi
0.2 mi
0.2 mi
0.2 mi
0.2 mi
0.2 mi
Car shares:
Apartment For Rent In San Diego. is in the Core-Columbia neighborhood. Core-Columbia is the 2nd most walkable neighborhood in San Diego with a neighborhood Walk Score of 96.
Moving to San Diego from another city? View our moving to San Diego guide.


text:
Product Description
$5 from your purchase goes back tot Sightsavers and help eliminate avoidable blindness.
- 100% ring spun rPET (recycled plastic bottles)
- Every shirt is made of 10-12 recycled plastic bottles
- Antimicrobial controls the growth of odor causing microbes
- Wicks moisture away from the body
Printed in Seattle, U.S.A.
Made in Guatemala of U.S.A yarns by a Seattle-based manufacturer
Care instructions:
- Wash before wearing.
- Machine wash cold, inside out separately.
- Do not bleach.
- Tumble dry low or line dry.
- Remove promptly.
- Do not iron.
- Do not dry clean.
Watch the making of and read the full story


text:
Active UTAS
Thai Fish Cakes
These oven baked fish cakes with ginger and chilli green beans have traditional Thai flavours. Serve with steamed rice for a complete meal.
Serves: 4
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
650g snapper fillets, skin and bones removed (see tip)
2 tbs red curry paste
1 tbs cornflour
1 tsp caster sugar
1 egg white*
1 bunch snake beans, trimmed
2 tbs chopped coriander leaves
Olive oil cooking spray*
2 limes, halved
1 tbs finely grated ginger
1 garlic clove, crushed
½ long red chilli, seeds removed, finely chopped
½ long green chilli, seeds removed, finely chopped
1 cup steamed rice*, to serve
Make this meal even healthier by using Tick approved ingredients.
*Products available with the Heart Foundation Tick. Remember all fresh fruit and vegetables automatically qualify for the Tick.
- Roughly chop the fish and place in a food processor, process until finely chopped. Add curry paste, cornflour and sugar and pulse to combine. Add egg white and pulse until well combine. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl. Thinly slice 4 snake beans and add to fish with coriander, mix well.
- Using 2 tbs of mixture per fish cake, roll into balls using damp hands. Place onto a tray lined with baking paper and flatten slightly. Cover and refrigerate 15 minutes if time permits.
- Preheat oven and baking tray 210°C fan forced. Lightly spray both sides fish cakes with oil. Remove hot tray from oven and line with baking paper. Working quickly place fish cakes and lime halves, cut side down onto the hot tray. Return to the oven and bake 10-15 minutes or until fish cakes are light golden and cooked through.
- Meanwhile, heat wok over high heat until hot. Cut remaining snake beans into 5cm lengths. Lightly spray the wok with oil and add ginger, garlic and chilli, stir-fry 20 seconds. Add beans and toss in ginger mixture. Stir-fry for 30 seconds. Add 1 tbs water and quickly cover the wok, cook for 30 seconds, remove the cover and stir-fry 1 minute or until beans bright green and just tender.
- Pile the snake beans onto a platter, top with fish cakes and serve with roasted lime and steamed rice.
Tip: Once skin and bones removed you should have about 500g fish.
Snake beans can be replaced with fresh green beans if desired.


text:
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Nightime Crowds on Kinder Downfall
© Alex Thompson, Jan 2009
Route: Kinder Downfall (Downfall Climb)
Climbers: Various eager nutters
Camera used: Olympus 1030 SW


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From the Regional Transportation Commission:
The Regional Transportation Commission, in partnership with the City of Reno and UNR, is seeking public participation and input to help shape the vision of Virginia Street. The RTC will host an Open House on Tuesday, Sept. 10th at the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum from 5 pm to 7 pm for the Virginia Street Corridor Study.
This is an opportunity for the public to share their ideas and concerns about potential transportation improvements on Virginia Street from North McCarran Boulevard to the Mt. Rose Highway. The purpose of the study is to conduct a multimodal analysis for pedestrian, bicycle, transit, and automobile improvements. It will also look at improvement opportunities with regard to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). When completed, the plan will identify short and long term improvements and develop a funding and implementation strategy.
The public is invited to stop by anytime and meet with the project team to learn about the study and offer comments. Especially if you commute by car, bike or foot; own a business, work or live on Virginia Street. Public participation is essential to conduct the study. Future transportation improvements on Virginia Street can also support economic development efforts within the corridor.
For more information visit www.rtcwashoe.com and click on HOT TOPICS / Virginia Street Corridor Study.
From the Regional Transportation Commission
KTVN-TVPhone: (775) 858-2222Fax: (775) 861-4298
Mailing Address:4925 Energy WayReno, NV 89502


text:
Man Credited With Galvanizing Russians To Protest Is Yale World Fellow
Alexei Navalny is serving 15 day prison sentence.
A man credited with galvanizing tens of thousands of people to protest Saturday against suspected parliamentary election fraud in Russia is a Yale University World Fellow. Alexei Navalny was arrested last week.
35-year old political activist Alexei Navalny has used his internet blog to expose corruption in Russia. He coined the phrase "the party of swindlers and thieves" to describe Vladimir Putin's political party, United Russia. The New York Times describes him as "the man most responsible for the extraordinary burst of antigovernment activism" in Russia.
Navalny spent several months at Yale last year as part of a special leadership training program called Yale World Fellows, which aims to create a network of global leaders. While at Yale, he published documents on his blog exposing alleged massive corruption in Russia's state oil pipeline company.
Navalny was arrested last week for helping to organize a protest against the Russian government and is currently serving a 15 day jail sentence.
For WNPR, I'm Diane Orson.


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Day 9: Cook Yourself a Meal
The Kitchn Cure Fall 2013
Day 9: Thursday, October 10
Assignment: Cook yourself a meal
The penultimate assignment in The Kitchn Cure is always to cook yourself a simple meal. This isn't your big graduation brouhaha; this is a simple meal you are to cook yourself right away. As in tonight.
Your kitchen is clean, you have no nasty old food in your fridge or pantry, you have all the right tools and you even have some fresh flowers or a plant inspiring you to nourish yourself. What's stopping you?
I get it. For some of you, tere is still one big thing that could be stopping you if you're new to this whole cooking thing: the fact that you still might not have the skills you want. Tonight is about throwing all that fear to the side and letting loose.
If you are a seasoned cook, then all the better; your brand-new gorgeous kitchen is ready to go.
Today's Assignment (estimated time 30 minutes - 1 hour)
1. Select a few recipes to make for dinner; ones you have in your mind, or found online, in books, magazines or family recipe cards). If you are a beginner and want something easy, we have a category for that. If you're looking for something quick, we have hundreds of recipes for you. Or just browse the archives; we started publishing recipe over eight years ago and haven't stopped since.
- 10 Fast and Fancy Weeknight Meals for Two
- Our 15 Best Quick and Easy Recipes for Weeknight Meals
- Easy Recipes from The Kitchn
- Quick Recipes from The Kitchn
- Our Entire Recipe Archive (1000s of recipes!)
Still stumped? Tweet me at @sarakategr with your meal requirements (ingredients, time, skill) and I'll tweet you back a menu.
- Food Photography Tips from 3 Pro Food Photographers
- Photographing Food Tips, Part 1 from Leela Cyd Ross
- Photographing Food Tips, Part 2
- Photographing Food Tips, Part 3
3. Clean up. Don't go back to your old ways. Aside from the perfume of your cooking, leave the kitchen as you found it.
The Kitchn Cure Liveblogs
Follow the progress of The Kitchn Cure in real live kitchens in our liveblogs:
Join The Kitchn Cure!
- Questions? Comments? Pictures? Email us at firstname.lastname@example.com
- Follow and show your progress on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter! Use this hashtag: The Kitchn Cure: #kitchncure
(Images: 1. Marisol Márquez, 2. Sara Kate Gillingham-Ryan)
More posts in this series
The Kitchn Cure Fall 2013
5 Comments
Hmm. This Cure has wound down from the nearly impossible (deep clean your kitchen on a weeknight!) to the I-was-gonna-make-dinner-tonight-anway-so... But I'm happy I have a vase of irises and I can chalk tonight's dinner up as another assignment down.
I'm ahead of the game on this step too. I got the ingredients for a new recipe last night and gave it a whirl - making myself a very nice dinner of pork chop, roasted grapes with rosemary and sautéed cabbage with pancetta. And a glass of wine.
I'm still deep-cleaning as well. And like others, have been cooking meals for myself and my family every night throughout this challenge, not to mention breakfast and lunches. I'm fully stocked on food and items, already have plants, don't have any "special projects" that really need doing, etc. The cleaning is really where my kitchen needs/needed the most love. Next time I would love to see the cleaning spread out over more days, with more focused tasks for each day, and perhaps shopping/stocking up and plant buying could be combined into one day instead of spread over three. I've enjoyed the kick-in-the-butt to get me going on the cleaning, but the flow of this challenge definitely has not been right for me.
Well, I finished up my deep cleaning this morning. I have one lower cabinet that I didn't get to, but I am DONE even if I am not truly finished. I bought flowers yesterday while I was at Costco. And I started my project this morning. My laundry closet is in my kitchen and was dingy and in need of a coat of paint. So I got half of it with a first coat and am taking a break for lunch and will get back to finishing the job in few minutes.
I will say that if I hadn't already taken three days off this week there is NO way that I could've made it this far. My suggestion for the next cure is to make Day 1 a Wednesday, Day 2 a Thursday and then the Deep clean is over the weekend and people can catch up and not feel quite so far behind from the very first day.
Yep, I'm still deep cleaning too. Things are moving along though. I was especially pleased today to realize that our pots and pans cabinet would function so much better if I moved one of the shelves up a bit. The cabinetry has adjustable shelving. This is what I like about the AT Cures. You start thinking about things that you generally don't pay attention to unless you find yourself in a new home.


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St. Pete Beach and Tampa Recommendations
- f
- FoodieGrrl Jan 3, 2007 06:28 PM
Hi everyone - DC 'hound here looking for advice.
I'm staying in St. Pete Beach at the Sirata Resort with my Beloved for MLK weekend. He lived in Tampa as a kid many moons ago, and has some fond memories of the place, particularly of the Colombia Restaurant and Shell's. He also has a craving for Cuban sandwiches that we just can't quite satisfy here in DC.
I've looked the the board here, and it looks like people have mixed reactions to Colombia, and that the preference seems to be the Ybor City location. Is that still true? Does the view/atmosphere beat the one in St. Pete Beach?
Shell's -- well, it seems like folks on this board aren't so keen on that restaurant. I've seen other suggestions for seafood places, namely:
Philthy Phil's
Ferg's Beach Shack
Any other suggestions? A decent seafood place with good live (blues preferred) music would be ideal, as the Beloved loves good blues as well.
I'd really like to make this trip special for him since we'll be taking a hike down memory lane during a much needed getaway from the chill up here, so I would be eternally grateful for any suggestions.
Thanks in advance!!
If you're looking for a funky place with music and seafood (typical Florida chow), try Skipper's Smokehouse in Tampa. Mostly blues instead of jazz, but always something interesting going on.
As far as the Colombia is concerned, the original location in Ybor is still the best. A bit heavy on tourists this time of year, but they updated the menu a few years back and the service is still first-class. Don't know if they still do the flamenco show at night? If you want good roast pork, however, stay away from the Colombia. The best in Tampa is one of the Pipo's locations. Typical cafeteria-style but always great roast pork.
Also maybe drive up the beach a bit and hit Salt Rock Grill. It's worth the 20 minute drive. I would skip Shells altogether. One of my favorite beach hangouts is Caddy's on Treasure Island.
There is a Shells just down the road from the Sirata on Gulf Blvd. I think it's connected to the Travel Lodge. What few people know is that you can walk to the Swigwam, a bar with music on the wknds., at the back of the Travel Lodge (or whatever the hotel is) on the beach and order from Shells. They drop it off and you can eat it in the comfort of real driftwood and have a mudslide at the same time. This should give you music and Shells at the same time. Even if you don't eat at Shells be sure to go to the Swigman for the music.
There is often music at the Ka'Tiki on Sunset Beach (island hop to Treasure Island, your next island north of SPB). It is not always good music, sometimes downright awful, but it is free and you can hear it from the road and decide if you want to partake. You are likely to hear blues there. Skippers is also a good suggestion although a bit of a drive from SPB. The Ringside Cafe in downtown St. Pete also has live music.
The Floridian on Treasure Island makes a decent Cuban. Ask for it pressed. There is a cuban restaurant on W. Gulf Blvd. with palm trees, tropical exterior, but I've not heard anything good about it, and have heard it's pricey. So eat there at your own risk.
Don't forget Ted Peter's on Pasadena Ave. just off of St. Pete Beach. Excellent smoked fish, good burgers, and a real institution.
Ferg's Beach Shack is closed with the possibility of the property being turned into condos.
For a good Grouper sandwich, Dockside Dave's is now located on Gulf Blvd. on St. Pete Beach in the old Alfredino's.
FYI the Columbia is not in St. Pete Beach, but actually in downtown St. Pete (about 10 miles away), in the pier (the upside down pyramid building on St. Pete waterfront). The view is excellent, the food "pretty good".
Philthy Phil's and Woody's are both must-do for sunsets or beach atmosphere, they are interchangeable, the food is so-so, the staff a little nicer at Phil's. Woody's was caught selling non-grouper this year, so order the chicken wings!
Went to Snappers just this week for dinner. It was very crowded, and the service was awful. We waited ages for each part of our dinner, and when I asked for bread (after sitting for 20 minutes with not even a glass of water), I was admonished that "that comes after your appetizers, with the salads". I replied that I hadn't eaten all day and would like some bread right away. She brought the bread when she said she would - later with the salads (and it was not hot, so that was not the reason). However, the oysters on the half shell were fresh and excellent, as was the rare tuna. Expensive, but a beautiful restaurant I must say.
I second the rec for Cuban Sandwiches at Floridian on Treasure Island. It is located just one block east of Gulf Blvd, on 107th Avenue. They are more than decent IMHO, they are delicious!
KaTiki has a live blues / open mike night on Mondays. A true "cast of characters". If you like a draft beer and some grit, check it out. No food here. (just cross the street to Caddy's for that).
Have a great visit!
Joan's post reminded me of your absolute best bet for blues (the KaTiki is a sloppy hit or miss, although when it "hits", it's a hard-driving beachy blues). Tampa's Westshore Blvd. location for The Green Iguana (the original one, at least 20 yrs. or more on the same spot) has a blues jam that has been standard fare for as many years every monday night, the real thing with blacks, whites, men, women, even a few teen protégés. you will be entertained by some of the best blues in the area, with NO cover charge. And now you can partake w/out being overtaken by cigarette smokers, which are relegated to the outdoors bar. Go anytime after 9P. This is also a good spot for an excellent grouper sandwich or wings, a step above your typical bar food in quality. Directions: I-275 into Tampa, first exit/Kennedy Blvd., go right at light at Westshore and drive about 2 miles or so. It's on your right. If you hit Gandy Blvd. you missed it.
Ok- this post rocks just so you know- I got married at Sirata in April, it is a fantastic resort. I had my rehearsal at the Shells in the travelodge. Shells is a very "chain" type restaurant, but the food is ok if he's looking for classics. Other must go's include: The Candy Kitchen, homemade ice cream and old fashioned candies- my favorite place in Pinellas county (Maderia beach location is the original and most quaint). Also very good for seafood and the like- The Pearl in Treasure Island. www.gotothepearl.com or http://www.tbt.com/entertainment/food...
A shocking but good renovation to an old favorite is Middle grounds grill, also in treasure island. http://www.tbt.com/entertainment/food... Have fun!!!
PS- the tiki bar at Sirata is very nice for a daiquiri or pina colada- especially if you get some hot tub time :)
Yes!!! "Ted Peter's"!!! They have YUMMY smoked fish!! In Pasadena right on the Boulevard.
"Shells" to me, is a franchise, like a kind of a glorified "Red Lobster". Try "The Hurricane" in SPBch (Pass-a-Grille) for a great grouper sandwich or black grouper chowder. "Johnny Leverock's" in MADEIRA Bch has a yummy sherry based NE style clam chowder with lots of sweet, succulent pink clams. For wings, skip "Hooters" (they USED to rock in their early years in Clearwater) and go directly to "Foxy's" on TI (Treasure Isle) the main drag from the causeway. Also, "The Crab Shack" near Sunset Beach is 'da bomb'!! For Irish entertainment, "The Harp and Thistle" used to be grand, but not sure if it's decent now that Pat sold the place and it's moved into a hotel.....????
Ah, the best Cuban I had was in St. Pete (better than any place I've been in Tampa, or Ybor City for that matter, and alas, better than Cece's grandmothers, too, lo siento, Abuelita!) was a little hole in the wall near Kenneth City...and darned if the name hasn't escaped me!!! Sorry!
re: Mermazon
Johnny Leverock's on MADEIRA Bch and The Harp and Thistle have been closed for some time. The former Leverock's on SPB is moving to a place on Pasadena Blvd. but has not yet opened.
re: patken
Where on Pasadena Blvd is Leverock's moving to?
My wife, then girlfriend, used to live in apts behind ted peters.
re: tastetampabay
Leverock's bought the Pasadena Steak House location, just a few buildings west of Ted Peters.
re: patken
So the Ponderosa is gone? Wow, a lot of the "Majestic Towers" crew and the "Early Birders" will be sorely disappointed!!
I thought that Leverock's already had a restaurant on Pasadena Blvd?? I may be incorrect. Is it perhaps further north on US 19 or on 49th St??? Ah well, I liked the Madeira Bch locale, so quaint and beachey feeling...Anyone know who took over the Mad Bch spot???
re: patken
Oops! you're right, of course. I must be gettin' old....
or hungry?!
re: patken
Too bad about Leverock's...it's been about 2 1/2 yrs since I've been "home" to FL. I always HAD to have their NE Clam chowder. It used to be divine! Did anyone move in to that location on Madeira?
I frequented the Harp B4 it closed and re-opened in a hotel. Wonder if it's good now? (pbly NOT!)
Also, I can't for the life of me recall the name of another Irish place in St. Pete (on Tyrone Blvd). They used to have delicious Irish fries w/brown gravy...YUM!
re: Mermazon
The Irish place on Tyrone turned into Crabby Bill's, which is now closed. You can buy it!
re: Mermazon
Would that be Cuban Delight Cafe. 2950 49th St. N. St. Petersburg?
re: Wineman
Hmmmm....perhaps??? Is it a little bit of a place (packed with customers)offering a really wonderful 'Cuban'?
I now live in So Cal and really miss the terrific seafood and Cuban food found in the St. Pete/Tpa Bay area!!!
Living in St. Pete Beach,
My recomendations are as follows:
Dockside Dave's for a true grouper sandwich and the best Fried onion rings
Philthy Phil's for a extremely large pork chop
Reef's for a great cheesebuger and nitely specials
Snapper's for an upscale dinner,Wharf for steamed shrimp and reasonable priced fish
Skidders for good general menu ( greek and Italian) try the charcoal grilled octopus for an apertizer
La Croisette for the best breakfast...long lines on weekends
Those are my choices on the beach
The Columbia has flamenco shows nightly--- i brought some relatives and we enjoyed it. Especially nice if you can sit up in the balcony--- all the stomping would be loud if you sat beside the stage.
Lunch is reasonable there. Prices aren't bad for dinner, and i think the quality is a little better than lunch. Seafood is always very good, I love the steak chacho. Their Spanish Bean Soup is the very best in my opinion. If you go to Ybor, try the Caldo Gallego soup, too (white beans with turnip greens, ham and chorizo--- divine) but they only offer it at the Ybor location.
St. Pete has a much nicer view, and i had a great palomilla there once. Hint: if you go for dinner and aren't doiung the dance show, get there early before the crowds invade. Your food and service will be better. If you go for lunch, try to do off hours. The crowds really can be nutz.
I concur about Ted Peter's. Avoid shells. Mediocre at best. I've had an atrocious experience at the St. Pete Beach location and will never return. They place was dirty, too, tho that usually doesn't scare me.
Thank you to everyone for your fabulous suggestions! I'll be sure to report back on the places we visited. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
Cuban Delight is small, yes. Facing the building, it is located on the right hand side of a small strip center. Yellow and Blue logo/sign.
I always forget about that place. I think they may have recently "re-opened".
Wow, what an incredibly wonderful place you all live in! The weather was perfect, the people were friendly, and everything was just fabulous! Here's my chow report. Thank you again to everyone who made recommendations!
On our way out of the airport, we stopped to have a Cuban at La Teresita. I have a picture of the Beloved with his mouth full of yummy Cuban and a silly smile on his face as he enjoyed what I believe is one of the top three sandwiches I've ever had.
When we checked into the Sirata, we discovered that it really was *on* the beach complete with two beach bars (romance alert: the bars are open to the public!!), which gave us an incredible, unobstructed view of the sunset. Jarrod, the bartender at Rum Runners, was our favorite - he remembered drink orders and was just the right amount of friendly. Locals should definitely check this place out for a sunset one evening.
Breakfast on Saturday morning at La Croissette, which included a shockingly tasty croissant. Even B, who doesn't really care for croissants, enjoyed it. Staff was friendly and the food was good. One minor disappointment: the Bungee omlette (crab, mushrooms, and cheese) was made with fake surimi crab, not real crab. Tasty, still. The Hangover omlette (corned beef stuffed and drenched in Hollandaise) was a-ma-zing. I think I felt my arteries harden as I was eating it.
We went to Philthy Phil's that night for dinner. We both had the grouper platter, which was fair. The accompanying fries were good, but the fish was slightly overcooked, and took about 15 minutes longer than the 30 minutes we were told. But I drank a fishbowl (all by myself, since it seemed to amuse the Beloved to no end to challenge me to do it). People kept approaching me all night long and asking what was in it. Having no idea, I settled on saying, "Jet fuel and fruit punch." That combination made the night's entertainment seem progressively less unusual: we had hit Philthy Phil's on the night that When Buffett Meets Sinatra was performing. I'm not sure how popular this duo is in that area, but one of the performers is an awfully good soundalike for the Chairman, and the other does decent renditions of Buffett tunes. B, the music connoisseur, and I, the semi-professional singer, were amused, entertained, and amazed by the combination. Alas, our sunset view was somewhat obstructed by a squat rectangular building. But a hilarious and fun night all around.
We ventured into Ybor City the next day, and stopped by the Columbia for lunch. Sunday always seems to be one of those days when service seems to suffer. We had a friendly and earnest young man serving us, but he seemed a little overwhelmed and consequently was a bit slow in responding to our requests. We had the Chicken and Yellow Rice "Sarapico" and El Combo de Cuba with the 1905 salads to start. The chicken was fantastic, tender, juicy, flavorful, and - what I always love to see with excellently cooked meat - falling off the bone. The peas in the yellow rice were fresh and tasted it. Some of the meats in the Combo were a little overdone and dry, but had sufficient gravies/sauces of such excellent flavor that they compensated for any dryness. We rolled out of the Columbia much satisfied.
That night, we went to Snappers for a late dinner. What a lovely space! While we waited, we sat at the side bar with wine and beer (they don't have a full liquor license apparently). We started with a dozen raw oysters - fresh and glistening. B had the Neptune's Feast, which came with lobster tail and shrimp and scallop skewers, and I had the lobster and scallop linguine fra' diavolo. Neptune's Feast was, indeed, a feast. The skewers were excellent, with a lovely roasted flavor. The fra' diavolo, one of my favorite Italian dishes in the world, had some of the best sauce I've ever had, freshly made with chunks of sweet tomatoes throughout the sauce. My only complaint was that the scallops in my dish were a little overdone and somewhat stringy. With the accompanying salads and flatbread and hummos, we once again rolled ourselves out. As a side note, our waiter, Brent, was excellent, and recommended a delicious pinot noir to accompany the linguine that really brought out the flavors of the sauce.
The next day, we stopped at the Floridian for Cubans. While they were certainly better than what we get here in DC, having had the ones at La Teresita, I think we were bound to be disappointed. They were perfectly acceptable, but it highlighted for me what a treasure La Teresita is!
Our next stop in our drive down Gulf Boulevard was the Candy Kitchen. I felt like a little kid again with my ice cream cone, sitting on the benches outside and swinging my legs. What a fun little shop! I wish we had something like it here. By this time, we were so enchanted with St. Pete and the surrounding area, we actually tried to find out the asking price of the condo across the street, which had a For Sale sign, but to no avail.
Dinner that night was at Ted Peters. Wow. I mean, wow! The food was excellent and the staff was super-friendly. We both had the smoked mahi mahi platter, and that is a *lot* of fish! This is just the sort of place that I love - roadside, not fancy, but amazing food. Wow.
Not feeling like driving into Tampa to make it to the Green Iguana Westshore (next time, I swear), we stopped at Ka'Tiki for a drink and to see what was happening. What a blast! They were having a Monday blues jam as well, and while the music was only fair, the ambiance was exactly right. Lots of locals, inexpensive drinks, and a very friendly atmosphere. We knew we had hit the right spot, when some of the staff from Ted Peters showed up and recognized us!
We were sad to leave Tampa/St. Pete, but we had such a lovely time, I'm sure we'll be back. Thank you to everyone! The warmth on this board, and the hospitality we received from everyone there made this a very memorable vacation!
re: FoodieGrrl
I gained 5 lbs just reading your report. Nice work.
re: FoodieGrrl
I was born in St Pete, but live in So Cal now. It was a true trip down Memory Lane to read your report! Yes, SP is a charming area to live-I spent infancy into my 20's living there. It was nice to reminisce while reading your post. When you went to La Teresita did you happen to try the yucca? Oh my! They make it with garlic and lime-sooo tasty! There are sooo many delicious places to try, but I am glad you hit Ted Peters-so delish!! Apologies to So Cal, but virtually nowhere has better seafood!! Too bad you didn't get to venture into "Old Town" St. Petersburg-there are wonderful sites and eateries there too. Truthfully, there are a lot of great places to check out, it's tough to do it ALL in one visit. Yep, great time of year to go there as well-the air is so pleasant and mild. (You might have thought differently in the middle of August!!) Ah, but I miss it greatly! O=:)
Foodie Grrl, thanks for an excellent report. So glad it all worked out quite tastily for you. I am especially glad that you so many of the places actually suggested here - so often, a poster reports back and it turns out they ignore the suggestions and dine elsewhere!
Don't worry, if you'd have found out the asking price of that condo, you probably would've choked on your ice cream!
Come back soon!
Dont forget, the Undertow on SPB (by the Don Cesar Hotel), Bongos (SBP) and
Rikki's T's. good music, cheap drinks and fun!


text:
SPRAT Profile
In addition, proponents and land managers should refer to the Recovery Plan (where available) or the Conservation Advice (where available) for recovery, mitigation and conservation information.
|EPBC Act Listing Status
|Listed as Endangered
|Listing and Conservation Advices
Commonwealth Listing Advice on Daviesia obovata (Threatened Species Scientific Committee (TSSC), 2008aeb) [Listing Advice].
Commonwealth Conservation Advice on Daviesia obovata (Threatened Species Scientific Committee (TSSC), 2008afn) [Conservation Advice].
|Recovery Plan Decision
Recovery Plan not required, the species occurs entirely within managed national parks. Therefore the approved Conservation Advice for the species provides sufficient direction to implement priority actions and manage the threats of Phytophthora cinnamomi and wildfire (19/12/2008).
|Adopted/Made Recovery Plans
|Other EPBC Act Plans
Fitzgerald Biosphere Recovery Plan: A Landscape Approach to Threatened Species and Ecological Communities Recovery and Biodiversity Conservation (Western Australia Department of Environment and Conservation (WA DEC), 2012) [Recovery Plan].
Federal Register of
Legislative Instruments
Inclusion of species in the list of threatened species under section 178 of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (69) (19/12/2008) (Commonwealth of Australia, 2008d) [Legislative Instrument].
|State Listing Status
|Scientific name
|Daviesia obovata [17311]
|Species author
|Infraspecies author
|Distribution map
This is an indicative distribution map of the present distribution of the species based on best available knowledge. See map caveat for more information.
|Google Images
The current conservation status of the Paddle-leaf Daviesia, Daviesia obovata, under Australian and State Government legislation, is as follows:
National: Listed as Endangered under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
Western Australia: Listed as Declared Rare Flora under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950.
Scientific name: Daviesia obovata
Common name: Paddle-leaf Daviesia
Paddle-leaf Daviesia is an erect, slender shrub that grows 0.71.5 m high. Flowers are yellow and black and the flowering period is from September to October. This species has paddle-shaped leaves and woody fruits. This species is very distinctive, even when not flowering (WA CALM 2006).
Paddle-leaf Daviesia is endemic to Western Australia and is known from 11 subpopulations in Stirling Range National Park and Fitzgerald River National Park, approximately 100 km north and 200 km north-east of Albany, respectively. The distance between these two areas is approximately 130 km. The land between these areas has been cleared extensively, however, scattered remnants of vegetation occur across the landscape. These national parks occur within the South Coast Natural Resource Management Region (TSSC 2008aeb).
The Paddle-leaf Daviesia's extent of occurrence is approximately 500 km². The area was calculated by creating a polygon around known subpopulations. Data was taken from the Western Australia's Department of Conservation and Land Management (WA CALM, currently known as the Department of Environment and Conservation) Threatened Flora Database (which contains a single GPS coordinate for each population). The future trends for extent of occurrence of the species are uncertain, however, the majority of populations are infected by dieback (Phytophthora cinnamomi) or are in areas where the disease occurs. It is therefore likely that there will be a decline in the species extent of occurrence in the future, however, the extent of this decline is uncertain. There is no data to indicate past decline in extent of occurrence of this species (WA CALM 2006).
There is insufficient data to calculate this species area of occupancy as not all subpopulations have the area recorded. For subpopulations where the area of occupancy is recorded, most occurred over a few hectares, with one subpopulation occupying 20 ha. Based on extrapolations of this information, the area of occupancy for the 11 subpopulations is estimated to be approximately 0.3 km². There is little data available to show a past decline in area of occupancy of this species. However, it is likely that the area of occupancy of the species will decline given that the majority of subpopulations are infected by Phytophthora cinnamomi (WA CALM 2006).
There are no translocated populations for the Paddle-leaf Daviesia. Seed material has been collected and stored at WA CALM's Threatened Flora Seed Centre (WA CALM 2006).
The subpopulations occur within two national parks in the south coast region of Western Australia. The land between these national parks has been largely cleared for agriculture. Therefore the species distribution is considered to be fragmented as known subpopulations are scattered with some distances between them (WA CALM 2006).
This species was first collected from a number of locations in Stirling Range National Park in 1982. Extensive surveys in the Stirling Range National Park were undertaken from autumn 1999 to spring 2000 and discovered several new subpopulations.
In 1995, surveys of suitable habitat at Fitzgerald River National Park located a new subpopulation. Another subpopulation was found in this national park in 2002.
Most of the potential habitat for the Paddle-leaf Daviesia has been surveyed. However, the mountainous topography of the Stirling Range National Park has restricted some surveying. These non-surveyed areas occur within the known range of this species, thus, the discovery of new locations in these areas would not increase area of occurrence (WA CALM 2006).
The total population size for this species is estimated to be approximately 1952 plants. This figure is based on actual number of plants counted during subpopulation monitoring. The following table presents survey dates and population size for known subpopulations (WA CALM 2006):
|Subpopulation number
|Survey date
|Population information
|Not recorded
|Not recorded
|Not recorded
|Included with 5a
|Included with 5a
|Not recorded
|Not recorded
Not recorded
Some Paddle-leaf Daviesia subpopulations have experienced a substantial increase in subpopulation size, mainly due to survey efforts locating more plants. WA CALM observed this species in decline at Ellen Peak (subpopulation 4a and 4b) and Moongoongoonderup (subpopulation 2, 6a and 6b) during 1999 and 2000 surveys (WA CALM 2006).
Paddle-leaf Daviesia subpopulations at Ellen Peak (subpopulation 4a and 4b), Moongoongoonderup (subpopulation 2, 6a and 6b), Mount Success (subpopulation 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d and 8e) and Kyanorup (subpopulation 9) were burnt during a October 2000 fire. Some of these subpopulations have appeared to recover since the fire with resprouting and seedlings (WA CALM 2006).
Trends for the whole species are difficult to determine based on survey information. Some subpopulations are experiencing a decline due to dieback; other population are increasing in size due to recovery after fire or more comprehensive surveys yielding more specimens (WA CALM 2006).
All known subpopulations occur within conservation estate (Stirling Range National Park and Fitzgerald River National Park), which are managed by WA CALM (WA CALM 2006).
The Paddle-leaf Daviesia grows in stony loam, sandy loam and occurs on hill slopes and outcrops. Associated species include Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) and Spearwood Mallee (E. doratoxylon) over heath of Beaufortia anisandra and Isopogon spp. (WA CALM 2006).
Details on Paddle-leaf Daviesia generation length, life expectancy and natural mortality are unknown. This species has been observed to resprout after fire but can also recruit from seed. The flowering period for this species is from September to October. A pollination study has not been conducted but, based on floral architecture, is likely to be insect pollinated (WA CALM 2006). This species is likely to mature at an early age (TSSC 2008aeb).
Surveys should be conducted in areas of similar soil types and vegetation during the flowering season (September to October) (WA CALM 2006).
All Paddle-leaf Daviesia subpopulations are affected by similar threats. Past threats include land clearing, present threats include dieback from Phytophthora cinnamomi and inappropriate fire regimes, and future threats include climate change, dieback from Phytophthora cinnamomi and inappropriate fire regimes (WA CALM 2006).
The two areas that this species occurs in are national parks, and the area between these locations has been cleared for agriculture. It is likely that previous populations occurred in areas that have been cleared (WA CALM 2006). As remaining subpopulations occur in national parks, land clearing is not considered a present or future threat (TSSC 2008aeb).
This species is susceptible to dieback caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi. The impact of dieback on this taxon is difficult to determine as subpopulations tend to be small and fragmented. It has also been confirmed that the poor state of the majority of the known subpopulations has been exacerbated by dieback and it has been reported that several of the known subpopulations (4, 6b, 8 and 11) are in decline due to this disease (WA CALM 2006). Long-term impacts of dieback may be masked by germination events following mortality (TSSC 2008aeb).
In October 2000 several subpopulations were affected by wildfire with mortality occurring followed by regermination. The species has a long-lived soil seed bank that can germinate in response to fire or soil disturbance. Too frequent fire will deplete the soil seed bank and lead to localised extinction (WA CALM 2006).
Climate change and the associated processes such as sea level rise are expected to affect biodiversity in Western Australia during the next few decades (WA CALM 2006). It is of particular threat to rare species that are often already occurring in small fragmented subpopulations that have evolved specifically to their habitat. Should particular parameters of their habitat change the species may not be able to cope and hence lead to extinction. However it is unknown how climate change will specifically affect this species.
Minister's reasons for recovery plan decision
The Paddle-leaf Daviesia occurs entirely within managed national parks. Therefore the approved Conservation Advice for the species provides sufficient direction to implement priority actions and manage the threats of Phytophthora cinnamomi and wildfire. A recovery plan is not considered to be necessary at this time.
Recovery actions
A number of priority actions have been identified in the Conservation Advice for Daviesia obovata (TSSC 2008afn) and WA CALM (2006) and include:
- Undertake seed germination and/or vegetative propagation trials to determine the requirements for successful establishment.
- Develop and implement a suitable fire management strategy.
- Monitor known populations to identify key threats and subpopulation health.
- Undertake survey work in suitable habitat and potential habitat to locate any additional subpopulations.
- Develop and implement suitable hygiene protocols to protect known sites from further outbreaks of dieback caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi.
- Develop and implement suitable hygiene protocols to protect known sites that are free from Phytophthora cinnamomi from outbreaks of the disease.
- Investigate ex situ propagation programs.
A number of management plans would assist in the management of Paddle-leaf Daviesia. These include the Conservation Advice for Daviesia obovata (TSSC 2008afn), the Threat Abatement Plan for Dieback Caused by the Root-rot Fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi (EA 2001l), the Stirling Range and Porongurup National Parks Management Plan 1999-2009 (Herford 1999) and the Fitzgerald River National Park Management Plan 1991-2001 (Moore et al. 1992).
The following table lists known and perceived threats to this species. Threats are based on the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) threat classification version 1.1.
|Threat Class
|Threatening Species
|Agriculture and Aquaculture:Agriculture and Aquaculture:Land clearing, habitat fragmentation and/or habitat degradation
|Commonwealth Listing Advice on Daviesia obovata (Threatened Species Scientific Committee (TSSC), 2008aeb) [Listing Advice].
|Ecosystem/Community Stresses:Indirect Ecosystem Effects:Loss and/or fragmentation of habitat and/or subpopulations
|Commonwealth Listing Advice on Daviesia obovata (Threatened Species Scientific Committee (TSSC), 2008aeb) [Listing Advice].
|Ecosystem/Community Stresses:Indirect Ecosystem Effects:Restricted geographical distribution (area of occupancy and extent of occurrence)
|Commonwealth Listing Advice on Daviesia obovata (Threatened Species Scientific Committee (TSSC), 2008aeb) [Listing Advice].
|Invasive and Other Problematic Species and Genes:Invasive Non-Native/Alien Species:Vegetation and habitat loss caused by dieback
|Phytophthora cinnamomi
Commonwealth Listing Advice on Daviesia obovata (Threatened Species Scientific Committee (TSSC), 2008aeb) [Listing Advice].
Commonwealth Conservation Advice on Daviesia obovata (Threatened Species Scientific Committee (TSSC), 2008afn) [Conservation Advice].
|Natural System Modifications:Fire and Fire Suppression:Inappropriate and/or changed fire regimes (frequency, timing, intensity)
|Commonwealth Conservation Advice on Daviesia obovata (Threatened Species Scientific Committee (TSSC), 2008afn) [Conservation Advice].
Environment Australia (EA) (2001m). Threat Abatement Plan for Dieback Caused by the Root-rot Fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi. [Online]. Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/publications/tap/phytophthora.html.
Herford, I.K. (1999). Management plan: Stirling Range National Park and Porongurup National Park 1999-2009. Perth: Department of Conservation and Land Management for the National Parks and Nature Conservation Authority.
Moore, S., M. Cavana, K. Gillen, C. Hart, S. Hopper, K. Orr & W. Schmidt (1992). Fitzgerald River National Park Management Plan 1991-2001. Perth: Department of Conservation and Land Management.
Threatened Species Scientific Committee (TSSC) (2008aeb). Commonwealth Listing Advice on Daviesia obovata. [Online]. Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/species/pubs/17311-listing-advice.pdf.
Threatened Species Scientific Committee (TSSC) (2008afn). Commonwealth Conservation Advice on Daviesia obovata. [Online]. Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/species/pubs/17311-conservation-advice.pdf.
Western Australia Department of Conservation and Land Management (WA CALM) (2006). Records held in CALM's Declared Flora Database and rare flora files. Perth, Western Australia: WA CALM.
EPBC Act email updates can be received via the Communities for Communities newsletter and the EPBC Act newsletter.
This database is designed to provide statutory, biological and ecological information on species and ecological communities, migratory species, marine species, and species and species products subject to international trade and commercial use protected under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (the EPBC Act). It has been compiled from a range of sources including listing advice, recovery plans, published literature and individual experts. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, no guarantee is given, nor responsibility taken, by the Commonwealth for its accuracy, currency or completeness. The Commonwealth does not accept any responsibility for any loss or damage that may be occasioned directly or indirectly through the use of, or reliance on, the information contained in this database. The information contained in this database does not necessarily represent the views of the Commonwealth. This database is not intended to be a complete source of information on the matters it deals with. Individuals and organisations should consider all the available information, including that available from other sources, in deciding whether there is a need to make a referral or apply for a permit or exemption under the EPBC Act.
Citation: Department of the Environment (2014). Daviesia obovata in Species Profile and Threats Database, Department of the Environment, Canberra. Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/sprat. Accessed Fri, 19 Sep 2014 12:26:59 +1000.


text:
Barack Obama and Leaking National Security Secrets http://mys.tc/2d0
The line that "Obama is a traitor because he leaks [National Security Secrets]" is suddenly a talking point in this presidential campaign.
What do you think should be kept from the public towards american strategic interest?
Read more: Barack Obama and Leaking National Security Secrets
Lawmakers are pushing legislation through Congress that will criminalize reporting on illegal activities and corruption in the US government.
How do we determine what secrets impact national security other than trusting the government?
Watch now: (Video) Congress to Outlaw Reporting on Government Corruption
Half of Israel favors transferring Palestinians out of the territories, while 31 percent favor transferring Israeli Arabs out of the country.
Is the western propaganda machine the only thing keeping Palestine occupied?
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Do you feel safer in the knowledge that the government works with the telecommunication companies to spy on every aspect of your life?
Read more: [Video] Challenging the Surveillance State
For years, the government has employed the risk of "national security" excuse to infringe on a wide range of freedoms — like the right to pass through an airport security checkpoint unmolested, or read library books without Big Brother peeking over your shoulder.
Do government approved bibles bearing military insignia become national security risks by upsetting fundamentalist Islamist?
Read more: Evangelical Conspiracy? A Biblical Threat to National Security
'Over the past year, the U.S. government has begun to think of Anonymous, the online network phenomenon, as a threat to national security.'
Read more: Reading (and Misreading) Anonymous
'Privacy is eroding fast as technology offers government increasing ways to track and spy on citizens. The Washington Post reported there are 3,984 federal, state and local organizations working on domestic counterterrorism. Most collect information on people in the US. Here are thirteen examples of how some of the biggest government agencies and programs track people.'
'Several al-Qaida chat rooms and forums, including its primary website Shumukah al-Islam, have been offline for several days in what experts believe was a coordinated cyberattack. Reports have speculated the action is the work of government intelligence agencies, which have been reluctant in the past to take down jihadist websites because they believe them to be a valuable source of information. The debate continues in U.S. intelligence and policymaking circles about the value of attacking terrorist-group websites.'
read more: NSA Hackers: Debate Rages Over Hacking Jihadist Websites
'By now, you'd think we'd be entering the end of the 9/11 era. One war over in the Greater Middle East, another hurtling disastrously to its end, and the threat of al-Qaeda so diminished that it should hardly move the needle on the national worry meter. You might think, in fact, that the moment had arrived to turn the American gaze back to first principles: the Constitution and its protections of rights and liberties.'
Read more: 5 Ways US National Security Policies Will Erode Civil Liberties in 2012


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The ancient philosophy of feng shui, which translates as "the wind and the water," is the Chinese art of correct placement. In real estate, those who prescribe to feng shui believe that home sales can be better achieved by arranging furniture and decor to establish harmony and energy.
"In feng shui we evaluate a house and its property for sufficient qi (pronounced chee), the living energy of all beings, but also for the land and even a house," says Werner Brandmaier, a consultant at the Institute of Feng Shui & Geopathology in Portland, Maine. "When there's not enough qi, it means the whole land energy is low or depressed and that influences potential buyers."
Feng shui attempts to promote wellbeing by rearranging how qi flows through a home. Brandmaier recommends before placing your house on the market to find out more about its qi. Is there tension in the house and is the property cluttered? Do people feel exhausted in the house? Are the plants doing well? A careful assessment can make a big difference.
Feng shui begins with the homeseller, who must be at peace with the decision to place the home on the market. Likewise, feng shui is important for many prospective buyers, who seek a home with harmony and balance.
In feng shui, energy enters the house through the front door; therefore, it is important that the entryway stands out with contrasting paint. Add decorative plants and a wind chime, but make sure this space is free from clutter. "The perfect entry is one that is clear of obstruction," says Robin Andrews, a feng shui expert in Los Angeles. "This includes trimming back all hedges and making sure that the path to your door is clear, open and well defined."
Bedrooms are considered sanctuaries for privacy and peace. Andrews suggests placing objects in pairs throughout the master bedroom as it's thought to increase marital harmony and balance.
"You also want to place the bed in the position that has the most commanding view of the doorway, which is considered the gateway of the qi," Andrews says. "We are in a vulnerable state while sleeping and it is important that this area affords our being safe and supported."
In the kitchen, where energy is imparted to food, the chef's station should always face the door for a clear view of those who enter.
Throughout the home, remove photos and other personal items so potential buyers can see the property as a clean, fresh start. And since earthy, pleasant aromas enhance feng shui, add cinnamon or pine scents to the home before potential homebuyers' arrival.
One last thought: It's also believed that "For Sale" signs are more effective when placed on the right side of the front door, since that is considered the yang, or energetic, side of the house.
Feng shui is all about drawing harmony and good health into your life and surroundings. With these simple steps many believe you can bring your home into better balance and broader appeal.
* Beth Alois and Jim DeFrank can be reached at 610-388-3700. Prudential Fox and Roach, REALTORS is an independently owned and operated broker member of BRER Affiliates LLC. Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are registered service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license with no other affiliation with Prudential. Equal Housing Opportunity.
About Beth Alois
About Jim DeFrank and Beth Alois Jim DeFrank is a licensed Broker/Appraiser who has been active in local real estate for 35 years. He has a BS in Real Estate and Finance from Pennsylvania State University. He is the leader of one of the most successful real estate teams in the area, covering Delaware County, southern Chester County and New Castle County, Delaware. As a Broker/Appraiser for BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HomeServices, Fox & Roach Realtors, Jim has been honored with the "Top of the Rock" Award for highest sales for over twelve years. Jim is a constant promoter of the Brandywine Valley as a desirable community for living and working. He has been a long time member of the Chadds Ford Business Association and is also a member of the Sons of Italy. In his spare time he enjoys working out at the gym, supporting the local art community and reading. Jim has been a resident of Chadds Ford for 26 years. Beth Alois is a licensed Realtor and a member of the Jim DeFrank Sales Team at BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HomeServices, Fox & Roach Realtors in Chadds Ford. With licenses in Pennsylvania and Delaware she has been helping buyers and sellers in the Brandywine Valley for the past five years. Before becoming a Realtor Beth was a relocation specialist helping international professionals moving to the area, an employee of the US Department of State in several embassies overseas, and a librarian. Beth is Vice-President of the Board of Directors of the Chadds Ford Business Association. She volunteers regularly with the Chadds Ford Historical Society and the Thornbury Township Historical Society. She is a resident of Thornbury Township, Delaware County where she sits on the Architecture Committee for Cherry Creek Conservation Community. Her favorite activities including bridge, trap shooting, bird watching, traveling, and her book club.
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I just got home from the midnight premier of Transformers: Dark of the Moon. Which for some reason, I had been looking forward to. Not that they were high, but I did have small hopes that Michael Bay might be able to redeem himself after Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. Well, he didn't. My following opinions and criticisms are out of order, but extremely relevant. In Revenge of the Fallen, Michael Bay had the same characters as the first, minus Jazz (Rest In Peace) and added a few too many new ones. However, one of these characters from the first one was Megatron, who was absolutely and one hundred percent dead. Don't make a huge climax about killing him by uniting the Allspark with the spark in his chest, then dropping him to the deepest part of the ocean where he would forever be crushed and entombed, only to bring him back immediately. YOU'RE RIDICULOUS. Starscream, I was fine with, because he had explicitly shown him returning to Cybertron, fully alive and intact. But Megatron, definitely could not have come back. Even with the help of the shard of the cube from Sam's sweatshirt. (which was a lazy stretch) Also, you CAN'T kill Optimus Prime, just for the hell of it, then bring him back with the Matrix. Bullshit. Revenge of the Fallen was riddled with too many ideas that were not fully committed to, or explained; and was a wasted 2.5 hours of everyone's life. Now, on to Dark of the Moon; I liked the new blonde chick for the most part. Good move making her a new character, rather than having her replace Mikaela completely. Though, the fact that Mikaela was no longer in Sam's life was barely explained, other than the fact that she dumped him… Bravo on the NASA aspect. Bringing back legitimate heroes and footage was killer. But the shit with Chernobyl was also, barely explained. If you have a bit of general knowledge you could pick up on the concept, but still, lacked in essential detail and was poorly done. I loved that Optimus had a flight pack, nice touch. Onto the biggest complaint; Sentinel Prime— (Voiced by Spock…WTF?) The Prime who was basically commanding officer for the Autobots during the war on Cybertron, before Optimus was. No prime would ever make a deal with Megatron. No prime would ever go bad, and especially not to that extreme. Also, what are you thinking, killing off Ironhide before the battle in Chicago even occurs? Now about the battle— How dare you tangle up Optimus in those stupid cables for half the fight? Those would have taken him a fraction of a second to cut through and free himself from. Then once he gets to the battle he gets his entire arm cut off? Not gonna lie though, him schooling Megatron with only one hand was pretty badass. But, blonde chick with the huge lips bitching at Megatron about how Sentinel Prime is in charge and how he should go take back control, was completely unnecessary. He would have figured that out on his own. She's there for her sex appeal, not to tell the bad guy he's being overthrown. Not to mention the fact that Megatron wouldn't have bothered to listen. He would have brushed her aside. Also, no one ever mentioned any reason why Chicago was relevant to the pillars, and taking over Earth by bringing Cybertron to it. Just a random thoughtless choice? Not good enough for me. Another detail that was forgotten was Sam's parents. After Washington D.C., when Sam tells them to get out of the city, we never see them again (Unless it was in the credits, which I didn't stay for due to the fact that I was unimpressed) Also, the two little robots who had been staying with Sam, under 'witness protection' would never have been able to disable the huge ship in Chicago completely unnoticed and unchallenged. Oh! We barely even saw Ratchet, other than when he was in Emergency vehicle form. However, aside from all of this, my biggest problem with the movie was when Optimus killed Sentinel. Optimus just wouldn't do that. He wouldn't. Not another Prime, I don't care how bad he was. Optimus would have seen some goodness in him, and taught him the goodness of humans. It isn't the nature of the Primes to be power seekers, enslavers or killers. This movie displayed all of those things and therefore it was just not what I had hoped for. Overall, glad I gave it a chance and went to see it. Shia's acting was as superb as ever. And Peter Cullen's voice portrayal of Optimus could be matched by none. Michael Bay truly should have just stopped after the first Transformers. It stands alone as the only of the three that stay true to the characters and morals, while remaining endearing, action packed and entertaining. Cheers—and please, don't make a fourth one.
i love you optimus<3
tomorrow is monday
my new plugs haven't even shipped yet
i really need to re-bleach my hair
mitch is grounded from his car, again. for no reason
i need to be saving my money, but all i want to do is spend it
my computer is shit and wont let me play sims
my to do list is 4853495348705982374908 pages long
i still haven't gotten my tickets for transformers 3
orlando bloom isn't my husband
kittens have to grow up
ducati's are expensive
i've never been to australia
dobby dies
vegetarian ;)


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Bass Pro Event
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Rick Teal
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Manotick, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 67
Bass Pro Event
Last weekend we had another trophy event - this one at Bass Pro in Toronto.
This is a typical buck scoring over 144.
This typical buck scored over 161.
This moose scored 167
This moose was very non-typical (we're still disagreeing about how it should have been scored). Right now its score stands at 197+ and might be higher. One problem with the scoring system is that its very difficult to evaluate a highly non-typical rack, and without a non-typical class in B&C the score will never reflect the true size and character of the trophy.
I didn't get pictures of a 150+ archery moose, a 19 inch P&Y black bear, a 176 typical whitetail, a 183 3/8 archery typical deer or a 204+ non-typical deer. The 183 deer is a new Ontario (archery) record, and the owner brought in the previus season's sheds. Assuming the same inside spread, he would have scored over 192 the previous year, and stood as an over-all provincial record.
Rick Teal
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USM Gorham Cultural Affairs Committee
Da Capo Chamber Player's Spring 2013 Residency, a Transformative Experience for Music Composition Students and Faculty
Posted September 10, 2013
The opportunity for music students to have their works rehearsed and read by an ensemble of Da Capo's caliber is rare for composition students, and the resulting recordings provide students with a lifelong component to their composition portfolio. Da Capo has a history of working with student composers. It was tremendously gratifying for the student composers to get a sense of their own works measured up to works by composition students throughout the country (answer: quite well).
Posted November 13, 2012
The Department of Theatre presents a public performance on Monday, November 19th at 7:30 which is the culmination of a two-day workshop with Josh Chenard. Chenard and participants will explore the powerful experience of working with archetypes, energies and characters that have spanned time and culture. The performance is followed by a discussion with a diverse group of USM Faculty. Presented with support from the USM Gorham Cultural Affairs Committee. Free.
Persian Visions: Contemporary Photography from Iran
Art Gallery, Gorham Campus & AREA Gallery, Woodbury Campus Center, Portland Campus
Sept. 17-Dec. 8
Learn More


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1. Prepare couscous according to package directions, omitting salt and fat.
2. Pour olive oil into bottom of medium size saucepan. Heat and then add the onion and garlic, cook until onion begins to soften.
3. Pour in tomatoes and chickpeas, and stir in cumin. Allow to simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Excess water from tomatoes will boil off, so don't cover it!
4. Serve over couscous.
275 calories/serving
Go to full version of
Chickpea "Stew" over Couscous recipe


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Now, where were we?
Strategy implementation challenges for public sector organizations in the Middle East
Strategy – whereby a set of initiatives to be executed within a specific duration are defined – is critical for the success of any organization, regardless of its business nature or its industry and accordingly contributes to achieving its overall vision and mission. While many organizations do have well-defined strategies, they face challenges in implementing them. Others believe that they are following a certain strategy but can't understand why they are not realizing their objectives. So what is the issue? Is it the strategy itself? Is it the people executing it? And why is it sometimes so difficult to implement a strategy?
Failing to plan = planning to fail
Any strategy has to be clear enough – with implementable actions and measurable objectives – so organizations can realistically execute it and measure their performance at it. The strategy under development also has to consider the current capabilities of the organization and any additional ones it can gain during the execution phase. It should consider the challenges that the organization might face while implementing it and therefore plan for remedial actions also.
But having a well-defined strategy does not, in and of itself, guarantee that an organization will achieve its objectives, nor that it will not face any challenges whilst implementing it. There are several challenges that any organization will face when executing a strategy. In the public sector, these challenges are even more difficult to overcome as decisions take longer and many limitations are sometimes beyond the control of the organization's leader.
Challenge: Non-implementable strategy
A lot of government entities around the Middle East region seek external help in developing their strategies: some use consulting firms and others use experienced independent consultants. Few opt to develop their strategies using their internal resources.
Regardless of who is developing the strategy, it has to be implementable. Many entities only realize this after the fact, once they are in the execution phase. They realize that it is not possible to execute a plan – for whatever reason – and that there are many limitations they had not foreseen at the time of development. Sometimes the strategy itself is not clear, having required more detailed thought initially. In such cases, organizations end up having to hire another consulting firm to develop the same strategy but in a more detailed manner.
Solution: A strategy has to be detailed enough with timely, clear actions that can be executed with an aim to achieving measured objectives. Engaging consultants with experience in both, strategy and execution, will add clear value compared to others who have strategy experience alone.
Challenge: Lack of qualified internal resources
A common challenge that many public sector entities face in the Middle East region is the inability to find and hire qualified personnel, which is mainly due to limitations in the financial compensation in some countries and career progression in others. Government-sector employees are, perhaps unfairly, generally regarded as non-competent and inefficient, which has edged out the public sector from the race to recruit top performers.
While financial compensation may not be a challenge in some countries, it is in others. In Abu Dhabi for example, government employees are highly paid compared to employees in the private sector while it is not the same in other cities in the region. Different factors play a role in such variations, one of which is the relative percentage of the indigenous population.
Solution: A transformation is required in relation to the compensation structure of the public sector employees linked to performance metrics and an innovative model for career progression.
Challenge: Lack of qualified resources provided by vendors in some countries
Some government entities try to resolve the challenge of lacking resources and the complexity of hiring qualified personnel by sourcing open positions to vendors for a specific duration or on a periodic basis every year or two. The challenge there is the inability of some vendors to provide the right resources, on time.
Such a challenge could be the result of different factors: unrealistically low rates agreed to by the vendors at the outset (a result of winning the lowest bid as per the regulations in many countries in the region), improper planning by the vendors as to the required capacity, improper selection of vendors (which could be due to limitations in the procurement process in some countries) and in some cases, the difficulty of mobilizing resources in certain countries due to logistical and/or environmental problems.
Looking again at the big picture, leading government organizations that develop plans for the country should encourage discussions and interactions with the private sector to ensure that their plans are well aligned with the overall plan of the country and are based on its needs.
Solution: Both Public sector organizations and the service providers should look at each other as partners who work together aiming at achieving targeted objectives, and both should help the other towards this. This requires an open discussion between the public sector and private sector organizations so strategic actions at both sides are taken to resolve such issues in the future.
Challenge: Limitations and complexity in the procurement process
In many countries in the region, there are clear limitations to the government procurement process. The trend is to award a project to the vendor with the lowest price as long as they are compliant with the regulations and technically satisfy the requirements to a good extent, which prevents the selection of the best vendor even if a budget is available.
Price is not the only limitation. Another issue is the duration from the time the Request For Proposal (RFP) is issued until the project is awarded, which in most cases takes five to eight months if not more. The range varies from one country to another and from one government organization to the other; in many cases, a government organization in a country with a bigger budget and more control over the funding process takes longer to award a contract. (In the case where the budget required for a project is less than the specified amount, then the project may be awarded within a shorter time as it comes under the authority of the organization itself, without the interference of other leading government entities.)
This trend is changing over time but much depends on the maturity of the organization and the ability of its leader to deviate from certain rules, directly or indirectly, using government procurement tricks that serve the purpose without directly deviating from the rules. Others try to engage in direct discussions with the budget approving body but in most cases this approach takes very long time (a year or more should a totally new idea be brought to the table.)
Solution: A mindset change is required here, accompanied by a transformation in the government procurement process and regulations that are very old in many countries in the Middle East.
Challenge: Budget limitations in some countries
While this is not an issue in the Gulf States to a great extent, it is a real issue in other countries within the region where projects are cancelled, postponed or even an incompetent service provider is selected due to budget constraints.
It is important to mention here that, in some cases, other factors affect the granting of a certain budget. One of these factors is leadership support for certain projects and the openness to change. An interesting and feasible project may not be given a green light if the leadership of the organization does not support the idea for whatever reason.
Another limitation is the reconciliation of an annual budget with a strategy that spans several years. This means that an organization may be granted the budget required in one certain year but not the next. Some organizations were able to resolve this issue by spreading the budget estimates across as many years as possible at the time of developing the strategy, which impacted how initiatives were proposed for execution to avoid such a scenario.
In some countries and for specific types of services, a centralized entity is responsible for controlling the budget in coordination with the ministry of finance, adding yet another layer to the approval process. (In some cases this may add a big plus as such a centralized entity ensures that a proper plan and justification are in place especially when the requesting government entity does not have enough experience in relation to the area, but in other cases it can become a showstopper).
In a few countries, performance-based budgeting was introduced as a new concept pushing government entities to better execution in order to achieve targets before granting additional resources, the government of Dubai for example started developing that few years ago.
Solution: An important action to consider here is to not forget budget limitations when developing a strategy as this will have an impact on several elements such as duration of execution, the model selected for the operation, the options selected for solutions and even the organization's capacity to provide the required human resources. This is one of the key elements that will make a strategy an implementable one.
Challenge: Ineffective approaches to measuring performance
The correlation between the maturity of government organizations and understanding the importance of having a strategy is evident. But in most cases the strategy is not maintained, its execution progress either not measured at all or not effectively so.
Many organizations claim to have a department or a team that takes care of monitoring the implementation of a strategy with some variations: some have established a program management office to control and monitor the execution of major projects, some have an office of strategy management, others have a portfolio management office.
On the other hand, several government entities in the region are still developing their understanding of these concepts and accordingly, have not effectively established such units, which has impacted the execution of strategy as no proper monitoring was in place.
Many government entities around the region have issued RFPs in the last few years to establish and operate a program management office for the purpose of monitoring strategy execution, though many of these RFPs actually focused on recruiting individuals to fill positions that the organization couldn't fill itself. In some cases even, RFPs where issued to monitor the execution of a strategy that was not yet finalized or was still being developed, making it hard to recruit the right resources when there was such a lack of clear requirements.
Solution: The scope of strategy development should include developing a mechanism for proper performance management as well as a mechanism for maintaining the strategy. Moreover, the resources required to play such a role have to be available in the organization prior to starting the execution.
Challenge: Improper communication with the stakeholders and resistance to change
While having a strategy for an organization is important and acting on it is even more so, it is vital to get the buy-in from the different stakeholders who will play a role in the execution, whether directly or indirectly. Many strategies in the region fail because this factor is totally missed.
Some governments have caught on to this reality and are now implementing communication and change management programs in parallel with the core strategy development, using incentives to aid in their application.
It has also been impressive to see very few government entities involving members from other government entities or even selected individuals from the society whom they believe will prove resourceful in the development of a national strategy. This is a factor that will give a big push to the execution of the strategy. For example, the second national e-government action plan for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was developed in cooperation with Yesser (the e-government program) whence from the beginning of the project an advisory group composed of key representatives from government entities, universities and the private sector was established to engage in discussions and provide feedback throughout the different phases of the project. Yesser also invited representatives from all government entities in the kingdom to attend workshops announcing the start of the project and getting feedback before finalizing the plan and launching a final version. Such engagement ensures getting the buy-in and letting the stakeholders feel that they are part of the game.
Solution: A good strategy should include stakeholders' engagement plan for the execution and a good method of developing the strategy should ensure key stakeholders are involved in developing the strategy they are required to execute.
Challenge: Strategic versus ad hoc actions
While developing a strategy, many organizations forget that regardless of how rigidly they plan, there will be ad hoc actions that they may need to take and sudden projects that they may have to execute as part of regular operations.
Keeping a balance between executing urgent operational requests and executing the strategic initiatives is very important provided that most of the activities performed are aligned with the developed strategy for the organization.
The issue arises when the count of such requests increases. For an entity to achieve its targeted objectives, it has to prioritize such requests considering clear criteria.
Solution: The strategy should not be very rigid and should allow for adding additional projects and shifting of priorities as long as this is performed based on proper analysis and considering the alignment with the general strategic direction. A good approach for developing a strategy should include in its scope, the development of a criteria that can be used for such change in the execution priority.
The resolution of these challenges varies from one organization to the other and from one country to the next, although there are common characteristics. The solutions presented above are actions that will contribute, but will not necessarily resolve the issue
of strategy implementation if implemented separately. Ultimately, it is the organization's leader who, despite facing some limitations in certain instances as mentioned above, plays the major role of resolving these challenges: directly or indirectly. In many cases, the approach applied in developing the strategy and considering the different factors that, together, may impact its execution in advance play a major role in eliminating or minimizing such challenges.
by Muhannad Tayem, partner in Consulting, Deloitte Middle East


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