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I have wanted to do a story on Lucile's time in Chicago and have researched it for years, when I met Randy Bryan Bigham (see his Profile on nenasnotes on Monday, January 8, 2018) on Facebook I hit paydirt. Randy is the reigning expert on all things Lucile and he has helped me find more information on Lucile Ltd. in Chicago.
The story of Lucile Ltd. begins in London in 1890 and continued until the early 1920's when she left the company (reluctantly!) She was the first to do many, many things that we now take for granted in the world of fashion…the first to release women from corsets (along with Poiret and others of the time) the first to create her own fragrance (note "French Novelties" in the advertisement above, that was how her fragrances were promoted!), exquisite lingerie and most interesting, to me, did the first "fashion parades" (fashion shows) using live mannequins. She gave her garments provocative names and was a HUGE success in London, then New York and Paris. If you GOOGLE Lucile Duff Gordon you will probably be taken to the Titanic site, she and her husband Sir Cosmo Duff Gordon sailed on the ill-fated crossing and were survivors of the sinking of the ship. Randy's insight…."Yes it was awful but Lucile came through that bad spell and went on to become even greater. It has been said she was tainted by the scandal but I have not found that to be true. The press defended her and her publicity value only increased. So, while we may think of the Titanic today as the thing she's most known for, that was absolutely NOT the case in her own day. She was hugely famous as a designer and public personality, and she continued to be celebrated well into the 1920s. It was a horrible tragedy to have witnessed, and the aftermath was very hurtful to her and her husband personally, but it was a blip on the screen of her life. At least that's how I see it, and my research shows it was her fashions that kept her in the public eye and her amusing personality was also very entertaining. The Titanic was something to forget and the press seemed to feel that way too."
Lady Lucile Duff Gordon.
That is an entirely different story and one that has been told. The new bit of information, to me, that Randy thought would interest me was two other passengers on board are part of my fashion history (many degrees of separation!) From Randy… "You may be aware of this already but Leila Saks Meyer, the daughter of Andrew Saks, one of the founders of Saks, was on board the Titanic with her husband, Edgar Meyer. In fact, Lucile talked with the couple in the lounge on the fateful night the ship hit the iceberg. Leila Meyer survived in Molly Brown's lifeboat, but Edgar was drowned with so many others in that terrible disaster."
A page from Lucile's memoir Discretions and Indiscretions.
Sensing there was a market in the Midwest, especially Chicago, she sought a site where her clients lived, Lake Shore Drive, in a mansion that was directly across the street from the Potter Palmer Mansion which put her in contact with Bertha Honore Palmer and the rest of Chicago society. In addition, she did a collection for the Sears Roebuck catalog to bring her vision to the "masses"!
The doorman at the entrance of Lucile Ltd. in Chicago, the townhouse of Colonel Franklin McVeagh at 1400 Lake Shore Drive.
The Rose Room in the Chicago Salon. The images above graciously shared by Randy Bryan Bigham.From Pinterest photo credit University of Michigan. Designers such as Bill Blass. who did the Lincoln Mark VII cars from 1979 to 1983, continued this tradition. Again Lucile was one of the first! Chalmers, like the Maxwell, is now owned by Chrysler
She came to Chicago in 1914 and in 1916 hired an unknown young man to work for her (he later traveled with her to New York, served in World War l returned to work for Lucile in Paris and other Parisian designers and then….Hollywood!) That young man was Howard Greer who worked at Paramount Studios and also has his own couture and ready-to-wear collections into the 1950's. He was placed at Paramount Studios by a woman we all know, Edith Head! Again a story unto itself. Find out more about his time with Lucile Ltd. in his autobiography, Designing Male. His description of the interior of the Salon… "Its paneled walls and inlaid floors remained as he (McVeagh) had left them. Thick purple rugs lay on the showroom floors. Curtains of gray satin draped the windows. Gray taffeta upholstered the divans and chairs. Glittering chandeliers hung like stalactites from the ceilings. Until now I had known only the culture of and refinement of bird's-eye maple and hand-painted china propped upon a plate rail and I spent most of my time ogling all this dazzling splendor from the vintage point of a doorway. The people, too, were in no way reminiscent of my friends at home. Mannequins, like haughty duchessses out of a Graustark novel, emerged from the little stage that was framed and clouded with gray chiffon curtains. the saleswomen and their assistants wore rustling gray taffeta bouffants, and were patronizing and superior."
Howard Greer around the time of his tenure with Lucile Ltd.A photograph and sketch from a film in the late 1920's looks like a Lucile garment. Both images from Pinterest photo credit unknown.
The images below were graciously given to me by Jessica Pushor, Costume Collections Manager, Chicago History Museum
This dress was donated by Mrs. Irene Castle Enzinger in 1953; it was created for her by Lucile when she appeared in Irving Berlin's Watch Your Step, circa 1914.
Dress, wedding-style, of off-white satin. Bodice trimmed with pleated self-fabric, white organdy, Chantilly lace, and sprays of satin flowers. Square neckline; elbow sleeves. Light blue satin sash at natural waist. Full-length skirt of white organdy trimmed with Valenciennes lace insertion and edge stiffened with whale bone. White satin overskirt lined with light blue satin. Petticoat of Pussy Willow silk (stamped on selvage "Genuine pussy willow") with crepe chiffon ruffle.Worn by Katherine Keith at her marriage to David Adler on June 1, 1916.
Dress wedding-style, of white silk satin. Bodice has low, square, lace-trimmed neckline in front. White satin flowers attached at proper left front corner of collar. Long fitted sleeves. Back satin buckle closure. Slim-fitting skirt; floor-length. Train of white satin with silk-thread embroidery of floral bouquet at base. Worn by Ginevra King for her marriage to William H. Mitchell on September 4, 1918.
Coat of black satin embroidered with multicolored chinoiserie pattern and ribbons. Wide sable collar. Fingertip-length sleeves with sable trim. Falls below the knee. Black and blue velvet lining. Worn by Margaret Harwood Stevens. Lucile was known for its use of exotic motifs and silhouettes. This coat from the Paris branch reflects the taste for chinoiserie in French fashions around 1923.


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Latest News
'Follow your heart' - Sean Paul outlines formula for success
International superstar Sean Paul says people must follow their heart and be true to themselves if they are going to be successful in their vocations. The platinum-selling artiste, who was last month gifted a plaque by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for selling more than 26 million records in the United States, said that success in the music industry comes when aspiring artistes follow cues versus rules.
"I've never been a leader to be like, 'Yeah, follow me - do this.' But some people could take tips from how I do my tings, I'm sure," Sean Paul said.
Different path
"I've been successful in performing for international crowds, presenting dancehall - especially dancehall/reggae to people. But I think everybody has a different path in life - people could learn from me because everyone performs different also," he told THE STAR.
Sean Paul's success was one of the big stories in music last year. The artiste enjoyed a prosperous year on the Billboard charts, thanks to his successful collaboration with international superstar Sia on Cheap Thrills and Rockabye by Clean Bandit.
Asked what advice he would give artistes who would want to achieve millions in sale, Sean Paul said he "can't really tell people what to do". However, the Gimme The Light artiste nonetheless offered counsel, to persons who are seeking similar success.
"I think that everyone should look at the positives people achieve and try to do their best to get to that position or to get into a situation like that. But everybody story is going to be different. I can just say follow your heart, follow what you know - what you feel to be real, no matter if people tell you your work is too simple or it's too complex," Sean Paul said.
Creating beautiful things
"Just follow your heart and that's what art is really about. It's about following your heart and creating beautiful things that maybe other people didn't see or think of before."
In addition to being recognised for racking up 26 million records in sales, Sean Paul also received platinum plaques for his 2003 mega hit single Get Busy, 2005 chart-topper We Be Burning and for his single Temperature, which has been certified three times platinum. Only five other Jamaican artistes, Shaggy, Damian 'Jr Gong' Marley, OMI, Cherine Anderson, and Ini Kamoze have platinum certification in the United States.
"I'm very proud of the way that I've performed and that I'm able to present our music to a wider audience, and 26 million sales represents to me dedication over the years. It means also fans' involvement. Without their support, I couldn't be here. I just have to big dem up," Sean Paul told THE STAR.
Sean Paul recently signed a new deal with Island Records, and is currently working on his new album, while touring with fellow dancehall artiste, Chi Ching Ching.


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Quantum Physics and Einstein explain the relation between Matter & Energy. The ancient seers & rishis claimed that the universe is nothing but energy in different forms. WE have ourselves experienced how the energy in our body transforms at different times. The topic is attracting a lot of attention. There is an interesting forum called SAND – that holds a conference on Science & Non Duality. It attracts the best of scientists and thinkers from across the globe to discuss on this topic. For those interested here is the URL – http://www.scienceandnonduality.com).
Since ages all the enlightened beings – Buddha, Shankara, Osho, Vivekananda, Ramana Maharishi – have all demonstrated that there is infinite energy inside in the human body. And True Knowledge & Bliss can only be obtained when this energy is activated and it merges with the cosmos. Call it nirvana, awakening of the Kunadlini, Enlightenment – its all one & the same.
Reading multiple books on the topic I have managed to pick up information in bits & pieces but have struggled to connect the dots – it all started coming together last weekend at an excellent program called Inner Engineering conducted by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev (Isha Foundation)
The first thought that comes to my mind is the sheer mastery of Sadhguru's facilitation skills and witty oratory that holds the attention of nearly 300 people for 30 hrs across 2 ½ days on varied topics of spirituality. His topics are diverse , communication is flawless and he holds the audience rapt in attention. Good content , well packaged , delivered perfectly – its an excellent product. A good mix of discourse, interactions, activities and fun makes the program indeed a memorable one.
The execution of the event is perfection epitomized. Managed by volunteers who have experienced the benefit of the program – it runs in a meticulous manner with a supreme eye for detail for the smallest of things. A live instrumental team with guitars , drums , flute veena and some lovely singing keeps the energy level in the hall very high. Overall a wonderful event – clearly the best training in self development that I would have attended.
Its been just a few days and I already see the benefits of the program . You feel lighter, clearer , energized and more at peace with yourself. If this can happen in 3 days I wonder how far we can go after a year of regular sadhna. I want to capture the essence of the program in this blog and I would strongly encourage all of you to attend this program. (There are multiple versions happening across the country including an online version – http://www.ishafoundation.org)
The core of the program is to initiate participants into a ancient and powerful Kriya called the "Shambhavi Maha Mudra" that helps ignite the hidden energy inside an individual. Its simple, takes 30 min to practice every day and you can see a visible difference in a few days. ( http://blog.ishafoundation.org/yoga-meditation/demystifying-yoga/why-shambhavi/)
Let me now try and summarize the core philosophy explained by Sadguru in the program. This is just a tip of the iceberg and the true depth & breadth of the session can only be experienced once you attend it.
- We are all different forms of energy that is the universe. So when we say God is inside everything or Lord Krishna opened his mouth to show the entire universe inside it – it just means that we are all part and parcel of the same energy that is all pervasive.
- Our body is nothing but food, our features are inherited from our DNA. Our mind is nothing but impressions – we keep on adding impressions but have no delete button to remove them
- Every emotion is a chemical reaction. Imbalance creates disease. A pill is nothing but a chemical that solves this disease temporarily. You need to be at ease and create the right balance inside you. Our misbalance causes 70% of our illness.
- Anger is nothing but a surge of chemicals. It hardly lasts for more than 30 seconds. The angry man is unhappier than the man who he has been angry at.
- Our intellect is nothing but a knife that dissects. We need to experience and feel life from within.
- The biggest miracle in life is life itself – rather than look at the miracle that is us we look for miracles and joy outside.
- As kids we were always happy – as adults we are unhappy most of the time. This is because we have created boundaries for ourselves. A boundary of our family, our building, our community, our religion, our country. Anything outside the boundary seems a threat.
- Since we are all part of the same cosmos we need to take responsibility for everything. Our resources may limit our actions for solving everything but this will help us identify the infinite potential in us.
- All problems and all solutions exist within you. You need to accept what you know and what you don't know.
- We are technologically the most advanced generation but physically the weakest. Our food & lifestyle habits is threatening our very existence and acting as an impediment to natural evolution. We have destroyed in the last 50 years what has flourished for millions of years. We are threatening the existence of the planet.
He also touches upon a variety of other interesting topic that includes Right Food to eat ( Pranic Vs Non Pranic) , how many was designed to be a vegetarian , how you can enjoy old age by nurturing your body early , Stories on Adi Yogi and how spirituality in India thrived as early as 15,000 years back. How astrology , numerology and the concept of Hell & Heaven are all misconceptions.
Like I mentioned in one my earlier blogs – we have been brainwashed since our childhood days. God does not exist in a temple but inside you. This program helps validate that. It's encouraging to see that the vast majority of people who attended the program were in the late 20's and 30's. It augurs well for humanity if the wave of spirituality can once again revive the country and the world from its woes. It gives me hope.
- 9Shares


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The Aquinoe Learning Centre Charitable Trust has been collecting used postage stamps for several years.
Our original contact trader is now no longer in business but the charity is able to send stamps to a different trader.
This method of fundraising only creates a small income – but all income helps projects at the school so collections will continue.
You could save stamps on your personal mail, ask at your work office, or get children at your local school to donate.
Please help and email this address if you have stamps to contribute.
Jean (Chairperson)


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Opinion: After nearly two decades at war, the U.S. effort to build the Afghan state has been for the most part, a failure. In order to turn its sails towards victory, America needs to reassert its influence on Afghanistan's economy, governance and security.
One year after the Trump Administration's formal reassessment and strategy shift on the war in Afghanistan, it seems that our regional adversaries are getting closer to a checkmate. The question we are asking now is, "how do we not lose?" Winning, it seems, is no longer an option … Or is it?
After seventeen years and $132 billion in direct U.S. assistance, the "crawl, walk and run" strategy for Afghanistan has come to a impasse somewhere between crawl and walk. There is no denying that Afghanistan has made substantial advances in its social, economic and political sectors since the 2001 U.S. toppling of the Taliban regime. Yet, thirty-nine years after Soviet tanks rolled through downtown Kabul, the country is still at war with no clear end in sight.
Despite being overthrown in 2001, the Taliban has yet to be offically labelled a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the U.S. Instead, the Taliban are considered a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group, thus confusing everyone.
"The Taliban, per se, is not our enemy," said former U.S. Vice President, Joe Biden, a decade into the war in Afghanistan. The indecisive position of U.S. policy is rooted in potential political reconciliation. Since the U.S. government does not negotiate with terrorists, the U.S. could not assist the Afghan government in negotiating peace with the Taliban if they were labeled a terrorist organization.
Labels aside, U.S./NATO troops, Afghan security forces, and civilians are targeted by the Taliban on a daily basis. Who is the enemy and more importantly, why are we in Afghanistan?
Our war in Afghanistan is insurance against future attacks similar to those of the morning of September 11, 2001. Afghanistan is the front line on the war against global terrorism. A loss in Afghanistan is a loss for global security. Much needed is a clear, focused and unified policy that both the Defense and State Department can agree upon. Until that happens, a stalemate will remain, with the potential to lose the war.
U.S. strategy and policy in Afghanistan has been dysfunctional on so many levels that last year's reassessment triggered a sigh of relief by both the Afghan government and U.S./NATO command on the ground. The U.S. has been outmaneuvered politically, militarily and economically by the "Fantastic Four" – Pakistan, Iran, Russia, and China. Not only does the U.S. need to rethink its strategy, it needs to rethink whether asserting leadership in the region is a priority. This does not seem to be the case for many at the White House.
Critical to any analysis, the U.S. needs to focus on the three pillars of economics, governance and security. While the current US/NATO advisory mission assists the Afghan government in these areas, its focus is highly skewed towards security assistance. Without heavily assisting the Afghan government towards good governance and building its core economy, this 17 year effort will be useless.
The Economy
The Afghan economy is completely reliant on foreign aid and a military presence. A sustainable economy with foreign direct investments is essential for the creation of long-term employment opportunities and a stable middle-class. When the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in 1979, its GDP was $3.7 billion (adjusted for inflation). This is approximately 33% greater than its GDP in 2001 when U.S. Special Forces parachuted into Tora Bora. Afghanistan was in a prolonged state of economic decline for 22 years, and then, with the toppling of the Taliban regime, it was infused with billions of U.S. dollars a year in foreign aid.
Today Afghanistan's GDP is hovering at approximately $20 billion, a significant increase. Yet, the country has transformed into a military economy funded by foreign aid. Without the $5+ billion in annual contributions from the U.S. and its NATO partners, Afghanistan, a nation that last year collected approximately $2 billion in total revenues, would be unable to support its $7 billion national budget.
What about foreign investment?
From dealing with local strongmen to fending off bribes from government officials, investing in Afghanistan is nearly impossible. When facilitating private investments on behalf of the Pentagon, the biggest hurdle I came across was not convincing investors, but rather, convincing Afghan government officials to engage. On paper, Afghanistan is an ideal place to invest, but strictly on paper. Not only are most laws unenforced, they're unknown to those in charge of enforcing them.
The Afghan government does currently promote investment. Yet this promotion is mostly rhetoric. In practice, the heavy burden of research into available investments has been placed mostly upon potential investors. Neighboring countries, meanwhile, provide much greater deal facilitation. Afghanistan needs its own foreign investment direct investment office to formulate comprehensive medium-large scale opportunities for investors. This office should do most, if not all of all the research and legwork, then simply present these opportunities to internationals while leveraging off the nearly 40 embassies located in Kabul. A professional investment office should be able to hand a draft business plan to investors, one that, in the least, outlines the details of investment return, capital costs, operations, government assurances, and multilateral guarantees.
The Contractprenuer
The U.S. distributes billions of dollars per year via government contracts in Afghanistan, thus spawning a new type of entrepreneur: contractpreneuers. Contractprenuers are not real entrepreneurs, rather, just implementing partners on short to medium term assignments with very lucrative financial incentives. When the contract is up, so is the business and its employees.
Afghanistan's economy needs to be revamped by investment in industries with long-term sustainability and strong multiplier effects for the economy through trickle-down employment opportunities. The U.S. Department of Defense used to have a specialized investment team that facilitated large-scale FDI's in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Task Force for Business and Stability Operations (TFBSO). A new, but more focused, version of TFBSO needs to be created with a strong working relationship with senior officials from the Presidential Palace's investment office. One of the biggest hurdles for investors in Afghanistan is not insecurity, but rather, the Afghan government itself.
Legislation and fiscal reforms need to be enacted in Afghanistan to allow for an investment-friendly environment – not just on paper, but in practice. TFBSO worked with NASA and the US Geological Services in determining that Afghanistan has over a $1 trillion in mineral wealth. Some argue that the number is actually closer to $3 trillion. Before mineral wealth can be attained, the supporting industries need to be established first, i.e., energy generation, railways, dry-ports, cement and steel manufacturing, etc. Afghanistan needs its industrial revolution. With a businessman at the helm of the U.S. government, this can be accomplished as a win-win for both the U.S./international investors and the Afghan people.
Regional countries are very interested in Afghanistan's economy, yet the U.S. is not. This disinterest is baffling. For many years, the U.S. Department of Commerce only had two in-country employees, before it fired the last remaining representative on the eve (literally the eve) of a significant investment conference it assisted in hosting in Dubai. China continues investing in Afghanistan for its One Road, One Belt initiative through Central Asia, including hoarding mining rights without making any real stakes. China is now extending its China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) investment initiative to Afghanistan.
Will the U.S. continue to sit on the economic sidelines as foreign rivals capitalize on her security efforts, or will it work with Afghanistan to create win-win investment opportunities?
Corruption, not the insurgency, is the real existential threat to Afghanistan. Given the tremendous influx of capital into Afghanistan since 2001, corruption should be expected but never tolerated. Anti-corruption rhetoric in Afghanistan has become precisely that: rhetoric.
General John Allen, former Commander of the U.S./NATO forces in Afghanistan was once quoted as calling the Taliban a nuisance compared to the corruption. A national survey estimated that in 2015, nearly $3 billion was paid in bribes. To put that in perspective, that is 50% greater than the entire national revenue. It is appalling that the former Senior Advisor on Good Governance (Ahmad Zia Massoud, former Vice President under the Karzai administration) to President Ghani got caught landing in Dubai with $52 million in cash.
The Afghan government needs to get serious about systematically eradicating the culture of corruption in Afghanistan from the executive level down.
Though the government's recent establishment of the Anti-Corruption Justice Center (ACJC) is promising, it's not enough. The U.S. also has to make it a priority over all other considerations and put in place a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption.
The Afghan government must give its fullest support to an undercover unit that apprehends corrupt officials, from low-level police officers to high ranking ministers. It then needs to immediately prosecute violators through a special court (such as the ACJC) and enforce jail time without the intervention of Wasita (personal connections). Additionally, a unit needs to be created that strictly focuses on bringing to justice former accused government officials. Past offenders should not be beyond the arm of the law.
Also effective, extradition treaties should be a baseline requirement of every country that donates to Afghanistan – no extradition, no donations. The U.S. still does not have an extradition treaty with Afghanistan, even though most dollars stolen in Afghanistan are U.S. taxpayers' hard-earned income. A message has to be sent that if you engage in corruption with U.S. granted money, you may land in a U.S. penitentiary.
Without a strong economy and increased job opportunities, disenfranchised Afghans will continue turning towards alternative methods of income generation – if not abandoning the country and fleeing in hoards. Hundreds of thousands of Afghans have already left for, among other places, Europe with many more preparing their exodus. Working for foreign-funded insurgencies and cultivating illicit crops (Afghanistan produces 90 percent of the world's opium supply) are two income generators that immediately come to mind, both of which are global security threats.
Governance and Security
Governance and security are different sides of the same coin in Afghanistan. Weak governance has led to greater insecurity, and insecurity has led to a loss of confidence in governance.
Over the past few years, the aforementioned "Fantastic Four" have tried to undermine the political leadership of the United States and the Afghan government. A term has been coined for this new reality: multipolarism.
By hosting meetings and reconciliation discussions, and by maintaining direct communication with terrorist and insurgent groups, these four countries are jockeying for their own self-interests at the expense of Afghanistan. Most recently, Russia hosted a peace summit giving the Taliban a global voice, and for the most part, the Afghan government was utterly unprepared for the meeting. These reconciliation meetings need to be led by the United States, not hostile governments who have covertly undermined the Afghan people for decades. The U.S. needs to reaffirm is political leadership.
Pakistan is a complicated case and any efforts to simplify it are bound have unpredictable consequences. On the one hand, Pakistan's support for destabilizing actors in Afghanistan is hardly debatable. Yet it still holds the key to Afghanistan's stability and therefore should be treated with exceptional care. Could Pakistan be convinced to forgo treating Afghanistan as an extension of its "strategic depth" and instead treat Afghanistan as a sovereign state, an equal, and a trading partner? Could Pakistan be assured that India's presence in Afghanistan is an economic necessity, not a political and security threat as the Pakistanis perceive it? Should he engage, President Trump faces a historic challenge with the odds stacked staggeringly against him. If proven successful, however, "deal maker" Trump would be the first.
"We ought to think about Afghanistan as a modern-day frontier between civilization and barbarism." – (ret.) Lt. Gen. and former National Security Adviser HR McMaster, October 23, 2018
Beyond the macro level geo-political regional conflicts there are additional problems within the advisory mission in Afghanistan. The current U.S./NATO advisory and diplomatic mission has a major elephant in the room – force protection or better known as, security protocols. U.S. and International advisors are bound to the walls of their concrete fortresses and only allowed to truly engage with their Afghan counterparts for a few hours a week if they're fortunate.
Some advisors can go months without leaving the base, conducting advisory sessions through "telephonic sessions" – which is mostly useless in my humble experience. When advisors do leave the compound they are accompanied by multi-vehicle convoys (usually armored Land Cruisers or MRAPS), armed military "guardian angels" (sometimes inside the same room), with a rifle strapped around their chest. A great way to build trust.
The force protection measures are set in place to decrease the risk of losing life, but they directly undermine the entire purpose of advisors. My team's advisory mission was targeted primarily at the Ministry of Finance, a non-security ministry, with mostly young, foreign-educated staff members. Suited and booted, we'd have to constantly re-adjust our pants while walking through the marble floored hallways since we all had pistols strapped to our belts. In order to "build-trust" we would break down our M4 rifles and put them in backpacks. Afghans are not stupid, they all knew we wearing bullet proof vests underneath our dress shirts and more heavily armed than Rambo. We wanted them to trust us with extremely sensitive information, while we didn't trust them over an afternoon tea.
You cannot advise and build capacity in a frontier (pre-emerging) market environment while bogged down inside your headquarters 90 percent of the time. There needs to be a review of the force protection rules to allow for the advisory mission to actually advise while still having basic protective measures in place. Keep in mind, these are the security protocols in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan. Now imagine how much less trust and interaction there is as you move into the provincial areas of the country – it's almost non existent. This is a war zone, and a certain amount of risk has to be accepted.
Let's Be Honest With Ourselves
The recent reconciliation between the Afghan government and the Afghan-led, but Pakistani based Hizb-e-Islami, a radical extremist organization led by Gulbudeen Hekmatyar came out of desperation. The government signed a highly controversial peace accord because the government has been unable to secure Kabul, let alone the country. Though the U.S. supported the reconciliation, the issue is still highly contentious within Afghanistan, especially to the thousands of families that lost loved ones when the "Butcher of Kabul" indiscriminately bombarded Kabul during the Civil War of 1992. This peace deal was a reminder to all how ineffective U.S. strategy has been in Afghanistan, where a proxy of Pakistan and Iran is welcomed by the government to avoid a complete loss of the country to the Taliban.
America needs to call its mission in Afghanistan for what it really is – state capacity building. An admittedly less inspiring phrase than the lofty ideals found in "state-building" but significantly more honest.
Where the U.S. and its allies initially fought against the insurgency, it's now being fought mostly through a proxy, the Afghan government. The U.S.'s state capacity building mission has been to build Afghan capacity towards managing and defending themselves, and conveniently enough, towards defeating a common enemy – the overall insurgency and extremism in the region.
U.S./NATO dollars work to build almost every aspect of Afghan life including, but not limited to, governance, military, police, health, media, infrastructure, education, agriculture, cultural preservation, gender equality, civil societies, etc. After re-building the Afghan state for the past seventeen years there is little to show for it. The insurgency is getting stronger, political instability is increasing, drug cultivation is at an all-time high and civilian deaths are at the highest rate since the war began.
To salvage the vast time, money and energy expended over the last seventeen years, a critical measure must be implemented: co-administration. The U.S. and NATO needs to have a partial co-administration of the Afghan government. For vital government offices (defense, police, education, urban development, and health) there needs to be a co-administrator who is a representative of U.S./NATO. The co-administrator would be responsible for the capacity development of the crucial ministries, fiscal administration, counter corruption and professional development. Working shoulder-to-shoulder (a famous US Defense Department mantra in Afghanistan) the international co-admins and Afghan officials should work together in building up institutional capacity, rather than the current "here's the money, report back to us weekly" strategy.
While Afghans will certainly decry the idea due to its perceived encroachment on their sovereignty, given the current rate at which the government is deteriorating, there is no other choice. The "National Unity Government" has proven to be incapable of governing itself. The only thing that is holding back an ethnic civil war is the presence of foreign powers and their fiscal contributions. Embedding co-administrators is the only option left for helping Afghanistan transition from a failed state to an efficient administration.
Operation Enduring Freedom (Oct. 7th, 2001 – Dec. 28th, 2014) and now Operation Freedom Sentinel (Jan. 1st, 2015 – ongoing) have marked America's longest war. The Afghan people have sacrificed tremendously in refuting extremism. They have believed in America's promises that Afghanistan can be a peaceful and stable country. But if the migration of hundreds of thousands out of Afghanistan is any indication, it shows Afghans have stopped believing in empty promises.
It's only a matter of time before the political and economic winds in Washington change, and the ongoing intervention in Afghanistan gets written off. The longest war can't actually be perpetual. Yet even a measured drawdown can have severe consequences, as it did in Iraq. If Washington leaves, vital private donations from across the globe will follow. The only alternative to success is a narco-state that is used as a terrorist launching pad against the West.
Rather than abandonment, America needs to pursue a holistic approach that encompasses economic, governance, and overall security matters. Without security, there's no governance, and without governance, there's no investment.
America must reaffirm its commitment to Afghanistan and its fight against global terrorism.
Waheed Majrooh, Lima Charlie News
Mr. Waheed Majrooh is a former Senior Advisor within U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon) where he led numerous substantial reform and investment programs in Afghanistan and is currently a Senior Advisor at FRONTIERistan, a frontier market advisory firm (www.frontieristan.com) that focuses on Afghanistan and Iraq. Majrooh is an Afghan-American subject matter expert with over seven years of on-the-ground experience. He currently resides between San Francisco and Washington, DC, while traveling to Afghanistan frequently. He can be contacted directly at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Lima Charlie provides global news, featuring insight & analysis by military veterans and intelligence professionals Worldwide.
For up-to-date news, please follow us on twitter at @LimaCharlieNews
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U.S. Finally Moves to Ease Visa Restrictions
The U.S. government is finally taking steps to simplify the U.S. visa application process. On Jan. 19, President Obama signed an executive order with the aim of the reducing paperwork and time required to process visas. The executive order specifically sets out to reduce the waiting time of applicants from China and Brazil. It also eliminates the need for Taiwanese to apply for U.S. visas.
The move will provide a clear benefit to the U.S. economy as it will be easier for millions of tourists and business travellers to enter the U.S. This also has wide ranging benefits for the U.S. exhibition industry which has long-suffered due to the slow, bureaucratic visa system.
Stephanie Selenick, president of International Trade Information, said that visa applicants in Shanghai wait an average of 51 days for a visa interview and more than 120 days in Sao Paulo.
This executive order will solve the problem, but at a minimum it is a step in the right direction with potentially strong benefits for U.S. exhibition organisers looking to attract international visitors and exhibitors.


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Despite having served as a photo assistant, editor, and publisher at Playboy Enterprises for nearly 35 years, Jeff Cohen's small portrait studio in Highland Park, Illinois bears but a few hints of Cohen's former career.
There's the Chevy couch that has traveled with him nearly every place he has had the space and now rests near the window of his storefront. And for those invited to the back, some old portraits and mementos hang in what amounts to a storage closet. Company memos signed by Hugh Hefner – all chastising Cohen for decisions he made when publishing things like Playboy's special editions – are framed and prominently featured on the walls of a small bathroom.
Up front, the shop, located in the North Shore suburbs of Chicago, is almost entirely focused on Cohen's newest venture, Jeff Cohen Creative, which he launched in January. The windows are decorated by clotheslines that hold his portrait work with the help of clothespins, and an inside wall is dedicated to prints of Cohen's personal favorites. The rear of the room features backdrops and lighting, and the only thing breaking the flow of the portraits up front – other than the couch – are a few large prints of Cohen's favorite fine art photos, things like his famous Lonely Red Towel and one he calls Sky Diver.
There is little evidence of his life at Playboy, in part, because of a nearby school, which often sends children past his storefront. But it is also because Cohen has a clear focus on what he wants his business to be, and it is evident in his shots, which range from solo portraits framed off-center to couples who look like they're truly having a good time together, to a man sharing a moment with his beloved pug, to a friendly Filipino mailman who posed for his first photo in 56 years at Cohen's request.
"I'm not shooting weddings; I'm not shooting bar mitzvahs," Cohen said. "I pick and choose. The reason I have all this up – this is what I do. If you want a straight, formal business portrait, there's a guy down the street that will do that."
And the art to Cohen's work is as much about his interactions with his subjects as it is about his skill with a camera.
"I like to bring them out of their comfort zone," Cohen said. "They come into my space and the experience of being photographed. I like them to come in and look at my pictures. Sit down and look at the couch. No pressure. Just come in and hang out. And I think sometimes it throws people off, which is OK.
"I think I'm part shrink. I like talking. I like putting them at ease. I like the challenge. It's something I want to do. I like doing it. I think I'm good at it."
The studio, in several ways, also brings Cohen's career full circle.
Landing an 'unbelievable' job at Playboy
Cohen grew up in nearby Wilmette and attended New Trier Township High School, before going to Syracuse University in New York to study advertising. He intended to be a copywriter, but his plans changed almost immediately after he graduated, when he made a decision that indirectly led him to photography.
"I had a job offer right away," he explained. "I graduated on a Saturday. They wanted me to come to work on a Monday. I said, 'What the fuck? I've been going to school. I'm probably going to work many years. I'd like more than a day off.' So I turned down the job and I traveled. A buddy of mine from New York came and picked me up in Wilmette, and we headed west and bummed around the country for five weeks. At that point, I picked up a camera. I really hadn't done any shooting. I got into it at that point."
After that, he came back to Chicago and took a job as as photo assistant, and just a few months later in the fall of 1967 he saw a posting for a photo assistant at Playboy's Chicago headquarters. He wasted no time applying.
"Somewhere along the line there still is…a demand for holding something tactile, glossy, slick, that you can actually thumb through in your hands…"
Cohen's meeting with Vince Tajiri, the original photo editor for Playboy who Cohen describes as a "wonderful, very interesting man," was scripted more like an episode of Mad Men than a job interview – this was the "glamorous" 1960s, after all. "He had a love of Jack Daniels. I'll never forget: This was late afternoon, 4 p.m., maybe later, that I had the appointment with him. And I went into his office. We sat down. [He] didn't even look at my portfolio. We just started talking. 'You want a drink?' And we just started drinking. We hit it off. It was one of those things. I was at the right place at the right time. 'You want to start?' 'Yep.' 'How's Monday?' 'Yes, sir.' And off I went.
"Of course, everyone had found out Cohen landed this unbelievable job at Playboy. It was pretty heady back then; there's no question. I wasn't making dickshit money, but who cares? That doesn't matter. I learned an enormous amount."
He assisted eight photographers, including Stan Malinowski, and tried to learn as much as he could about the process and their styles. If he didn't know something during a shoot, he would spend late nights learning it. And with the magazine's then more diverse offerings as a men's lifestyle magazine than nudie mag, he was heavily involved in everything from product shots to fashion to food, all at the ripe age of 23.
"It was fascinating and exhausting," he recalled. "Many nights I never made it home. There was a shower in the studio, and I'd crash on a piece of furniture. Get up, take a shower and be ready to go. But, hey, it was great. It was wild.
"And I was fortunate to be there at the right time. This is when each successive issue of the magazine would sell more than the previous issue. This is when Hef had the jet 'Big Bunny.' It just indicated that the success of the company was booming at the time. We were opening clubs everywhere, and I was traveling, assisting and doing some shooting at all these clubs around the country, going to Europe. There was no such thing as a budget; you just go off and if it doesn't work [oh well]. No budgets! It was golden. Playboy was on top."
And Playboy saw something in his creativity and managerial style. Needing a strong editor more than another photographer, the company promoted Cohen to editor. But after three-and-a-half years at the magazine, he quit.
Westward bound, a photographer emerges
"I just got frustrated, so I decided to take a leave of absence and I headed to California, because I had some friends out there, to see if I could become a shooter," Cohen explained. "The reception I got was very good. I called my boss in Chicago and said, 'I'm going to extend my leave of absence – I quit,' and opened up a studio in San Francisco and then got business in L.A., so I opened a small studio down there and commuted between the two cities."
He also gained more valuable experience, working with photographers likes of Annie Leibovitz, from whom he learned a particular lesson he carries with him to this day when shooting his portraits.
"This is when she was still in San Francisco, working with Rolling Stone," Cohen said. "She had to shoot Boz Scaggs for the cover. So she calls me up one afternoon. 'I'm shooting a cover for Rolling Stone. Can I use your studio?' So she comes over – no camera. 'What do ya got?' 'What do you want? I've got Nikons. Hasselblad.' 'Give me a Nikon. Do you have a normal lens?' 'Yeah.' 'Just throw a normal lens on.' And then magic happened.
"I assisted her. She was able to deal with him in such a way. This is before Annie Leibovitz was Annie Leibovitz. It was clear, even then, that she was able to take him out of whatever environment he was in and direct him and move him. She could have been a painter, a sculptor; it just so happened she was a photographer. This was the medium that she uses. That really taught me a lot. Basically, it really doesn't matter if I'm using the Canon 5D or my little Canon Sureshot. As Ansel Adams said, it's the 12 inches behind the camera that's the most important part. But I'll just never forget the way she handled that. And she got a cover."
But after eight years working as a freelance photographer, he decided to move back closer to his aging parents. Playboy had always left the door open for a return, and he took the company up on the offer, becoming a full-time editor and working with the likes of George Hurrell, Victor Skrebneski, and Arnold Newman. As the years went, he rose to the top, becoming the executive editor and publisher in 1997 before retiring in 2010.
"It was a great career," he said. "As much as I'm excited about being my own boss here and doing this, and this seems to be working, and maybe I could have done it 10 or 15 years ago when I was younger, I have no complaints about the years I spent at Playboy."
During his tenure at Playboy, he also met his wife of 35 years and counting. She was working there as a photo stylist and makeup artist, and Cohen credits her familiarity with the business environment of Playboy as something that helped their marriage last and raise three now-grown children.
"She trusted me, and rightfully so," Cohen said. "There's a lot who started working at Playboy and couldn't keep it in their pants, and they were gone. Hef had no tolerance for it. The legal department certainly had no tolerance for it. And then when (our) kids came along, I think she would be the first to — if she took me to task — wish I had been home more. The hours were long, a lot of travel. But she's held up.
"When we meet people for the first time, and they learn a little bit about my history, the conversation quickly shifts to, 'Let's talk to your wife about that and everything that she went through.' But she was cool. Obviously, it helped that she had worked there, so she knows what it's about. I think most, if not all of the truly successful marriages at Playboy, especially those who were in the creative or glamour side, were those that were marriages between two who were part of the same department. Even if somebody in the photo department marries someone in accounting, at least they had a rough idea that it's a business. It's a little bit more exciting, a little bit more fun than selling insurance, but it's still a business."
Old-school at heart, eyes on the future
Cohen, who's now 68, shoots most of his portraits in black and white, and it is indicative of his old-school mentality. He is someone who comes from the age of print, and long before he ever picked up a camera, he was fascinated by the printed image.
"I've always been fascinated with pictures," he said. "I was a fairly anal kid, and I used to go and look at LIFE and Collier's and all these magazines that don't exist anymore. I was fascinated. I would clip and keep folders on landscape and keep folders on people and keep folders on sports and animals and just study them."
But Cohen has accepted the dawning of the digital age, in many ways. His style may be old-world, but he shoots digitally with a Canon 5D Mark III – though he is hoping to one day get a digital Hasselblad. He is improving his skills with Photoshop, but discourages his clients from too much retouching. And while he has visions of a future of on-demand magazine printing and jokes about swapping out his clothesline photos for tablets, he has created a Facebook page mostly out of necessity and is still debating about whether or not he wants to get involved with Twitter. And at the end of the day, part of what he is selling is a service, and the other part is something he considers very important – the printed photograph.
"Somewhere along the line there still is, and I think there still will be, a demand for holding something tactile, glossy, slick, that you can actually thumb through in your hands," he said. "This presentation of my pictures – everyone reacts to it positively – the clothespins and the clotheslines. They love the fact that I'm just doing this with a clothespin. They love the fact that I'm changing things. I try to change at least one or two pictures every week. Just pop them and move them around. People are reacting to it, maybe because it's different. I hope that this doesn't go away."
Cohen's job is one of few left that still requires a very personal touch, something one-on-one that goes well beyond today's predominantly digital connections. And in many ways, it is only through those personal interactions that Cohen's portraits are so successful.
"I think I'm able to get an openness of the people," he said, recounting a recent shoot during which he showed a man how to properly hug his wife, which drew laughs from the clients and put them more at ease. "I'm not opposed, at all, to throwing myself in. I'm comfortable doing it. Everybody who walks by here relates to these pictures because of the attitude and openness I seem to be getting out of my subjects here. I enjoy that."
And at this point in his career, Cohen is creating work with the simple goals of making himself and his clients happy. He doesn't set hard times on shoots, but rather works with each particular client until everyone is happy with the results, whether that takes one hour or three.
"Just keep shooting, having fun – that's what it's about," he said.
And with that "fun" in mind, Cohen isn't opposed to putting a frosty acetate on the windows, building a set, and still doing the occasional glamour shoot – a parlance that includes "tasteful" nudes and lingerie – upon request.
"I had a young lady who saw my work online, saw that I was with Playboy, and she and her boyfriend came up from southern Indiana a week ago," he said. "They booked me for the day for glamour stuff. She said, 'I don't want it published; I just want it for me. I want to be able to look back when I'm 80 and look at these pictures.' And I said, 'Let's do it,' and she was thrilled. Now she wants to bring up her sister, and she's got other girlfriends that are doing it. I'll do that.
"Let me think – do I want to shoot girls? Yeah, I'll do that."
(Copyright gallery images via Jeff Cohen)


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I, too loved this game. had forgotten how complex it was. I? would also like to see a remake, solving a few problems besides poor graphics. the inventory menu was kinda hard and unnecessarily unwieldy. why you couldn′t just grab something without having to confirm every time, i don′t know, and getting something out of a chest or transfering to a chest could be hard especially from one chest to another. Game play was easy, but likewise odd. like when you go into battle, why was "fight" not the first option? Casting spells was fairly involved and so was using items and fruit. My biggest problem is that when you sold an item that turns out you needed later, their was no way to get it back. The person you sell it to does not stock it, no does it turn up later elsewhere, like at Kel′s if you accidentally sell a gem or item you need.
Aside from the clunkyness of the game, it was the only one I remember finishing completely and enjoyed every minute of it.
I loved this game as a kid, I was someone could develop an Android version surely smartphones can run a game such as this in original design. But like some dude said above - it would be mad to see it in today′s graphics. I love this game never finished it was so hard when I was a kid. Found somewhere online where you can play it on IE but I couldn′t save it :( hours down the drain. Here is somewhere to play old consoles online - I′ve been revisiting Atari Lynx Scrap Yard Dog - never got to finished that as a kid and its still frigging hard now.
Answers to copy protection:
Word # Page # Line # Begins with Answer
1st 03 02 H honor
1st 04 13 S slaver
7th 07 03 G game
3rd 09 03 C choose
2nd 10 06 H humans
5th 12 04 B box
4th 13 04 L large
3rd 14 01 P pouches
2nd 15 02 P power
3rd 19 06 S stronger
5th 21 10 C class
2nd 26 04 A armor
3rd 27 03 W water
5th 27 08 S share
1st 28 14 L level
6th 29 01 E every
7th 33 05 F foes
8th 35 02 A agile
Wow, nearly 20 years since I played this one. I wish someone would redo this game pretty much untouched except to update to modern graphics. Such an awesome game! Remember as a kid when this first came out I was so absorbed I stayed up all weekend without barely a bathroom break from the game. Still one of the best games to date... and Baldur′s Gate games, among a couple others, but that came a bit later :-)
Have to admit, the graphics may be a bit sad now, but the combat, game mechanics, and entertaining NPCs and their stories remain undiminished.
Fantastic Game!
For more details:
Checkout GameHorder′s play through: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8GWhOYzyoM&list=PLB3BD10504C58D2B3
and Mamboi′s gameplay: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tG6FZsqm4q0
May Dark Sun: Shattered Lands live forever! :)
Excellent RPG, way ahead of it′s time. I highly recommend it.
Share your gamer memories, help others to run the game or comment anything you′d like. If you have trouble to run Dark Sun: Shattered Lands first! Buy Dark Sun: Shattered Lands
Buy Dark Sun: Shattered Lands for a small price and enjoy a complete game with music, voices and videos! Most of the games available on GoG, Steam or Origin run instantly. Dark Sun: Shattered Lands is available on the following sites: Buy it on GoG
- Year: 1993
- Platform: DOS
- Released in: United States
- Genre: Role-Playing (RPG)
- Theme: D&D / AD&D, Fantasy, Licensed Title, Turn-based
- Publisher: Strategic Simulations, Inc.
- Developer: Strategic Simulations, Inc.
- Perspective: Top-Down
- Dosbox support – http://www.dosbox.com/comp_list.php?showID=148 – Fully supported on 0.70


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G.A.B. report shows cost of recall elections
MADISON -- The Government Accountability Board (G.A.B.) released monetary figures on the cost to taxpayers for elections in this year. The report details the millions of dollars local taxpayers paid towards the recall elections and Presidential primaries.
The G.A.B. says they've gathered data from all 72 counties, and noted in their report that most election costs are paid by local taxpayers. Clerks across the state have invested over a million dollars in training poll workers so far this year. The G.A.B. reports clerks paid $655,000 in April, $161,000 in May, and $250,000 in June for training poll workers.
According to the G.A.B. press release, the April 3rd Spring Election and Presidential Primary cost local taxpayers $7.6 million. The G.A.B. reports $2.2 million of that went to poll workers wages, $1.9 million in staff salaries, $957,000 for ballots, and $771,000 for election equipment programming.
In their report the G.A.B. says the recall primary cost local taxpayers $6.3 million. $2.3 million of that was spent in poll worker wages, $1.7 million went to staff salaries, $728,000 for ballots, and $617,000 paid for election equipment programming.
The last race they offered details for was the June 5th recall election that cost local taxpayers nearly $7.2 million. $2.5 million of that paid for poll workers, $1.9 million went to staff salaries, ballots cost taxpayers $984,000, and programming cost $596,000.
G.A.B. Director Kevin Kennedy says, "Instead of conducting two primaries and two elections this year, Wisconsin election officials will be conducting six elections which added $13.5 million in unbudgeted costs."
The G.A.B. also reports that processing recall petitions and other election preparations only cost taxpayers $663,000 compared to the $975,000 estimation given in February.


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Review Toshiba Satellite T110-10R Subnotebook
A Striking Companion
The Toshiba T110-R10 represents the lightest device of the Satellite range that bids a complete configuration despite its small size. Toshiba's Satellite range, developed for private persons, has a total of 22 model ranges with several alternatives. The biggest models are equipped with a 17.3 inch display and the smallest model, our prototype, has an 11.6 inch HD display.
The latest netbooks with an 11.6 inch screen cost between 300 and 400 euro and have comparatively little performance. Toshiba provides a subnotebook with the same display size, which has more performance and yet bid a sufficient battery life with the Satellite T110-10R. An Intel Pentium SU2700 ULV processor with 1.30 GHz and a stronger Intel GMA 4500MHD graphic do their job inside, instead of an Intel Atom processor with an integrated graphic.
The device has a 250 GByte sized hard disk from Toshiba and a 3 GByte DDR3-8500 (1066 MHz) RAM, aside from the stronger Pentium processor. This hardware makes it possible to render HD videos without an additional decoder, which is necessary in Intel Atom netbooks. The Toshiba Satellite T110-10R is standardly delivered with Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit) and is now available for about 549 euro (MRSP, including VAT).
The case is completely made of plastic, but has a good stability. The case only bends slightly under both weak and strong selective pressure. The entire surface is covered in a high-gloss finish, which is impressive with its striking pattern in a race-flag look. A disadvantage is the susceptibility for fingerprints, dust particles and scratches of the sensitive surface.
The design is pepped up by plastic parts in a chrome look, which give the subnotebook an elegant "touch". Toshiba offers the T110-10R in three different colors (Precious Black, Iron Red Metallic and Luxe White Pearl) among which everyone should find something suitable. The white and the red model don't cost extra and are also to be had for 549 euro (MRSP).
Toshiba has done a good job on the workmanship and we couldn't establish any manufacturing flaws on the case or in the finish. The gaps are even everywhere and don't give reason for complaint. The display hinges bid a good stability despite their small size and the display can be adjusted precisely and easily.
The subnotebook weighs about 1.55 kilograms at a size of 28.6 x 21.1 x 2.5 - 3.8 centimeters (w x d x h) and with inserted battery. That's a good value for a device with an 11.6 inch display. The included adapter weighs 380 grams and is thus 200 grams heavier than average netbook adapters.
Configuration and Supplies
The given connection range is quite circumferential and you'll find a few nice features.
An analog video-out (VGA) for connecting an external monitor, the Kensington lock slot, a 5-in-1 reader (SD (SDHC), MMC, MS, MS Pro, xD), an HDMI-out for transmitting high resolution videos and a USB 2.0 port are found on the case's left. This particular USB port supports Toshiba's sleep and charge technology, which allows charging peripheral devices, even if the subnotebook is deactivated.
On the opposite, right side, you'll find two USB 2.0 interfaces without sleep and charge function, the audio sockets (headphone-out, microphone-in), a gigabit-capable RJ-45 network connection (Atheros AR8132) and the DC-in.
The T110-10R's front and the rear are unfettered by connections. Merely two small stereo loudspeakers and numerous status LEDs are found on the case's front. Only the removable 6 cell battery with 5300 mAh is found in the rear.
Generally, the connectivity is impressive. The HDMI-out is pleasing because the integrated Intel GMA 4500 MHD graphic allows rendering HD videos and the external resolution isn't limited to 1400x1050 pixels (Intel GMA 3150). Furthermore, the 5-in-1 card reader and the sleep and charge USB port are pleasing. An ExpressCard slot or internal drive hasn't been built-in due to the small construction size.
There is also a WLAN module (Realtek RTL8187SE) built-in, which however only supports WLAN 802.11 b/g, beside the Atheros AR8121 LAN module on the inside. We would have hoped for a module that supports the n standard here. In return, you don't have to forego on Bluetooth. A fast 2.1 module with an enhanced data rate (+EDR) is onboard.
The Satellite is equipped with plenty of software ex-factory. Windows 7 Home Premium as the 64 bit alternative is used as the operating system. Aside from Windows, Microsoft Home and Student 2007 (60 day trial version), Microsoft Works, McAfee Internet Security (free updates for 30 days), a game collection, the Google Pack, Connectivity Doctor, Chicony Camera Software and a row of Toshiba Software are pre-installed. It's recommendable to uninstall the unnecessary programs because the booting time is affected by them.
Scope of Delivery and Supplies
The scope of delivery in the big package isn't a disclosure and you only find the usual. Aside from the Satellite T110-10R subnotebook, you get the correlating adapter with cable, a user's manual, a quick start guide, a warranty card and the large 6 cell battery with 5300 mAh and 61 Wh in black.
In return, Toshiba's offered optional supplies are very extensive. Toshiba has a 12 cell battery (199 euro), an adapter (139 euro), a 4 GByte memory (399 euro), external drives (79 - 409 euro) and external hard disks (75 - 179 euro) for the T110-10R available. The prices are partly very expensive and you can find similar supplies by other retailers for less.
Input Devices
The keyboard makes a good first impression. The key's pressure point and the stroke length are crisp and very distinct. The keys have a size of 16 x 16 millimeters, whereas they are very close to each other. The keys turn out smaller as in a common desktop keyboard but have a good typing feel anyway. If you look at the keyboard, you'll quickly notice that the keyboard lettering is in English.
The keyboard has a standard layout. You can also touch-type without any problems. The right shift key turns out relatively small, but that doesn't result in problems in normal use. Thus, the keyboard is even pleasant for frequent typists and you can work on it without signs of fatigue.
A numerical block hasn't been integrated and thus the numbers are right over the letter keys. The keyboard is made with a large number of FN functions, which are highlighted in a chic light blue and can be addressed over the FN key.
The integrated touchpad is directly below the keyboard and slightly submerged in the case. The surface is slightly roughened and has a good and, at the same time, pleasant feel. The navigation is very simple and precise due to the applied surface. The case's chic design is continued over the touchpad and thus you'll find the checkerboard pattern there, too.
The touchpad doesn't support any multi-touch gestures. The vertical and horizontal scroll areas aren't marked, but they exist. The Synaptic's touchpad's setting options are quite circumferential. The integrated mouse keys are found under a chic plastic bar made in a chrome look. They also bid a very crisp but pleasant pressure point.
The T110-10R subnotebook is equipped with an 11.6 inch display with an LED back light. The screen has a high-gloss surface (glare-type), whereby the content can only be seen with difficulty and disagreeable reflections turn up in sunlight or bright light. A matt display would have had a clear advantage in this field because reflections barely evolve.
The display has a native resolution of 1366x768 pixels, whereas a higher, interpolated resolution under Windows 7 isn't available. Even modern TVs can be connected over the built-in HDMI-out. The maximum resolution for external displays is 1920x1200 pixels.
The display leaves us with a good impression. On the pro side, there is the very good illumination of 93 percent and the good brightness. We could establish a maximum of 199.0 cd/m2. The average is 190.0 cd/m2. The increased black value of 1.33 reduces the contrast accordingly to a low 150:1. Additionally, the rendered black appears rather gray. The glare-type display's color representation is good and the image is adequately focused.
The built-in glare-type display is likely the biggest disadvantage of this mobile device. The T110-10R is conceived for a mobile use but reflections turn up quickly outdoors. An integrated webcam with 1.3 megapixels, which is completely sufficient for video conferences via Skype, is found above the display. Apart from the webcam, a small microphone, which has a good quality for conversations, is additionally built-in.
The viewing angle stability is fully sufficient on the horizontal plane and the colors are first falsified at a wide angle. If you look at the vertical presentation, you'll quickly notice that the colors falsify and the content is more difficult to recognize already at a change of only few degrees.
The flood of Intel's Atom netbooks with a long battery life but poor performance started after the CES in Las Vegas. Toshiba, however, introduces a subnotebook with similar dimensions but more power and similar runtime in its Satellite T110-10R. An Intel Pentium SU2700 with 1.30 GHz is used as the processor. This processor bids more performance because of the faster clock rate. The graphic unit (Intel GMA 4500MHD) is also a bit faster and makes HD video rendering possible without an additional HD decoder.
Apart from the processor and the graphic unit, there is a 250 GByte hard disk memory from Toshiba (MK2555GSX) and a 3 GByte DDR3 8500 (1600 MHz) from Samsung built into the inside. The memory is also faster than the often used DDR2 6400 RAM in netbooks because of the new DDR3 technology. The built-in chip set supports a maximum of 4 GByte RAM, which are also supported due to the 64 bit operating system.
To check the hardware's performance, we sent the T110-10R through various benchmarks. All tests were executed in the high performance profile of Windows 7, whereby the processor's clock rate is the standard 1.30 GHz.
The first tests include the application benchmarks. The Pentium SU2700 processor achieved a maximum of 1365 points in the single-core rendering of Cinebench R10. Multi-core rendering isn't available because it is a single-core processor. The difference to the new Intel Atom N450 is almost 800 points. That's about a 50 percent performance gain. 1645 points are reached in PCMark Vantage. An evident distance to Intel's Pine Trail platform can also be achieved here.
|PCMark Vantage Result
|1645 points
Games aren't the subnotebook's strength, but gaming is very well possible in low details. The synthetic gaming benchmarks confirm rates in the lower field. These are, however, quite a bit better than those of netbooks with an Intel Atom processor. Nevertheless, the newer the 3DMark version is, the quicker the rates aim for the zero limit. The T110-10R achieves 549 points in 3DMark 2006, whereas the CPU reaches 576 points. New netbooks are within a field of 150 points. A dedicated graphic àla Nvidia's GeForce 9400M bids even more performance.
The results of SuperPi, WPrime and SiSoftware Sandra are within a limit for an 11.6 inch subnotebook with an Intel Pentium processor. The 1M computation of SuperPi was finished after 46 seconds (32M: 2417 seconds). A comparable 32M computation with WPrime needs a somewhat longer 134 seconds (1024M: 4305 seconds). The Intel Pentium SU2700 reaches 5956 MIPS and 4488 MFLOPS in the SiSoftware Sandra benchmark.
|3DMark 03 Standard
|1633 points
|3DMark 05 Standard
|1198 points
|3DMark 06 Standard Score
|549 points
The built-in hard disk also comes from Toshiba. The MK2555GSX has a memory capacity of 250 GBytes and works with 5400 revolutions per minute. The rates are regular and within a limit. The maximum transfer rate is 74.4 MByte per second. The access rate of 19.1 milliseconds isn't unusual, but the throughput rate of 161.2 MByte per second is in the upper field of hard disks.
Finally, we checked the latencies under Windows 7 Home Premium. It can come to problems with peripheral devices if these latencies are beyond the 1000µs limit. A known problem is sound crackling of external sound cards. They are quickly checked with the little tool "DPC Latency Checker". Our prototype's values are usually within a green field. There are a few spikes that jump beyond the 1000µs for a moment, but they aren't alarming. Problems with peripheral devices shouldn't turn up.
System Noise
The rates we assessed for the fan are within limits. A constant 30.1 dB(A) are measured in normal use. The subnotebook is barely audible with that. The hard disk stays in the background with 30.1 dB(A) and even accesses data quietly. A volume between 32.9 and 33.0 dB(A) can be observed under load. Subjectively, the fan is very audible in this field.
Noise Level
30.1 / 30.1 / 30.1 dB(A)
|30.1 dB(A)
|32.9 / 33 dB(A)
30 dB
40 dB(A)
50 dB(A)
min: , med: , max: (15 cm distance)
The case temperature stays in a normal field most of the time at a room temperature of 20.3 degrees Celsius. We could measure a maximum of 32.1 degrees Celsius on the bottom in the area of the fan during normal use. In the wrist-rest area, the temperatures are within a green field and working isn't impaired.
The temperatures rise slightly under load. The maximum temperature, once again, can be recorded in the fan's area. We assessed 35.0 degrees Celsius in our test, but this isn't a problem. The temperatures barely change in the wrist-rest area.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 31.2 °C / 88 F, compared to the average of 35.9 °C / 97 F, ranging from 21.4 to 59 °C for the class Subnotebook.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 35 °C / 95 F, compared to the average of 39.4 °C / 103 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 28.4 °C / 83 F, compared to the device average of 30.7 °C / 87 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 31.2 °C / 88.2 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.3 °C / 82.9 F (-2.9 °C / -5.3 F).
The two little stereo loudspeakers on the bottom front of the case aren't really impressive. The deep pitches and basses don't existent and the maximum volume is also not convincing. These loudspeakers aren't really suitable for playing music. They are, however, sufficient for conversations via Skype. You should use external loudspeakers or good headphones for a better music quality.
Battery Life
Can the T110-10R's from Toshiba keep up with the latest Pine Trail netbooks? That's probably the big question. In order to answer it, we've executed three different measurements. The maximum as well as the minimum runtime can be evaluated with help from the "BatteryEater" tool. We've additionally checked the battery life during WLAN use only.
First we'll establish the minimum battery life under load. For this, we enabled the high performance profile, WLAN and the maximum display brightness. The BatteryEater Classic Test empties the battery fairly fast with an OpenGL computation. The battery is drained after exactly 4 hours and 13 minutes and the subnotebook couldn't be turned on again. The opposite of BatteryEater's Classic Test is the Reader's Test, which helps recording the maximum runtime of the 6 cell battery. We disabled WLAN, enabled the energy savings options and reduced the display brightness. It quits after a long 9 hours and 38 minutes.
If you only use the T110-10R for internet surfing via WLAN with a good display brightness, the battery can achieve a runtime of about 7 hours and 25 minutes. Generally, we are impressed by the assessed rates for an 11.6 inch subnotebook with an Intel Pentium processor. But it can't quite reach the runtimes of a Pine Trail netbook because the power consumption is a bit too high.
The hardware built into Toshiba's subnotebook adds up to a power draw (TDP) of 22 watts. In comparison, Intel's Atom N450 processor with an NM10 chip set only consumes a maximum of 7.5 watts. This difference of 14.5 watts also becomes noticeable in the power consumption. Between 7.7 and 10.1 watts are needed in normal use. These rates increase to a maximum of 22.7 watts under load. 0.5 watts are consumed in a deactivated state. If the subnotebook resides in standby, 0.6 watts are necessary. The assessed rates are within a green field for a subnotebook with this hardware configuration.
|Off / Standby
|0.5 / 0.6 Watt
| 7.7 / 9.8 / 10.1 Watt
18.3 / 22.7 Watt
The Toshiba T110-10R subnotebook is able to make a good impression in the single parts of this review.
The chic design in the race-flag look is impressive. The workmanship and finish has been well made and the case has a good stability. The configuration isn't anything special for an 11.6 inch display subnotebook. We liked the integrated HDMI-out and the 5-in-1 cardreader. The long battery life of almost 10 hours is also on the pro side. But it can't keep up with the new Pine Trail netbooks.
The display's high black value and the low contrast, which also has a glare-type surface, isn't as convincing. The scope of delivery isn't a disclosure and you only find the usual - we would have hoped for a bit more. The keyboard is convincing, despite the key's small distance. We wouldn't have expected an English key lettering on a device intended for the German market.
Summarizing, you can say that Toshiba supplies a chic 11.6 inch subnotebook with the T110-10R, which bids more performance than a netbook and thus covers a wider application field. There are many points on the pro side but also a few that aren't as pleasing. The Toshiba Satellite T110-10R subnotebook is now available for 549 euro (MRSP) in Germany.


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In honor of their 20th Anniversary, original The Breeders lineup — Kim and Kelley Deal with Josephine Wiggs and Jim Macpherson — will perform their 1993 album Last Splash in its entirety at 2013's Deerhunter-curated edition of All Tomorrow's Parties.
Taking place June 21-23 at Camber Sands Holiday Centre in Sussex, England, Deerhunter will also conduct three of their own performances during the weekend, playing albums Cryptograms, Microcastle, and Halcyon Digest in full. Atlas Sound and over 30 others are expected to participate. Confirmed details at atpfestival.com.


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Who Speaks For You When You Can't Speak for Yourself?
When you get in an accident or are seriously sick, who's going to choose the care you need? Who's going to decide when it's time to keep fighting and when it's time to let go?
The time to answer these questions is NOW, while you're still in your right mind.
The Advance Health Care Directive: a Work of Genius That Could Save Your Life or Make It Worth Living
You've probably heard about Advance Care Directives, legal documents which you sign (while you are healthy) that allow a family member or other friend to speak for you when you can't speak for yourself. Like after an accident or in a very serious illness.
Your doctor, insurance provider, or a state office can give you a great directive that meets the requirements of your state. In addition, go to Kaiser Permanente and search the site for "Advance Care Directive Forms." On the search results page, select "Northern California" on the left. This should take you to CA_advance_directive_forms.pdf.
Pages 12-14 help you determine exactly what choices you want made for you, including when life is no longer worth living, and how you want your spiritual needs met. This is a brilliant addition to any legal directive in any state.
Do Your Directive Now, and Do It Right!
Filling out the paperwork isn't hard, and in most (if not all states), you usually don't need an attorney if you can find the right form and fill it out correctly. When in doubt, always consult an attorney!
The big problem is to get past emotional or spiritual issues and make the right choices:
- Who can you count on when you need them? Your spouse or sister might be the logical agents, but can you count on them to a) remember where they put a copy of your directive; b) stay calm enough in an emergency; and c) stand up as necessary on your behalf as they work with the medical system?
- Exactly what do you want done? It's terribly scary to face the fact that at least once in your life you will need someone to be there for you when you can't speak for yourself. But if you don't make these choices now, someone else may make the wrong choices later.
- What do you do with the directive once you've completed it? First, give copies to those who will stand up for you, to your medical practitioners and your attorney. If you're a Kaiser patient, the medical secretaries will scan your directive into your records. (For more about what to do with your directive, see an upcoming post.)
Resisting Doing Your Directive? Here's Help!
It's always easier to get emotionally loaded or spiritual issues handled well if you have the support of a trusted friend, clergy and/or attorney. Recently, my husband and I found that doing an Advance Health Care Directive with friends can be an amazing catalyst for a richer life, individually and together.
By request, I've created a new workshop on Advance Health Care Directives for those who live in the SF Bay Area. Also by request, I will be scheduling a teleseminar/webinar soon. In the meantime, add your questions and comments below. As always, many blessings,
Pat McHenry Sullivan
copyright 2012 by Pat McHenry Sullivan, t/a Visionary Resources


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- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Insurance Accepted
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- Private Pay
- VA Funding
- Counseling
- Detox
- Inpatient
- Intensive Outpatient
- Medication Assisted Treatment
- Multiple Levels of Care
- Outpatient
About Ohio Hospital for Psychiatry
With two locations in Columbus, Ohio Hospital for Psychiatry maintains a steadfast mission to provide comprehensive behavioral health services and recovery support to our patients and their families. Our fully trained and licensed team of medical care professionals is committed to ensuring each patient receives quality care tailored to his or her needs.
An Exceptional and Compassionate Team of Recovery Professionals
Ohio Hospital for Psychiatry is a 130-bed free-standing behavioral health hospital with treatment available to adults and seniors suffering from mental health issues. We provide care for a range of conditions, including:
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Suicidal thoughts
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Self-harm
- Aggression
- Substance abuse
Substances Use Disorders We Treat
- Alcohol
- Benzodiazepines
- Opioids (including heroin and prescription painkillers)
- Prescription medications
In order to give patients the highest quality care, we believe in employing well-trained and highly-educated professionals who are compassionated and committed to improving the lives of every patient. Our multidisciplinary recovery staff includes:
- Social workers
- Nurses (LPNs and RNs)
- Nurse practitioners
- Certified mental health professionals
- Dietitians
- Psychiatrists
A Continuum of Mental Health Care
We are prepared to help patients struggling from conditions that range from slightly problematic to crippling. In-depth assessments are conducted for all potential patients to determine the appropriate level of care necessary to reach his or her treatment goals. Depending on each patient's needs, we create an individualized mental health and addiction treatment plan that may involve detox services and medication-assisted treatment. To achieve stabilization, patients may enter one or more of our six, distinct care units:
Contact Ohio Hospital for Psychiatry
- Dual Diagnosis
- Depression
- Bipolar Disorder
- Substance Abuse
- Mood, Personality, and Thinking Disorders
- Coping Skills
- Gym
- Private Transportation
- Recreation Room
- Residential Setting
- Home-Based Services
- Generations Program for Senior Adults
Treatment Approach
- Individual, Group, and Family Therapy
- Art Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (SBT
- Trauma Focused Therapy
- Art Therapy
- Music Therapy


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Ann Kim's (Sociology, YCAR) new co-edited book investigates the connections between students and institutions. Outward and Upward Mobilities: International Students in Canada, Their Families, and Structuring Institutions (University of Toronto Press, 2019) will be launched on Sept. 27 at an event featuring a panel discussion on international education in Canada with three of the book's contributors and a business expert from the field.
The book's co-editor, Min-Jung Kwak (Saint Mary's University) will chair the panel.
Outward and Upward Mobilities is the culmination of Kim's SSHRC, Academy of Korean Studies, and Population Change and Life Course Cluster-funded project, which was supported by the York Centre for Asian Research and the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies. York University book contributors include: Elena Chou (Sociology), Stella Dentakos (Psychology), Amira El Masri (Education), Ann Kim (Sociology), Sangyoo Lee (Social Work), Guida Man (Sociology), Jean Michel Montsion (Multidisciplinary Studies), Roopa Trilokekar (Education), Maxine Gallander Wintre (Psychology) and Lorna Wright (Schulich).
"Like other migrant groups, student mobility is a form of social mobility, and one that requires access from a host state," says Kim. "But there are multiple institutions with which students interact and that influence the processes of social mobility. The collection features works by key scholars in the field that explores how international students and their families fare in local ethnic communities, educational and professional institutions, and the labour market."
The panellists for the Sept. 27 launch include Roopa D. Trilokekar and Amira El Masri (Education), Vinitha Gengatharan (York International) and Margaret Walton-Roberts (Wilfrid Laurier University). The event begins at
"I'm excited about the book's release," says Kim. "It presents an important aspect of international student life, of students' interactions with that meso layer of groups and institutions, which often shape whether they have positive experiences and want to live in Canada or leave."
Some collaborators on this book project are also involved in a new SSHRC-funded project that will shed light on the experiences of international students titled, Asian International Students to Canadian Universities: Examining the Racialization of Chinese, Indian and Korean Students in Halifax, Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver and Winnipeg. Researchers are considering these students as migrants to specific communities, beyond their academic affiliation, by using the ways in which racialization affects them on and off-campus, and has repercussions on their migratory experiences and trajectories as a whole.
For more information on the RAIS project, visit: https://ycar.apps01.yorku.ca/rais/
*This story was also published in yFile on 24 September 2019: http://yfile.news.yorku.ca/2019/09/23/book-exploring-connections-between-students-and-institutions-will-launch-sept-27


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Story #2 in Adventures in Fiction by Little CAB Press, the 2016 summer anthology!
Does the so-called Montezuma Treasure exist? When a team of archeologists set out to document a little-known cliff dwelling on the sprawling Navajo Indian Reservation in Northern Arizona, the last thing they expected to find was clues to what happened to the fabulous treasure that the Aztec spirited away from the approaching Spanish invasion. But they were not the first to make this discovery, and now the race was on to recover the gold and silver artifacts before they are lost forever.
From the Editor: A brief jaunt back in time to when the Aztecs met Cortez begins this contemporary tale of treasure hunting, murder & intrigue.
More About Roy—
Roy Voss retired from a career of designing and building high-pressure pipelines. The work took him to five continents and once, in a thirty-day period, resulted in two trips around the world—one going east and the other west. What was once an obsession with golf has morphed into a love of writing. In addition to the self-published novel, PAYBACK, Roy has completed six other unpublished novels based on incidents from those travels. He now lives with his wife, Bobbi, in a country home just outside of Palestine, Texas.


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iOS 6, internally codenamed 'Sundance', could bring Siri to the iPad at last.
That's according to TechCrunch,who reports that the delay in bringing Siri to the iPad has been causedby user interface issues.
"I've been led to believe it's more of a UI issue than anything else,"said TechCrunch's MG Siegler. "After all, Apple is using the technologyfor the Dictation functionality found on the new iPad. They've justbeen working on what Siri for iPad will look like."
DaringFireball predicts that iOS 6 will also give developers theability to implement Siri into their own, third-party apps.
It has also emerged that Apple may be ditchingGoogle Maps in favour of its own mapping software in the nextversion of iOS. The new Maps appwill reportedly include a 3D mode fromC3 Technologies, which Apple acquired last year.
iOS 6 could be arriving alongside OS X Mountain Lion at this year'sWWDCin June.
In other Apple news, the company has changed the name of its new iPadon websitesworldwide, swapping '4G' to 'Cellular'. This change was madefollowing accusations in the UK and Australia that Apple had beenmisleading customers about the tablet's capabilities.
Complaints about ads
The change has appeared in Online Apple Stores across the globe,including the UK, Australia, US, Canada, Ireland, Hong Kong and more.
In March, Applechanged the small print on its UK store webpage, admittingthat 4G is only available in the US andCanada.
However, in May, Apple facedfurther accusations that its adverts for the new iPad's 4Gcapabilities in the UK were misleading. The Advertising StandardsAuthority (ASA) reportedly received 'dozens' of complaints about thenew iPad's capabilities, which are currently redundant in the UK, andwasn't satisfied that Apple had complied with an agreement to amendclaims about the tablet's 4G feature on its website.
In Australia, Appleoffered refunds to anyone who felt they had been mislead bythe iPad's 4G capabilities, butthe company then argued that it had never marketed the deviceas being compatible with Australia's networks.


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You will need
- - cash
- - computer with Internet access
Decide in advance how you want to congratulate your sweetheart with birthday. Select a gift and begin to prepare for the celebration. For room decoration buy posters of congratulations, or, if time and funds, do them to order. For example, take funny, hilarious pictures of her husband and under each write an original wish.
Invite your spouse on a romantic date. Do not have to go to a cafe or restaurant, you can have a picnic outside the city or spend the weekend at the recreation center. Provide all the details, try to my husband was not in their plans for the day, build out the Pets and find someone to watch the kids during your absence.
Prepare husband a cake of an unusual shape, for example, in the form of a female breast or butt. To do this, look on cooking sites recipes with pictures of the final product and make an order in the bakery or bake yourself. And in the morning put on the table the cake was a surprise. Don't forget to take a picture of the beloved's face when he saw this miracle.
Comply for its cute lap dance. Therefore, pre-invent your stage persona and practice in front of a mirror. You don't need a professional tease, the important fact dance performance. Forget about all the limits and stand before her husband in a new way. Pleasant memories of such a surprise in the memory of her husband will remain for a long time.
Beforehand buy Chinese sky lanterns on which you write wishes or recognition. And in the evening together with her husband run into the sky and see how they turn into little Golden stars.
Requested to speak to my husband before as a surprise trip or an expensive gift.
Useful advice
Try to keep the surprise was simple. The more complicated the plan, the greater the likelihood that the performance will be mistakes.


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Open Document Editors Devroom at FOSDEM 2014
Open document editors are coming again to FOSDEM with a shared
devroom which gives every project in this area a chance to present
ODF related developments and innovations. The devroom is organized
by Apache OpenOffice and LibreOffice.
We invite submission of talks for the Open Document Editors devroom,
to be held on Saturday, February 1st, from 10AM to 6PM.
Length of talks should be limited to 20 minutes, as we would like to
have questions after each presentation, and to fit as many
presenters as possible in the schedule. Exceptions must be
explicitly requested and justified.
Technical talks (code, extensions, localization, QA, tools and
significant adoption related cases) about open document editors or
the ODF format are welcome.
Submissions must be done using the Pentabarf system:
https://penta.fosdem.org/submission/FOSDEM14 .
While filing your proposal, please add a few lines about yourself
(although your profile might already be stored at Pentabarf) and
specify what product or topic (Apache OpenOffice, LibreOffice, both,
other editor, ODF in general…) your talk is about.
The deadline is Sunday, December 22, 2013. Accepted speakers
will be notified by January 5, 2014.
You can send any questions to the devroom mailing list:


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Electric curling irons have recently become quite popular with hairstylists. Both beginners and professionals are on the lookout for a qualified and affordable automatic curler. These curlers expertly curl your hair on their own and save your time.
We searched the market to find out the best automatic curling iron for you. The Kiss Products Ceramic InstaWave Automatic Curling Iron grabbed our attention and outshone all other tools! It is a fully automatic curler that gives gorgeous curls and works the best with long hair.
Here's why you should get your hands on this Kiss InstaWave product.
Easy Styling
This curling iron is fully capable of styling your hair on its own. Just angle your curling iron against your hair and press the button. The wand will start rotating and will wrap a section of hair around itself.
This makes it easy for you to style your hair from the roots to the ends! The patented design of this spinning curler gives you a hassle-free experience. The prongs attached at the base of the wand detangle your hair as well so you can achieve better curls.
Different Styles for Different Lengths
This hair curling iron can create various hairstyles on differential lengths of hair. You can create soft, bouncy curls, beachy waves, spirals, and voluminous hairstyles in just seconds using the high and low-temperature settings! Its 420°F works best on thick locks and gives them precise curls as well as voluminous, elaborate waves!
Ceramic Barrel with Ionic Technology
Its 1-inch thick barrel is coated with ceramic which heats up quickly. It also stores heat for a long time which makes it quicker to curl hair. The ionic technology gives your hair a frizz-free, anti-static look for neat and presentable curls! The ceramic is equipped with heat protectant technology to protect your hair from any damage. This barrel is clipless, so it also prevents any snagging your hair.
Convenient Controlling
Although this hair curling iron is fully automatic, it's also quite easy to customize. The two heat settings, high and low, are situated on the handle. There's also a button that you can use to select the direction of rotation of the barrel (right or left). This allows you to choose between inner or outer curls. It also has a 90-minute automatic shut-down time to prevent overheating or electric damage.
This Kiss device is a high quality, high-performance hairstyling iron with an incredibly low price tag. If you compare it with other hair curling wands, this one is less costly. For both beginners and professionals, this curling iron is a good investment.
8 Ft. Long Cord
The swivel cord of this hair curling iron is 8 ft. long, so you can move around freely without pulling the plug from its socket. Its swivel cord allows 360° rotation and styling so that you can move the iron in different directions without straining your hand.
The barrel, prongs, and handle of this product are pretty heavy for constant use. If you fear that your hands or wrists might strain or get injured, we recommend that you take some breaks while styling your hair. Besides, this curling iron doesn't take too much time to curl, so there isn't much to worry about!
Angling Techniques
If you are a beginner, you might face difficulty angling your hair for the perfect curls. Both left and right-handed people have problems with angling the barrel perfectly. This takes a little bit of learning and practice. You'll soon figure out the angles that give you the best curls according to your hair and face type!
Do you also want to know how to buy a curling iron for long hair? Our helpful buying guide will tell you what to look for when it comes to selecting the best one for your needs.
The Kiss Products Ceramic InstaWave Automatic Curling Iron is currently one of the most popular hair curling irons currently available out there. It has a clipless barrel which automatically wraps hair around its barrel. The prongs undo the knots in your hair to give you neat, tight curls. The ceramic-coated barrel protects your hair from excess heat and gives them a shiny, frizz-free look. For a low price and high quality, this hair curling iron is a practical investment for both newbies and professionals!


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Dan Goodin:
There's no indication the driver package uploads or otherwise distributes any of the logged information. That means the information stored in the log is likely to remain private as long as affected computers and any backups they use remain properly secured. Given this mitigation, comparisons to Superfish, the HTTPS-crippling app Lenovo pre-installed on computers several years ago, are overblown.
"Properly secured", yep I'm sure most people do that right after sticking their password to their monitors.