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The Storyteller
The Storyteller
by Jodi Picoult
Some stories live forever . . . Sage Singer is a baker. She works through the night, preparing the day's breads and pastries, trying to escape a reality of loneliness, bad memories, and the shadow of...More
Some stories live forever . . . Sage Singer is a baker. She works through the night, preparing the day's breads and pastries, trying to escape a reality of loneliness, bad memories, and the shadow of...More
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Library copies:16
Interest Level:UG
Reading Level:4
Some stories live forever . . .
Sage Singer is a baker. She works through the night, preparing the day's breads and pastries, trying to escape a reality of loneliness, bad memories, and the shadow of her mother's death. When Josef Weber, an elderly man in Sage's grief support group, begins stopping by the bakery, they strike up an unlikely friendship. Despite their differences, they see in each other the hidden scars that others can't, and they become companions.
Everything changes on the day that Josef confesses a long-buried and shameful secret--one that nobody else in town would ever suspect--and asks Sage for an extraordinary favor. If she says yes, she faces not only moral repercussions, but potentially legal ones as well. With her own identity suddenly challenged, and the integrity of the closest friend she's ever had clouded, Sage begins to question the assumptions and expectations she's made about her life and her family. When does a moral choice become a moral imperative? And where does one draw the line between punishment and justice, forgiveness and mercy?
In this searingly honest novel, Jodi Picoult gracefully explores the lengths we will go in order to protect our families and to keep the past from dictating the future.
From the book
On the second Thursday of the month, Mrs. Dombrowski brings her dead husband to our therapy group.
It's just past 3:00 p.m., and most of us are still filling our paper cups with bad coffee. I've brought a plate of baked goods--last week, Stuart told me that the reason he keeps coming to Helping Hands isn't the grief counseling but my butterscotch pecan muffins--and just as I am
setting them down, Mrs. Dombrowski shyly nods toward the urn she is holding. "This," she tells me, "is Herb. Herbie, meet Sage. She's the one I told you about, the baker."
I stand frozen, ducking my head so that my hair covers the left side of my face, like I usually do. I'm sure there's a protocol for meeting a spouse who's been cremated, but I'm pretty much at a loss. Am I supposed to say hello? Shake his handle?
"Wow," I finally say, because although there are few rules to this group, the ones we have are steadfast: be a good listener, don't judge, and don't put boundaries on someone else's grief. I know this better than anyone. After all, I've been coming for nearly three years now.
"What did you bring?" Mrs. Dombrowksi asks, and I realize why she's toting her husband's urn. At our last meeting, our facilitator--Marge--had suggested that we share a memory of whatever it was we had lost. I see that Shayla is clutching a pair of knit pink booties so tightly her knuckles are white. Ethel is holding a television remote control. Stuart has--again--brought in the bronze death mask of his first wife's face. It has made an appearance a few times at our group, and it was the creepiest thing I'd ever seen--until now, when Mrs. Dombrowski has brought along Herb.
Before I have to stammer my answer, Marge calls our little group to order. We each pull a folding chair into the circle, close enough to pat someone on the shoulder or reach out a hand in support. In the center sits the box of tissues Marge brings to every session, just in case.
Often Marge starts out with a global question--Where were you when 9/11 happened? It gets people talking about a communal tragedy, and that sometimes makes it easier to talk about a personal one. Even so, there are always people who don't speak. Sometimes months go by before I even know what a new participant's voice sounds like.
Today, though, Marge asks right away about the mementos we've brought. Ethel raises her hand. "This was Bernard's," she says, rubbing the television remote with her thumb. "I didn't want it to be--God knows I tried to take it away from him a thousand times. I don't even have the TV this works with, anymore. But I can't seem to throw it out."
Ethel's husband is still alive, but he has Alzheimer's and has no idea who she is anymore. There are all sorts of losses people suffer--from the small to the large. You can lose your keys, your glasses, your virginity. You can lose your head, you can lose your heart, you can lose your mind. You can relinquish your home to move into assisted living, or have a child move overseas, or see a spouse vanish into dementia. Loss is more than just death, and grief is the gray shape-shifter of emotion.
"My husband hogs the remote," Shayla says. "He says it's because women control everything else."
"Actually, it's instinct," Stuart says. "The part of the brain that's territorial is bigger in men than it is in women. I heard it on John Tesh."
"So that makes it an inviolable truth?" Jocelyn rolls her eyes. Like me, she is in her twenties. Unlike me, she has no patience for anyone over the age of forty.
"Thanks for sharing your memento," Marge says, quickly interceding. "Sage, what did you bring today?"
I feel my cheeks burn as all eyes...
About the Author-
- Jodi Picoult received an AB in creative writing from Princeton and a master's degree in education from Harvard. The recipient of the 2003 New England Book Award for her entire body of work, she is the author of twenty-one novels, including the #1 New York Times bestsellers House Rules, Handle With Care, Change of Heart, and My Sister's Keeper, for which she received the American Library Association's Margaret Alexander Edwards Award. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband and three children. Visit her website at JodiPicoult.com.
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- Copyright Protection (DRM) required by the Publisher may be applied to this title to limit or prohibit printing or copying. File sharing or redistribution is prohibited. Your rights to access this material expire at the end of the lending period. Please see Important Notice about Copyrighted Materials for terms applicable to this content.


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Theres nothing like a subculture with seriously wicked style taking over the squeaky clean, kiddy-saturated Disneyland for a day. The goths have had Bat Day for years and now were happy to report that this Saturday will be the first annual (completely unofficial and non-Disney endorsed) Rockabilly Day at the mouses kingdom. Starting (of course) with a classic car caravan at 9 a.m., other festivities include a Rock Around the Park group photo in front of Sleeping Beautys castle, a performance by Billy Hill and the Hillbillies and swing dancing to the live music of Stompy Jones. Note to all the 50s pin-up girls: wearing those cute ankle-strap stilettos is probably not the best idea. Youll be doing a lot of walking and standing in line.
Sat., Nov. 15, 9 a.m., 2008

subset: commoncrawl


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Laptop screen size | 14 comments | Create New Account
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Laptop screen size
I'm currently on my third 17" Mac laptop in succession (a 17" G4 powerbook, 2007 MBP and currently a mid-2009 unibody version). Given that I use it as my primary computer for a range of stuff including DTP, Web Design and programming, I need all the screen real-estate I can get.
Edited on Jul 09, '12 09:52:56AM by tersono
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11 Items You Should Never Wear to Work
A Bare Feet Boho Wedding You'll Love
Why Women Are Flocking to This Incredible New Shopping Site
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study of advance directives in SUPPORT, Teno and colleagues (1998) found that advance directives were invoked and often played a role in decision making. However, directives were invoked only when the patient was "hopelessly ill."
Moving this decision upstream from a point when treatment is judged almost certainly futile will take a fundamental change in the dialogue that occurs between patients, families, and physicians. Discussion of prognosis at an earlier stage must be accomplished in such a way that it does not shatter hope, yet allows a dying person to make realistic choices about medical care. Cancer, unlike other leading causes of death, does have a relatively predictable disease trajectory that would allow for such dialogues to be developed and implemented.
The lack of impact of the SUPPORT intervention (which provided physicians with information on patient preferences and prognoses but did not result in increased physician understanding of patient preferences, timing of DNR orders, reduction in days spent in undesirable outcome states, and reduction in resource utilization) has been taken by some as a rationale for endorsing "glide paths" (i.e., "default pathways"), rather than finding better ways to communicate and, ultimately, implement patient self-determination. A careful review of the SUPPORT findings, however, suggests that the intervention itself was inadequate to improve communication, not that improved communication is impossible.
Given the existing research, the only firm conclusion that can be drawn is that communication is lacking between physicians and patients (Haidet et al., 1998; SUPPORT Principal Investigators, 1996) and that physicians often misunderstand patient preferences (Teno et al., 1995). Research in communication and decisionmaking has focused largely on the last days of life. The more sentinel decisions, though, may be stopping active treatment or choosing palliative chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgical treatment earlier in the course of illness. The evidence base to support guidelines for these decisions is preliminary at best. Research on how best to communicate this information to patients has only begun.
Future Directions:
NCI and AHRQ could fund research to develop the evidence base for palliative chemotherapy, radiation, and other treatment modalities. Such research should consider the treatment's meaning to patients and families, toxicity, and impact on quality of life.
Cooperative Oncology Groups could standardize measures and schedules to examine both treatment toxicity and quality of life. This would facilitate meta-analyses to develop the evidence base for palliative chemotherapy, radiation, and surgical treatments.


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Dec. 15 (Bloomberg) -- Lloyds Banking Group Plc Chief Executive Officer Antonio Horta-Osorio said he hasn't been damaged by his absence from the company on medical leave, London's Evening Standard reported citing an interview.
While Horta-Osorio said he won't work less, he said he would work differently, the newspaper said.
To contact the editor responsible for this story: Jon Menon at email@example.com


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WeighMax GW25 Digital Kitchen Scale
Introducing WeighMax GW25 digital scale, elegantly designed with tempered glass performance and a fashionable LCD backlight for easy reading. The scale is perfect for individuals who are dedicated to eating right and staying healthy. This product provides a simple and efficient way to weigh food items making it easy to control portions and bake with greater consistency. It measures with professional accuracy of 0.1oz and capacity of 25lbs. It has up to four different modes of measurement for exact precision. This product uses AAA batteries and is programmed with a low battery indicator.
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It's an awesome kitchen scale it works digitally. I purchased this digital kitchen scale at great price from acedepot.com.


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An error by insurance companies which stopped Suzuki GSX-R1000 owners getting factually correct policies is to be rectified after we highlighted it. MCN revealed how insurers and comparison websites insist the bike is 998cc when in fact it is either 988cc or 999cc depending on year of manufacture. Riders who give the correct capacity are charged more for having a ...
Dan Aspel,
26 August 2011 11:21
A 22-year-old Suzuki GSX-R1100 with a homemade turbo defeated dozens of modern GSX-R1000s, turbo Hayabusas and a BMW S1000RR in last weekend's world wheelie championships at Elvington, Yorkshire. Egbert Van Popta, a German now living in Holland, took regular competitors by surprise by approaching the start of the flying kilometer in fifth gear on the elderly GSX-R – bored out ...
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Are you a fujoshi/fundanshi? Do you know anything & everything about yaoi? Most importantly, DO YOU LOVE YAOI?! Well, we have a perfect position for you!
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Southeastern Louisiana 2 Bryant 1 (10 innings)
BATON ROUGE, La. – Leading 2-1 in the 10th inning, Southeastern Louisiana right fielder Andrew Godbold threw out Bryant's Dan Cellucci at the plate to end the game Saturday at Alex Box Stadium and seal the Lions' first NCAA postseason win since the 1992 season. Continue reading


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Scratcher Joined 4 years ago United States
About me
I'm a brony. I also like Gravity Falls and Soul Eater.
I do animations and drawings, though I aspire to be an author.
I'm on deviantART under the name DarkVioletCloud. Check out my art there!
What I'm working on
My fanfiction, Resonance: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/9336625/1/Resonance
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Economics CPD Courses Coming up this Term!- Book Your Places Now!
WOW! Economics 2015 | Quantitative Methods (New Spec)
Unit 3 Micro: Post Office Threatens Smaller Photo Businesses
As the Royal Mail moves towards an initial public offering the business is searching for as many ways as possible of expanding their revenue base to maintain the viability of hundreds of local post offices. One service is the lucrative market for passport and driving licence photos - a product that I suspect has a fairly low price elasticity of demand, I paid £5 for 5 photos in a train station the other week! This Channel 4 news video looks at the battle between the Post Office and independent private sector photo retailers who claim the government is skewing the market against independent shops by giving the Post Office a contract to renew driving licences and threatening to do the same for passports.
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ECOSOC - Statements in 1997
27.01.2002 / 22:27
Statement by H.E. Mr. Karel Kovanda, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, Substantive Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Council, High-Level SegmentGeneva, July 3, 1997 Opening statement of H.E. Mr. Vladimir Galuska, Permanent Representative of the Czech
Statement by H.E. Mr. Karel Kovanda, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, Substantive Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Council, High-Level Segment
Geneva, July 3, 1997
Opening statement of H.E. Mr. Vladimir Galuska, Permanent Representative of the Czech Republic to the United Nations, President of the Economic and Social Council, Substantive Session of the Economic and Social Council
Geneva, June 30, 1997
Remarks of H.E. Mr. Vladimir Galuska, Permanent Representative of the Czech Republic to the United Nations on the occasion of his election as President of the UN Economic and Social Council
New York, May 2, 1997
Statement of H.E. Mr. Karel Kovanda, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic on the occasion of his election as President of the UN Economic and Social Council
New York, January 23, 1997
Statement by H.E. Mr. Karel Kovanda, Deputy Minister of
Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, Substantive Session of the
United Nations Economic and Social Council High-Level Segment
Messrs. Presidents of the GA and of ECOSOC, Mr. Secretary-General, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen
It is a great honor for me to stand here today, not only representing the Czech Republic but also as the immediate past president of ECOSOC, to make a few remarks about the topic of this year´s high-level segment of our substantive session. This topic has the most unwieldy name possible: can any of us really imagine that in our day-to-day parlance we would utter a phrase such as "fostering an enabling environment for development: financial flows, including capital flows, investment and trade"? None of us talks like that, of course. It is a part of the reform challenge of ECOSOC which its President mentioned a couple of days ago in his opening remarks, to translate our ECOSOC-speak into something more plain, more understandable, and thus more meaningful.
Leaving the obscurity of its title aside, the topic this year´s session is as relevant as any we have been dealing with in recent years. Indeed, what does it take to tend the garden of development? The Secretary-General´s report on the topic contains a very stimulating array of thought, and I congratulate him on it. Instead of commenting on the entire wealth of the report, I will take one or two of these thoughts and graft them onto the specific example of my own country, to see whether this exercise yields any more general lessons.
For several years, the Czech republic had prided itself on its macroeconomic performance. During the 90´s, its economy underwent a significant transformation which included, among other, privatization of an overwhelming percentage of previously state-owned companies, introducing the free play of the market to determine prices and thereby to allocate resources, reorienting the country´prevailing foreign-trade patterns from East to West and transforming the country´s currency from funny money into convertible tender.
The results had been encouraging: the original shock of collapsing industries which produced stuff that couldn´t be sold subsided after a few short years, GDP started growing again by respectable margins, inflation dropped into single digits and kept slowly declining, the currency exchange rate held steady, unemployment was exceedingly (even unhealthful) low and the government maintained a balanced budget for years in a row. The country signed an association agreement with the EU, joined the OECD and generally looked forward to a bright future with steady growth.
Suddenly, we hit a speed bump earlier this year. Suddenly, the currency was attacked by international money managers, the trade account deficit had grown to intolerable proportions, economic growth decelerated, and the treasury had to impose painful cuts to keep the budget balance.
At the end of May, the Government issued an analysis which was very self-critical. It admitted several errors in its past policies, and I will not explore them all here. But one of the important things the government reflected upon was the country´s defective legal and administrative environment which does not provide the conditions in which, as the Government put it,"property owners would find it worthwhile to behave responsibly."
The Government came to realize that macroeconomic accomplishments, no matter how impressive, are not a sufficient condition for the successful transformation of our economy. The problem was that the country´s economic transition - guided by well-known liberal principles - had not been accompanied by a corresponding transition of its legal system. Privatization lead to the prevalence of private property - but legislation was lacking that would protect this private property. The role the state used to play in the country´s previous communist regime had been negated - but the baby was tossed out with the bathwater: liberal economic reformer had ignored the fact that Adam Smith´s invisible hand needs the help of the state in safeguarding the rule of market fair play. Proudhon may have argued that "property is theft"; more appropriate, though, is the observation that "unprotected property results in theft".
As a consequence, the Czech business scene has been buffeted by scandals. Non-existent barriers between banks and the investment funds they manage, toothless controls of security markets, murkiness of property relationships, sweetheart loans with no expectations (or prospects) of ever being repaid, grossly insufficient information about publicly traded companies, rampant insider trading. Add to this the uncertain groping of the Czech law-enforcement and court systems which don´t have the experience, the tools, the knowledge to even begin to cope with these phenomena. This random selection of evils bedevil Czech capital markets, dissuade foreign investor from entering it, and indeed are giving capitalism a bad name in my country. Theft and larceny have acquired new forms with their own new terminology: the expression "tunneling of banks" has made its appearance in the Czech language lately, to describe ruthless investors who gain control of a bank only to bore a gaping hole through its assets - and then let it go bankrupt, for the State to pick up the pieces, i.e., to reimburse the legion of hapless small depositors.
The Secretary-General notes in paragraph 16 of his stimulating report that it si "essential to ensure the soundness of the banking system through prudential regulations, better assessment of credit risks, stringent capital requirements, action to prevent money laundering, improved management of bank and better regulation of security markets". This is language my country has finally come to understand; but we have paid a heavy price for these lessons. "Governments," as the Secretary-General observes, "have a definite economic role: they must ensure an appropriate policy environment /and/ create favorable conditions for the business sector," among other. He is right - with the understanding that this policy environment, these favorable conditions encompass not only economic aspects but also, and importantly, legal aspects.
We have learned our lesson and may already have gotten over the economic speed bump of the first months of this year. But other countries experiencing a rapid transformation of their ownership patterns, such as countries in transition or any other embarking on large-scale privatization, reduction of the State´s role in steering the national economy and other forms of otherwise laudable economic liberalism, will ignore this lesson only at their own peril.
Opening statement of H.E. Mr. Vladimir Galuska, Permanent
Representative of the Czech Republic to the United Nations,
President of the Economic and Social Council, Substantive Session
of the Economic and Social Council
Dear Colleagues, Distinguished Guests, Dear Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen
It is my honour and privilege to open this year's substantive session of Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. It is a tradition of ECOSOC to hold its substantive sessions alternatively in New York and in Geneva. This year we are to go through the demanding agenda of our substantive session. At the same time, however, we have a fortunate opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Geneva and its mountainous surroundings. I hope that such a beautiful location will help us to mobilize our mental strengths and will contribute to our endurance so that we can attain the goals set in our agenda.
Distinguished delegates,
We do not start our work from scratch because we can build upon a construction founded by our predecessors. Let me mention and appreciate at this moment the previous presidents of the ECOSOC, who contributed a lot to the work and performance of this body. Let me mention at least some of them - amb. Somavia of Chile, amb. Butler of Australia, amb. Kamal of Pakistan, amb. Kacou Gervais of Cote d'Ivoire and amb. Kovanda of the Czech Republic. Some of them will join us later during our deliberation here, some of them left the UN community in New York or Geneva for other duties and posts. We are grateful to them for their effort to make ECOSOC more efficient and more relevant to the contemporary world and its development. I would like to confirm that it is my intention to continue in one tradition of my predecessors and to start the sessions punctually at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. and to make best possible use of our available time. I hope that all delegations will help me in achieving this.
Distinguished Delegates,
Barely two years ago we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the United Nations. At those moments perhaps we all were full of enthusiasm about the past and hopes for the future of the UN. However, there is not a feast every day and since the moments of the 50th anniversary we have witnessed some moments of excitement about successes of the work of UN, but also moments of skepticism, when we were not able to reach a consensus on urgent problems. The period after the 50th anniversary was also the time of growing consensus that more substantial reform of the UN structure and its work is urgent and necessary.
This year the UN started with a new Secretary General, H.E. Mr. Kofi Annan having been elected to its head. His role as UN chief administrator at this time is utmostly demanding and difficult, also because there are so many differing opinions on how the UN should be re- formed, re-shaped, re-structured and re-adjusted to the contemporary world and its problems. Some reform proposals and initiatives have already been announced, the second track of the reform will be announced in mid July. We hope to have an opportunity to preview the framework of the second track of UN reform during the visit of Secretary General Mr. Kofi Annan in Geneva later in this week. In any case I suppose it will be of the supreme interest for ECOSOC to participate fully in the discussion about the reform and to participate fully in the implementation of the adopted conclusions or decisions.
The idea of ECOSOC reform and feeling of its urgency is not a new one. Indeed, an important resolution in this regard is the GA resolution 50/227. It is irrelevant at this very moment to argue whether this resolution or some others are perfect or not, whether there are some "beauty spots" or not, where the resolution should have been more far-reaching in this or that direction. At the moment of its adoption it incorporated all what was possible to achieve under the time constraint and under other circumstances.
However, there are important provisions in the resolution 50/227 which can and should be implemented soon and swiftly. On one hand we can admit that all delegations were very busy in the last weeks and months because of many important meetings and negotiations such as finalizing the Agenda for Development, preparation of UNGASS etc. On the other hand, however, it is hard to resist the opinion that more should have been achieved.
Yes, I speak about some tasks, which are still unfinished and which are waiting for further progress, substantial progress, such as the revision and streamlining of ECOSOC subsidiary bodies. I very much appreciate the effort of amb. Chowdhury of Bangladesh, who is leading the negotiations and I am confident his effort will be crowned with success during our substantive session. The issue at stake is not whether some important topics will be eliminated from the UN agenda as some may fear. The issue at stake is the extremely high risk of making our own work less efficient because of spending too much time and effort, I underline our own time and effort, whilst struggling with heaps of reports, papers, meetings, negotiations, which can and should be organized more efficiently and more rationally. I would like to appeal to all - our governments and constituency expect and should expect more from us, we should expect more results from our hard work. Let us not waste time with empty speeches and senseless arguing, let us focus strictly on the basic problems we are supposed to solve here. Let us abandon any attempt to overwhelm one another with richness of synonyms or antonyms in any of our working languages when negotiating any resolution or decision. Even complex problems and issues can be described and solved in simple, straightforward language - obviously, if there is a will to do so.
As the GA resolution 50/227 is concerned, there are many provisions for furthering the reform effort, specifically the agenda of ECOSOC sessions, structure of its subsidiary bodies, methods and forms of its work. During the presidency of my predecessor the first rounds of consultations with chairpersons of the Second and Third (C.2 and C.3) committees of the GA were held on simplification of the agenda through more rational clustering of agenda items. Some results were achieved, however, such consultations should further continue. Consultations were also held on abandoning some agenda items which are either obsolete or on the working tables of other UN bodies. The first steps in the right direction were made, but we still cannot be satisfied.
The consultations are sometimes hampered by tacit, though still existing, lack of confidence among parties concerned. Though well hidden "behind the curtains", there is a feeling that "the others" have a hidden agenda through which "our" substantive important interests might be harmed. New style of thinking and understanding the global problems must be adopted and must prevail - institutions including the UN entities should by their mandate and functioning be here to help us manage and eliminate problems. If this is not the case, than the entities should be restructured or eliminated - if appropriate.
Unfortunately, from the history our mutual relations may have been heavily burdened by historical problems resulting in sometimes emotional interpreting of the current situation. This should be abandoned! The global problems of mankind are of such a dimension and such profound nature that anything else than strictly rational and unselfish behaviour cannot lead us to better, less troubled world. In my opinion, ECOSOC and its functional commissions and committees and all related UN bodies are a very proper place for such strictly rational and sober approach.
Several global international conferences dealing with urgent global social, economic or environmental issues were held in the last few years. ECOSOC through its appropriate functional bodies and related special agencies participated in preparation of them and today it is the task of ECOSOC to take care of coordination of the follow-ups to these conferences and reviewing of results achieved. The recent UNGASS is an example of such reviewing and assessing meeting. Speaking about the UNGASS and possibly the future similar special events, we could perhaps conclude that through the multilayer and intertwined processes we understand much better the issues of sustainable development in its three principal dimensions - economic, social and environmental. Regrettably, we are still disagreeing rather than agreeing about which remedial measures should be adopted and how to solve the agreed upon basic problems of sustainable development. It is true also regarding the issue of available financial resources which is a bottom line of many negotiation troubles which otherwise are clear and more or less simple to deal with. In this connection I have requested amb. Somavia of Chile to undertake informal consultations on this important matter.
The major topic of the current high-level segment is fostering an enabling environment for development. It is a mandate and tradition to hold discussion on major issues of international development. The current high-level segment issue is very topical because of several reasons.
First - one of the major problems of the contemporary world is
the issue of economic and social development including the
questions of population growth, poverty eradication, empowerment of
women, basic human rights, problems of education for all and for
girl children especially. Rather surprisingly, there are divergent
opinions about the preconditions for such enabling environment for
development. Although we presumably will not be able to make a
breakthrough discovery on this issue and attain a "once-for-all"
solution, I hope that our discussion will contribute to the process
of finding the general formula. We have a chance to make a real and
tangible progress regarding the enabling environment for
development in its both national and international dimension. In
this connection we should not forget one old proverb - unless I
start cleaning and sweeping in front of my own house, I cannot
expect the whole street to be nice and tidy and full of flowers.
Second - this year for the first time we are requested by GA resolution 50/227 not only to discuss the issue of enabling environment, but to adopt the agreed conclusions resulting from the content of the high-level segment discussion. It creates a very challenging task for us but in spite of some skeptic voices I hope that we shall manage to conclude our discussion in time and to adopt well-balanced, well-founded and relevant agreed conclusions.
Third - unfortunately in the past we were still far from the state when the form of high-level segment would be a real, genuine discussion. We are still somehow bound to the "classical" model of UN negotiation which is often a series of monologues but not a real dialogue. We are not very successful in achieving genuine discussion where people would be willing and would have a courage to abandon the "classical" model of series of monologues and to consider the issue from unusual point of view. I would like to appeal to you to try (and I will do my best to encourage it) to engage in genuine discussion.
Fourth - delegates tend to accept more and more the idea that the private sector is becoming an important partner for our discussions. It is not only the clean technology concept for the sustainable development, but quite naturally it is also the issues of enabling environment for development. For this reason the bureau of ECOSOC decided to invite some eminent persons from outside of the UN community to participate in panel discussion about the enabling environment for development. We could not secure all of those eminent persons which we would like to have here with us, but this effort could be considered another step towards open discussions and contact among the UN community, private sector and international financial institutions.
When speaking about the high-level segment, we should not forget the leading topics of other segments of our session - specifically both topics of the coordination segment and the topic for operational activities segment. Our success to progress from a mere "platonic" discussion (or - even worse - from a series of monologues) to the adoption of a well targeted, realistic and implementable resolutions and an action plan will be a major contribution to the current discussion about ECOSOC and its reform.
Distinguished delegates,
Let me conclude my opening speech by thanking all our distinguished guests for joining us, by thanking all members of the ECOSOC bureau and UN Secretariat staff for hard work in preparing this substantive session and by wishing us all the best in our deliberations.
Distinguished delegates,
The runway is clear, let us start the engines for a take-off! Good luck, bon chance and happy landing a month later!
Remarks of H.E. Mr. Vladimir Galuska, Permanent
Representative of the Czech Republic to the United Nations on the
occasion of his election as President of the UN Economic and Social
Dear colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen,
At the outset let me thank the members of the Economic and Social Council for honoring me today by electing me to the high office of its President. Furthermore, I would like to thank my colleagues from the East European Regional Group for having endorsed my candidacy.
In assuming this office, I want to thank the outgoing President of the Council, former Permanent Representative of the Czech Republic to the United Nations, H.E. Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Karel Kovanda, for the impressive leadership he provided our Council with during the previous months and weeks of his tenure. The Council has successfully started some very important business under his guidance, which we will try to push forward. I would also like to thank my distinguished colleagues who are currently serving as vice-presidents of the Council, and primarily the Council's acting president H.E. Juan Somavia, for their mastery with which they conducted the work in the Council's bureau during the absence of the Council's president. It can hardly be overstated that in view of the extensive diplomatic experience and capabilities of the all vice- presidents, this year's bureau is very, very strong, indeed. The effort of the members of the Bureau, however, would be hardly successful without the immense, knowledgeable and very friendly support and assistance of the Council's secretariat.
In assuming the role of President of ECOSOC, I realize my responsibility in securing the success of the implementation of the plans for change. I consider it a giant challenge which would be unmanageable without a genuine cooperation and collaboration all of us here. I feel it is my principal advantage and privilege to rely on the extensive experience and capabilities of the Council's members, as well as the non-members. If there is one single characteristic prevailing in my management style, then it is "teamwork". I sincerely want to get the opinion and advice from all of us who honestly strive to make ECOSOC, and the U.N. in general, more efficient, more focussed and more relevant to the contemporary world. I will do my best to continue with the changes, which have already started. It is my sincere intention to make the work of ECOSOC as transparent as possible. To achieve this, I will support the positive experience of informal consultations. Furthermore, I will personally want to meet with chairmen of the regional groups and the groups of countries very often. As for the promptness in starting the Council's sessions, I will continue in the recent tradition enforced by my predecessor.
Distinguished colleagues,
only a few weeks separate us from the commencement of the substantive session of the Council in Geneva. As I am sure you are aware, a lot of work remains to be done. Yet I firmly believe that good intentions, willingness to work towards the goals and diplomatic skills and capabilities are so amassed here that all potential hindrances are only opportunities for all of us to demonstrate that we not only want to succeed, but that we will.
Let me once again thank the outgoing President of ECOSOC H.E. Karel Kovanda and let me wish him every success in his new position and invite him to join us again whenever it might be feasible. Let me also wish every success to you in our joint effort to make ECOSOC relevant to the conditions and requirements of the contemporary world
Thank you!
Statement by H.E. Mr. Karel Kovanda, Deputy Minister of
Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic on the occasion of his
election as President of the UN Economic and Social Council
Let me first of all thank members of the Economic and Social Council for honoring me today by electing me to the high office of its President, and in particular thank my colleagues from the East European Regional Group for having endorsed my candidacy. In assuming this office, I cannot fail to thank from the bottom of my heart my predecessor, Ambassador Jean-Marie Kacou Gervais, for the impressive leadership he provided to our Council during the previous twelve months. As we all know, the Council completed some very important business under his guidance, which we will in many respects build upon this year. He was also unstinting with the advice he shared, based on his extensive experience with diplomacy in general and with Ecosoc in particular.
Let me thank outgoing Council members, Bulgaria, Costa Rica, which also functioned as the spokesman for the G77+China, Egypt, Ghana, Greece, Indonesia, Ireland, which doubled in the second semester as spokesman for the EU, Pakistan, which held the presidency two years ago, Paraguay, Portugal, Senegal, UR of Tanzania, Venezuela, which shepherded GA resolution 50/227, and Zimbabwe, for their contributions to our work, and welcome new members: Cape Verde, Cuba, Djibouti, El Salvador, Gambia, Iceland, Latvia, Mexico, Mozambique, Republic of Korea, Spain, Turkey and Zambia.
President Kacou Gervais' tenure followed on the heels of several other strong presidents who had led our Council in previous years. These have been years of flux and changes for our Council, both in form and in substance, and these changes are not over yet.
Ecosoc should be abolished! It doesn't do anything worthwhile. What work it does do should perhaps be assumed by a new Economic Security Council. Then again, all the important matters that Ecosoc should deal with are being handled by the Bretton Woods Institutions anyway. These are views from one end of the extraordinarily broad spectrum of opinions as to what Ecosoc should do, where Ecosoc should go. This end of the spectrum looks at Ecosoc as a pretty useless organization, deserving no respect. And indeed we ourselves often feel frustrated that our Council enjoys little respect, is seldom taken seriously, and we wonder how this can be changed. I wonder sometimes whether members really consider their membership in Ecosoc to be anything more than a platform for getting elected to its various subsidiary bodies.
The other end of the spectrum features opinions that Ecosoc should become the predominant organism in economic and social affairs and should indeed direct them, complete with gaining power over the purse strings, rather than merely coordinate them.
Which way should Ecosoc go? Or should it perhaps go nowhere, should it stay just the way it is? What should it really do? These questions indicate one approach to reform: namely, to decide what needs to be done, to agree on the content of work, and then sort out the corresponding optimum organizational form. This approach could be described as mission-driven: focus on the mission of an organ, and from that mission derive its most appropriate form.
There is another possible approach to reform; an approach which takes the organization as it is, without substantially questioning its work content, let alone its mission, and chips away at its form, its process, its methods. I would describe this as a form-driven approach to reform.
In the past year, we have had the good fortune that a working group focusing on many aspects of Ecosoc's form completed its efforts. I am of course talking about the "Working group on restructuring and revitalization of the UN in the economic, social and related fields", which was chaired by Ambassador Oscar de Rojas, the Deputy Permanent Representative of Venezuela. Parenthetically, it is so far the only one of the various working groups in the UN that has actually produced a final text. The GA resolution 50/227 which resulted from this working group deals, among other, with Ecosoc issues - and largely, as I say, with Ecosoc's form. For example, it directs us to shorten our summer substantive session by 20%, from five to four weeks. This in itself has major, major implications: inasmuch as we now have to very seriously consider what business can we fit into this reduced time period. And the resolution gives us further guidance. Eliminate duplication with items that are on the agenda of the General Assembly, it says. And in a couple of other paragraphs, it asks for specific consideration of particular issues.
Resolution 50/227 is what we will take this year as our starting point. Reorganizing and streamlining the agenda for next summer's general segment and eliminating duplication with agenda items of the 2nd and 3rd Committee of the GA will be the first priorities of my presidency. It will not be easy, but we have to collectively invest all the necessary effort to accomplish these objectives as best as possible. We can complain as much as we wish about Ecosoc not enjoying the necessary respect; but it will always enjoy only exactly the respect it deserves. The respect it deserves is derived from the seriousness, commitment and dedication we, its members, invest in it. It is not a sign of seriousness to draw up a work program that we manifestly cannot fulfil. It is not a sign of commitment to focus on issues twice, once in Ecosoc and once in one of the GA's main committees. It is not a sign of dedication to ask the Secretary-General to produce more reports than we can possibly read, much less disccuss. There is hardly any more elementary way of demonstrating our seriousness, commitment and dedication than by sweeping up our own doorstep, by pruning the dead wood and culling the wild growth, by cleaning the stables, by putting our house in order - pick your own metaphore.
I envision this clean-up will start with the following measures, appropriate in particular for the general segment of the substantive session: (a) Let's agree on appropriate labelling of our agenda items. Let us abandon the historical and cryptic item titles that prevent anyone without a PhD in Ecosocology to fathom what's behind them. (b) Let's reorganize our agenda items, cluster them if convenient, introduce some logic into their ordering. (c) Let us decide what it is we have to deal with, what is it nobody else can do better than us; and as for everything else, let us pass it on to other organs or merely take note of it. (d) Let us sift through our agenda items and compare them most soberly with what other organs, especially the GA, are addressing, and let us ruthlessly eliminate all the duplication we can identify.
This is an approach to reform we readily recognize as form-driven. If we succeed with it, it will yield a clear, unobstructed, fresh picture of what Ecosoc is really up to. We will be able to discern far more acutely where our Council does make or could make a difference. And I do not mean a difference in the paper flow, a difference in the number of reports requested or the number of resolutions adopted, but rather a difference to the people of this world, and especially to the suffering people of the world. We will, further, be able to discern far more clearly what other circumstances need obtain for Ecosoc to fulfil this potential. With the dead wood gone, we will recognize that some trees in our orchard are growing far too close to one another; that some parts of our acreage are underutilized; and that here and there, a little cultivation or fertilizing could be very fruitful. And who knows: we might at that point see the situation clearly enough to embark on a mission-driven approach to further reform.
The form-driven and the mission-driven approaches to reform are of course neatly separable only in a statement such as this one; in reality, they are intertwined. Still, practical considerations, if nothing else, invite us at this moment to focus on form in the first instance, even while realizing that content will be affected almost automatically as well.
In addition to form and content, our work is marked by a certain style. And let me be most emphatic about one thing: we need to change our style, and we need to change it now. Let me illustrate, by reflecting on one extremely satisfying and encouraging experience from last year. You will recall that during last summer's substantive session, several members submitted a draft text dealing with international corruption and bribery. Initial reactions were mixed. During the resumed session, however, consultations about this text were completed and it was adopted by consensus. What I found so encouraging about this particular exercise was that in the discussions of the proposal's merits, countries from different parts of the world, from different groupings, with different philosophies, stood on all the various sides of the issue. The debate did not feature a North-South division, or a developed-vs-developing countries division, or indeed any other us- vs-them division. Rather, the debate focused on the issue's merits rather than on its politics.
This particular discussion exhibited very little of the one trait which, it seems to me, debilitates our work here more than anything else that under our control: namely, mistrust. It breaks my heart to see serious, well-intentioned proposals hitting the dust just because of who presented them. All too often, it seems to me, proposals are not considered on their merit but are instead turned over seven times, picked apart, shuffled about and ultimately dumped because one group or another feels that they conceal some hidden agenda, some arriere-pensée, and feel it safer to vigilantly turn down an initiative - even if no such hidden agenda is discovered! - rather than to risk endorsing something new and untried which originated in another group. The private sector, where I worked for many years, knows this attitude all too well: it is often called the NIH - "not invented here" - syndrom and is the scourge of progress and creative thinking. And without creative thinking, Ecosoc is doomed. Therefore this year, I really hope that much more of our discussions and negotiations will run athwart group boundaries, across prefabricated positions, that they will focus on the merits of ideas submitted. I hope that adopting automatic positions of blocs and groups of countries will abate. I hope that we will take one another as colleagues to work with, rather than as adversaries to mistrust. That together, we will manage to think creatively, to improve on one another's ideas rather than jettison them out of hand, striving, together, to fulfil this Council's potential.
Overcoming mistrust is then one element of style that would be so helpful to change. Let me mention a few additional ones that might help us and which I will also do my best to foster:
One, I plan to have an open and transparent presidency. That implies working extremely closely with my fellow bureau members, and with the expanded Bureau. It means holding informal consultations as frequently as needed and technically feasible. It also means that I will be at any time at the disposal of any Council member for consultations on anything. My home phone number is in the Manhattan phone book, and I'm the only Karel Kovanda there. Please use it.
Two, I feel it necessary to insist, again as a measure of our self-esteem, that representatives of member countries, their alternates and advisors be duly accredited, in accordance with Articles 16 and 17 of our rules of procedure.
Three, I would encourage representatives to the Council, who are usually Ambassadors, to take a greater interest than has been customary in the Council's business. This may allow political decisions to break the occasional logjam we get into at the level of our effervescent and energetic junior colleagues.
And four, I plan to aggressively adopt what is now known as "Razali time" for our proceedings. Starting meetings on time is an imperative facet of our organizational culture and is a measure of respect in which we hold one another. Rule 41 of our procedures should never stand in the way of starting meetings punctually.
These are some elements of style that we should introduce in our own work here. We will introduce other elements during next summer's substantive session in Geneva: such as cutting down on long-winded speechifying, eliminating self-congratulatory verbiage, sustaining fresh, lively, fruitful informal exchanges. The Bureau will focus on these issues in the coming months.
During the past year, I have found the Secretariat to offer excellent support to our work. In managing meetings, in conducting informal consultations and in clarifying the implications of resolution 50/227 for our work, its support has been indispensable. Our Council has of course no permanent members or executive directors, and the turnover in its Bureau from one year to the next is considerable. The Secretariat thus acts as the repository of our "historical memory". I am grateful for the role it plays, in an objective and disinterested manner, and hope that we will manage to profit even more from the various proposals and suggestions the Secretariat put forth last year in several useful documents.
In conclusion, let me reiterate the debt I feel I owe to my
illustrious predecessor, Ambassador Kacou Gervais, to my other
colleagues on last year's Bureau, to our Secretariat contingent
headed by Mr. Miles Stoby and indeed to all of you who have
entrusted me today with this important office.


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Thursday, September 7, 2006
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The Scoreboard
Greece stuns U.S.
Quick question. Think fast. Where were the first doughnuts fried? In Greece, of course.
Another one. Where were the U.S. basketball team's geese fried? Well, actually, who cooked the U.S. team's geese? Greece, of course!
OK, so much for the quick quiz. If you have been following the U.S. team's exploits in the current World Basketball Games, you are aware that the Americans practically breezed through the first rounds, leaving opponents by the wayside.
The games, which were played in Japan, saw the U.S. downing Puerto Rico in their first game with a score of 111-100.
They had found the Puerto Ricans to be a much tougher team than earlier imagined. The stars in this game were Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James and Kirk Hinrich.
Other teams which fell to the U.S. in their group (D) in the first round were Italy, Slovenia, China and Senegal.
All of the players in this World Games melee signed on for a three-year commitment. They will be our reps in the '08 Olympiad.
Coach Mike Krzyzewski has been charged with leading the team through the trials in the Isle of the Red Sun. Coach "K," not unlike most of his players , has impeccable credentials.
I don't purport to remember the names of all the players on this year's team but in addition to those named above, there are Shane Battier and Dwyane Wade. Coach Mike's selection of Battier was questioned by some, but one must remember that Battier was with the coach when he won the national championship.
The U.S. men didn't fare too well at the last Olympiad, having to come away with a bronze medal. And guess what?
After the loss to Greece that is all that they can aspire to in these World Games, If they beat Argentina (who won the last Olympiad).
To paraprhase 'Lil Abner, if I had my druthers, the team would have been picked from the rosters of the two teams which vied for the NBA title.
But, would such a team have been manageable?
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Food Delivery Parkdale
I live at Queen and Dufferin and would like to get some good recommendations on food delivery to this area. Usually I order Vesuvios Pizza because I don't know anything else that delivers here. I am looking for good Chinese, Thai, etc...
Rice & Noodles does decent Chinese. Not great, but decent, and certainly cheap. Thai Spring Roll on Queen is outstanding, one of the better Thai restaurants in the whole city, and they deliver. Also, Magic Oven does great pizza - I know there have been complaints about their delivery time on this board, but I've never had a problem with the Liberty Village location.
I don't think Bacchus delivers. It is a good option as is Island foods for take out. But I want something that is deliverable and more unique for me, as I eat rotis all the time.
I second Thai Spring Roll on Queen. Excellent food and quick delivery. I don't know if The Curryer is still around. They do delivery only and it's great Indian Food. Costa Pizza on Roncesvalles (don't know if they deliver) have great pizzas.
re: Non Doctor
I have to say I've been very unhappy with Cosa the last few times I've ordered.
thank you for all your suggestions. Please keep them coming. I have been to thai springs rolls and I am not a huge fan but its a good option to have. I already love Vesuvios pizza and I am not looking to switch. I agree with Non Doctor I never liked their pizzas. What was that indian delivery curryer - that is exactly the kind of thing i am looking for. I found their website and it looks good www.thecurryer.com. They don't have retail location but deliver? Their menu looks very good. I will try it. Anyone have any good chinese recommendations?
Freshwood grill delivers good food , upscale diner ,great sourdough sandwich wraps and daily specials. Also very popular for brunch and grilled market fish entree's
re: cutehinano
Mother India on Queen just east of Lansdown is also fantastic for Indian take-out. I heard they are the same owners as Gandhi.
agreed , i had a terrible experience with the curryer ! Really wanted to enjoy the food and was very excited to try them. Food very bland ,unenjoyable. Try north of bombay for good indian delivery ,nice eat in aswell , dundas w at pacific.
Ah, a subject dear to my own heart.
For Chinese, I have recently been enjoying Westwood Grill, which is in the Junction but delivers to our 'hood. Rice and Noodle is also a good option, and the quality of the meat is good.
The Curryer, in my experience, has small portions for what you pay. Trimurti on Queen and Spadina delivers to our neck of the woods, but it might take a long time.
The Sushi place on bloor west beside the NO Frills (I think called Sushi Village) delivers standard cheap sushi to Parkdale, nothing spectacular, but passable.
re: innercitykitty
I too would reccomend against the curryer. I'm typically not fussy but not only did I have the worst Indian food I've ever experienced from there, it was one of the worst meals period. Maybe it was off, but our food all tasted the same. Way too pungent and an overwhelming clove taste. My girlfriend agreed. Cosa pizza is good. Black Cow just north of Queen on Roncesvalles is alright. Freshwood grill is decent for delivery food if you're looking for something beyond the usual suspects. Magic Oven has good wraps (sausage and peppers is awesome) but it's staffed by hippies so expect a wait.
Its funny about the Curryer - I have had many discussions about (including being involved in one on this board) but people seem to be passionately split about it - some are crazy and some feel left in the cold. For my two cents worth, its is excellent if slow some nights on the delivery side. It is definitely authentic (I am east Indian) - but to each their own! Got a couple of good reviews, and I think one bad (from what I heard). Friendly Thai is good as well btw.
Spring Rolls is credible Thai for the price - rather inexpensive (Rainbow wrap and Curry pad thai are nice).
Amico's is pretty decent for delivery pizza as is Pizza Nova (seriously. just order the thin crust).
Also for the pickup, the best Vietnamese in the city is in the 'Dale: Asia 21 at King and Dufferin (their bun rocks!)
re: Sui_Mai
One word of warning about ordering from Thai Spring Rolls: There are actually TWO restaurants by that name that deliver into Parkdale.
One of them is located 1512 Queen Street West near Lansdowne - the full name is Lee's Thai Spring Roll - and they're pretty good. Decent food, and generally quick delivery.
The other is at 500 Queen Street West near Spadina. We made the mistake of ordering from them last weekend. We placed an order around 6:30, and were promised that it would arrive within 45 minutes. At 7:30, it hadn't yet arrived, so I called back. After some obvious confusion and paper-rustling on the other end, I was told that it had already been sent out and would be arriving in "about 5 minutes".
25 minutes later, it still hadn't arrived, making it obvious that our order had been forgotten, and they just started cooking it after my 7:30 call. I called again, telling them to cancel the order. Phone guy says that it's "on its way". I say that I have no intention of paying for it even if it does show up. Phone guy says I'll have to work that out with the driver. I hang up.
5 minutes later, just as we've started heating up some soup for our much later than expected dinner, the delivery guy shows up. I tell him that he can give us the food if he wants to, but I wasn't going to pay a dime for it. He tries to convince me that I should pay half-price. I laugh. He gives it to me for free.
After all the trouble, the food wasn't even very good, and the free pad thai I was supposed to get for ordering over $30 was missing.
re: gregclow
Actually I was talking about the chain called simply "Spring Rolls". The one that started out on Yonge near Bloor and then went ballistic with locations popping up all over. I'm not saying it's great but for a place with most if not all dishes under 10 bucks it is.
I know the Lansdowne place you mean and I personally think it's not very good - way too much sauce and grease, but very pleasant staff however.
Thanks for the heads up on the Queen Spadina one though. I was thinking of giving it a shot as it's closeby, maybe now notsomuch.
While we're dissing Thai, count out the one further west on Queen (Queen Thai or something) near Euclid unless you want to gorge on peanut satay - they chuck tons of it in every dish we ordered - overkill, bletch.
I'm done with most Toronto Thai. Vietnamese on the other hand...


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Remember when K-State hosted the Texas Longhorns and couldn't miss a shot? Texas didn't look like they wanted to be there, and the Wildcats looked unstoppable. Well, Oklahoma did that K-State in Norman. The only difference is that the Wildcats showed fight late in the game so the score was not embarrassing.
K-State's offense was not their (biggest) problem, for once. They had struggles and a lot of turnovers, but it's nothing that they couldn't overcome. Marcus Foster had a good game on that end of the court, shooting 8 for 14 with 21 points. But on the other end of the floor, no one played well.
This game was technically decided by 13 points, but it was nowhere near that close. Since it was so lopsided, we will just accept the butt-kicking and look at a deeper issue: K-State cannot win on the road.
The Wildcats play with no energy on the road. Once they get into the game, it is sometimes too late. When a team prides itself on defense, energy is essential in every game. K-State can't score with the best teams in the Big 12, so they have to play defense.
Would it be fun for Foster to score like Doug McDermott and Thomas Gipson be more like Thomas Robinson? Of course. But that's not going to happen.
K-State has to rely on a team effort to win games, and there's no shame in that. But if they can't bring their own energy, then there is a problem. Even when the played TCU at home and there wasn't much "doom" in the octagon, they couldn't get themselves up.
What's the solution? Your guess is as good as mine. As a junior varsity high school player, I was pretty much pumped up for every game I played. It could be something that comes as the freshman players grow as individuals.
Whatever it is for each player in that locker room, they must find it before the tournament. NCAA tournament crowds are generally apathetic until it's crunch time, and that could spell disaster for K-State.
Tags: Kansas State Wildcats


text: >And the word, "Worthy" and all concepts and ideas even remotely associated with a >"Worthyesque" tournament seems to have become reserved. Good Heavens...the DAMAGE our >region could do! Merely naming one of our obviously UNworthy rapier fighters, >artisans, equestrians...after an historical figure who is known for his nobility and >virtue...is heretical! Lord KNOWs that none of us are of sufficient character or >learning to make such a comparison! And now the barbaric conspiracy to do so, carried >out by the by the plotting, evil, and obviously Historically Uninformed Baron Kazimir, >has been discovered! We are Ruined! Gasp...choak...The SHAME! We'll have to cancel >the whole event and rename our region. LIGHTEN UP! And we don't have to have the same names for our worthies. Might I suggest : for Rapier: Athos, Porthos, Aramis, D'Artagnon (Oops, thats four) for Bardic: Shakespeare (that's all I could think of) for A&S: Michealangelo, Da Vinci, Raphael, Giotto, etc Just an idea from someone tired of reading lots of sniping, and not a lot of new ideas. Padric P.S. I know the three musketeers is post period, it was just an example, no need to start sniping about that too. Signup for your FREE Houston Astros Fan E-Mail account at http://www.astrosfan.net and have the chance to win a free laptop computer! ============================================================================ Go to http://lists.ansteorra.org/lists.html to perform mailing list tasks.


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Telling the Future through Dreams
Sometimes, I will have dreams where I see a particular place, person, or event. Then sometime down the road my "visions" will happen. An example would be the other night I had a dream that my fiance and I lived in a house with 2 dogs. A black german shepherd ( a dog I always wanted) and a white boxer. I did not know anything about his fondness of dogs until I told him about the dream. I had asked him what his favorite breed of dog was and it happened to be a white boxer. We were both surprised because he had never told me about his interest in the breed. Another dream I had was one where the only thing I could see was water everywhere mixed with red. A week later I went to the beach and got tumbled by the waves and cut open my arm. Do you think it was coincidence or something more?


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Among the airlines that have announced a new flexible ticket change policy in light of potential military action in Iraq are American, America West, Continental, Delta, Northwest and KLM, United, US Airways, and Air Canada. Here are links to each airline's policy: American Airline Policy America West Policy Delta Policy Northwest/KLM Policy United Policy US Airways Policy Continental Policy Air Canada Policy
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Vienna Office
Recent Highlights
Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 46 Results
Panel Discussions - June 20, 2012
Vienna IPI Meeting on Strategic Forecasting: Process and Policy
The world is changing at an unprecedented pace. It is hard enough to keep track of the events of the day, let alone to think about the challenges of tomorrow. But while it is not possible to predict the future, it is possible to prepare for it. Strategic forecasting enables policy makers to have a better sense of what may be over the horizon, and therefore be better equipped to prevent and response to events.
Panel Discussions - May 25, 2012
Displacement in the Western Balkans Calls for Regional Solutions
On May 25th, the IPI Vienna Office hosted an informal meeting on "Regional Solutions for Displacement: Lessons Learned from the Western Balkans." The workshop brought together senior government representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, and Serbia for a unique opportunity to reflect on the process of finding regional solutions to the problem of forced displacement in the Western Balkans.
Conferences - May 23, 2012
The Impact of the Uprisings: IPI Vienna Seminar 2012
This year's IPI Vienna Seminar, which took place on May 23-24th, focused on "The Uprisings: The Future of North Africa and the Middle East."
Panel Discussions - October 25, 2011
The OSCE-Mediterranean Partnership and the Arab Uprisings
On October 25th, IPI's Vienna office hosted a discussion on how the changes in the Arab world affect the OSCE-Mediterranean partnership, and whether the time is ripe to intensify a dialogue on strengthening security and cooperation in North Africa and the Middle East.
Speaker Events - September 23, 2011
Kazykhanov: Celebrating 20 Years of Kazakhstan's Independence
"As you rightly mentioned, Terje, we will mark the 20th anniversary of independence in December this year, and we believe there is a great deal to celebrate," Yerzhan Kazykhanov, the Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan, told Terje Rød-Larsen, the President of the International Peace Institute (IPI), in a morning appearance at IPI on September 23rd.
About the Office
IPI's Vienna office is located in the Palais Harrach in the historic center of the Austrian capital, close to diplomatic missions, the Austrian foreign ministry, and the headquarters of a number of international and non-governmental organizations.
In addition to carrying out research and providing policy advice, the Vienna office hosts roundtable meetings and high profile speakers on issues related to international peace and security.
Vienna Office address:
Freyung 3
1010 Vienna, Austria
Phone: +43-1-533-8881
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Office Directors
Senior Director, IPI Vienna
Senior Director for Europe and Central Asia


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99 Lyrics - The Haunted
A last minute descision.
Lay it all on the line.
Glasspipe recollections of antichrist.
The nominees all on fire.
Cash money upfront.
We're all part of the scam.
Death starts at the end of the rope.
A fake miracle to behold.
Life is bright!
It'll take out your eyes!
Burn these lies!
Cut away ties!
Ninety nine, ninety nine knives.
Ninety nine knives inside.
Ninety nine, ninety nine.
sponsored linksNinety nine knives inside.
Separate the symptoms,
From the real disease.
A pale ghostlike recondition of consuquence.
The irony covers the crime.
Reenact the drama
A safe pattern to fuse.
Preteens giving head in the backroom.
A family built on abuse.
Life is bright
It'll take out your eyes
Burn these Lies!
Cut away the ties!
No one gets out alive!
Ninety nine, ninety nine knives.
Ninety nine knives inside.
Ninety nine, ninety nine.
Ninety nine hopeless, fucking useless empty ways to die.
Click here to submit the Corrections of 99 Lyrics
Thanks to SPENY V for submitting 99 Lyrics.
The following area is only for review, if you want to submit the lyrics or the corrections of the lyrics, please click the link at the end of 99 Lyrics.


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Mondays: Collaborating With Actors & Watching Movies With No Sound!
Today, we talking collaborating with actors, and watching movies with the sound off!
Film Riot is a how-to trip through filmmaking from the mind of Ryan Connolly. From how to make great effects to following Triune Films through production, Film Riot explores the art of filmmaking in a way you've never seen.
Today, we talking collaborating with actors, and watching movies with the sound off!
Today, we make an LED can light and show off Ryan's 3 favorite tripods!
Tips for motivated and unmotivated movement!
Ryan talks about the biggest risk he has taken, and his thoughts on using Kickstarter!
Today Ryan covers several ways to sync audio in post production, and how to sync several cameras to the same audio easily using Pluraleyes.
Ryan talks keeping a positive attitude on filmmaking, his thoughts on Gone Girl, and how he transitions from shooting comedy to drama!
Ryan talks to Shane Hurlbut, Director of Photography for blockbuster films such as Need for Speed and Act of Valor, about Cinematography!
Tips on DIY reflectors, gels, and diffusion!
We announce the winners of the Hand-to-Hand Challenge!
Today we compare the Neat Video noise reduction plug-in to Red Giant's Denoiser II.
Today, we talk linear stories vs nonlinear stories, & tips on shooting a table conversation!
We build some DIY Ring Light Action, and talk about editing music!
Tips on audio editing!
Today we talk pitching to sponsors and When hiring someone, what do we consider the most important skills!
Today we break out some more DIY goodness with some DIY Diffusion! Triune Sound Music Packs: http://bit.ly/TSmusic Red Giant Denoiser: http://www.redgiant.com/products/all/denoiser-II/ Grain...
Today, we talk executing voice over in your projects, and if Film Riot will expand!
Tips for making your face punching more realistic!
Tips for framing your shots in production and post production!
Learn some Household Dolly Hacks to make your films look more professional at no cost!
Get cheaper SFX packs here: http://bit.ly/triuneSFX Get full pack here: http://bit.ly/triunefightsfx CreativeLive: http://bit.ly/filmriotCL DIY Black Pro-mist:...


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CES 2011: Here Come the 3-D Camcorders
Aiptek 3DHD camcorder.
CREDIT: Aiptek
After you've gotten used to watching your television shows and movies in 3-D, how can you go back to watching home movies in the dull flatness of 2-D? Thanks to some of the cameras jostling for attention at January's Consumer Electronics Show (CES), you won't have to. This second generation of 3-D camcorders eschews the high cost and large size of last year's models, introducing an ease-of-use and portability more akin to the ultraportable Flip camera.
Viewsonic and Aiptek both have 3-D camcorders hitting the market in time for CES 2011. Both cameras use dual embedded lenses to shoot 3-D without any adapter , and retail for the consumer-friendly price of around $200. The Viewsonic 3DV5 only weights a pound, while the Aiptek 3D-HD weighs around two pounds. Incidentally, the two cameras also look almost identical.
Both cameras also contain a 3-D screen within the body of the device, so users can preview their footage without the need of a 3-D TV. The Aiptek camera screen appears as 3-D without glasses , as opposed to the Viewsonic camera, which requires shutter glasses.
To fix that problem, the Viewsonic camera comes with software that converts videos and photos into 1950s-style red and blue 3-D for those of us who don't have modern 3-D glasses. But who would buy a 3-D camera and not buy the new glasses? Maybe we'll find out at CES 2011.
For comparisons sake, at the 2010 CES, Panasonic introduced the first totally integrated 3-D video camera. It cost $21,000 and weighed 6.6 pounds. Not exactly practical for recording a child's birthday party or a high school football game. By this July, Panasonic managed to get the price for their 3-D camcorder down to $1,400 and reduced the weight to five pounds, otherwise known as "still too expensive and too heavy."


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"I used these for my graduation announcements and was not disappointed. The only thing I would say was not absolutely perfect was the picture was not the BEST quality, but its still looked great. I ordered these with the gold envelopes and black address labels and it looked great!"
"I wanted to find an invitation that fit my personality, and reflected the party to come. I changed my name to blue, and customized the print underneath by changing the wording around a little. I have heard nothing but great things from my friends. Also, people can cut the invitation, so they can have a senior picture. Very happy!"
"This format worked out wonderfully for us. We used three black and white photos of my daughter at different ages and then her senior picture in color on the bottom right. The paper quality is excellent, as well as the envelopes - but I was glad I ordered a few extras! Lovely invitation we were proud to send out...and we received many compliments. :)"
"I ordered this for my sister's college graduation dinner invitations. It was very elegant and looked beautiful with her pictures in it. She is a photographer and added a few that she had taken along with a picture of her. I also added a picture to the back with a note to all the family thanking them for their love and support. I think that really make the card complete. My only complaint is that I couldn't find matching thank you cards, but that might just be me. Overall a great and classy pick."
"I am so happy that this product came in the mail after two days! Not only was the delivery quick, the product was done exceptionally well! I would definately recommend this company to EVERYONE! God Bless your business! I look forward to doing many other projects with you!"


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Xsan: Best practices for data integrity
These suggested guidelines for deploying Xsan help to ensure consistent access to data stored on Xsan volumes.
Deploy a backup solution
There are many means of backing up data, including hardware solutions and software solutions. The backup process may be as simple as a drag and drop of vital files to a local or network volume or may be as complex as using a software solution that backs up data to a hardware solution, such as a tape library or Disk Array, on a schedule. For more information on backup solutions, please contact your Apple Sales Representative.
Ensure that power is not interrupted
Use an Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) to ensure that all SAN components remain available during power outages.
Configure for optimal performance
Follow the separate list of tips for optimal performance.
Check enclosure locks
If using Xserves in the Xsan deployment, ensure that the Xserve's enclosure locks are engaged. Doing so will ensure that startup drives are not unmounted when releasing the drive handle on the Xserve Drive Modules. For instructions on how to engage the enclosure locks on your Xserve, see the Xserve product manual specific to the model of Xserve being used.
Config file backup
Each time you change Xsan configuration options, such as creating a new volume or promoting a client to an MDC, back up /Library/Filesystems/Xsan/config to an external volume.
Use latest Xsan software
Use Software Update regularly to ensure that the most recent version of Xsan is installed.
Check fibre channel switch firmware
Ensure that your fibre channel switch is running a supported version of firmware. For QLogic firmware, please review the versions tested by Apple.
Unmount and Stop Xsan volumes before rebooting targets
Before shutting down or rebooting storage devices, unmount and stop any Xsan Volumes that include LUNs which correspond to arrays hosted on the targets that are to be restarted. Certain administrative changes will result in Storage Devices restarting. Promise VTrak RAID controllers will restart when its firmware is updated. The Xserve RAID will restart if any of the following settings are configured:
RAID Admin > Create Array
RAID Admin > Delete Array
RAID Admin > Settings > System
RAID Admin > Settings > Network
RAID Admin > Settings > Fibre Channel
RAID Admin > Advanced > Slicing
RAID Admin > Advanced > LUN Masking
Also, avoid performing changes in RAID Admin > Advanced > Expansion that will delete a pre-existing array if the array is acting as a LUN that has been incorporated into the Xsan Volume.
Information about products not manufactured by Apple, or independent websites not controlled or tested by Apple, is provided without recommendation or endorsement. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance, or use of third-party websites or products. Apple makes no representations regarding third-party website accuracy or reliability. Risks are inherent in the use of the Internet. Contact the vendor for additional information.


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A simple token of appreciation specially made for the creator of Shadowness, Sir Meng To aka Master Panda.
Happy Birthday! Burger, burger, burger! LOL
Thank you so much for inspiring and giving us nonstop appreciation.
Imba ka! Ikaw na, the best ka!
Again, happy birthday :) God bless, more power to you and Shadowness!
cute..Sep 16th, 2012 Reply
astig toh..Apr 16th, 2012 Reply
I love the colors!Aug 17th, 2011 Reply
Thank you! smileAug 17th, 2011 Reply
:)Aug 17th, 2011 Reply
Nice!!!! Uber Nice! hahaAug 2nd, 2011 Reply
thanks!!!Aug 2nd, 2011 Reply
love the colors! ♥Jul 23rd, 2011 Reply
thanks hexthor!!!Aug 2nd, 2011 Reply
You made master even Hotter! ^_^Jul 23rd, 2011 Reply
i did? haha! thanks thanks!!!Aug 2nd, 2011 Reply
Thank you so much Hana for thinking of me on that important day. I will never forget this gesture.Jul 19th, 2011 Reply
you're very welcome master Panda! you deserve nothing but the best!!!Jul 19th, 2011 Reply
Wow! Nice work! Great giftJul 15th, 2011 Reply
thank you!!Jul 15th, 2011 Reply
You're very welcome!Jul 15th, 2011 Reply
what a great present!Jul 14th, 2011 Reply
thanks!!!Jul 15th, 2011 Reply
welcome ♥Jul 15th, 2011 Reply
Love the colors ms. Hana, Galing talaga.Jul 14th, 2011 Reply
thanks julius!!Jul 15th, 2011 Reply


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« Previous 1 2 Next »
Scholarships >> Browse Articles
Browse Promotional Scholarships Articles
DoSomething's Tackle Hunger ScholarshipsThis holiday season, DoSomething.org is helping you rock your canned food drive. Sign up at www.dosomething.org/tackle-hunger and we'll give you all the resources to make your canned food drive one for the record books! Need another reason to participate? One drive that collects at least 10 pounds of food will be randomly selected to win a $100 scholarship for each member ...Published almost 3 years ago |
This Black Friday, Shop for ScholarshipsWhile the country counts down to Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Christmas, savvy shoppers are looking forward to another "holiday" of sorts. Black Friday is quickly approaching and the rumored deals are only getting better as TV commercials and ad campaigns announce the lowest prices ever on electronics, clothing and vacation getaways. But there may be one shopping deal that you aren't ...Published almost 2 years ago |
Give Your Gear -- Sports Equipment DriveStarting Sept. 6 until Oct. 10, DoSomething.org and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America are teaming up to launch a national Sports Equipment Drive. We'll be encouraging young people to run drives in their schools, sports leagues, and communities and drop off gently used sports equipment to their local Boys & Girls Club. Those who report back about their sports ...Published about 3 years ago |
Make Art Save Art Scholarship from DoSomething.orgArts programs are the first to go when a school faces budget cuts, but studies show arts education is a crucial part of self-expression, creative thinking, and improves academic studies. DoSomething.org wants you to take a stand for arts education in your school. Create your own visual artwork showcasing the importance of art education and submit your design at www.dosomething.org/make-art-save-art. Share ...Published about 3 years ago |
« Previous 1 2 Next »


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5.5 million newborn and stillborn babies die every year
New data on global newborn deaths and stillbirths show 5.5 million "invisible deaths" every year.
A major new Series of papers, published in The Lancet, presents the clearest picture to date of progress and challenges in improving newborn survival around the world, and sets targets that must be achieved by 2030 in order to ensure every newborn has a healthy start.
The research is led by Professor Joy Lawn, at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Save the Children, UK, with Professor Zulfiqar Bhutta at the Hospital for Sick Children, Canada, and the Aga Khan University, Pakistan, in collaboration with more than 54 experts from 28 institutions in 17 countries, and provides the evidence base and foundation for the forthcoming Every Newborn Action Plan, an evidence-based roadmap towards care for every woman, and a healthy start for every newborn baby, which will be launched in June 2014.
The Series shows that almost all of the 5.5 million newborn and stillborn babies who die every year enter and leave the world without a piece of paper; this lack of registration and official recognition reflects acceptance of these deaths as inevitable.
Preterm babies are less likely to be counted, even in rich countries, especially where they are not expected to survive.
The lack of registration is a key reason for slower progress in recent decades for newborn deaths compared to maternal and child mortality reduction - progress which can, and must, be accelerated if international child mortality targets are to be met.
"Throughout the Series, evidence and experience from some of the most improved, as well as the worst affected, countries shows that newborn and maternal deaths are preventable," Professor Bhutta said.
"Our research shows that three million lives can be saved by 2025 if achievable interventions are scaled up to nearly universal coverage, and improving care at the time of birth gives a triple return on investment saving mothers, newborns and stillbirths. Care of small and sick newborns is the next highest impact package, yet this has received little attention up to now, despite extremely cost effective solutions such as antenatal steroids and kangaroo mother care," he added.
(Posted on 20-05-2014)
Information on States of India:
Andaman Nicobar | Andhra Pradesh | Arunachal Pradesh | Assam | Bihar | Chandigarh | Chhattisgarh | Dadar Nagar Haveli | Daman Diu | Delhi | Goa | Gujarat | Haryana | Himachal Pradesh | Jammu Kashmir | Jharkhand | Karnataka | Kerala | Lakshadweep | Madhya Pradesh | Maharashtra | Manipur | Meghalaya | Mizoram | Nagaland | Orissa | Pondicherry | Punjab | Rajasthan | Sikkim | Tamil Nadu | Tripura | Uttar Pradesh | Uttaranchal | West Bengal
Andhra Pradesh Travel Map | Bihar Travel Map | Goa Travel Map | Gujarat Travel Map | Haryana Travel Map | Himachal Pradesh Map | Karnataka Travel Map | Kerala Travel Map | Maharashtra Travel Map | Punjab Travel Map | Rajasthan Travel Map | Sikkim Travel Map | Tamil Nadu Travel Map | Uttar Pradesh Travel Map | West Bengal Travel Map |
Alappuzha | Ernakulam | Idukki | Kannur | Kasaragod | Kollam | Kottayam | Kozhikode | Malappuram | Palakkad | Pathanamthitta | Thiruvananthapuram | Thrissur | Wayanad |
Airports of India | Districts of India | India Pilgrim Centers | Tourism Map of India | National Highways in India | India Railway Routes |
Ahmadabad | Bangalore | Chennai | Coimbatore | Delhi | Hyderabad/Secunderabad | Kochi | Kolkata | Mumbai | Pondicherry | Pune | Surat |


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Our assessment tools are based on simplicity, by providing the shortest and most practical, in terms of length, tool that is combined with easy and direct filling in of information and results analysis.
Filistos' assessment tools are based on accuracy and completeness of results, which are designed to respond to professional needs, offering the greatest possible assistance through the offered tools and EURiKA program.
Filistos EURiKA online platform is an easy-to-use, practical and safe tool for distributing, analyzing and storing inventories for patients, staff or potential employees.
Contact us for a free trial now!
Filistos: Your serious and helpful friend/companion


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Weather Averages for Phuket in June
Averages for Phuket in June
Lying in the Andaman Sea, Phuket, Thailand's largest island, sees year round warm weather due to its location just north of the equator. Phuket is known for being the nightlife capital of Thailand, with many bars, clubs and luxury beachfront properties appealing to tourists.
June is part of Phuket's rainy season, with 268.9mm on average falling during the month. Weather-wise, June is a much better time to visit Phuket than in May as rainfall is often restricted to short (but heavy) downpours, with spells of blue sky in between. Temperatures range from 24-31 degrees celsius which, coupled with some cooling breezes, is comfortably warm.
The Fun Fly Paragliding festival comes to Phuket in June. Based at Nai Harn Beach, this annual 3 day event is a real spectacle, with hundred of paragliders in the skies between 8:30 am and 6:00 pm. Be sure to have cameras at the ready, especially as there's a photo competition to enter. But visitors needn't just be spectators. Phuket Paragliding offers flights for just £20 during the festival; a full 50% off usual prices.
In the evening, head to Phuket FantaSea. Describing itself as a 'cultural theme park', this complex encompasses the Palace of the Elephants Theatre- a 3000 seat venue showing Las Vegas-style theatrical productions, as well as the Carnival Village Shopping Street with 15 shops selling traditional Thai arts and crafts, the Similan Entertainment Centre showcasing the latest arcade games, and two buffet restaurants.
Stay at the Sawasdee Village on Kata Beach for just £53 per night. Rooms have terrace access to the property's pools and guests can enjoy the on-site Baray Spa, the Al Majlis restaurant and can even take in a Thai cooking class offered by the hotel.
June events in Phuket
Sports Event
Phuket Marathon
8th June 2015
In it's tenth year by 2015, the Phuket marathon consists of a marathon, half marathon, 10.5km run, 5km community walk and 2m kids walk. More than 6,000 people took part last year from over fifty countries, with more expected in 2015.
Baba (Peranakan) Wedding Festival
22nd June 2015 to 24th June 2015
This annual mass marriage ceremony is Baba (Peranakan) chic in Phuket old town. The occasion is not only for lovebirds who desire to have a pretty traditional Straits Chinese wedding; it's available for all to come and observe.