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iv. HISTORY IN THE EARLY ISLAMIC PERIOD
The Gelae (Gilites) seem to have entered the region south of the Caspian coast and west of the Amardos River (later Safīdrūd) in the second or first century B.C.E. Pliny identifies them with the Kadusii previously living there. More likely they were a separate people, coming perhaps from the region of Dāḡestān, and superseded the Kadusii. Subsequently they also crossed the Amardos river and, jointly with the Deylamites (q.v.), supplanted the Amardi. Like the Deylamites, they are mentioned as mercenaries of the Sasanian kings but do not seem to have come under their effective rule. The dynasty of the Dabuyids (q.v.) is said to have originated in Gīlān before moving to Ṭabarestān. In 553, Gīlān is mentioned together with Āmol as the seat of a Nestorian bishop.
In early Islamic times the territories of the Gilites extended east of the Safīdrūd (Bīa-pīš) in the coastal lowlands as far as Ḵošam (Arabicized Hawsam, modern Rūdesar). West of the river (Bīa-pas) they occupied the lowlands north of Tārom and were bordered in the west and northwest by Ṭāleš. Gīlān was not occupied by the Arabs. Reports of Gīlān paying tribute to the caliphal government in the early ʿAbbasid age most likely refer to western Gīlān; eastern Gīlān was effectively protected by the Deylamites occupying the mountains against Muslim penetration. The Gilites are rarely mentioned in early Islamic sources, mostly in association with the Deylamites. Legendary genealogy made their ancestor Gīl a brother of Deylam, the ancestor of the Deylamites. Like the Deylamites, they spoke a northwestern Iranian dialect which was largely incomprehensible to other Persian speakers.
Mass conversion to Islam occurred in Gīlān in the later 3rd/9th and early 4th/10th century. In western Gīlān, Abū Jaʿfar Qāsem b. Moḥammad Ṯūmī Tamīmī, a Ḥanbalī scholar from Āmol, spread Sunnite Islam. He was buried in Rašt, where he was later remembered as Ostāḏ Abū Jaʿfar and his tomb was venerated. After the conversion of Gīlān to Twelver Shiʿism, he came to be considered a sayyed. In eastern Gīlān, the ʿAlid Ḥasan b. ʿAlī Oṭrūš al-Nāṣer le'l-Ḥaqq (d. 304/912), preaching in Hawsam, rallied the people to Zaydī Shiʿism. His tomb in Āmol was visited by eastern Gilite pilgrims. The schism between Ḥanbalī western Gīlān and Zaydī Nāṣerī eastern Gīlān lasted for many centuries and acted as a political and cultural divide. From western Gīlān came numerous Sunnite traditionists and Ḥanbalī scholars with the nesba Gīlānī since the 5th/11th century. The eastern Gilites became closely associated with the Zaydī Deylamites and shared in the "Deylamite Expansion" (Minorsky) of the 4th/10th century.
In his account of the Gilites, reflecting the situation around the time of his conversion, Abū Esḥāq Ṣābī states that they were divided into four tribes named by him. As described by him, these "tribes" appear more like clans of a small nobility and were all located in a central region of Gīlān around Lāhījān and Rašt. Like the Deylamites, the Gilites recognized a line of kings who normally belonged to the royal clan named Šāhānšāhāvand and dwelled in the region of Dāḵel, northwest of Lāhījān. Among their kings was Līlī b. Šahdūst (Noʿmān) who was killed in battle in 309/921 after conquering Ṭūs. Also of the royal Gilite clan were the Ziarids (q.v.), a dynasty ruling Gorgān and Ṭabarestān from 320/932 to the last quarter of the 5th/11th century.
Even after Islamization and the Deylamite expansion, Gīlān and Deylamān remained politically semi-independent and fragmented. Ziarids, Buyids, and later Saljuqs sought to gain influence from the outside and were at times able to exact tribute, but not to impose government or regular taxation. The Zaydīs in eastern Gīlān supported ʿAlid rulers seated, in the 4th/10th and 5th/11th centuries, in Hawsam (see ʿALIDS OF ṬABARESTĀN, DAYLAMĀN, AND GĪLĀN). Most of the country, however, continued to be controlled by clan-based local chieftains. In the 6th/12th century Lāhījān replaced Hawsam as the seat of the Zaydī ʿAlid rulers. Lāhījān (earlier name Līāhej), from where the Deylamite Būyid dynasty had originated, was still considered Deylamite in the 4th/10th century. Now it became the main town of eastern Gīlān.
Under the Mongol Ilkhanids Gīlān at first remained independent. In 706/1306-7 the Il-khan Oljāytū mounted a major campaign to subjugate Gīlān. The Mongols suffered heavy losses, and Oljāytū gained only nominal recognition of his suzerainty. Gīlān thus was incorporated into the Il-khanid empire but continued to be ruled by its local dynasties. After 769/1367-68 ʿAlī Kīā b. Amīr Kīā Malāṭī, an ʿAlid leader of Zaydī penitents, gained control of eastern Gīlān with backing from the Marʿašī sayyeds ruling in Māzandarān. He and his descendants established themselves in Lāhījān and ruled all of eastern Gīlān until the early Safavid age. In western Gīlān the Sunnite Shafiʿite Esḥāqvand dynasty rose to power from the middle of the 7th/13th century. Seated in Fūman, the dynasty gradually expanded its sway over all of western Gīlān. Both dynasties were removed by the Safavid Shah ʿAbbās I in 1000/1592, and Gīlān came to be ruled by governors appointed by the central government.
Ḥodūd al-ʿālam, tr. Minorsky, pp. 136-37, 388-91.
D. Krawulsky, Iran: Das Reich der Īlḫāne, Wiesbaden, 1978, pp. 372-83.
ʿAlī b. Šams-al-Dīn Lāhejī, Tārīḵ-e ḵānī, ed. M. Sotūda, Tehran, 1352 Š./1973.
W. Madelung, Arabic Texts Concerning the History of the Zaydī Imāms of Ṭabaristān, Daylamān and Gīlān, Beirut,1987.
Ẓahīr al-Dīn Marʿašī, Tārīḵ-e Gīlān o Deylamestān, ed. M. Sotūda, Tehran, 1347 Š./1969.
Markwart, Ērānšahr, pp. 124-25.
Spuler, Iran, index, s.v. Gēlān. W. Madelung, "Abū Isḥāq al-Ṣābī on the ʿAlids of Ṭabaristān and Gīlān," in idem, Religious and Ethnic Movements in Medieval Islam, Aldershot, Hampshire, U.K., 1992, art. VII.
Idem, "The Minor Dynasties of Northern Iran," in Camb. Hist. Iran IV, pp. 198-249.
H. L. Rabino di Borgomale, Les provinces caspiennes de la Perse: Le Guîlân, RMM 32 (1915-16), Paris, 1917.
Idem, "Les dynasties locales du Gîlân et du Daylam," JA 237, 1949, pp. 301-50.
M. Sotūda, Az Āstārā tā Estārbād, 2 vols., Tehran, 1970-72.
(Wilferd Madelung)
Originally Published: December 15, 2001
Last Updated: February 9, 2012
This article is available in print.
Vol. X, Fasc. 6, pp. 634-635


text: TERM 2 WEEK 11 EDIT Edit AA Conversations selects one unmissable event for you to attend this week 21 March 2016 Architectural Association, London It's the last week of term and it's just a four day week too - all the more reason to attend some lectures before the Easter break! The unmissable event this week is tonight's lecture by Jos Boys on Doing dis/ability and architecture differently? As the final lecture in this term's AA XX 100 series that has looked at the theme of inclusivity within architecture, the series aimed to broaden its focus from just looking at women to include all marginalised or under-represented groups within architecture. So far in the series, we heard from Assemble who discussed the blurring boundaries between art and architecture while explaining the importance of collaboration through their collective-based practice, and also staged a roundtable discussion between Baroness Lawrence, Elsie Owusu, Danna Walker and Stephanie Edwards to discuss The Lawrence Legacy: Challenging Racism and Celebrating Diversity in Architecture. Following on from these two inspiring talks, this final lecture on Monday evening will address how we can change attitudes towards accessibility in design, transforming it from a last minute add-on or forgotten criteria into an opportunity for creative expression. Also this week is Tuesday's Blueprint 20/20 conversation with Ron Arad where he will reflect on the Rover chair as a pivotal project in his career. On Wednesday, the AA Bookshop will host the launch of Jantje Engels and Marius Grootveld's title Building upon Building - Forum. Finally, on Thursday evening the term ends with the Easter Party organised by the AA Student Forum which is a celebration of all things chocolate. See the Events List to find out more or check the AA website to find out What's On.

subset: commoncrawl


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Introduction: Information Technology and Access to Libraries: A Special Issue
The rapid refinement of adaptive technology over the last decade or so has probably generated more questions than it has provided answers vis a vis access to libraries and their collections and services. With this in mind, earlier in the year the editorial board of the quarterly electronic journal _Information Technology and Disabilities_ decided to devote an entire issue to library access; we're pleased to announce that this issue will also appear in print in the near future as a special issue of _Library Hi Tech_. Our initial call for articles, sent out electronically to most of the major discussion groups in the areas of education and rehabilitation as well as librarianship, generated a great deal of interest, and the articles which follow represent the best of those submitted. Not surprisingly, many of the articles submitted for inclusion in this special issue focus on information technology in general, and access to Internet-based resources in particular, and the arrangement of articles reflects this trend.


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I'm an Android user. My only iOS device is a first-generation iPad. But I have to commend Apple on the fact that in 10 years, its paradigm-shifting smartphone has never had a major security problem.
Hundreds of new pieces of Windows malware are found every day. Android Trojans routinely make their way into the Google Play app store. Mac malware is still sparse, but it's steadily increasing (and trust me, Windows 10 has better security).
Meanwhile, with hundreds of millions of iPhones and iPads sold in the past decade, you can count the amount of iOS malware found in the wild on the fingers of a single hand. That's a truly remarkable achievement.
There are two main reasons the iPhone is so secure.
- Apple has this ship locked down tight. Nothing gets in or out of iOS without the say-so of Apple security engineers. The App Store is rigidly controlled. Each update to iOS brings new security implementations. Any flaws made public by third parties are quickly fixed.
- Apple understands that its users are morons. Technological morons, that is. Most of them don't know how an iPhone works, and don't care. They don't know the difference between Apple Messages and text messaging. They don't know how to manually install software updates. They don't want to be suspicious of apps in the App Store. And, honestly, they shouldn't have to know any of that.
So Apple takes care of everything for them. Like a benevolent parent or deity — take your pick — it assumes total but loving control of the entire iOS universe, from hardware design to software updates.
MORE: iPhone 8 Rumors: What to Expect from the 10th Anniversary iPhone
Apple makes sure that the iOS user experience is as seamless and worry-free as possible. It keeps the bad people out of the playground, but it also makes sure that the kids don't wander out of sight — no unauthorized modifications, no jailbreaking, no customized home screens.
Some people resent this state of affairs. They're called Android users. I'm one of them.
But we Android users have to put up with delayed (or never implemented) security updates; a half-assed Google Play screening system (sorry, Bouncer, you're doing a lousy job); thousands of malware and adware developers trying to get their junk into our phones; and devices that have safe working lives of at most three years, and sometimes as little as 18 months. (By contrast, an iPhone is good for five years.)
Plus, there's the ridiculous Android ecosystem, in which phone makers, wireless carriers and Google itself have all tried to pass the buck about who has to take responsibility for security issues. The burden often falls on the end user, who's usually the least qualified person to make those decisions.
On that last point, Google is at least making changes that give it greater control. With the upcoming Android O, Google will be able to push out security updates to more phones without having to run the updates past the phone makers and carriers.
But Android is always going to be far behind iOS in terms of security. Android is like a big-city hospital; there are a dozen different entrances, and no matter how many security guards you put on staff, people will always be rushing in and out. iOS is an isolated fort with very thick walls and one very heavily guarded main gate.
That's not to say that the iOS fort is impregnable. There are also a couple of hidden side doors for developers and enterprises, and iOS malware creators know where they are. But it's still one of the safest operating systems that has ever seen wide use.
There's no better testimony to iOS' security success than the fact that Windows Phone, Windows 10 S and Chrome OS have all replicated iOS' "walled garden" structure, limiting their applications to a pre-screened selection available from a single source. (Chrome OS is deviating from this a bit now by allowing Android apps from Google Play.) Even macOS is trying to go down this road with the Mac App Store.
These new OSes are an admission that Apple was right: Users need to be treated like children, not like security experts. It's the only way to keep them safe.


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Rabbi Seth Klayman - October 27, 2018
What's the Point of Regular Communal Prayer? - Part 2
From Series: "Holy Questions from Shaul's (Paul's) Letters to Timothy"
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Message: "What's the Point of Regular Communal Prayer? – Part 2" from Rabbi Seth Klayman


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Pai Gow Poker is a casino table game in which the player is dealt seven playing cards and then creates two separate poker hands.
The object of the game is to beat the dealer with both poker hands and win money. One of the advantages to playing pai gow poker is that it is relatively uncommon for the player to lose with both hands. As a result, a limited bankroll can last a long time at a pai gow poker table.
More about Pai Gow Poker
Pai Gow Poker was invented sometime in the 1980s by a casino manager named Fred Wolf. He created the game to be loosely based on the ancient Chinese game called "Pai Gow." In order to make the game appealing to the casual casino crowd, Fred Wolf designed pai gow poker to have much simpler rules and to use regular playing cards instead of Chinese tiles.
Today, pai gow poker is offered by most live casinos and online casinos. The game has proven to be quite popular thanks to the flexibility it offers the player and the low house advantage. It only takes a few minutes to get the hang of the game so pai gow poker appeals to a wide audience.
If you take the time to learn a little basic pai gow poker strategy, you'll find it to be a good game for the bankroll. The house does have a small advantage, but you'll find that the dealer doesn't win outright very often compared to other casino table games. The payouts for pai gow poker are not massive, but that is offset by the low occurrence of flat out dealer wins.
Every internet casino we have reviewed offers pai gow poker at a wide range of betting limits. In most cases, the minimum bet per hand is just $1.00. From there, the betting limits go up to maximum wagers of about $500 per hand. This can vary from casino to casino, but we've found that $500 is about average for the maximum bet. Some online casinos will increase the real money betting limits even higher than that if you ask them.
If you're new to pai gow poker, we recommend that you read through the rules and then try a couple of practice rounds on our free pai gow poker game. The rules of splitting hands may appear a little confusing at first but you'll catch the hang of it pretty quickly. If you're ever in doubt, you can always elect to have the house arrange your hands for you.


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The good people at Simon & Schuster were kind to send me a pre-release book from one of my favorite authors: Stephen Hunter.
Sniper's Honor is set for release on May 20, 2014 and features Bob Lee Swagger in a something of an investigative journey into the past to uncover the story behind a Russian sniper known as the "Die weisse Hexe" – The White Witch.
The story reads a lot like Hunter's The Third Bullet, where Bob Lee Swagger – assisting a journalist, uncovers historical clues and lends his expertise as a sniper to recreate the story behind Mili Petrova, a sniper whose existence was seemingly erased from both German and Russian history following World War II.
Sniper's Honor, like all the books by Stephen Hunter, is highly recommended.
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Photos and reviews of the Ulyana Sergeenko Haute Couture Spring Summer 2013 collection.
Ulyana Sergeenko is one of the most elegant women in Russia, always sitting in the front row of the most important designers' shows, muse and friend to many designers. It is her second couture show. The inspiration behind it are cult movies such as Gone with the Wind or the Wizard of Oz.


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What does it mean for a q function or table to be a 'first class' type?
Like any other value, you can do the following with functions:
- pass them as arguments to other functions
- return them from functions
- create new functions at run time
In fact, since the syntax of q is consistent with the semantic similarity between calling a function and indexing a data structure, sometimes you won't even care whether a particular value is a function or data.
Tables can be treated as ordinary data as well. In a typical database, tables can only be manipulated and queried using a special language via a specific access mechanism (.NET's LINQ is Microsoft's effort to bridge the gap). In q, although you can use a query language when convenient, you can also use any other feature of the q language that you might want. For example, sometime it's much simpler or faster to express a table update using . (apply).


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Accused on campus: Charges dropped, but the infamy remains
Another college male is suing, and speaking out
The number of lawsuits by men wrongly accused of sexual assault on campus is increasing almost by the day.
Most remain silent, preferring to go the "John Doe" route to avoid further reputational damage. Slowly, however, some men are going public, often where there names were already published anyway in high profile cases. One example is the suit against Columbia University by Jean-Paul Nungesser after Emma Sulkowicz drew attention to the allegations by carrying a mattress around campus.
Here is one story playing out at San Diego State University, in which the charges were plastered all over campus and the news, only to be dropped once police investigated.
Where does someone wrongly accused go to get his reputation back?
It started with the arrest of Francisco Paiva Sousa, SDSU sex assault suspect out on bail:
A day after being arrested on suspicion of a sexual assault near campus, an SDSU student is out on bail.
CBS News 8 cameras were there when 20-year-old Francisco Paiva Sousa was released from jail Wednesday. He was taken into custody Tuesday in connection with the alleged assault Sunday. Sousa said nothing as our cameras caught up with him after he made bail.
The SDSU sophomore is accused of forcing a female student to perform oral sex while at a party off campus, according to campus police. Detectives say it happened at a duplex on College Avenue sometime Saturday night or Sunday morning….
"It's kind of scary to read about. It could have been me, SDSU student Bailey Fuimaono said.
Unlike, the other string of alleged sexual assault cases at SDSU, this female victim came forward. It's something Fuimaono says should be noted.
"It's really inspiring. It's scary to identify them. It's empowering because if she can do it, anyone can. It's nice to know someone stepped up and did it," she said.
Here is some of the news video of the arrest and release on bail:
CBS News 8 – San Diego, CA News Station – KFMB Channel 8
The news coverage was looking for an angle, in this case a reporter pursuing Sousa while commenting on his "preppy" attire:
After investigation, the District Attorney's office dropped the charges, No charges for student in SDSU sex assault report:
Francisco Paiva Sousa was expected to be arraigned Dec. 18, a little more than a week after he was arrested and posted bail. The arraignment was canceled, but the case remained under investigation, authorities said.
The District Attorney's Office rejected the case Jan. 28.
Spokeswoman Tanya Sierra said in an email that the office does not give details on why cases are rejected. She added: "… we can only file charges when we believe we can prove them beyond a reasonable doubt."
Gained even more attention when a local TV Station used Obama's photo in reporting the story:
That took the story, and Sousa's name, national.
Now Sousa has taken the preliminary steps to file suit against the university, and is speaking out.
SDSU student previously accused of sexual assault speaks out:
The San Diego State University student who was accused of sexually assaulting another SDSU student last year spoke exclusively to CBS News 8 on Friday.
The District Attorney dropped the charges against Francisco Sousa, but he remains suspended.
Francisco Sousa said he did not file the lawsuit against SDSU for financial gain, but instead to change the way SDSU handles sexual assault cases.
In his case and in his own words, "Giving an accused student due process and the opportunity to defend himself before being very publicly accused," he said.
"It feels unreal. It feels completely unreal," said Sousa.
CBS News 8 – San Diego, CA News Station – KFMB Channel 8
I don't know if Sousa was guilty but there wasn't enough evidence, or if he was wrongly accused. And there will be others like me who will Google his name, and wonder the same thing. And that's the problem.
Donations tax deductible
to the full extent allowed by law.


text: Tackle your to-do list at this Flash Furniture 48"W Commercial-Grade Industrial Office Desk. The industrial computer desk fits in with the décor of your company, home office or open concept workspace, and the rich finish of the business desk exudes a professional appearance. Constructed with an 18-gauge frame with a powder-coated finish, the commercial office desk provides lasting strength to keep up with your growing business.


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Are you a planner? Or do you like to fly by the seat of your pants? In my 20 years of teaching, I've seen all kinds of planning personalities, and I've learned a lot about what works for me and what doesn't. Most people will tell you that I'm a planner extraordinaire. During our end… Continue reading Lesson Planning- Big Picture to Daily Schedule
Category: Teacher Planner
Teacher Planners Galore! What Do You Need to Plan Your Year?
What do you look for? What do you look for when you buy a new teacher planner? Is it more important for it to be cute or functional? How often do you find yourself wishing you had made a different choice after you've purchased one? Do you pride yourself on making your planner look cute… Continue reading Teacher Planners Galore! What Do You Need to Plan Your Year?


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NoVA Retiree Phone Banks Launch
With the grandkids back in school, area union retirees with a little more time on their hands will be welcome at NoVA Labor's annual Retiree Phone Bank and Walks, which start today. "We will have packets available for calling or walking from 10a to 2p," says Dan Duncan. "Let your union's retiree clubs know they can pick a time to come out and contact their members to advise them of the endorsed candidates in VA. We can provide personalized retiree lists or just call all union retirees to let them know why this upcoming election is important to them and their union families. Join us and our favorite retiree Barbara Easterling (ret. CWA Sec-Treas, photo) on Wednesday, September 22nd as we kick off our phone banks!" photo by Dolores Gerber
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text: It seems that the cold weather is dragging on and on this year! I don't know about you, but it has greatly affected my skin this year. I especially have a difficult time keeping my lips soft and shiny - so in the spirit of St. Patrick's Day here is a simple lip scrub to exfoliate those lips! This ...READ MORE +


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One of the most important factors in successful animal adoptions is the first impression. In today's world, people are often introduced to adoptable animals through photographs—online, on flyers, in newspaper ads. An eye-catching portrait and compelling bio can make a world of difference and be the first step in finding a forever home. Taking good photographs of shelter animals is an important way to volunteer your time and talents. Amateur or professional, the tenets of a good portrait remain basically the same—capture the subject's personality in the most positive light. Here are some tips:
1. Be prepared. In every sense—do your homework on the task specifics, the facility, the staff who you'll be interfacing with, and the animals you'll be photographing. Allow at least 5–10 minutes with each dog, maybe more for cats. Be mindful of each subject, and their unique characteristics, some will be shy or fearful, others will be exuberant and want to explore. Be prepared for the commitment, short term and long term—it's invaluable work.
2. Try to photograph dogs outside if possible. There are exceptions, if you are experienced shooting indoors and have the space and equipment to set up a studio and backdrop … then a controlled environment indoors can work well. But in most cases, moving outdoors in natural light, and away from the hubbub of the shelter offers many rewards—the more natural setting calms the animals, makes for a more picturesque setting, and natural light captures the warmest, best likeness. If it's sunny and bright, shoot in the shade.
3. Connect with your subject. Talk sweetly and cheerfully with your subject while photographing. Exaggerate your high "happy" voice, make animal sounds, use squeaky toys and balls to focus their attention on you and the camera. Employ high value treats to get dogs to hold still and direct their gaze. Try to capture them looking into the lens, it's perhaps the best way for the subject to connect with the viewer.
Sign up and get the answers to your questions.
4. Compose the photograph. Look for an interesting visual background—a brick or wooden wall, plants or foliage, a corner structure. Simple, uncluttered backdrops work best. Avoid cages, fences or offices that reinforce the institutional setting. Do your best to fill the frame with your subject, make them the star.
5. Shoot at your subject's level. Get down low so you are not shooting down at the dog. The results are more personal and intimate. This perspective also allows a more accurate documentation of the dog's body type and size.
6. Do not use a flash. More often then not, a flash creates a harsh, unnatural light that is uncomplimentary. It can also frighten your subjects.
7. Edit your photos. Photo editing tools are invaluable. Simple tweaks in popular software or apps can make a mediocre photo good, and a good photo great. Adjust the exposure, lighten the darks, bring out the color and detail plus crop out unnecessary background elements. You don't need to spend hours retouching photos, just a few simple moves and a couple of minutes will greatly improve your results.


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Cedarhurst's resident community chorus is comprised of approximately 20 volunteers, who, under the direction of John McGhee, present a diverse repertoire of choral music for the public's enjoyment. Held in the Performance Hall inside Mitchell Museum, the holiday performance and other performances are announced and advertised through this website, e-blasts and local advertisements.
SPONSORS: Hunt and Donna Bonan | Clarice Hollis and the late Robert Hollis | WSIU/NPR Public Broadcasting


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Ethics classes and SRE (Part 1)
16.01.2012 | Andrew Cameron and Rebecca Belzer | Briefing 098Tweet
You are probably aware that during 2011, Special Education in Ethics (SEE, or 'ethics classes') were offered to year 5 and 6 in NSW government primary schools. The classes were offered to students whose parents had 'opted out' of their child attending Special Religious Education (SRE, or 'scripture classes').
In November 2011, the NSW Government commenced a review into the ethics classes, aiming to report on the current operation of ethics classes in light of their objectives, curriculum, implementation and effectiveness.
This is the first of two briefings on the ethics and scripture debate. Our purpose here is to update readers on the current state of play. We are not addressing the issues that have divided many NSW people into bitter 'ethics' or 'scripture' camps. We simply want you to know how things stand, at the level of State governance. We will attempt to understand and distil some of the arguments for and against ethics classes in the second briefing.
We usually appreciate feedback, but we won't respond to strong opinions offered for or against SEE classes. We would be glad to hear of any errors of fact in what follows.
In December 2010, the Education Amendment (Ethics) Act 2010 passed into law, instigated by the then-NSW Labor Government. This Act amended the Education Act 1990. The amendment allows an alternative course of Special Education in Ethics (SEE) to be provided to students whose parents have opted out of their child receiving Special Religious Education (SRE).
What did the Education Act say about SRE before the amendment?
The original position on SRE in the Education Act can be found in section 32 and 33. Section 32 provides for the religious education of children of any religious persuasion in every government school. The total number of hours of religious education for each child may not exceed the number of school weeks in the year. The Act stipulates these further requirements:
- The SRE must be given by a member of the clergy, or by a teacher authorised by the relevant religious body,
- The times at which SRE is given must be made by an agreement between the school principal and the local authorised teacher of SRE, and
- Children attending SRE are to be separated from other children at the school whilst SRE is taught.
Education Act Section 33 adds a parental right of objection. No child at a government school is required to receive any general or special religious education if the child's parent objects. (General religious education is included in the secular instruction that children are to receive in government schools. It is distinct from 'dogmatic or polemical theology'.)
What was the effect of the amendment?
The 2010 Amendment inserts Section 33A into the Education Act. It allows for SEE as a secular alternative to SRE at government schools. A child attends SEE classes by means of this process:
- The child's parent objects to the child receiving special religious education (as per Section 33, above).
- The child is entitled to receive SEE only if:
- it is reasonably practical for SEE classes to be made available to the child at the school, and
- the parent has specifically requested the child to receive SEE.
(See below for the exact wording of sections 32–33A.)
In other words, for a child to receive SEE, a parent must (a) withdraw the child from SRE, then (b) enrol him or her into SEE. (Potentially then, some students may do neither.) The practical result of s. 33A is that for children to swap from SRE to SEE, parents must first formally seek exemption from SRE in writing. A place in any available ethics classes will only be offered once the written application has been confirmed. A minimum of 8 and a maximum of 22 students are allowed for each SEE class.
What are SEE classes and how are they offered?
The Department of Education has provided some guidelines for principals around the introduction of ethics classes. These state that Principals should assist SEE coordinators and teachers to become familiar with the school, and provide the coordinators with lists of students attending ethics classes. All parents of children in Years 5 and 6 are to be informed when ethics classes are available. The composition of classes is to be determined by the Principal, and those students who had opted out of SRE during 2010 and prior are to be given priority access to an SEE class.
Primary Ethics was founded by the St James Ethics Centre in November 2010, and is responsible for all aspects of the SEE delivery. Primary Ethics seeks to provide age-appropriate education in philosophical ethics. It provided a curriculum for students in years 5-6 during 2011. Their website states that a curriculum framework spanning kindergarten to Year 6 (K-6) has been developed, and classes for K-4 will be rolled out progressively to lower grades over the years ahead.
What numbers are involved?
The number of students in NSW who attend scripture, who 'opt out' and who attend ethics classes, is not officially recorded. The figure of 25% (approximately 100,000 NSW children) who 'opt out' has been frequently quoted during 2010 and 2011, but is usually cited as 'anecdotal evidence'.
In the 9 months to September 2011, Primary Ethics reports having recruited 400 volunteers with 210 teachers delivering ethics classes to approximately 3100 students in 150 schools. By 22 November 2011, 3500 students in NSW were attending ethics classes organised by Primary Ethics. The organisation plans to build a network of over 4000 local community-based volunteers who will coordinate ethics classes at individual schools. It also seeks to recruit, select and support suitable teachers to deliver weekly SEE.
What is the Inquiry into ethics classes?
At the end of 2011—the close of the first full year of ethics classes—The Hon. Rev. Fred Nile MLC (of the Christian Democrats) requested an inquiry into the operation ethics classes. A Parliamentary Inquiry has been set up to consider whether the amendment act should be repealed.
Its terms of reference request the Committee to inquire into and report on the stated objectives, curriculum, implementation, effectiveness and other matters pertaining to the current operation of SEE. It is also to consider whether the Education Amendment (Ethics) Act 2010 should be repealed by means of the Education Amendment (Ethics Classes Repeal) Bill 2011 (although Liberal Premier Barry O'Farrell has stated that his government has no intention to repeal the amendment).
It is expected that this Inquiry will provide official numbers of children attending both scripture and ethics classes, as well as children who are under supervision because they do neither. The committee will accept submissions until 24 February 2012, and must report to the Parliament by 4 June 2012.
What else has happened?
At the same time as announcing the enquiry, the NSW Minister for Education announced that the guidelines for delivering SRE need to be strengthened.
At present, only a maximum period (of 1 hour per week) is specified by the legislation. That means that both scripture and ethics classes can be forced to run in ever-shrinking time slots. The minister announced that the plans to strengthen SRE '…will include a minimum time of 30 minutes of meaningful teaching time per week in primary schools'. (The exact operational details of any new arrangements may take a different form.)
- Rebecca Belzer and Andrew Cameron
for the Social Issues Executive, Diocese of Sydney
From the EDUCATION ACT 1990:
32 Special religious education
(1) In every government school, time is to be allowed for the religious education of children of any religious persuasion, but the total number of hours so allowed in a year is not to exceed, for each child, the number of school weeks in the year.
(2) The religious education to be given to children of any religious persuasion is to be given by a member of the clergy or other religious teacher of that persuasion authorised by the religious body to which the member of the clergy or other religious teacher belongs.
(3) The religious education to be given is in every case to be the religious education authorised by the religious body to which the member of the clergy or other religious teacher belongs.
(4) The times at which religious education is to be given to children of a particular religious persuasion are to be fixed by agreement between the principal of the school and the local member of the clergy or other religious teacher of that persuasion.
(5) Children attending a religious education class are to be separated from other children at the school while the class is held.
(6) If the relevant member of the clergy or other religious teacher fails to attend the school at the appointed time, the children are to be appropriately cared for at the school during the period set aside for religious education.
33 Objection to religious education
No child at a government school is to be required to receive any general religious education or special religious education if the parent of the child objects to the child's receiving that education.
33A Special education in ethics as secular alternative to special religious education
(1) Special education in ethics is allowed as a secular alternative to special religious education at government schools.
(2) If the parent of a child objects to the child receiving special religious education, the child is entitled to receive special education in ethics, but only if:
(a) it is reasonably practicable for special education in ethics to be made available to the child at the government school, and
(b) the parent requests that the child receive special education in ethics.
(3) A government school cannot be directed (by the Minister or otherwise) not to make special education in ethics available at the school.
Sources/Further Reading:
Guidelines for principals around SEE by the Department of Education, http://www.curriculumsupport.education.nsw.gov.au/policies/ethics/index.htm
St James Ethics Centre, http://www.ethics.org.au/
Primary Ethics, www.primaryethics.com.au.
Education Amendment (Ethics Classes Repeal) Bill 2011 (Inquiry), http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/committee.nsf/0/3312B8C2F2E89AD2CA2579480000E930
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- An Evangelical Rationale for Social Action
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The Slipper Project
Keiki in our local schools often need a pair of slippers while at school (or rubber zori, or chori, or flip-flops, or slippahs). They break, they get lost, they disappear beneath the sand, and parents can't always provide them. We're collecting rubber slippers in elementary school sizes beginning next Sunday, March 26, and running through Easter Sunday, when we'll dedicate them.
This is part of a developing effort to address the needs of homeless families and children in our community.


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The first-of-its-kind VR experience incorporates real testimonies and photogrammetry to highlight the need for global nuclear disarmament.
As tension continue to rise between various nations, the probability of a major global conflict taking place in the near future is only becoming more of a reality. That's why it's more important than ever to look back at history at our previous actions in order to avoid repeating the same mistakes we've already made. With pressure building between North Korea and the rest of the world, nuclear war specifically has become a major concern among many countries.
Hence the vital need for organizations such as the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), a non government coalition dedicated to creating a worldwide ban on all atomic bombs and nuclear arms. The influential group was recently awarded the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize thanks to their landmark United Nations Weapons Ban Treaty, the first official international treaty to call for a ban of nuclear weapons entirely. Now the 100-country coalition is seeking to spread more awareness for their important campaign by utilizing VR to put users directly in the shoes of the victims of these catastrophic weapons.
Developed in partnership with VR developer YesPleaseThankYou and Nobel Media, The Day the World Changed is the first-ever interactive VR memorial experience to pay tribute to those effected directed by nuclear warfare spanning back to 1945. By utilizing testimonies from actual survivors and various data visualization, the 8-minute experience accurately showcases the devastating effects of atomic weaponry both physically and emotionally.
Users will hear first-hand accounts by actual survivors brought to life via the latest in 3D scanning and photogrammetry technology and stand right in the center of the ruins of post-bomb Hiroshima. They'll also get an up-close look at the nuclear arms race between the U.S. and former Soviet Union during the Cold War thanks to impressive data visualization techniques.
"This experience uses virtual reality's strengths in a way that makes viewers have a more visceral relationship with what is usually just a rational engagement with numbers, this time focusing on one of the most urgent issues of today," stated YesPleaseThankYou co-founder Gabo Arora. "VR experiences are intimate places that we can visit in a way that makes them, by definition, a modern kind of memorial. The Day the World Changed is an intimate history and commemoration of the victims of nuclear weapons and a cry for change of the world we now find ourselves in."
With such massive ramifications, it can sometimes be difficult for younger generations to wrap their heads around how truly catastrophic these weapons can be. Without seeing the horrific results for themselves, many just won't understand the importance of ridding our world from the potential of nuclear war. Hopefully The Day the World Changed is able to hit the public on an emotional level impossible with simple textbooks and images online. Actually immersing users in these terrifying scenarios could be just what ICAN needs to further involve the general public in the global banning of atomic bombs and other nuclear-powered weapons.


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How frequently are these questions asked?
Not often enough as far as we are concerned. We want you to ask questions, it's the only way we can connect with your inner tourist.
What is your refund cancellation policy?
Tours canceled, for any reason, more than 72 hours before the start time of the tour are 100% refundable.
Are the guides licensed?
Chazz and Jared are both licensed NYC Dept of Consumer Affairs Tour Guides. They both passed the Tour Guide test with stars after their names for excellent scores.
Is the tour suitable for children? What type of ticket should I purchase for a very young child?
Children, of course, are welcome on the tour, please keep in mind that 4 hours can be a long time in a car, even with some kid stretching stops built in. Parents, who know their children best, should assess whether a 4 hour tour is appropriate for their own child's attention span and stamina. We usually can arrange for a child safety seat at a nominal charge. Due to traffic regulations every child must occupy a full seat. Please bear this in mind when figuring the number of people in your party.
How much walking is involved and what is the pace?
There is as little or as much walking as you like. Let us know what type of traveler you are. We can tailor the tour to your tastes and abilities. Remember feel free to change your mind at any time during the tour. If you see something you want to walk in, on, under or through let your guide know and you're there. Conversely if you'd rather not leave the car that is not a problem. There are very few things that can't be see from one of our vehicles.
What about inclement weather?
Tours will run rain or shine. We ask that you check the weather forecast and dress accordingly if inclement weather is predicted.
Are the tours conducted in English only?
We can arrange for an interpreter. Please note that if we are accompanied by an interpreter, they will need to be considered in your guest count.
Do you offer gift certificates?
Gift certificates are available. Contact us for details.


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One night, long before children, even before marriage, though I was either engaged already or definitely common-law in the eyes of the government, I had trouble falling sleeping. These brief bouts with insomnia occur a handful of times each year. Usually they happen when something worrisome is on my mind and I can't shut down my brain. It's not problematic enough to warrant medical investigation but it does make for some tough mornings after.
Then, as now, when such an evening occurs, I shuffle off downstairs to waste some time until I'm exhausted enough that my hyperactive brain gives up and I can finally fall asleep. On this particular night, long before social media and tablet apps cornered the market on time wasting, television was my tried and true resource for procrastinating the hours away.
I sat down and began flipping channels, once again realizing that TV had exponentially increased its suck quotient in parallel with channel proliferation. After a couple hours of watching a bunch of crap I can't remember, though I'm positive it was exactly that memorable, I clicked over to Much Music, something I had done rarely since I was much younger. This I remember explicitly, as though it happened yesterday, because what I saw that night was unlike anything I'd seen, or heard, before.
What I ended up watching was some sort of special program highlighting a succession of videos starring what turned out to be a new, hot band at the time. That band was utterly unknown to me but I would never, EVER forget them. They were just that unique. They played what I thought were wonderfully melodic rock songs but with a twist. One member of the band, the lead "singer" I guessed since he played no instrument, spent the entire song screaming into the microphone like some deranged death metal singer. And he did this for every song they played! It was as if this guy was purposely vandalizing the band's songs. I was mesmerized and appalled by what I witnessed.
The next day I emailed my cousins to tell them about this bizarre band I'd discovered on late night Much Music. These two cousins are 15+ years my junior, so it gives me an ego boost to appear young and hip in their eyes once in a while. This helps, or helped, stave off the growing discomfort I have with the reality of my aging. I explained the strange nature of the singing and how the songs were cool but kind of ruined all the same. I thought they would be so stoked to be introduced to such an experience. Their peers would grovel over their coolness and in turn they would thrust me onto a pedestal of worship for sharing this secret with them. Instead they emailed back with a fantasy shattering glib response along the lines of, "Oh yeah, that's So And So. They're awesome."
As some of you have likely guessed, that band was Alexisonfire. It's pronounced Alexis On Fire, by the way, not Alex Is On Fire, which is what I thought until I actually spoke to my cousins in person and heard them say the name many months later. Hey, it made perfect sense to me that Alex was the screaming dude and being on fire was the reason for such screaming.
I won't kid you. Alexisonfire is an acquired taste. I wouldn't say I'm a fan. You'd be hard pressed to sit down and listen to an entire album of this screeching strangeness in one sitting. Still, the underlying songs are often pretty great. The other singer, the non-screaming one, has a gorgeous, normal voice. If you could edit away the screaming you'd have the makings of a hugely successful rock band. Funny thing is, they kept the screaming and became that anyway. And dammit all, if there aren't moments when I really enjoy cranking up a couple of these songs and embracing the anarchy they represent.
To kick off this dull, winter weekend, I'm hitting you in the brain with my personal favourite from this band I innocently stumbled upon one sleepless night. This is "Pulmonary Archery" from Alexisonfire's self-titled 2002 album. If you have no idea who this band is, brace yourselves!
Video Version:


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We deal directly with each tour operator, which means we can guarantee you the best price. If within 24 hours of your booking you find the exact same tour elsewhere for a lower price, let us know and we'll refund you the difference!
Wilds of Cambodia
From Cambodia's capital of Phnom Penh you'll ride to the Gulf of Thailand and the former resort town of Kep, then cycle along the coastline through quaint fishing villages. After a day at the beach you'll head north to the Cardamom mountains and overnight at a Community Based Eco-Tourism (CBET) project that is offering locals an alternative living to logging and hunting. Here you'll ride on single track trails before cycling further north to an eco-lodge that boasts the nearby Tatai waterfall. Next you'll leave Cambodia and ride into Thailand; you'll be on the coastline of the Kingdom's narrowest strip. The tour draws to an end at the sandy beaches of Koh Chang island.
- CategoryAdventurous
- TypeFully Guided
- Duration9 days
- Culture LevelAdventurous
- Skill Level2 - Novice
- Activity Level3 - Active
- Elevation2 - Moderate
- TerrainMixed
- Distance285.8 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance35.7 miles
Itinerary Details
- Day 1Phnom Penh – Kep
Meet in Phnom Penh and be picked up from your hotel to transfer directly to Takeo Province. You will stop for a sombre visit to the Killing Fields, an extermination camp for political prisoners during the terror reign of the Khmer Rouge. The remains of 8,985 people were exhumed from mass graves and are kept in a memorial here. You will drive on to Banteay Meas, where you will have a picnic lunch before we start the 48-km bicycle adventure on quiet country roads to Kep, Cambodia's prestigious beach resort of the 1960s that is reawakening to its former glory. The cycling is flat and on tarmac roads, so you'll quickly find yourself at Kep, riding past villas that have fallen on hard times since their heyday. You will have a wonderful view of the bay and outlying Rabbit Island from your eco lodge.
- 29.8 miles
- Veranda Natural Resort
- Lunch and Dinner
- Day 2Kep – Sihanoukville
Today you will cycle directly from the hotel, riding to Phnom Chhngok to visit a temple built in a cave between the 7th and 8th centuries. It's just a short ride, through picturesque fishing villages, to Kampot, where you will have lunch at a restaurant on the river. You will beat the afternoon heat by transferring for just over an hour and then jumping back on the bikes to ride into Ream National Park. This park has mangrove forests and miles of secluded beaches. You will then transfer to a lovely beach resort.
- 49.7 miles
- Secret Garden
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 3Sihanoukville – Chi Phat
After a seaside breakfast, transfer to Otres Beach where you will hop on your bike to begin the day of seaside cycling. You will ride along Otres Beach, enjoying the sound and smell of the sea while pedaling along the scenic coast. You can cycle on main roads today, but they are not too busy and it is a comfortable ride. You will then ride up a hilly road to Ream to meet a boat, which takes you back to the beach for cycling on a white sand road. In the afternoon, you will have a 3-hour transfer to the next overnight in Chi Phat, a community-based eco-tourism initiative. Once the centre of illegal logging and poaching, Chi Phat is now working to preserve the natural environment and giving the community an alternative form of income.
- 24.9 miles
- Homestay
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 4Chi Phat Loop
Today you will have a full day of riding ahead of you! You will be on dirt trails all day, as you explore where nomadic indigenous tribes once roamed the jungle and visit one of their sacred burial sites wedged into a cliff face. The cycling will be through rivers and over fallen logs, with the trail varying from soft and sandy to wet and muddy – the perfect playground for any biking enthusiast of any level. You will stop at waterfalls to cool off. There won't be a support vehicle today, but the group will carry extra water and lunch. When you're back in the village, you will have a group dinner provided by the local community made from fresh local ingredients, and then it's time to retire to your simple, but clean bed for the night.
- 26.1 miles
- Homestay
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 5Chi Phat – Tatai
After waking to the village sounds, there is the option to give back to the community by planting a tree. You will then cross back over the river and transfer to Trapeang Rung, the start of today's hilly ride. You can cycle on a tarmac road that undulates and is flanked on either side by the Cardamom rainforest. The hills will be a big change after all the flat riding you have done. You will stop for a picnic lunch en route to Tatai Waterfall, the end of your riding for the day. Here you will grab your swim suit and spend some cooling off time at the waterfall. Once all feels normal again, you will take a boat directly from the waterfall up the Kep River to the eco lodge. Here you can go for another swim in the tidal river, go for a kayak ride, take a short hike, or just relax.
- 37.3 miles
- Tatai Resort
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 6Rest Day
Today you are free to explore the river by kayak, go for a hike organised by the lodge or enjoy a boat trip to the waterfalls. The other option is to relax by the river and soak up the serenity of the area.
- Tatai Resort
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 7Tatai – Trat
After waking to the sounds of the jungle coming to life you will have a relaxing breakfast before taking a short boat transfer to your waiting bike. You will have a fairly long journey ahead of you today. You will ride on a gently undulating tarmac road before descending to the plain. You will then ride on to the border town of Koh Khong where there's one last hill before you see Thailand. Here you can say goodbye to the Cambodian crew and be met by your Thai guides. You will transfer by van to Ban Tha Ranae, a mangrove conservation forest, where you will learn about the Eco-tourism project that the locals are involved in. You will be able to take part in restoration activities such as planting of palm tree saplings. You will have lunch here. If there is time, you might ride south to the pier before heading to the hotel to have your dinner. The hotel is quite unique as it is located within a mangrove forest and boasts both scenic lake and sea views.
- 46.6 miles
- Banpu Trat Resort
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 8Trat – Chanthaburi
After a good breakfast, you will start the journey towards Chanthaburi province. First, you will ride to Ban Nam Chiao, a community village steeped in Eco-tourism projects. The community is famous for making multi-purpose hats, called Ngop Nam Chiao, which are made from atap palm leaves. Can you see where the community gets their name from? Here you will also observe how the Muslims and Buddhists live in harmony and learn about the wisdom they have attained over generations. From the village, you will ride towards the coast and then swing back up north through undulating hills, surrounded by lush vegetation and forest areas. There are a couple of steep, challenging climbs but nothing too difficult. It will be a fun ride for about 10 kilometers before you reach a relatively flat road. You will ride for about 35 km till we reach the highway where you will then transfer all the way to your beachside hotel in Chanthaburi. If you have time, you may ride to a Buddhist temple nearby before having dinner.
- 38.5 miles
- Chaolao Tosang Beach Hotel
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 9Chantaburi - Rayong / Departure
Today you will bike your final ride as you pedal your way to the outskirts of Rayong. You will cycle to Hat Mae Phim where you will have a delicious seafood lunch. Along the way, you will encounter the coast, lush vegetations, rice paddies, small towns and quaint villages. At lunch, you will look back on your journey, share stories and say your goodbyes before being transferred to your Bangkok hotel or the airport. Those looking to extend their trip can explore more of Thailand's capital city Bangkok, or visit one of the other culturally rich countries in Southeast Asia!
- 32.9 miles
- Breakfast and Lunch


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By Robert Nolin
Sun Sentinel
Posted: 9:34 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2010
A lawsuit against the state of Florida over the sale of personal driver's license information to a private firm may proceed as a class action, a federal judge has ruled.
The suit claims the state, specifically the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, improperly sold personal information gleaned from about 31 million driver's license records to Shadowsoft Inc., an Irving, Texas-based Internet marketer. Shadowsoft then sold the information to other firms that target consumers.
The records sales, which a lawyer in the case said brought in a large yet unspecified amount of money to the state, took place between 2005 through 2009.
Such sales, however, violate a federal statute banning the disclosure of personal information from driver's licenses, said Howard Bushman, an attorney with the Miami law firm representing the affected drivers. The information released included addresses, dates of birth and possibly Social Security numbers, Bushman said.
Earlier this month in Tallahassee, U.S. Circuit Judge Robert Hinkle allowed drivers whose privacy rights may have been violated to become members of the suit.
The extent of any money award, and which drivers would be entitled to it, won't be determined until after the case is settled or tried successfully in the plaintiffs' favor.
"We're pushing forward with the case," Bushman said. "There's a lot of work to be done."
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Florida sued for DMV sale of 31 million drivers' information to marketing firm; faces class action
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NFPA Members save an additional 10%.
Learn about off-premises fire alarm and emergency system monitoring and reporting in accordance with the new NFPA 72®.
Updated for the 2019 edition of NFPA 72®, Off-Premises Signaling Online Training shows how supervising station alarm systems and public emergency alarm reporting systems are used to monitor building fire alarm and signaling systems at off-premises locations. You'll understand how these systems ensure timely notification and provide specific information to individuals or organizations that will take action upon receipt of the signals.
Learn the key differences between systems, how systems are used, and which NFPA® codes and standards apply. Communications technologies used by public emergency alarm reporting systems differ from those used by supervising station alarm systems and are addressed by a separate chapter in NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code® In addition, facilities that receive signals from a public emergency alarm reporting system fall under NFPA 1221, Standard for the Installation, Maintenance, and Use of Emergency Services Communications Systems.
Part of the six-part NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code (2019) Online Training Series, this training covers all types of systems and introduces the different types of transmitters and communications methods permitted for supervising station alarm systems. General requirements for system performance, management, and use are also covered.
Upon completion you should be able to:
Who Will Benefit: Anyone whose job involves designing, reviewing, evaluating or installing fire alarm systems, including: designers, installers, electrical contractors, architects, auditors, and project managers.
Continuing Education Credit: Complete this course and qualify for 0.1 CEU. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be prompted to download the CEU certificate directly from the course site.
Group Training:For more information or to receive a price quote for NFPA group training, please call 877-336-3280 or e-mail: email@example.com.
Whether for your personal growth or for the growth of your entire organization, NFPA® Learning Paths can help plot a successful journey to advanced certifications. This new series of web-based training is specifically designed to help you feel confident in the subject matter of the certification exam. The training process is delivered conveniently and remotely online so you can get it all done on your own terms, at your own pace.
Current online training Learning Paths:
If you would like to purchase these NFPA documents for study or reference outside the exam, please go to the NFPA catalog at www.nfpa.org/catalog.
Previous editions of NFPA® documents are available for sale. Please see applicable NFPA codes and standards product pages to confirm which editions are available for purchase. If you have any questions, contact NFPA Customer Support at 1-800-344-3555 or nfpa.org/customerservice.


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We can offer various pieces of land for sale in Sayan. The sizes of the land are 8, 13, 14 and 20 are. All plots can only be reached by feet or by motor. It is not possible to get to the land by car.
A very nice and well paved path is leading to the land. You walk along some other villas and a few hotels, rice paddies and finally you will reach the land. The walk is about 10 minutes from the location where you eventually can park a car.
The land is slightly higher that the land in front so you will overlook the rice fields. Towards the back you will have a view on the mountains as well as Gunung Agung.
From the land you drive in about 15 minutes to the heart of Ubud. In the near surrounding you will find some restaurants and the local Sayan market is about 10 minutes driving away.
The land can be leased with different lease terms; 20, 25 or 30 years are possible. The option to extend the lease is also available.
The pictures has been taken from the 14 are piece of land.
Electricity is already available in this area.
|Ownership title
|Lease term
|20, 25 or 30 years
|Option to extend
|Land size
|8, 13 , 14 , 20 are
|Public road
|Subdividing possilbe
Interested in this land? ....... Send us an e-mail by using this contact form here below, we will respond within 24 hours.


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Watch Vox Lux (2018) online
Year: 2018
Country: USA
Time: 1h 30min
Director:Brady Corbet
Stars:Natalie Portman, Jude Law, Stacy Martin
Quality: HD
An unusual set of circumstances brings unexpected success to a pop star
Watch Vox Lux (2018) Xmovies8
Watch Vox Lux (2018) online Trailer
On our site you can watch Vox Lux (2018) online stream in high HD 720p, Full HD 1080p, Ultra HD 4K quality. Watch the movie Vox Lux (2018) online absolutely free. The video player is also available on the Android-powered phone and tablet (Android with HLS support), and on the iPhone / iPad (iOS). Enjoy watching!
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Order gift voucher online
Give away 1'000 altitude meters of pure fun and enjoyment of flight.
The unforgettable nature experience as a gift for all occasions (birthday, Christmas, wedding, graduation, professional events, anniversaries, etc.) Vouchers to print out yourself (Print@Home) or send by post. For individual offers please contact us directly.
– Video and high-quality photos of the flight already included in the price of all flights
– 14-day right of return at no cost (from order date) on the voucher
– The validity of the voucher is 3 years. The period of validity can be extended without any problems
Popular Tandem- / Panorama flight voucher
Our most popular offer is the tandem / panoramic flight for CHF 170. The pure air-time is between 15 and 35 minutes. For the whole event (including ride with the mountain railway, preparation for take-off, take-off, flight and landing) approx. 2 hours have to be planned. In the evening, a video and high-quality photos of the flight will be sent to the passenger via dropbox.
Share moments of happiness: Voucher "Flight for 2"
Many passengers wish to take off together and share these moments of happiness. Therefore we offer the special paragliding offer "Flight for 2" with a discount. We are two pilots with two paragliders so that we can take off together. The ideal gift for couples, friends, colleagues or to give to yourself.
Ski&Fly voucher for enthusiastic skiers
The Paragliding Ski&Fly voucher is the gift idea for enthusiastic skiers. The combination of flying and skiing is a perfect combination. The feeling of being lifted off track at the start is indescribable.
Bike&Fly voucher for Mountainbikers
The Bike&Fly voucher is the perfect gift idea for enthusiastic mountain bikers. After the paragliding tandem flight in the morning, the passenger is welcomed by a personal bike guide at the landing site who shows him the best trails on the mountains around Davos for the rest of the day. A bike or e-Bike can be rented at special conditions.
Further offers
A description of the other vouchers (Early Bird, Thermikflug, half or full paragliding day) can be found on the flight description page.
Order voucher by postal shipping
If you prefer a delivery by postal mail simply fill out the form below. You will receive the voucher including invoice and payment slip within 1-2 days. Shipping costs for the voucher are included. Vouchers are transferable and valid for three years (duration of the voucher can be easily extended). Usable only after complete receipt of payment. The voucher will be packed in a nice envelope. The envelope is printed on both sides (summer and winter motif) and can be turned depending on the season. Flying sites: Davos or Klosters.
Costs (including shipping, video and pictures):
- Tandem flight: 170 CHF
- Flight for 2: 320 CHF
- Early-Bird: 130 CHF
- Thermal flight: 260 CHF
- Bike&Fly (available only in Davos): 470 CHF
- Half Day Paragliding: 310 CHF
- All Day Paragliding: 600 CHF
- Ski&Fly (available only in Davos): 170 CHF
- Value Coupon: 50 CHF
Video&Photos included
Video and Photos of the flight are already included in the price
Mandatory fields
Mandatory fields are marked with *


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What is Naturopathy
Naturopathy is a system of medicine emphasising a holistic approach to health and healing, using the healing powers of nature.
Naturopathic practitioners (Naturopathic Diploma or N.D.) try to find the cause of a problem or disease by understanding the patient as a whole – mind, body, spirit. To do this they draw on a wide variety of therapies and techniques.
Why Naturopathy can work for you:
Naturopaths encourage the patient to understand how they can support the body's own healing abilities to address an imbalance in their health and provide advice on lifestyle changes necessary to achieve optimal health. Emphasis is on the prevention of disease.
In many cases, it will not be the 'presenting' health problem that needs to be addressed, but long term, underlying difficulties, such as nutritional deficiencies or excesses. These must be treated for the body to regain its natural state of good health.
A good Naturopath will strive to treat the whole person, considering a range of factors before diagnosis and treatment. Some of these factors might be your emotional and mental wellbeing, your diet, your family history, your environment and your lifestyle.
Naturopathy and Nutrition:
Often, good nutrition will be a large part of what a Naturopath will recommend to patients. This is because the right food is often the best medicine and this concept is a foundation of naturopathic practice. Many conditions can be treated effectively with the right nutrition and supplements, without the hassle of side effects or further complications.
A consultation with Alison Odey may involve treatment with Naturopathic medicine. This is just one of the therapies Alison draws upon when treating patients.
Contact us for more information or to make an appointment.


text: brelliott18 2 Posted February 15, 2017 Share Posted February 15, 2017 Trying to use I2C to connect 2 X MSP430. Using Wire.write ('H') and 'L ' char to send to Slave via 4K7 pull-ups to turn on / off slave led. Using Wire.onReceive(receiveEvent) , void receiveEvent ( int howMany ) etc. Have added delays at various places. Have programmed then removed PC connections, use separate PSU ReceiveEvent appears not to work. Have old analogue scope - clock /data signals appear to be ' very dirty ' and ' noisy ' Change to 10K pull ups ? Any suggestions ? Thanks Quote Link to post Share on other sites


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The production of complex forms requires many work steps with different tools. Our tools are characterized by consistently high quality. We cover the entire process chain in micro mould making (from diameter to 0.05 mm) - with an extremely large program width and depth - for reliable machining of high-strength materials.
Thread Milling is a modern and efficient method of threading. Especially Solid Carbide Thread Mills from SmiCut give you many benefits compared to other threading methods. On this page you will learn the top 11 advantages of thread milling.
Thread Mills are available as solid tools or as a tool with exchangeable inserts.
1) A secure machining operation
Minimal risk for machining stops as the cutting forces are low and the chips are short. Should there be an accident, the work piece will not be destroyed, as the tool will not be caught since the diameter of the thread mill is less than the thread.
2) Threading in difficult machined materials
The excellent cutting conditions makes it possible to thread mill materials such as hardened steel up to HRC 65, Titanium and other difficult machined materials.
3) Higher thread quality
The cutting conditions are extremely good when you are thread milling. The result of the thread is a higher quality of surface finish, tolerance, angle, etc. compared with other threading methods.
4) Flexible tool
Same cutter can be used for right hand and left hand thread. Threads with different diameters can be made with the same tool as long as the pitch is the same. The same thread mill can be used for blind holes and through holes. W, BSPT, PG, NPT, NPTF and NPSF are thread profiles where you can use the same tool for external and internal thread.
5) Threading in blind holes
When thread milling you will get a complete thread profile to the bottom of the hole. When tapping it´s necessary to drill much deeper as it´s not until the third thread the tap will make a complete thread profile. Sometimes you are able to change the construction as you don´t have to take the deep hole into consideration.
6) Less wear on the machine spindle
Thread milling will give you longer life to the machine spindle compared with tapping as the rotation on the spindle doesn´t need to be stopped and reversed for every thread.
7) Energy-saving production
Low energy consumption as the machine spindle doesn´t need to be stopped and started after each thread.
8) Thread Milling in a lathe with live tools
Reduced machining time compared turning. Excellent chip control.
9) Threading without burrs
The thread entrance will be burr free when using ThreadBurr. Threading and deburring in one operation. No additional time for deburring. Read more about ThreadBurr.
With solid carbide thread mills from SmiCut you get the thread deburred in the same operation as threading.
10) Shorter machining time
The machining time will be short as you don´t need to chamfer the thread while using ThreadBurr. Big diameters, fine pitches and long holes saves the most time compared with thread tapping.
11) Correct Thread Diameter right away
The Pitch diameter has been optically measured on thread mills from SmiCut and the theoretical external diameter has been individually laser marked on each cutter so you will get a correct thread straight away. When the tool starts to wear it´s possible to make adjustments in the CNC-program.
A major feature of the ThreadBurr thread milling cutters is the standard deburring feature. This makes it possible to cut and deburr the thread in a single operation. In the same way it is possible to deburr through threads on both sides. For this purpose, a special thread milling cutter is manufactured according to the application, since the position of the second deburring stage depends on the thickness of the material to be milled. We recommend the following procedure:
- The cutting length (l) must correspond to the material thickness. The lower deburring step has a height of at least 150% of the pitch (P).
- Example: Thread M30 x 3 Depth 40 mm
=> 40 / 3 = 13,33
=> 13 gears
=> 13 x 3 = 39 This results in a thread length of 39 mm.
- Thread milling cutter NBB2020D39_3.0ISO (l1=39)
ThreadBurr and through holes
ThreadBurr is available with cutting lengths from 1.5xØ to 3xØ. A standard ThreadBurr can always be used in through holes. The thread milling cutter only has to be moved to the correct depth in the hole.
ThreadBurr and basic bores
In the case of blind holes, the correct cutting length (l) is important in order to use the deburring stage. Normally there is a standard tool for this (cutting lengths 1.5xØ - 3xØ). If this is not the case, a standard thread milling cutter is shortened to the correct length within a short time. Please observe the following instructions:
- The cutting length of the thread milling cutter to be shortened should be at least the required thread depth + 1 gear.
- The length to be shortened (C) must be divisible by the gradient.
- Example: M16 x 1.5 Depth 24 mm from ThreadBurr NB1212D29_1.5ISO (l1=29.25)
=> 24 + 1.5 = 25.5 (required cutting length)
=> 29,25 - 25,5 = 3,75 (maximum length to be shortened)
=> 3,75 / 1,5 = 2,5 (number of gears to be shortened)
=> 2 x 1.5 = 3 (length to be shortened)
=> (29,25 - 3 = 26,25 (cutting length after shortening)
=> 26.25 - 1.5 = 24.75 (thread length after shortening)
Burr-free thread and thread entry in one operation
One of the main advantages of ThreadBurr thread milling cutters are the standard deburring steps. These make it possible to mill the thread and the thread entrance in one operation. No additional machining time is required for countersinking or deburring, because the deburring is done automatically. You receive a burr-free thread entrance without additional costs.
With special twist drills, reamers and high-performance cooling channel drills for fibres, Spanabhebende Präzisionswerkzeuge GmbH offers the right tool for every type of fibre.
Depending on the field of application and the desired properties, modern plastics are reinforced with carbon or glass fibres, which can be unidirectional, interwoven or interlaced or multidirectional. SPPW has developed the optimum drilling tool for drilling such fibre-reinforced materials and the various fibre types and proportions.
"Depending on the fiber type, delamination, fiber breakage, fiber overhang and unclean surfaces occur. Avoiding burr formation is also very important," explains Ulrich Schäfer, Sales Manager at SPPW, the difficulties involved in machining CFRP/GRP. "The aim of our new drilling tools is to counteract these effects and achieve fast and clean machining.
In addition to CFRP/GRP, fibre-plastic-metal composites pose a particular challenge, since the drilling tool must be able to machine several materials with very different chip behavior.
In particular, the pressing of metal residues into the fibrous material must be avoided when drilling metal CFRP composites. SPPW has developed a special drilling tool for drilling holes in such metal-fiber hybrid materials that meets all requirements as a single-shot drill.
In addition to spiral drills with sickle tips or tip geometries with angles of less than or equal to 100 degrees, drill reamers distribute the cutting forces optimally during drilling and ensure delamination-free entry and exit of the bore as well as a special surface quality.
High-performance cooling channel drills with several cutting guide chamfers are particularly suitable for the efficient production of high-precision drill holes without delamination and fiber overhang - they can be supplied in various versions and as special drills with deburring function.
The already very broad product range has been extended again.
Micro thread milling cutters for threads from diameter M1 are now also available. The thread milling cutters have 3 cutting edges and are designed as partial profile thread milling cutters (type M-NS), which means that each thread is introduced with a single circular movement until the correct thread depth is reached.
The new thread milling cutters are available in diameters M1, M1,2, M1,4, M1,6 and M1,8. For each diameter there are 3 different useful lengths, in order to be able to offer the optimal tool for each thread depth.
Thread milling cutters with full profile on the complete cutting edge (type M-NB) are available from M2. As standard, these tools are manufactured up to a tool diameter of Ø25 and a pitch of 4 mm. Thread milling cutters made of solid carbide up to Ø40 and a pitch of 6 mm are available as special designs. In addition to thread milling cutters for metric threads, SPPW offers thread milling cutters for various other threads. Thread milling cutters for saw threads and trapezoidal threads are also available as special designs.


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Immediately after the opening of the Asian trading session, the major currency pairs were calm. Except, perhaps, were quotes USD/JPY. Euro opened neutral and gradually grows in European trading. The pair is attempting to test the upper limit of week channel at 1.3090 . District 1.3 proved to be quite a serious level of support for the stock of the single European currency. This may be due to the fact that, as a rule, round values are optional and psychological barriers. At the same time, such a long stop can result in a major boost when the support will still be passed.
Short-term speculators should pay attention to the way the pair will trade at a local line of resistance in the 1.31. It is likely that we will see a false break and return within the channel. In such a situation, you can try to open short positions intraday to 1.30. And for those participants who are more conservative, it's best to wait for the range down and play in the direction of the medium-term bearish trend. The objectives of the bottom is still 1.2820, 1.2740 and 1.2650.
The relatively low activity of trading in FOREX can be due to the lack of significant economic data. In such circumstances, investors always prefer to neutral and passive position.
The Japanese yen weakened directly with the Asian trading session. This movement is a continuation of the rising trend of the medium, which was launched on the day of the last Fed meeting. Reaching to 99.90, the pair ran into some resistance. At the beginning of the European trading session, we see the dollar sales. This may be due to profit-taking players on the way to the level of 100 yen per dollar. Apparently, the current pressure on the dollar is short-term.
Open short positions in the fall is not recommended as the primary upward momentum is still in force. It is possible that such short-term bays should be used for the taking of speculative longs.
Medium-and long-term technical picture shows that the USD/JPY is in an uptrend. The immediate target levels of this trend are the mark - 102 and 104. The level of support - 96.96. And more important for the long-term trend rate - 94.10. Thus, the game is on the increase in USD/JPY pair continues. Short positions should refrain, but the "long" - you can open or increase, pulling the protective stop.
Good luck trading!Social button for Joomla


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Alyce Tran will be joining the Winging It panel at 9 to Thrive in Melbourne!
When Alyce Tran jumps on the line for our interview, she's a flurry of excited energy. She has just wrapped up her Monday morning meeting with her online and retail teams before going to see her builder onsite to discuss her latest concession store, before returning to the office to discuss career progression with two of her staff. She's taking our call from The Old Clare Hotel where she is art-directing the campaign imagery for a collaboration with Tome the label – a partnership she is "very excited about". After our call, she'll head back to the office to pump out her seven Instagram posts for the week before going to dinner with one of her colleagues to celebrate her side project – the dinner is a thank you for all of Alyce's support.
Rewind 18 months and a day in the life of Alyce Tran was a far cry from being the co-founder of The Daily Edited (tde.), a hugely successful affordable luxe accessories start-up, with a monthly turnover of $1 million in sales. She went from a stressed corporate lawyer to a successful self-made entrepreneur. We had to know, how did she do it?
Born in Adelaide to Vietnamese immigrant parents, Alyce's upbringing instilled a strong sense of worldliness from a very young age. "I went to a very small all-girl private school. I was taught basically that I could be whatever I wanted to be. There were no limits even though we were in a small town. I think I was provided with a global outlook early on. My parents are immigrants as well as refugees from Vietnam. So I never thought the world was just Adelaide. I always knew there was a lot more out there." With her two parents and younger sister, Caroline (whom she is "obsessed with"), Alyce had an idyllic "small town" upbringing in the City of Churches. Raised with an incredible work ethic, it's little wonder that both Alyce and Caroline (who's an editor at Harper's Bazaar) are such high achievers.
"My parents are obviously amazing people. I often can't get over how good they are. They came to Australia with nothing on their backs and they built an empire, in terms of real estate and business … [work is] very natural to us."
Reflecting on her relationship with her family, Alyce is evidently proud of her parents and the values they instilled in her and her younger sister. "It's like when you see Syrian refugees – that's exactly what my parents did. They got onto a boat that was rickety and went to Hong Kong [and arrived at] a refugee camp and here they are. That was the first risk they took when they were 18 years old," says Alyce. "A lot of people think that what I do is risky or what I have done is risky, but I don't consider it like that at all because this is what I have grown up with.
"My parents have taken risks their whole life. I have kind of just grown up around that and I consider everything to be a calculated risk. I just have a natural feel for deciding what's going to be good or bad."
Having always been very academic and having a close-knit circle of friends who were all "high achievers", Alyce says her initial career path was neatly mapped out for her. "If you did well at school, you were presented with three options: engineering, law or medicine. So I actually just chose law because I prefer writing things to calculating." Upon completing a law degree at the University of Adelaide, she promptly moved to Sydney to take on a junior lawyer position in acquisitions and mergers at international law firm King & Wood Mallesons.
Working in such a large-scale corporate environment, Alyce quickly found herself "a small cog in a huge machine" and wasn't flourishing in her role. "I worked quite hard and what's interesting for me now when I think about it is that it never came naturally to me. There were some peers in my cohort who were really good at creating documents and drafting contracts, but I had to spend double the amount of time doing anything to get it right."
Runaway success
In 2011, with fellow lawyer and friend Tania Liu, Alyce launched a fashion and accessories blog called The Daily Edited. Their first foray into business was the tde. fashion line, which was not a success. "The reason we decided to kind of wind down our clothing label was in the end we didn't enjoy the product. It was so hard to keep producing original quality, different to what everyone else was producing, when you're running quite a small business." In 2014, they decided to test a different range of products. This time, they started small with three leather products: a pouch, a cardholder and an A4 document holder with the added touch of "luxury" – monogram customisation. Alyce explains that the inspiration for the highly coveted range came from her love of high-end clothing and design.
"I was looking around and there wasn't a product that was of the ilk we had created, at an attainable price point. It seemed to as though if the bag was cheap, it looked cheap. So why does it have to look cheap? There is no reason behind that." These initial pieces were promoted on their Instagram account and sold out within a couple of weeks, and the business really exploded from here.
In a world where the term "slashie" has entered the corporate vernacular, it's quite acceptable within a workplace to have your day job from 9-5 and your "side-hustle" from 5-9. And as tde. wasn't a conflict of interest with her job at the law firm, her boss was fully supportive of the venture. "It was really hard for about five months of my life. I don't really know how I lived. But I mean, having lived through that, I can do anything," says Alyce. "It's funny how efficient you can be with your time, I used to take all the orders I had packed in one of those huge IKEA bags and then take them in to work, and then trundle down at lunchtime to the post office to have them all lodged and scanned in and shipped out to the customer. So really I was just using every bit of time that I had."
Eighteen months ago, Alyce and Tania took the plunge (without the risk – they each saved a year's salary as a back-up plan) and left their positions to run tde. full-time. "It was actually when my accountant told me, before I quit my job, that The Daily Edited was churning over two hundred thousand dollars in a month. Our growth rate had been ridiculously significant and so he said, 'You realise you're selling a lot of stuff. You could quit your job and work on this if you really want to. It could be something'. I didn't realise! I was just doing it all, just trying to get through everything, not knowing where I was going." They needn't have worried about the back-up plan – tde. is forecast to net Alyce and Tania $15 million by the end of the year.
When asked to reflect on the success of the business, Alyce's response is direct and to the point. "It's weird. It's really weird," she exclaims. "We have just gone through a huge hiring phase because we're opening four new stores. So we have 70 people on our Australian books, it's become quite significant. Not all of them are full-time with retail and casual staff, but it's 70 names (of her employees) that I never thought that I would have issues with having to learn. Times have changed." Having historically been an e-commerce brand, tde. has extended its flagship bricks and mortar offering in David Jones Sydney to four more stores nationally.
"One of my passions with the business is the intersection between online and bricks and mortar. I feel like no one has really hit the nail on the head with how to integrate the two. The two should definitely sit more side by side," explains Alyce. "We're really excited about working with brands like UBER to drive more efficiencies between the two channels of the business. So, click and collect is not the answer, but we're exploring options for the brand and how we make the two sides of the brand work together."
Form meets function
Alyce's other passion is design and products, and this is where her skills really come to the fore. "Products are obviously what I am very obsessed with because I basically drive that and look at what we should bring out next," says Alyce. "I'm always looking globally at the market and looking at what people are after, you know – is it a backpack? So we're always looking at trends. We respond to our consumer. If people are asking for something, we'll make it."
The customer experience really sits at the heart of the .tde business, and it is evident that this is what really motivates Alyce to continually innovate both the product and brand experience. "Being very close to our customer in an in-store environment and being so passionate about our customer online means that we're really listening to our customers and we're like 'we need to make that!' We were like, we need to make a baby bag. So many women were asking us about this baby bag, so we brought it out," says Alyce.
"I think sometimes when businesses grow, the leaders of those businesses can lose sight of what is important. And what is important is the experience of our customer and responding to their needs. I never let go of that. I go in store and I serve customers to see what they're going to say to me. I think it's really important that you do that."
They have evidently got the tde. formula right – their most popular product, their simple classic black leather pouch, has brought in over $1.5 million in sales since the business launched. At $89.95 each, the math is fairly mind-boggling.
For someone who lives by the words "never give up", the world is really Alyce's oyster. It's no surprised that, when asked what is next for .tde, Alyce is straight down to business. "We're going to continue to grow our business and really cement our position in the Australian market. Really do the best we can for our customers. I'm sure if a customer reads this, they will think 'well actually, there was a time when …' I never want there to be a disappointed customer ever." And personally for Alyce? "I definitely need to do more travel, to places I haven't been. I've travelled a bit, but there is always more! Places like the Galapagos Islands! When am I going there?" We have no doubt Alyce is definitely going places, conquering the world while she's at it. One black leather pouch at a time.
Connect with Alyce here.
Alyce Tran will be speaking at 9 to Thrive in Melbourne this year, for all info and to grab your ticket head here.
Photographs: supplied.


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The 2015 BET Awards were held on Sunday in Los Angeles. Like every other award show we've seen, this one was filled with drama, surprises, great performances and some seriously killer fashion looks.
While many were concerned with the drama portion (poor P. Diddy fell through a hole on the stage while performing), we of course were more interested in the fashion.
We saw a lot of glitter accents, black gowns and… even some double takes (Black Chyna and Amber Rose showed up on the carpet in matching outfits!). But you know, there is no one who can really make a fashion statement like Bad Girl RiRi.
Rihanna wowed everyone in a plunging, satin gold suit jacket with a matching pair of shorts… or skirt… we're not quit sure on that. What we are sure of is how incredible she looked with her hair pulled back in a pony tail and Neil Lane jewelry to set off the number.
Of course, not everyone could be a winner — even if they actually won an award. We could have done without Nicki Minaj's red carpet/Morticia Addams gown. We could also have done without V. Lynn's Catwoman look. But all in all, it was a GREAT night for fashion, and even when these ladies flop, we still love them!
Scroll through all of the looks below, and be sure to tell us who you thought was best dressed at the BET Awards!
Angela Simmons
Kelly Rowland
Black Chyna & Amber Rose
V. Lynn
Nicki Minaj
Janet Jackson
Michelle Williams
Gabrielle Union
Laverne Cox


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GM is reportedly working on a new large-car platform called Omega, to underpin the future full-size vehicles for Cadillac. It won't be shared with Chevy or Buick, however--those brands' larger cars will ride on the Zeta II platform.
And the 2013 MINI Cooper hatchback has been spied in testing, revealing a familiar theme in a new package, though we don't expect anything too radical for the MINI's design. The big changes may be under the hood, where a three-cylinder engine is expected to come into play.
You'll find all of this and more in today's car news headlines below.
Nissan Breaks Ground For Mercedes-Benz/Infiniti Engine Plant In Tennessee
Magna Steyr To Build New Compact Infiniti In Austria
GM Plans New Omega Platform For Large, Rear-Wheel Drive Cars
2012 Tesla Model S: Coming In June, Projected 250-300 Miles At Highway Speeds
Ferrari Apologizes For Burning Rubber On Ancient Chinese Wall
This Mother's Day, Show You Love Her With Junked Car Parts
Updated BYD e6: First Drive Of Chinese Electric Crossover
2012 Honda Odyssey Video Road Test
Ford F-150, Mustang, Expedition & Lincoln Navigator Recalled


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In early 2015, Valve suspended a number of professional Counter-Strike: Global Offensive players after it came to light that they'd been involved in fixing matches and betting on the outcomes. A handful of them were ruled ineligible to compete at ESL One Katowice 2015, but at least 21 (including the seven who were banned in January) were given indefinite suspensions that Valve said would not be reviewed until 2016. Now that 2016 is here, a final ruling has been issued, and it's not happy news for the players involved.
"Back in January and early February 2015 we took action after we discovered that a small number of professional CS:GO players were engaged in match-fixing. Our decision was to ban these players indefinitely from involvement in Valve-sponsored events," Valve wrote in a CS:GO blog post. "To clarify, the bans for these players are permanent, and players proven to have taken part in match-fixing will be permanently banned."
"As the scene grows, it's an unfortunate reality that some individuals will seek opportunities to take advantage of their fans," the statement says. "We will continue to take whatever action we think is necessary to protect the entertainment value created by professional Counter-Strike, including, on occasion, terminating our relationship with individuals who have demonstrated a willingness to exploit their fans' faith in the integrity of the sport."
While the ban only covers Valve-sponsored events, the likelihood is that it will ultimately extend beyond that. The ESL and ESEA both said that they would honor the suspensions when they were first imposed; the ESL later added that none of the suspended players would be allowed to take part in its CS:GO tournaments "until these cases are reviewed by Valve." I've emailed the ESL to confirm that it intends to make the bans permanent as well, but given its willingness to follow Valve's lead with the original suspension, I'd be very surprised if it changes course now.