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There is a growing network of people — including the leaders of companies such as the Container Store, Starbucks, Trader Joe's, Patagonia and Whole Foods Market (of which one of us is the co-CEO) — building their companies based on the idea that business is about more than making a profit. It's about higher purpose. We are a part of this group, and host a set of conferences each year to share the guiding principles and best business practices that we have come to call "conscious capitalism." Every year, we come in contact with more leaders — perhaps like you — who share these beliefs.
But one of the most predictable responses we get from people when we mention the idea of conscious capitalism is, "That's an oxymoron!"
It is undoubtedly an unusual juxtaposition of words. The word "conscious" has many connotations for people. We define it as being mindful and awake, seeing reality as it is rather than as we wish it to be, recognizing and being accountable for all the consequences of our actions, having a better sense of what is right and what is wrong, rejecting violence as a way to solve problems and being in harmony with nature.
The word "capitalism" was coined by its harshest critic, Karl Marx, around 1850. The interest in and widespread confusion surrounding these ideas is evident from the fact that the most searched word of 2012 on Merriam-Webster's online dictionary was "capitalism," followed by "socialism." Type "define capitalism" into Google's search box and one of the first entries is "An economic and political system in which a country's trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit." That is a value-laden definition — especially the words "controlled" and "for profit."
We think of capitalism in simple and benign terms: it is simply the co-existence of free markets and free people, or economic and political freedom. Unique among all the species on this planet, we human beings are wired to create value and trade with each other. This is in our very nature. The evidence is overwhelming that whenever in history humans have enjoyed unencumbered freedom to do just that, we have prospered, our numbers have grown, and we have lived longer, happier and more peaceful lives. When our natural urges to interact and trade freely with others have been suppressed, we have regressed. See Matt Ridley's terrific book The Rational Optimist for oodles of historical evidence of this.
Consider what has happened in just the past 200 years or so, a time when capitalism really took root as an idea in many societies. After tens of millennia in which 85-90% of human beings lived on less than a dollar a day in today's terms, worldwide per capita incomes have increased nearly fifteen-fold in constant dollars. Today, about 16% of the world's population lives on less than a dollar a day. Adjusting for quality and affordability, it is estimated that the average American is 100 times better off today than 200 years ago. Average life expectancy has climbed from about 30 to over 67 years in that time span, and human population has risen from one billion in 1820 to over seven billion today.
That is astounding progress, not just for a fortunate few but for most of humanity. We therefore hold these truths to be self-evident: business is good because it creates value, it is ethical because it is based on voluntary exchange, it is noble because it can elevate our existence and it is heroic because it lifts people out of poverty and creates prosperity. Free enterprise capitalism is the most powerful system for social cooperation and human progress ever conceived. It is one of the most compelling ideas we humans have ever had. But we can aspire to even more.
"Conscious Capitalism" is a way of thinking about capitalism and business that better reflects where we are in the human journey, the state of our world today, and the innate potential of business to make a positive impact on the world. Conscious businesses are galvanized by higher purposes that serve, align and integrate the interests of all their major stakeholders. Their higher state of consciousness makes visible to them the interdependencies that exist across all stakeholders, allowing them to discover and harvest synergies from situations that otherwise seem replete with trade-offs. They have conscious leaders who are driven by service to the company's purpose, to all the people the business touches and to the planet we all share. Conscious businesses have trusting, authentic, innovative and caring cultures that make working there a source of both personal growth and professional fulfillment. They endeavor to create financial, intellectual, social, cultural, emotional, spiritual, physical and ecological wealth for all their stakeholders. Evidence is mounting that such businesses significantly outperform traditional businesses in financial terms, while also creating many other forms of well-being.
Ultimately conscious businesses create lasting value as the world evolves to even greater levels of prosperity, helping billions of people flourish and lead lives infused with passion, purpose, love and creativity — a world of freedom, harmony, prosperity and compassion.


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Bug-Out Bags: A Good Idea
Though the idea of survival in the case of everything from a natural disaster to something as catastrophic as complete, worldwide economic collapse and civil disintegration has gathered speed among the American public recently. Witness the success of television shows like National Geographic's Doomsday Preppers.
While there is certainly a core group of people who are prepared to respond in a split second for whatever impending doom their imaginations can conjure, most of us are less vigilant. Still, I don't know anyone who owns guns who also doesn't at least think about "What if?" To that end, my editor's pick this week is survival expert Creek Stewart's Build the Perfect Bug-Out Bag: Your 72-Hour Disaster Survival Kit.
I picked this book primarily because the season is getting to me. As I write this, Fargo, North Dakota, is having its first significant snow of the season. At the same time, Wisconsin is having its last glorious 70-degree day. A cold front is due in tonight that will drop us to a much chillier realm, and that means snow and ice are not far behind for us Cheeseheads, as well as a lot of the rest of the nation.
"So what?" you ask. Well, it doesn't take much to slide off an icy road in your car and get stuck, and when you live rurally, that can be a problem. Too, heavy snow and ice certainly has been known to knock out power (and for those of us on wells, so, too, water). There's always the chance of a forest fire here, as well as a litany of other natural disasters. Whatever fate awaits me on the back roads of rural Wisconsin or you wherever you live, keeping in your home and car a short-term bug-out bag of appropriate survival gear as Stewart proposes is a very smart thing to do.
All this business about natural disaster preparedness and emergency and doomsday prepping, however short- or long-term, is pretty serious business, but the other reason I picked this book is because it's about gear. Just like I don't know anyone who owns a firearm who doesn't think about the possibility of bugging out, I also don't know a gun owner who isn't a complete gear nut. We gun and gear nuts are also like squirrels, buying cool gear and tools and then stashing them away, "just in case."
So assembling a bug-out bag goes naturally with that mindset, and when you combine that kind of common sense with the stuff we love to buy, building a 72-hour survival kit or bug-out bag can be loads of fun—plus it gives us a real and very sound opportunity to have all those neato-keen items we've bought over the years put to intelligent use. Stewart is a pro at this kind of survival gear and tool organization, with specific recommendations and a survival kit checklist, ways to pack them to optimize space, and advice on multiple-use gear pieces that save you time, money, and weight.
Complete with a thorough resource list to help you locate the right kind of bug-out bag gear, Stewart hasn't missed a beat with this book. A must-have for anyone who asks that "What if?" question.

subset: commoncrawl


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Cutest mini hat for the smallest members of your family - guaranteed to be the highlight of the party!
Fit: The base is a little larger than the size of a quarter and comes with a delicate elastic chin strap that is adjustable. All of my hats have a sturdy card stock interior and are built to last!
This hat will fit most small animals, such as chickens, hedgehogs, rabbits, ferrets, iguanas, etc. If you are unsure of the size, test-fit your pet with a quarter on the top of his head to get an idea of how this hat will fit.
Please convo me for any special requests or different sizes. I can also do matching accessories, such as a bandana or something else you might have in mind.
Thank you for visiting me shop.


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Lauren Collins and Adamo Ruggiero were in New York yesterday, made an appearance on Alexa Chung, and at Planet Hollywood to promote the first feature length Degrassi movie, airing tomorrow August 14th on TEENick (formerly known at The N).
Degrassi goes Hollywood will be broadcast in Canada on August 30th.
Yeah, Degrassi. You know that Canadian show that isn't celebrated in Canada but is everywhere else? Canadians for some reason are loathe to support their own star system. Entertainment Weekly however has always supported Degrassi and has given the movie a very positive review, going so far as to demand a sequel. The trailer is below.
Love Lauren's dress. It's Topshop. So cute.
Photos from Wenn.com


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By: Shelby Fero
The 6 Board-Game Movies Hollywood Is Planning Next
For Mr. Monopoly Jr, the perks come fast and they come easy. Women, houses, cars '?? you name it and he's bought it. But that's just life when your father owns the entire city and every property on it. But when Mr. Monopoly Sr signs a deal that would put the city's less fortunate in direct danger, a feisty young journalist convinces his son that there's more to life than money.
Hungry Hungry Hippos
Power, money, revenge '?? humans all hunger for something. But in the animal kingdom there is only one hunger: that for survival. Join BBC and Morgan Freeman as we take you up close and personal with one of the biggest gluttons on the planet in Hungry, Hungry Hippos.
It seems like the perfect ending for the perfect family when they move into a sleepy Colorado neighborhood. But when the two young children discover a mysterious board in an upstairs cupboard, they unwittingly give voice to horrors they never could've imagined. Can they figure out a way to quiet the spirits once and for all, or will it be '??Goodbye '? '?
When your family is more prolific than the Kennedys' and more secretive than the Knights Templar, reunions can be a tedious affair. Especially when the mysterious, estranged patriarch is discovered dead before dinner can be served. Now in two days the Von Clu family must try to find a killer without murdering each other first. (Will be a quirky reboot of the storied Clue franchise)
It's a tale of sweet gone sour when Lord Licorice descends upon Candyland. Slick as syrup and vicious as a viper, he concocts a plan to take control over the Kingdom and the inhabitants '?? starting with its King and Queen. But what he doesn't know is hidden in the Gumdrop Mountains is the true heir to the throne: a princess hidden away by her mother long ago. Now on the eve of her sixteenth birthday Princess Lolly is discovered by the evil Lord, and she embarks on a journey (along with a few faithful friends) to win back her home.
Stretch Armstrong
Growing up as a kid, Stretch always knew he was…different. Even before his adoptive parents revealed to him he had been a stem cell and rubber band experiment gone awry, Stretch understood he was not like other children. Maybe that's why, as an adult, he's had a string of girlfriends but could never really find the one. Until he meets Liza '?? a sexy scientist who just wants to understand him. But is it his soul she wants to search, or his molecular structure?


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TORONTO — The Orioles came to Toronto this week riding the momentum of eight wins in their previous 11 games and were fresh off taking two of three in Detroit.
That momentum was crushed over the weekend here at Rogers Centre, and after the Orioles' 13-5 loss to the Blue Jays on Sunday afternoon, they couldn't wait to get their passports out and get out of Canada.
In allowing a season high in runs Sunday, the Orioles (42-34) were swept in a three-game series for just the second time this season and the first time on the road as the Blue Jays won their 11th straight game; the streak is the longest in the majors this season and the best since the Tigers won 12 in a row in 2011.
"We've faced really hot clubs on the road and at home, and we will again," Orioles manager Buck Showalter said. "We haven't played half the season yet. Nothing is unexpected. You look at the track record of their players and that's why you acquire guys like that, because you know what you're going to get eventually. I think you're seeing some of that happen."
The game was played in front of an announced sellout crowd of 45,214, the Orioles' largest road crowd of the season.
Before Sunday, seven of the previous nine games between the Orioles and Jays had been decided by two runs or fewer, including each of the previous four games. But the Blue Jays made Sunday's game a rout quickly.
Right-hander Freddy Garcia lasted just 21/3 innings, the shortest outing by an Orioles starter this season. He was blasted for seven runs as the Blue Jays ran out to a 9-0 third-inning lead.
The Blue Jays' summer surge up the American League East standings has made the division race tighter than ever.
At day's end Sunday, the Orioles arrived home still in second place, two games back of the division-leading Red Sox. The five teams in the division are separated by just five games, all with records of two games above .500 or better.
"It's good for this division," Orioles center fielder Adam Jones said. "It has added even more competitiveness. Everybody is above .500, everybody is grinding. Let's just see how all the cards fold in the next coming months. … We ran into a team that came in here on an eight-game winning streak. It shows that this division is getting better. It's heating up."
Still, the Orioles have seen more than enough of the Blue Jays, who have beaten them four straight times.
Sunday's loss was the ugliest. The top three hitters in the Blue Jays lineup — Melky Cabrera, Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion — combined to drive in nine runs. Eight of the nine Toronto starters had at least one hit.
All series, everything seemed to go Toronto's way, as it did early in Sunday's game. Garcia retired the first two batters he faced, then gave up a broken-bat single by Encarnacion. Adam Lind then hit a come-backer up the middle that the Orioles predicted perfectly with a shift that placed shortstop J.J. Hardy right behind the second-base bag.
But Garcia reached out to make a play on the ball, which hit his glove and deflected between Hardy and second baseman Ryan Flaherty and into the outfield. After walking Colby Rasmus, Garcia hit J.P. Arencibia with the bases loaded, scoring a run.
The one run in the inning wasn't as damaging as Garcia's total of 32 pitches.
"It's hard for me, man, because I was feeling really good," Garcia said. "I was feeling good out of the bullpen. In the first inning, I was feeling really good. I had my stuff going. … Ground ball to me and my glove fell down. I don't know how. The glove fell down when the ball hit me. I should have gotten out of the inning with no runs right there. After that, I guess they hit everything."
The Blue Jays (38-36) scored three more off Garcia in the second inning, capped by a two-run homer by Encarnacion. Garcia wouldn't make it out of the third after allowing a single to Arencibia and back-to-back run-scoring doubles by Maicer Izturis and Emilio Bonifacio. Toronto would score five runs in the inning, including a two-run double by Encarnacion off reliever T.J. McFarland.
For Garcia, it was the latest episode in a troubling trend. For the second time in his past four starts, Garcia allowed six or more runs and lasted three or fewer innings. Over his past four starts, Garcia has a 10.80 ERA and has allowed nine homers over 162/3 innings.
Asked whether Garcia would make his next scheduled start Friday against the New York Yankees at Camden Yards, Showalter didn't offer any answers.
"Just like always, we look at ways of putting our best foot forward," Showalter said. "Freddy's done some good things and he's been challenged other times, so he's not the only one."
After the game, Garcia, 36, seemed to realize he's on a slippery slope.
"I'm not in a situation where I can take [anything] for granted," he said. "I need to pitch better than that. … I know for sure. I've been in the game so long. I know I need to pitch better. It's all my fault, my bad. I [didn't] pitch the way I wanted to pitch."
The only highlight for the Orioles was second baseman Ryan Flaherty, who recorded his first multi-homer game and drove in three runs from the No. 9 spot.
Flaherty chased Toronto starter Josh Johnson, who allowed four runs on seven hits over six innings, from the game in the seventh by hitting a two-run homer to right on a 92 mph fastball on a 0-1 count. He added a solo shot off Dustin McGowan in the ninth. Flaherty had three homers in the series.
Before the Blue Jays' offensive onslaught, the Orioles had a chance to orchestrate a rally of their own in the first inning with runners on second and third three batters into the game, but Jones chased sliders from Johnson out of the zone twice as he struck out. After the game, he called the at-bat his worst of the season.
"I got to get the guy in," Jones said. "Take the freaking walk. But hey, I'm going up there aggressive trying to get the guy in and was unable to do it."
After that, the Blue Jays intentionally walked first baseman Chris Davis, who has hit 12 homers against them since the beginning of the 2012 season, and then induced a foul pop-up from Matt Wieters to end the inning.
"Every time you turn on the highlights, he's doing some damage somewhere," Toronto manager John Gibbons said of walking Davis. "We've seen plenty of that. That's key, getting out of that first inning without any runs. He's pretty good — it doesn't take much for him to flip one into the seats."
The Orioles welcomed the end of the series, one in which Showalter was ejected from the first game, reliever Darren O'Day and Bautista engaged in a two-day war of words, and controversial calls weren't hard to find.
"We've had some things go for us," Showalter said. "You look at it and sometimes you're on the short end of a lot of close calls. Sometimes that works out towards you. A lot of things, you make your own breaks. It was a challenge for us here but we'll turn the page. We're in the process of turning it right now as soon as I get through talking to you."


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Reel South, Independent Lens
A Town Called Victoria
On January 28, 2017, a mosque in South Texas erupted in flames. Now, this quiet community must reckon with the deep rifts that drove a man to hate.
A global anti-apartheid movement took on South Africa's entrenched apartheid regime and its international supporters in the Cold War.
Learn more about funding opportunities with ITVS.
This 5-part series, airing over three weeks, chronicles the unprecedented international movement of citizen activists who fought for three decades to bring down the brutal, racist system of apartheid in South Africa when their governments would not.The Road to Resistance
Just as the United Nations adopts the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, South Africa heads in the opposite direction, instituting a system of racist and oppressive laws against non-whites, and imprisoning opposition leaders including Nelson Mandela.
The New Generation
When South Africa's ruling whites brutally suppress a youth uprising in Soweto and murder resistance leader Steven Biko, young people in the West join a growing international movement to sanction and isolate South Africa.
From Selma to Soweto
Only a decade removed from the height of its own civil rights movement, the United States becomes a key battleground as African Americans lead a grassroots movement to force the United States to reverse its policies toward South Africa.
The Bottom Line
The most effective tactic in globalizing the fight against apartheid was the grassroots boycott and divestment campaign that targeted Western corporations doing business with the South African regime.
Free at Last
The apartheid regime in Pretoria crumbles under pressure from a united popular uprising inside its borders, and crushing international pressure to reform. Nelson Mandela is freed from prison and in 1990 is elected president of a democratic South Africa.
We'll send you funding deadlines, events, and film news.
Connect with us now at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Every so often I take on a topic that reminds me of the Civil Defense film called Duck and Cover. They used to show us this "educational" film in elementary school. Having a serious as a heart attack announcer discussing nuclear attacks made for some really restful nights. More experienced readers recall that we were advised to "duck and cover" under our school desks in the event of a nuclear attack. Even as a 2nd grader I knew that was nonsense. In later school years I would develop better descriptive words. I don't recall the other kids thinking this was stupid but perhaps I just have an exceptional gift to discern the obvious.
Today's topic is one that generates as much vein bulging controversy in the church as picking the right kind of worship music or the correct bible translation. Yes, we Christians can mount a full out expedition on any kind of molehill. But today's issue is one that reasonable and thoughtful people can disagree about. Unfortunately, the reasonable and thoughtful ones are not nearly as likely to e-mail me.
The fact is that Christians are getting beaten up a bit in this culture. And a lot of Christians are getting defensive about it. I understand that. Nobody likes to be mocked, ridiculed, badgered and marginalized . Okay, most of us don't like that. The tough thing for followers of Jesus is deciding the right response to all of these verbal drive-bys. I have a hard time calling them attacks. I read the Voice of the Martyrs Newsletter. The suffering Christians around the world can use the word attack and persecution honestly. So far in America we are only dealing with bad manners and insults.
It seems like every time I turn on my television recently I see Bill Donohoe of The Catholic League complaining about something. In the past week it was comments by an ESPN announcer. This piece is not about criticizing Donohoe or the Catholic response. I am not smart enough to discern what God calls others to do. He simply represents one end of the spectrum. American Family Association also believes an aggressive approach is necessary. I often get e-mails asking me to boycott, email, complain and mobilize to help stop an offensive program or event. I rarely respond. Am I a bad Christian? Do I not care? If you haven't already launched a angry missive full of misspellings in my direction please allow me to discuss.
ESPN morning anchor Dana Jacobson launched a profanity laced, alcohol fueled tirade at a celebrity roast for radio hosts Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic. (Disclaimer: I used to do some freelance work for the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network but that has ended. So I don't think my comments will be influenced by a non-revenue stream but I still believe in full disclosure) Jacobson definitely made some crude remarks about Notre Dame (Mike Golic is a Irish grad) and about the mosaic of Jesus with arms raised that has been dubbed by alumni as Touchdown Jesus (this year it would be more appropriately called Field Goal Jesus or Three and Out Jesus). Some accused Jacobson of saying something vulgar about Jesus. But that is in dispute. Yet many Christian organizations are calling for her to be fired. I struggle with that response as a Christian.
I am deeply offended when someone mocks Jesus. It hurts. Jesus is my rock and my salvation so of course I don't like to hear comments like that. The Christian Defense League (that sounds ominous) had some strong comments.
"After meeting with ESPN officials for over an hour last week, it is clear to me that they are still in the 'dark ages' when it comes to workplace religious discrimination, bigotry and hate speech. There are several reasons why I feel this way. First, ESPN could end this controversy in a minute if they would just release the video tape of what Jacobson said or an exact transcript. Their refusal to do so demonstrates a lack of openness, good faith and candor which is necessary for true dialogue and healing to take place. It is painfully clear that they are more interested in protecting the corporate image of ESPN and avoiding actions taken against them, than they are in having a meaningful exchange on religious discrimination in the workplace."
ESPN is like every company. Their corporate image is without question their biggest concern. To be fair, we in the faith community have not always dealt with some sin issues in the church with openness and good faith. Why would it be a surprise if a corporate giant does not? The press release continues:
"ESPN is also implying that the faith community should not be upset because Ms. Jacobson was suspended for a week showing that the network is treating this episode seriously. However, over and over again in our discussion with them, ESPN made it clear that Ms. Jacobson was not fired for her speech or comments she made. She was disciplined only for her behavior. In other words, ESPN does not believe any offensive or discriminatory religious language took place."
Again, I am not sure what was said to Jacobson or to the rest of their employees. I do know how seriously they take workplace issues like sexual harassment because I have sat in the meetings. Now they will likely add several pages of restrictions regarding religious speech. Over the years I have had many open discussions about faith prior to or after ESPN events. That will likely be forbidden in the future. That is sad to me. The results of the reaction to this incident might have far greater impact than one announcer's personal status.
One of the consistent arguments is that only Christianity can be insulted without serious ramifications. I rather like that point. The comparison of how Christians respond versus other faiths is a strong argument for the teachings of Jesus. Is it weakness that we don't demand violence or ruin for those who offend? Or is it strength born out of grace?
Jesus gave a game plan for how to deal with those who rejected His followers.
"If you're not welcomed, not listened to, quietly withdraw. Don't make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and be on your way." (Mark 6, The Message)
Why? Because making a scene would not change anyone's mind about Jesus. However, showing grace might. Paul made the uncomfortable suggestion to the church in Rome that we should "bless" those who persecute us. I suspect that persecution was more serious to the early church than second hand comments from a bad celebrity roast. I am not sure that I am generally able to bless those who simply annoy me…let alone persecute me. But that would demonstrate grace in a graceless world and it would make a clear differentiation between followers of Jesus and other religions.
These words from Jesus seem to apply to our cultural challenges today.
"You have heard the law that says, 'Love your neighbor' and hate your enemy.
That is my struggle. How am I different if I am cynical and angry toward Dana Jacobson or anyone who makes an offensive comment? So I choose to believe her apology and I choose to pray for her. I choose to grant grace. I would gently challenge one comment she made.
"My actions at the roast were inappropriate and in no way represent who I am. I won't make excuses for my behavior, but I do hope I can be forgiven for such a poor lack of judgment."
At the heart of the Gospel is the fact that such unseemly behavior does represent who you are when you strip away the masks. Jesus made it clear that what is in our hearts reveals who we really are.
But the words you speak come from the heart—that's what defiles you. (Matthew 15, NLT).
Sometimes what comes from deep within surprises us. Perhaps alcohol released some of that darkness. I don't know what caused Dana Jacobson to act the way she did. I will say this from one lonely follower of Jesus.
I do forgive you. I appreciate that you make no excuses. And I pray that you will come to know the Jesus that I know. That you will meet an authentic follower of Jesus.
And to my fellow travelers in this journey I hope you are encouraged in spite of getting run over by a few secular buses recently. Despite shelves of bestsellers denouncing God faith in Him continues to grow. Despite unprecedented opposition from universities and professors Christianity survives and often thrives on our campuses. Despite the legal and intellectual efforts of militant atheists millions are choosing to follow Christ. I have often said that the greatest apologetic of all is that Christianity is flourishing in spite of Christians.
God's plan is being accomplished. I choose to trust Him. I don't need to make God look good. I just need to be faithful.
Dave Burchett is an Emmy Award winning television sports director, author, and Christian speaker. He is the author of When Bad Christians Happen to Good People and Bring'em Back Alive: A Healing Plan for those Wounded by the Church. You can reply by linking through daveburchett.com.


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UnNews:"Sexter" abused, possibly raped
|Straight talk, from straight faces
|Tuesday, September 26, 2023, 09:18:59 (UTC)
|"Sexter" abused, possibly raped
21 April 2009
PERVETON Minnesotta -- Sexting, the newest in a series of teenage activities of questionable morality, has recently become a highly controversial issue. By sending sexually provoking messages, youngsters can pretend to have sex using words. While some say this is wrong and disgusting, others say that it is a relatively safe way to release maturing sexual desires. But when the line gets crossed, the government is confused as to what to do, as can be seen in this interesting story...
Last night, around 10 P.M., a young Sexter was raped by her boyfriend when they were Sexting, and charges have been pressed. The young boy, around seventeen years old, is now locked up until further notice. The girl, now emotionally unstable, is seeking justice. When asked about the incident, she said, "I just felt so dirty. I mean, I tried to resist, and on several occasions I even said "NO!", but he refused to listen and he took my virginity before I was ready."
The boy, defending himself, had this to say: "We were just on the phone, I didn't do anything! Where does it say I can't do things to a girl through the phone?" After heated debates on both sides, the phone record was brought up, and before the jury, a few clips of the scene were presented:
Clip 1
Kevin: Ya im rly h0t 4 u rite now.
Stacy: O im hot 4 u 2.
Kevin: Heheheh
Stacy: wow!!!11 Wht r u doin?!?!1?
Kevin: Jst tryin 2 hav fun babz, liten up a lil.
Stacy: U no how i feal about this, n0t unti1 i has a r1ng babe.
Kevin: Hun, we r lik 17.
Clip 2
Stacy: *stps makn out* *reachs dwn pnts*
Kevin: That fels nice. Do teh buttrfly.
Stacy: U no im not that flecksible.
Kevin: Ya but wer on phon so we can prtnd.
Stacy: K *dos buttrfly*
Clip 3
Kevin: *hlds Stacy dwn*
Stacy: Kev babz wat r u doin?
Kevin: Shh, some1 wll here us.
Stacy: We r textng no1 can here.
Kevin: *dos Stacy*
Stacy: Wiat babz wat does dat meen?
Kevin: Oh nothins
Stacy: hld up, dos...ARE YOU RAPPING ME?
Kevin: Hehe
Stacy: Oh Noes! *struggles*
Kevin: relx almst done
Stacy: ='( I trstd u...
Much of the jury, a mostly middle-aged and technologically inept group, were confused as to what was happening. One had this to say: "Wait, so hold up a second, that is what happened and the stars meant they did it, or they were going to do it, or what?" Another expressed her lack of current popular slang by saying, "I have no clue what a 'no1' is. On another note, what is an 'lol'?" An eyewitness, the girl's neighbor, was brought before the jury: "I could hear her screams from my house! It was the saddest and most heartbreaking moment in my life. Although the screams might have been her mother, as her cell phone bill came in the mail that same day." To make matters even more confusing, the girl later came forward and claimed that she was diagnosed with an STD. Many were infuriated by this, and the boy admitted that he wasn't wearing a condom during the incident.
The chaos raised in this debate left the judge with a hard decision. Rape is a serious offense, and she had to prosecute to the degree it was committed to. However, many argued it happened through the phone; no one was hurt and no "virginity" was lost. Finally, after much anticipation and suspense, the judge simply asked the boy for his phone number. After receiving it, and putting it in her own phone, she stood up and said, "I am not sure what this means, but since it is such a big deal to commit crime over the phone, I will now sentence the defendant through the phone." She sent the boy a text, reading:*Sentences Kevin to one year in cell phone prison*. Then, she banged her gavel, and everyone went home. While the girl was not pleased with the "punishment", the boy has been cooperating in cell phone prison, where he is now, and will be for another twelve months. No one was really sure what had happened.
- Lothario Ben Googlymoogly "At least you can't get preggers "sexting"". San Francisco Chronicle, April 21, 2009
See Also[edit]
| Quasi-Featured Article (25 May 2009)
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Surprisingly, the "I can't see you" defense doesn't actually work against grenades.cheesemonster
As the last one exploded for the day, Syed thought, "There has got to be a better way to reduce pet overpopulation."KittyWitty
This wasn't just some normal, frat-boy farting contest...JEDA_88
Tha Scanners float was a little too realistic.JEDA_88
Being eliminated from Survivor Afghanistan has a slightly different meaning than here in the USAkshipley
For the second Halloween in a row, Gary's costume as a right angle covered in filth did not impress.Temperpedic
Whoa, that's crazy. I had no idea anybody was actually still wearing a Wrist Strong bracelet.willa
This is what an actual shitstorm looks like.Lovecraftian
AND THEN HIS HEAD EXPLODED!!!fodder2112
The cranberries had commited crimes against Vishnu. They all knew what had to be done.gorsia
Tired of his peers making fun of his filthy clothes and visible bad smell, Pigpen Gupta decided to rip off his own head.Poom
Exploding Diarrhea: Yet another reason not to eat at Taco Bell.Zombie_Jesus
Suicide Bombing Pinatas. Could happen to anybody.toastking
you should see the blast damage to my pants !!!joeb
Mentos + Diet Coke + Cow =del1578


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Flora, Lady and Marbles, Your New Best Pals
Flora, stealer of hearts
Companion Animal Foundation recently made another trip to pick up dogs from Oakland Animal Services for the Little Dogs, Big Love program.
Flora is a three-month-old Chihuahua and Terrier mix, and she is a heart stealer!
She loves people and other animals. She is energetic and playful but is also content cuddling in your lap for hours.
Flora sleeps perfectly in a crate and is making great strides in potty training.
CAF would love to bring more dogs to Humboldt, so please consider fostering and giving dogs a better chance to find their forever home.
For more information on adopting or fostering please call (707) 826-7387, or visit cafanimals.org.
Lady and Marbles
Lady is a tan and white Pit Bull Terrier mix. She is a good-natured, playful dog, happy to be around people or other dogs. Lady knows a few commands and is very eager to learn more, especially if there is a treat involved! She is one year, one month old and has been spayed. She arrived at the shelter on November 29. Her ID number is A062126.
Marbles is a white and brown tabby domestic longhair. He is six years old and has been neutered. He arrived at the shelter on November 19. His ID number is A062065.
For more information about Lady or Marbles, call the Humboldt County Sheriff's Animal Shelter at (707) 840-9132 or visit petfinder.com/shelters/CA866.html.
If you know of an animal that you would like to see displayed in this column, e-mail Helen at email@example.com.
Animal Arcata is sponsored by Arcata Pet Supplies.
Compiled by Asti Morris, Helen Tozer and Mara Segal.


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|Sandwiches using baked vegetable patties
and also to the CBB Series#3 - Evening Tiffin event at Tickling Palates
|Sandwiches using baked vegetable patties
What a flavorful n healthy treat !! Looks soo inviting :)
US Masala
you are a BAKIING QUEEN yar..dish looks fabulous.. whatever english people eat, we all used to try out in our spicy way..ha ha.. Different try..good..
Baking the patties is sich a healthy and attractive option. Please send it to my kid's delight event which I am running on my blog. You can send your entries as you Post them...( I didn't have your email address to reply)
Baked patties looks so delicious and healthy version !!
This looks so delicious.
awesome patties...tempting clicks dear..
Tasty Appetite
Delicious and healthy patties,nice one,will surely give this a try.
Thank you all for your nice words.. :)
Loved your healthy patties.Those look so delicious.
Niiice! Super-healthy option to frying too!
You have some awards waiting for you in my blog... Do accept them, please!
tempting recipe!!!great..
I like your idea of baking and then frying...uses less oil this way and we can indulge too... your sandwich looks just right.
Thanks a lot Divya and Rajani
Looks delicious. patties are perfect. love it wiht some hot sauce. yummm.. thanks for stopping by my space. love to follow ur recipes :-)
luscious recipe..healthy home made patties..congrats for ur awards..
Thanx a lot Amrita..
Thanx Julie for the comments and wishes :)
Wow.. This looks delicious.. should try it :)
U have a nice space with interesting recipes


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Genesis 2
Revised Standard Version
2 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. 2 And on the seventh day God finished his work which he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had done. 3 So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all his work which he had done in creation.
4 These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created.
Another Account of the Creation
In the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens, 5 when no plant of the field was yet in the earth and no herb of the field had yet sprung up—for the Lord God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was no man to till the ground; 6 but a mist[a] went up from the earth and watered the whole face of the ground— 7 then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. 8 And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east; and there he put the man whom he had formed. 9 And out of the ground the Lord God made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food, the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
10 A river flowed out of Eden to water the garden, and there it divided and became four rivers. 11 The name of the first is Pishon; it is the one which flows around the whole land of Hav′ilah, where there is gold; 12 and the gold of that land is good; bdellium and onyx stone are there. 13 The name of the second river is Gihon; it is the one which flows around the whole land of Cush. 14 And the name of the third river is Tigris, which flows east of Assyria. And the fourth river is the Euphra′tes.
15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it. 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, "You may freely eat of every tree of the garden; 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die."
18 Then the Lord God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him." 19 So out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. 20 The man gave names to all cattle, and to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for the man there was not found a helper fit for him. 21 So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh; 22 and the rib which the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. 23 Then the man said,
"This at last is bone of my bones
and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called Woman,[b]
because she was taken out of Man."[c]
24 Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and cleaves to his wife, and they become one flesh. 25 And the man and his wife were both naked, and were not ashamed.
- Genesis 2:6 Or flood
- Genesis 2:23 Heb ishshah
- Genesis 2:23 Heb ish
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, and 1971 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.


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Feb. 12, 2013 — -- Michael Riggs had heard about a murder at a local pub just a few miles from his house in a suburb of Dallas. He immediately went to his computer to share the news.
No, he didn't post it on Facebook or tweet it. He logged into Nextdoor.com and shared details about the crime and the Dallas Police Department's contact information. His online audience: his neighbors. And not his virtual neighbors. His real-life neighbors.
"I posted it so everyone would be aware," Riggs told ABC News in a phone interview. "Within a few hours there were several responses to the murder post. Many were just blown away that this had happened in our neighborhood." Riggs, 53, is the lead of the Bent Tree West Nextdoor site. The small town has 818 homes; 196 are now on the town's Nextdoor community.
Bent Tree West is just an example of the growing Nextdoor social network, which announced today the newest version of the site -- Nextdoor 2.0 -- and that it has raised $21.6 million in its next round of funding from some of the early backers of Facebook and LinkedIn.
Not a Site for Friendships
"There is a social network for friends and family -- that's Facebook. There is a social network for business -- that's LinkedIn," Nirav Tolia, the CEO and founder of Nextdoor, told ABC News in an interview. "But a big part of our social identity is where we live, and where we live isn't captured by those other social networks."
Nextdoor is strictly about connecting with the people who live around you. When you sign up, you must input your real name and address. And you must verify that you live in the neighborhood either via credit card confirmation or by having the company send you a postcard that you can then verify you received.
Tolia created Nextdoor so neighbors could connect more easily with each other, to make asking for the cup of sugar or an extra egg faster.
"People have a latent desire to connect with their desires -- not as friends," Tolia said. It's not 'Wish me happy birthday' or 'Look at my vacation pictures.' It's, 'I lost my dog,' 'My roof is leaking,' 'I need to borrow some skis.'"
Since its launch in 2012, more than 8,000 neighborhoods are using Nextdoor in the U.S, with 40 new neighborhoods being added each day, the company says.
The website, which is being refreshed today with a cleaner design, allows you to start threads to talk to your neighbors. There are threads on everything from ride sharing to good plumbers to reports of wild raccoons. The site also has a Craigslist-like function that allows you to list products that you are selling.
Security and Crime Safety
But while Tolia expected to create a network for neighbors to connect over smaller things, the site has made a bigger impact.
"We've noticed that neighbors, when they can easily connect and communicate, band together to create safer neighborhoods," Tolia said. Just as Michael Riggs did with his community, many neighbors are alerting each other about crimes or security issues.
"We believe neighborhoods that use Nextdoor will lower crime rates," Tolia said. "Over the last six months police departments and fire departments have been contacting Nextdoor to be integrated into the service so they can work with neighbors to create safer neighborhoods."
But while Nextdoor has begun to fight crime, its hard not to imagine the crimes that could be started by users of the site. The site requires people to input their real name and addresses; that's how people will see them on the service and on neighboorhood maps. In the Internet age, that's something you think twice about before typing in on a social network.
Tolia assured ABC News that nothing on Nextdoor can be indexed by Google and you have to be logged into that specific neighborhood to see anything about users. For instance, if you live in a town near New York City, only people in that town can see you. There is also the option to leave out your numeric house address; you can just put in your street. In addition, Nextdoor has integrated 50 different sex offender databases. People listed on them won't be able to join.
"Privacy is a benefit, not a risk for users," Tolia said. He said 30 percent of the users list their children's names and ages.
Riggs said privacy and personal safety was actually something he had never thought about when using the service. Instead, he sees the service as being a safety shield. "People are able to freely communicate," he said. "And the communication regarding something they see that's security or safety related has been extremely effective."


text:
Iberia - Lima Airport (LIM)
Lima Airport has a single passenger terminal, from where both domestic and international services are served around the globe.
Check your arriving flight here
Check your departing flight here
Follow the links below in order to see all the flights scheduled for Iberia
- Arrivals
- Departures
In order to check in for your flight at Lima Airport (LIM), go to departures hall in the main building terminal, or follow the instructions provided in your ticket.
General Information
- IATA Code: IB
- Website: www.iberia.com
This airline operate some flights, but other flights are codeshare flights operated by the following airlines


text:
Hi all,
If you live in the Fresno area Today sept 4-6th Valley Children's Healthcare is hosting KISS Country's 93.7 Radio-thon to help fundraise for the Foundation at Valley Children's. With that being said, my son Cooper (6) will be on Friday at 12:30pm sharing a little bit about himself! :) We've begun to prep for the questions they may ask, and also have begun to prep take ownership of his diagnosis. His sister may take the spotlight ;) but we are so honored to give back in the form of sharing our story with the radio station about the hospital that our children love! So if you are in the area tune in! I am so excited!
Thanks for the support! <3


text:
B.C.'s small business minister defended the province's shift to a new recycling system Wednesday after a continuing attack in the Legislature by the Official Opposition.
Naomi Yamamoto said the Multi Material BC program transfers recycling costs from taxpayers to the producers who generate packaging and printed paper and challenged New Democrats to state whether or not they oppose that principle.
"How many of us have come home after purchasing a relatively small item, struggled to unpackage the item and then found yourself with a mountain of waste material that we have no control over?" Yamamoto responded in Question Period. "This program actually provides an incentive to producers to reduce their packaging."
The new system led by Multi Material BC is being resisted as too costly by various business sectors, including the newspaper industry and Black Press, the company that owns this newspaper.
Yamamoto said the province asked MMBC to work with the small business community and the B.C. Chamber of Commerce, adding that led to a series of exemptions that absolve 99 per cent of small businesses of requirements to report and pay recycling fees under the new program.
NDP small business critic Lana Popham cited severe business impacts and demanded to know if the province will halt the scheduled May 19 rollout pending better consultation with businesses, municipalities and environmental organizations.
"The premier is chucking B.C.'s recycling system into a giant dumpster by completely botching the implementation," Popham said. "British Columbia deserves to get our recycling right."
Popham earlier in the week denounced MMBC as a "red tape monster" controlled by Ontario-based corporations and multinational firms that aren't sufficiently accountable to B.C. stakeholders.
Newspaper industry representatives have warned newspaper closures and large-scale job losses are likely if the MMBC rollout continues unchanged.


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The Tel Dan Inscription: A Reappraisal and a New Interpretation
The Tel Dan inscription, with its apparent reference to "the house of David," has generated much controversy. In this revision of his 1999 dissertation at the University of Sydney, Athas provides a thorough study of the inscription and offers an interpretation that must be taken seriously. The majority of studies of the Tel Dan fragments are based on an examination of published photos or hand-drawn facsimiles. Athas decries this approach; his evaluation is based on a lengthy examination of the fragments in the Israel Museum of Jerusalem (p. 4).
Utilizing a precisely defined method outlined in his introduction (pp. 2–3), Athas begins by establishing the archaeological context of the fragments. He concludes that "the fracturing" of the fragments occurred in the early eighth century B.C. (p. 16). He then provides a detailed epigraphical analysis of the fragments (pp. 18–93) and argues "that there is a very real epigraphical connection between Fragment A and Fragment B" (p. 93). An even lengthier paleographical analysis follows (pp. 94–174), which confirms the proposed date of around 800 B.C. (p. 164). Athas next addresses the question of the arrangement of the fragments, concluding that "Fragment B must be placed below Fragment A" (p. 190).
Having addressed these methodologically foundational issues, Athas offers his textual analysis of the fragments (pp. 192–254). He includes his transcription and translation, provides a detailed line-by-line commentary, and concludes this chapter with an analysis of the language of the inscription (in his opinion, Old Aramaic), a grammatical survey of the inscription, and a glossary. As for the reading dwdtyb in Fragment A, line 9, Athas interacts with scholarly opinion (pp. 217–25) and concludes, "I cannot stress enough that dwdtyb should be regarded as a toponym and not a reference to a Davidic dynasty. Although this label may have had an etymology going back to a Davidic dynasty, this is not how the author of the Tel Dan Inscription used it. Rather, the author was here referring to a geographical entity. My contention is that this geographical entity was Jerusalem" (p. 226, italics his).
A historical commentary follows (pp. 255–315) in which Athas discusses, among other things, the authorship of the inscription (in his opinion, Bar Hadad II, son of Hazael), the identities of the kings of Israel and Bayt-Dawid mentioned in the inscription (in his opinion, Jehoahaz son of Jehu and Joash son of Ahaziah, respectively), and the significance of the toponym Bayt-Dawid, which he concludes is "the equivalent of the biblical 'City of David,' " referring to a city-state, not a regional state (p. 280). If correct, this means "that Jerusalem's sovereignty over the regions of Judah was more token and ideological than an actual political reality" (ibid.). In this chapter Athas also reconstructs a timeline of events referred to in the inscription and correlates these with the biblical data.
Athas concludes that "the Tel Dan Inscription neither confirms nor denies the biblical assertion that a certain David lent his name to a fortress in Jerusalem" (p. 308). He adds, "This, however, is because that naming event is outside the inscription's scope, the inscription being interested in other matters. Given the evidence, however, it certainly looks as though it was the case. As such, we cannot say that we have pinned David down outside the pages of the Bible. We may well, so to speak, have found a footprint, even a fresh one, but he himself still eludes us. We are, however, hot on his heels and our confidence in finding him has greatly increased. The Tel Dan Inscription does not give us proof of an historical David, but it may certainly be admitted as evidence" (pp. 308–9).


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Fifa 12 3DS screenshots and info
Today EA announced FIFA 12 for the Nintendo 3DS. EA SPORTS FIFA 12 will deliver the most authentic, innovative and feature-rich 3D football experience on Nintendo 3DS™ when the game launches this fall. FIFA 12 on Nintendo 3DS will feature over 500 officially licensed clubs, new touch screen controls that will change the gameplay experience, and the first-ever 3D Street Football. With eight different game modes, it is the largest feature set ever developed by EA SPORTS for a hand-held football game.
Take to the pitch with superstars like Real Madrid's Kaká and Manchester United's Wayne Rooney, and become a true marksman using all-new optional touch screen controls. Enjoy precision shooting by picking a spot precisely from the player's viewpoint using the lower touch screen and then finessing a shot with pinpoint accuracy. Utilize touch screen controls on set pieces to draw a shot that curves the ball around, or even power it over the wall for the match-winning goal that lifts your club to victory.
"We challenged our development team to develop innovative features that would maximize the FIFA experience on 3DS. They delivered intuitive new touch screen controls and a curved pitch in our Street mode that truly brings the 3D elements to life," said Matt Prior, Producer for FIFA 12 on Nintendo 3DS. "When you combine these features and many other innovations with all the authentic players and kits for the upcoming season, we are confident that this will be the best football game available on Nintendo 3DS."
Whether fans choose to take to the pitch as a real-world superstar or re-create themselves in the first-ever 3D Street Football Mode, the environment will come alive through an innovative curved pitch and unique lower camera view that maximizes 3D planes, enabling gamers to experience the depth of the field and player movement with full 3D effects. Featuring players wearing the latest street gear, the stage will be set for epic 5 versus 5 matches in exotic street locales and indoor environments that are true to the spirit of street football. Plus, in Be A Pro Mode, fans will be able to take their created player on a journey from the streets to ultimately compete for their favourite club and national side and become the next football legend.
FIFA 12 on Nintendo 3DS will feature fully authentic 11 versus 11 gameplay, head-to-head online matches using Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, Tournament Mode with over 50 real-world competitions, a full in-depth Career Mode that enables gamers to play or manage their way to glory, 3D Street Football, Be A Pro and a Training Mode.It also features nine different camera angles to choose from for the perfect view of the pitch.
FIFA 12 will be available in stores world-wide this fall for Nintendo 3DS and is being developed by EA SPORTS at EA Canada in Burnaby, B.C. The game has not yet been rated.
See some screenshots from the new game below!


text: Original source URL: http://www.mindfully.org/Nucs/2006/DU-Europe-Moret26feb06.htm [links in original] The Queen's Death Star Depleted Uranium Measured in British Atmosphere from Battlefields in the Middle East LEUREN MORET / Mindfully.org 26feb2006 [More by Leuren Moret] Leuren Moret President, Scientists for Indigenous People City of Berkeley Environmental Commissioner Past President, Association for Women Geoscientists Berkeley, CA Phone/FAX (510) 845-3139 •••@••.••• "Did the use of Uranium weapons in Gulf War II result in contamination of Europe? Evidence from the measurements of the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE), Aldermaston, Berkshire, UK," reported the Sunday Times Online (February 19, 2006) in a shocking scientific study authored by British scientists Dr. Chris Busby and Saoirse Morgan (http://www.mindfully.org/Nucs/2006/DU-Europe-Contamination1jan06.htm). The highest levels of depleted uranium ever measured in the atmosphere in Britain, were transported on air currents from the Middle East and Central Asia; of special significance were those from the Tora Bora bombing in Afghanistan in 2001, and the "Shock & Awe" bombing during Gulf War II in Iraq in 2003. Out of concern for the public, the official British government air monitoring facility, known as the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE), at Aldermaston, was established years ago to measure radioactive emissions from British nuclear power plants and atomic weapons facilities. The British government facility (AWE) was taken over 3 years ago by Halliburton, which refused at first to release air monitoring data to Dr. Busby, as required by law. An international expert on low level radiation, Busby serves as an official advisor on several British government committees, and co-authored an independent report on low level radiation with 45 scientists, the European Committee on Radiation Risk (ECRR), for the European Parliament. He was able to get Aldermaston air monitoring data from Halliburton /AWE by filing a Freedom of Information request using a new British law which became effective January 1, 2005; but the data for 2003 was missing. He obtained the 2003 data from the Defence Procurement Agency. The fact that the air monitoring data was circulated by Halliburton/ AWE to the Defence Procurement Agency, implies that it was considered to be relevant, and that Dr. Busby was stonewalled because Halliburton/ AWE clearly recognized that it was a serious enough matter to justify a government interpretation of the results, and official decisions had to be made about what the data would show and its political implications for the military. In a similar circumstance, in 1992, Major Doug Rokke, the Director of the U.S. Army Depleted Uranium Cleanup Project after Gulf War I, was ordered by a U.S. Army General officer to write a no-bid contract "Depleted Uranium, Contaminated Equipment, and Facilities Recovery Plan Outline" for the procedures for cleaning up Kuwait, including depleted uranium, for Kellogg, Brown and Root (KBR), a subsidiary of Halliburton. The contract/proposal was passed through Madeleine Albright, the Secretary of State, to the Emirate of Kuwait, who considered the terms and then hired KBR for the cleanup. Aldermaston is one of many nuclear facilities throughout Europe that regularly monitor atmospheric radiation levels, transported by atmospheric sand and dust storms, or air currents, from radiation sources in North Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia. After the "Shock and Awe" campaign in Iraq in 2003, very fine particles of depleted uranium were captured with larger sand and dust particles in filters in Britain. These particles traveled in 7-9 days from Iraqi battlefields as far as 2400 miles away. The radiation measured in the atmosphere quadrupled within a few weeks after the beginning of the 2003 campaign, and at one of the 5 monitoring locations, the levels twice required an official alert to the British Environment Agency. In addition to depleted uranium data gathered in previous studies on Kosovo and Bosnia by Dr. Busby, the Aldermaston air monitoring data provided a continuous record of depleted uranium levels in Britain from the other recent wars. Extensive video news footage of the 2003 Iraq war, including Fallujah in 2004, provided irrefutable documented evidence that the US has unethically and illegally used depleted uranium munitions on cities and other civilian populations. These military actions are in direct violation of not only the international conventions, but also violate US military law because the US is a signatory to The Hague and Geneva Conventions and the 1925 Geneva Gas Protocol. TITLE 50 > CHAPTER 40 > § 2302 § 2302. Definitions Release date: 2005-03-17 In this chapter: (1) The term ³weapon of mass destruction² means any weapon or device that is intended, or has the capability, to cause death or serious bodily injury to a significant number of people through the release, dissemination, or impact of‹ (A) toxic or poisonous chemicals or their precursors; (B) a disease organism; or (C) radiation or radioactivity. (2) The term ³independent states of the former Soviet Union² has the meaning given that term in section 5801 of title 22. (3) The term ³highly enriched uranium² means uranium enriched to 20 percent or more in the isotope U235. source 27feb2006 Depleted uranium weaponry meets the definition of a Weapon of Mass Destruction (WMD) in two out of three categories under US Code TITLE 50, CHAPTER 40 Sec. 2302 [at right]. After action mandates have also been violated such as US Army Regulation AR 700-48 and TB 9-1300-278 which requires treatment of radiation poisoning for all casualties, including enemy soldiers and civilians, and remediation. Dr. Busby's request for this data through Halliburton from AWE, and subsequently provided by the Defence Procurement Agency, was necessary to establish verification of Iraq's 2003 depleted uranium levels in the atmosphere. These facts demonstrate why Halliburton (AWE) refused to release the 2003 data to him, and it obviously establishes that weaponized depleted uranium is an indiscriminate weapon being distributed all over the world in a very short period of time, immediately after its use. The recent documentary film BEYOND TREASON details the horrific effects of depleted uranium exposure on American troops and Iraqi civilians in the Gulf region in 1991; not to speak of those civilians continuing to live in permanently contaminated and thus uninhabitable regions. Global increases since 1991 of melanoma, infant mortality, and frog die-offs can only be explained by an environmental contaminant. Alarming global increases in diabetes, with high correlation to depleted uranium wars in Iraq, Bosnia/Kosovo, and Afghanistan, demonstrate that diabetes is a sensitive indicator and a rapid response to internal depleted uranium exposure. Americans in 2003 reported visiting Iraqi relatives in Baghdad who were suffering from an epidemic of diabetes. After returning to the US following 2-3 weeks in Iraq, they discovered within a few months that they too had diabetes. Japanese human shields and journalists who worked in Iraq during the 2003 war are sick and now have symptoms typical of depleted uranium exposure. Likewise, after the US Navy, several years ago, moved depleted uranium bombing and gunnery ranges from Vieques Island in Puerto Rico to Australia, health effects there are already being reported. The documentary film BLOWIN' IN THE WIND, has an interview with a family with two normal teenage daughters, living near the bombing range where depleted uranium weaponry is now being used. The parents showed photos of their baby born recently with severe birth defects. The baby looked like Iraqi deformed babies, and like many of the Iraqi babies, died 5 days after birth. Other than anonymous British government officials denying that Iraq was the source of the depleted uranium measured at Aldermaston by AWE, and some unnamed 'establishment scientists' blaming it on local sources or natural uranium in the Iraq environment, there is no one, as of this writing, willing to lend their name or office to refuting this damning evidence reported by Dr. Busby. All of the anonymous statements used by the media thus far are contradicted by the factual evidence found in the filters, which was all transported from the same region. The natural abundance of uranium in the crust of the earth is 2.4 parts per million, which would not become concentrated to the high levels measured in Britain during a long journey from the Middle East. These particles traveling over thousands of miles would dilute the concentration rather than increase it. There are no known natural uranium deposits in Iraq which make it impossible for these anonymous claims to have scientific credibility. Unnamed government sources blamed local sources in Britain such as nuclear power plants; however that would also leave evidence of fission products in the filters which were not in evidence. The lowest levels measured at monitoring stations around Aldermaston were at the facility, which means it could not be a possible source. Atomic weapons facilities would be more likely to produce plutonium contamination, also not reported as a co-contaminant at Aldermaston. In other words, all factual evidence considered, the question must be asked, what were the media's anonymous experts and government officials basing their claims on? Dr. Keith Baverstock exposed a World Health Organization (WHO) cover-up on depleted uranium in an Aljazeera article, "Washington's Secret Nuclear War" posted on September 14, 2004. It was the most popular article ever posted on the Aljazeera English language website. See: Radiological toxicity of DU K. BAVERSTOCK, C. MOTHERSILL & M. THORNE Repressed WHO Document 5nov01 Baverstock leaked an official WHO report that he wrote, to the media several years ago after the WHO refused to publish it. He warned in the report about the mobility of, and environmental contamination from, tiny depleted uranium particles formed from US munitions. Busby's ECRR report challenged the International Committee on Radiation Protection (ICRP) standards for radiation risk, and reported that the mutagenic effects of radiation determined by Chernobyl studies are actually 1000 times higher than the ICRP risk model predicts. The ECRR report also establishes that the ICRP risk model, based on external exposure of Hiroshima and Nagasaki victims, and the ECRR risk model, based on internal exposure, are mutually exclusive models. In other words, the ICRP risk model based on external exposure cannot be used to estimate internal exposure risk. The report also states that a separate study is needed for depleted uranium exposure risks, because it may be far more toxic than nuclear weapons or nuclear power plant exposures. In July of 2005, the National Academy of Sciences reported in their new BEIR VII report on low level radiation, that there is "no safe level of exposure". The report also finally admitted that very low levels are more harmful per unit of radiation than higher levels of exposure, also known as the "supralinear" effect. This is extremely alarming information on low level radiation risk, since the AWE data from Aldermaston confirms that rapid global transport of depleted uranium dust is occurring. Dr. Katsuma Yagasaki, a Japanese physicist at the University of the Ryukyus in Okinawa, has estimated that the atomicity equivalent of at least 400,000 Nagasaki bombs has been released into the global atmosphere since 1991, from the use of depleted uranium munitions. It is completely mixed in the atmosphere in one year. The "smog of war" from Gulf War I was found in glaciers and ice sheets globally a year later. Even more alarming is the non-specific catalytic or enzyme effect from internal exposures to nanoparticles of depleted uranium. Soldiers on depleted uranium battlefields have reported that, after noticing a metallic taste in their mouths, within 24-48 hours of exposure they became sick with Gulf War syndrome symptoms. Who is profiting from this global uranium nightmare? Dr. Jay Gould revealed in his book THE ENEMY WITHIN [see excerpt], that the British Royal family privately owns investments in uranium holdings worth over $6 billion through Rio Tinto Mines. The mining company was formed for the British Royal family in the late 1950's by Roland Walter "Tiny" Rowland, the Queen's buccaneer. Born in 1917 through illegitimate German parentage, and before changing his name, Roland Walter Fuhrhop was a passionate member of the Nazi youth movement by 1933, and a classmate described him as "...an ardent supporter of Hitler and an arrogant, nasty piece of work to boot." His meteoric rise and protection by intel agencies and the British Crown are an indication of what an asset he has been for decades to the Queen, as Africa's most powerful Western businessman. Africa and Australia are two of the main sources of uranium in the world. The Rothschilds control uranium supplies and prices globally, and one serves as the Queen's business manager. Filmmaker David Bradbury made BLOWIN' IN THE WIND to expose depleted uranium bombing and gunnery range activities contaminating pristine areas of eastern Australia, and to expose plans to extract over $36 billion in uranium from mines in the interior over the next 6 years. Halliburton has finished construction of a 1000 mile railway from the mining area to a port on the north coast of Australia to transport the ore. See documentary: The Carlyle Group Exposed · Low Bandwidth Version · High Bandwidth Version · MP3 audio of the soundtrack The Queen's favorite American buccaneers, Cheney, Halliburton, and the Bush family, are tied to her through uranium mining and the shared use of illegal depleted uranium munitions in the Middle East, Central Asia and Kosovo/Bosnia. The major roles that such diverse individuals and groups as the Carlyle Group, George Herbert Walker Bush, former Carlyle CEO Frank Calucci, the University of California managed nuclear weapons labs at Los Alamos and Livermore, and US and international pension fund investments have played in proliferating depleted uranium weapons is not well known or in most instances even recognized, inside or outside the country. God Save The Queen from the guilt of her complicity in turning Planet Earth into a "Death Star." [See: Did the use of Uranium weapons in Gulf War 2 result in contamination of Europe? Busby & Saoirse1jan06] To send us your comments, questions, and suggestions click here The home page of this website is www.mindfully.org Please see our Fair Use Notice -- -------------------------------------------------------- Posting archives: http://cyberjournal.org/show_archives/ Escaping the Matrix website: http://escapingthematrix.org/ cyberjournal website: http://cyberjournal.org Community Democracy Framework: http://cyberjournal.org/DemocracyFramework.html Subscribe cyberjournal list: •••@••.••• (send blank message) cyberjournal blog (join in): http://cyberjournal-rkm.blogspot.com/ Moderator: •••@••.••• (comments welcome)


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With deductibles going up and patients having to cover more of their overall healthcare costs, collecting payments is becoming more challenging. Industry surveys have shown that healthcare providers typically collect only about 54% (on average) of their outstanding receivables, which translates into billions of dollars in potential lost revenue.1 The shift toward healthcare plans with high deductibles exacerbates this issue.
Effective management of patient payments is a key priority for healthcare providers, including doctor's offices, dental practices, hospital systems, and long-term care facilities, and it goes beyond just collecting deductibles at the time of care. Simply expanding payment options--such as by accepting Visa--is one strategy that can support both patient and provider needs.
1 Source: MGMA Cost Survey Report for Multi-Specialty Practices, 2012 Report Based on 2011 Data


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In Memoriam: Niko Vesga-Cromley
It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of Niko Vesga-Cromley. He went peacefully at 7:20 AM on Monday, April 16, 2012. It's difficult to put our loss and sadness into words but I can unreservedly say that Niko was a fighter. There's no other way to describe the dog who went on to live a year and four months after the doctors gave him "six months at the most."
The last couple weeks his tumor got to be too much for him. The back stairs became scary. And even standing up on the hardwood floors grew tricky. All of that we were more than happy to help him with. We had no problem lending a hand or even carrying him if need be (though he hated the carrying). No, what really told us that it was time was the fact that he was uncomfortable, constantly shifting to find a position that didn't aggravate his tumor. We'd see him sprawled awkwardly on the floor, bewildered at the fact that his own body was failing him. That's when we knew.
It's impossible to quantify what he's meant to us and I won't even try to do that here. But there are some things people should know about Niko. He was the most empathic dog I have ever known. He internalized our moods – be they happy, sad, nervous, or angry – and made them his own. If Natalie was doing a last minute crunch on a paper, he was there, sitting next to her, trying to calm her. If I was watching a football game, he'd bark when I'd cheer and growl when I'd curse. When Natalie and I fought, he'd try to broker a peace. In the last six months of his life he developed a new habit. On days when I'd have to wake up early for classes, if I did not get out of bed on the first ring of my alarm clock, he'd get agitated and start pawing the bed, worried I would oversleep. When he was satisfied that I was rising, he'd curl up and go back to sleep.
We learn many things from our pets – things about ourselves, but, more importantly, things about life. Niko taught me about love. Unlike most dogs, he was never a font of unconditional, tail-wagging love. Rather, affection was something he doled out cautiously, reservedly. If he let you pet him, you knew you'd earned it with Niko. And if he wanted nothing to do with you (as was often the case) he felt no compunction to fake it. When he gave you his love, it really meant something.
In the immediate aftermath of the decision, there was relief. Relief also after we found a lovely pet crematorium who could take him in right away and give us his ashes before we left. Then, on the drive back into town, heading toward home with his still-warm ashes in Natalie's lap, we were forced to face the horrible emptiness, an all-consuming absence. No music or talk could replace an essential sound that was now missing. We've spent the hours since alternately grieving, focusing our attention on our remaining dog, and trying futilely to distract ourselves. I don't know where it goes from here. I suppose the pain will ease in time. But it's hard to see that now. So I try to focus my thoughts only on the positive, only on memories that sustain: Niko was a good dog, a loyal dog. He always gave of himself and he made our lives immeasurably better. He will be missed. He will always be loved.
Chimere Clark
4/17/2012 11:08:39 pm
Having recently gone through losing our dog, your post totally hit home as Dinna and I sat on the bed sobbing while reading your obituary. We send our deepest sympathy for you and Natalie's lost. I know how much you love your dogs and how important Niko and Kiya are to your family! It my hope the you find peace and know that you gave Niko the best life he could have.
dorothea cromley
4/18/2012 02:40:35 am
Wow - that was beautiful Giano. I now have to stop crying before I go to class.
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The Mask of Zorro (1998)
Directed by Martin Campbell / Glenn Randall Jr.
Genres - Action, Adventure, Drama | Sub-Genres - Swashbuckler, Costume Adventure | Release Date - Jul 17, 1998 (USA) | Run Time - 136 min. | Countries - Germany, Mexico, United States | MPAA Rating - PG13
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Synopsis by Rachel Koetje
Director Martin Campbell, well-known to the action arena after 1995's GoldenEye, teams up with executive producer Steven Spielberg to bring the first Hollywood production of creator Johnston McCulley's Zorro in over four decades to the big screen. With scenic 18th century Mexico as a backdrop, Anthony Hopkins plays the original Zorro, a.k.a. Don Diego de la Vega, intent on revenge after rival enemy Don Raphael Montero (Stuart Wilson) murdered his wife and took his daughter, Elena. After being imprisoned for 20 years, the fabled hero removes his mask and takes on a tarnished young apprentice, Alejandro Murieta (Antonio Banderas), to infiltrate Montero's plan to take control of California from Santa Anna. A boisterous outlaw with his own desire for revenge, Murieta works with Diego to avenge his brother's death by the sword of Montero's right-hand man, Captain Harrison Love (Matt Letscher, in his big screen debut). After Diego's extensive training in swordfighting, discipline and manners, a new Zorro appears wreaking vengeance and stealing the heart of a now-grown Elena (Catherine Zeta-Jones). A sizable summer hit, the film served as Zeta-Jones' stepping stone to leading lady status as the high-spirited heroine.
good-vs-evil, Robin-Hood, corruption, drifter, robbery, Superhero, oppression


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How do I buy a SIM card for my cellphone in Paris? Also, is there anything I should keep an eye out? (things like fees, cellphone-compatibility in europe...) and do they have pre-paid plans (in Brazil we have those, I don't know how it's called in other parts of the world, but its simply a plan wich you pay before using, and once your credit is over you cannot make any more calls before recharging the SIM card).
If you know any, please post some buying places near the Arc de triomphe.


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The NRFC Library is a collection of materials to build a knowledge base around fathers, fatherhood, and operating a Responsible Fatherhood program. It also houses all resources created by the NRFC, including fact sheets, PSAs, and past webinars.
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NPEN's 2015 survey of parenting education nationwide revealed information about work being done in the parenting education arena, including how parents and other caregivers are being reached, how they are engaging with parenting programs, what they are learning and how those programs are…