text:
After I listened to this short clip on the Wall Street Journal's website over the weekend, I felt compelled to write a short article around Universal Basic Income because I think it is a topic that you will see bandied about a lot more over the next five to ten years. Chris Hughes who is the cofounder of Facebook, is one of the driving forces behind this movement along with Bill Gates and other tech giants who are strong proponents of Universal Basic Income (UBI).
In his interview you can watch from the link I shared, Mr. Hughes says, "I think that something fundamentally in the economy has changed to create these winner take all markets, where a small number of hardworking people do very well, and nine out of 10 others are also hardworking don't enjoy the same opportunities." Mr. Hughes, I am sure they taught this at Harvard as standard course requirement but it is something called Capitalism. Didn't they teach you this in coding school.
As it stands today, really only one country is steeped in an exercise to see if Universal Basic Income will actually work. Finland launched a trial at the beginning of 2017 where 2,000 unemployed workers will receive 560 Euros (about $700 US Dollars) each month for two years. Researchers will assess how the free money affects recipients' incentive to work, and the Finnish government hopes it might reduce bureaucracy in the existing welfare system. Netherlands, Canada, and other countries are starting to run some pilots as well.
So, what is Universal Basic Income? UBI is a financial model to provide all citizens of a country or other geographic area a given sum of money, regardless of their income, resources or employment status. The purpose of UBI is to prevent or reduce poverty and increase equality among citizens. Just so I can simplify this for you there is another word for this called Socialism or you as you may have heard before redistribution of wealth.
A long time ago, I got out of discussing politics. When people ask me, "Which way do you lean Ted, Red or Blue? I simply respond GREEN!" The reason I answer that way is in my business people don't give me a pass no matter whether you have a democrat or a republican in the White House, they want to make money, so it is our job to figure out how to make people money or protect their money under any regime. UBI would be a massive implosion to our financial system and here are three reasons why it won't work.
- It absolves you of ownership – There is a stark difference between earning something and having something given to you. We know today, that the current generation is the quintessential 'get a participation trophy' generation when we ultimately know that is not what will happen in real life. We forget how great our country is in terms of innovation and productivity, and when you start removing responsibility for people to be accountable for their actions, you immediately start to cut off part of the arm that creates the success we have had in our country. If you asked yourself this question today, "What would I have to do tomorrow if I couldn't meet my basic needs?" would you have an answer? Learning from success and failure is the fabric of everything we stand for in our country.
- It isn't affordable – It's ironic how many times we go through these exercises, but if our recent memory went through temporary case of amnesia we are now almost $21 trillion dollars of debt. Are we suggesting that we just start printing more money to provide a Universal Income Benefit or is this another ploy to place a higher income and estate tax on those that have more wealth. According to Forbes, in 2015 out of more than 171,000,000 tax units 45.3% or 77,500,000 tax units will pay ZERO tax. The fact that most of the tax is already paid by the top 10% makes it even more difficult for the math to work. As they say, you can't get blood from a stone.
- It won't solve poverty – Most people like the idea of UBI because they think it will solve poverty. Remember, that businesses still need to be profitable which is why when minimum wages get raised so do prices as well. Which is why you need to assess the real net effect across the board after those wages are raised. Providing people a monthly stipend will then lend to the question of, "How much money should we give someone to maintain a basic standard of living?" In that question, how do you assess for the location of where someone lives. There is big difference between living in San Francisco and living in Fargo. But, in all reality the more you give people the more they take. We know that for those of us who run businesses and believe that free market enterprise in a GREEN environment is the way to go. So, if you start giving people $1,500 a month, what happens then when they want $2,000 a month. The point is that water will seek its own level, and people will spend more than you give them or raise their standards as they do today even without UBI. And, it won't solve the issue about the lower paying jobs that many people turn down today.
What's most funny about this are people who have real means, suggest they want to fight the cause, but don't trade in their own lavish standards to support the very causes they talk about. What I suggest to Mr. Hughes is to a) donate all of your money to the UBI system, b) leave yourself with enough to make $75,000 a year, and c) then learn to live off that $75,000 a year so you can live like the rest of America as you see fit in your eyes. Donating millions but still keeping the homes, the cars, the fine hotels, and all of the private jets doesn't make you better because you say it in a video. We founded this country on capitalism. That's the simple answer where an economic and political system where a country's trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit, rather than by the state. UBI is the antithesis of helping people learn the spirit of capitalism.
Simply Buckhead is an upscale lifestyle magazine focused on the best and brightest individuals, businesses and events in Buckhead, Brookhaven, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody and Chamblee. With a commitment to journalistic excellence, the magazine serves as the authority on who to know, what to do and where to go in the community, and its surroundings.


text:
Are you an arts group, organisation, artist or venue based in or working in Boston & South Holland? If so, we want to hear from you! We're working on an arts and heritage directory for our area that will signpost people to the brilliant arts services we have here.
Complete this submission form to be part of it!

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Archive for September, 2011
I just learned of existence of Bacon Salt. It is made for people who can't eat bacon because it isn't halal or kosher, for those who believe saturated fat is bad for them, and perhaps for those who can't get good bacon. So it is not for me. Fat, and a lot of it saturated, […]
Filed under: Sports Nutrition | 9 Comments
Tags: Bacon Salt, fat, golonka, pork hocks, pork shanks, saturated fat, Thomas Kurz, Tom Kurz


text:
Rex: Troubleshooting for SAP Mobile Platform (SMP)
Certain errors encountered in the installation, initialization and synchronization of Retail Execution app and that are attributed to settings in SAP Mobile Platform are discussed here:
Error: Command to tRFC/qRFC: Execute LUW again
This error can appear in any one of the following scenarios:
- When executing the alert generation report
- Initial sync run from backend to SMP
- Delta sync run from backend to SMP
A network or connection problem has occurred in SMP. View the details of the error in the SLG1 logs (for issues with initial and delta sync). For alerts, the error message will be displayed on the system, in the screen for alert generation report.
Contact your Basis team to fix the connection issues with SMP or to modify the details for communication channels.
For initial or delta sync, the system will retry to sync with SMP after the predetermined time set in SMP. If the connection issues are resolved by then, the sync (initial or delta) will go through successfully. However, if the issue is not resolved, the system will keep trying after each gap of the predetermined time and the sync objects will remain in queue.
Error: Synchronization of devices failed
If you are using 3.1.9 MBO, then it is recommended to delete the old App and install the recent App from the App Store.
Error: App crash when sync is in progress
When Initial or delta sync is in progress, no modifications or creations are allowed; user can only navigate between different screens in the application. No creation or modification is allowed for other applications on the device.
Error: Http communication error on device
Connection dropped due to lack of network activity.
Error: MESSAGE_TYPE_X_TEXT
This message is raised in the backend when the SUP server destination (DOMAIN + Package + RFC Destination) maintained in SPRO is not reachable.
Error: Http Communication Error
This is because the CRM Single Sign-On (SSO) certificate is not trusted by the ERP system.
To download both CRM and ERP data, you can:
- Define a trusted connection between CRM and ERP system (in the ERP IMG activity Define General Settings, maintain the CRM RFC destination and then define the trusted connection settings in the ABAP system)
- Remove the SSO cookie attribute in the security configuration in SCC. In the ERP Customizing, make sure the trusted setting is set in the ERP system.
Remove the SSO cookie – this will enable data download for both CRM and ERP systems. In the security configuration in SCC, Edit Provider screen, remove the SSO cookie attribute (value MYSAPSSO2 for the property – SSO Cookie Name).
Error: Application failed to install due to different application signature (ANDROID ONLY)
Uninstall any previously installed Retail Execution mobile app from your device and re-install to reproduce the error scenario.
If the error recurs, then go to the Menu > PreferencesDebug screen. In this Debug screen, you must perform the following steps:
- Mail the database encryption key to the system administrator or upload in a message.
- Export the database. To do this, click on Export Database. Explore the folder sdcard/Download folder in your device.
The folder is by default named as Download but may appear as sdcard if you are using an sdcard.
- A new folder with the name com.sap.rex will be created along with the timestamp.
- Zip the folder and send it to the system administrator in an IT ticket or as a mail attachment.


text:
The Facts
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited (genetic) disease in which excess mucus clogs the lungs, prevents food from being digested, and damages the reproductive system. It is the most common life-threatening genetically inherited disease affecting children and young adults. The incidence of CF occurs in about 1 in 3,600 live births in Canada.
In CF, an abnormal protein called CFTR is produced. This protein changes the way chloride (a component of salt, which is also called sodium chloride) moves in and out of cells. This affects the balance between salt and water in the body, making the mucus that lines the lungs, pancreas, and other organs thicker and stickier.
CF affects all the body's exocrine glands. These glands create and secrete chemicals necessary for proper functioning of the body. The pancreas, for example, is an exocrine gland that provides digestive enzymes for the stomach. The sweat glands provide liquid to cool the skin. In CF, some glands produce abnormal substances. The sweat glands, for example, release high levels of salt. Other glands, like the pancreas, become plugged with mucus. Because of the many organs affected and thanks to newborn genetic screening, CF is usually diagnosed early in childhood, with over half of children being diagnosed before the age of 1. Thanks to good research, more and better medications, and early diagnosis, people with CF are living longer, fuller lives.
CF cannot be "caught" like a cold or the flu. It's genetic and is caused by inheriting two copies of the same abnormal gene, one from each parent. People who get one defective and one normal copy of the gene are said to be "carriers" of the CF gene. Carriers don't get CF, but they have the abnormal CF gene that can be passed on to their children.
If both parents are carriers, their children have a 1 in 4 chance of getting the disease, a 1 in 2 chance of being carriers, and a 1 in 4 chance of being normal. Boys and girls are equally likely to have CF.
The table below shows your risk of being a CF carrier based on your ethnicity. Your family history also significantly affects your risk of being a CF carrier. People whose relatives have CF are at high risk of carrying the CF mutation.
Carrier risk
Caucasian (white, European ancestry)
1 in 29
Ashkenazi Jewish
1 in 29
1 in 46
African American
1 in 62
1 in 90
Researchers have also noticed abnormal levels of some essential fatty acids in people with CF. The role of these fatty acids is still unknown.
Symptoms and Complications
CF causes the body to produce large amounts of thick mucus. This affects the lungs as well as the digestive and reproductive systems. Symptoms of CF may appear at birth or years later, and range from mild to severe depending on the person.
A child's skin will taste salty – something a parent may notice – because CF causes the sweat to contain an unusually high amount of salt.
In the lungs, the mucus plugs the child's airways. This leads to wheezing, coughing, and trouble breathing. It also puts the child at risk of lung and sinus infections. Bacteria, found in the airways of people with CF, can contribute to further damage of the lungs.
Enzymes produced by the pancreas are necessary to digest food in the stomach. In people with CF, large amounts of mucus block the pancreas and prevent enzymes from being released. This causes digestive problems. Even if they eat a normal diet, children with CF may be smaller than others of the same age. Since food is not digested correctly, it leaves the body as waste in the stools. The stools are often large and have a foul smell.
Children with CF may reach puberty at a later age than normal. Both men and women may have fertility problems. More than 95% of men with CF are infertile, which is usually caused by not having the vas deferens (tubes that move sperm out from the testicles). In women, mucus can clog the fallopian tubes or the menstrual cycles may be irregular. Nevertheless, many women with CF are able to get pregnant and give birth to normal children if their partners don't have or carry CF. Their children, however, will carry the CF gene.
As a child grows older, CF may cause other symptoms. Some develop diabetes and need insulin treatment, and others suffer liver damage. Many children with CF live well into adulthood. It is estimated that people with CF in Canada will live to an average age of 52. With improving treatments and health care, this age will continue to increase gradually. For the minority who have a healthy pancreas, the prognosis is far better.
Good lung function is also a promising sign. Men tend to survive slightly longer than women.
Making the Diagnosis
If your child has any of the symptoms listed above, see your doctor for a diagnosis. Your doctor will ask about symptoms and family history, and screen for CF. He or she will probably do a "sweat test," which measures the amount of salt in your child's sweat.
The doctor may also test your child's lungs using chest X-rays and lung-function tests. If CF runs in your family, you may want to look into having genetic tests done for you and your partner if you are planning a pregnancy or are pregnant. You may also consider having your baby screened for CF before or at birth.
Treatment and Prevention
There's no cure for CF. Treatment includes digestive enzyme supplements, dietary changes, immunizations, physical therapy, and medications. More recently, some CF patients with terminal lung disease have received lung transplants.
Children need to eat a well-balanced diet rich in calories and protein. They may need 30% to 50% more calories and protein than a child without CF. A dietitian can help with meal planning. When children are involved in activities that may make them hot or sweaty, they need to replace the salt they lose in their sweat. Children can be given salt tablets or salt-water solutions. Children with CF usually take additional vitamins.
Keeping a child's immunizations (vaccine shots) up to date is extremely important to protect them from infections. Talk to your doctor to be sure that your child gets all the necessary vaccines, especially for whooping cough (pertussis), influenza, chickenpox, pneumococcal disease, and measles. Your child should get a flu shot every year or as recommended by your doctor. Keep a record of all your child's immunizations.
To loosen and bring up the extra mucus that builds up in the chest, a number of physical measures are used. These include "assisted coughing," drainage, a positive expiratory pressure (PEP) device, and percussion (pounding on the chest or back to loosen mucus). Older children can learn how to perform these techniques on themselves.
A number of medications can help people with CF. Your doctor may prescribe:
The development that holds the greatest promise is gene therapy. CF is one of the few inherited diseases where just one gene is at fault. In other words, there's real reason to hope for a cure.
CF can't be prevented in a child with two copies of the defective CF gene. But it's possible to find out if you're at risk for having a child with CF. You and your partner can have genetic testing done to determine if you are both carriers.


text:
West Allis police investigate shots fired incident near 77th and Washington
WEST ALLIS -- West Allis police are investigating a shots fired incident that happened Wednesday, April 19th near 77th and Washington.
It happened around 4:45 p.m.
Police said officers received information that shots were fired from a vehicle in the area towards another vehicle.
Upon the arrival of officers, all parties involved in the incident were no longer in the area. Officers did locate evidence of a weapon being fired.
At this point, there's nothing to suggest anyone was hit by the gunfire.
The investigation is ongoing.


text:
Despite an entire year of strength and ballet training, Dakota Johnson, during her Variety Actors on Actors conversation with Armie Hammer, describes the crippling self-doubt she faced before the start of filming for "Suspiria."
She says she "had this f–king meltdown four days before filming and was like, 'I can't do this.'"
"I was in tears in [director Luca Guadagnino's] office, and I was like, I'm a fraud," Johnson recalls, explaining how Guadagnino and Tilda Swinton had to convince her that she was worthy of the part.
"For my whole life I've been railing against myself thinking that someone's gonna find out that I'm a fraud," she tells Hammer. "This is a thing that artists do really struggle against, is this feeling that I'm not actually deserving of this job or this career." This was not the first time Johnson, Swinton, and Guadagnino had worked together, nor was it Johnson's first experience with self-doubt.
Johnson recalls the first time she worked with Guadagnino and Swinton, when she traveled to the Mediterranean island of Pantelleria to do a read through of "A Bigger Splash."
"Afterwards I was like, 'I can't do this and I'm so sorry for wasting your time, but this is deserving of someone who's really talented," Johnson said. "He and Tilda sat me down and were like, 'You are so okay to do this. You can do this, and this is for you, and that's why you're here."
Source: Read Full Article


text:
Brief and cryptic reports were published in Iranian media August 3 about plans to establish a second branch of the national museum in the basement of the mausoleum of the founder of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Khomeini. The plan may reflect an attempt to set up the scene for a personality cult.
The National Museum of Iran, established in 1937, is the country's "oldest, largest, and most significant" archaeological museum and a top tourist attraction in the capital, Tehran.
Domestic politics, heritage diplomacy and the question of custodianship
Khomeini's tomb is clearly meant to set up a cult of personality. The extravagance and opulence of the structure that, according to critics from within the Islamic Republic establishment, contradicts Khomeini's professed care for the oppressed, is in sharp contrast to the relative modesty of the current National Museum building.
The National Museum's architecture and especially its iconic arch reminds visitors of Persian art of the past and is in harmony with its purpose of displaying archaeological objects.
In contrast, the mausoleum lacks meaningful historical references. It is a cacophony of decorative patterns, shapes and colors scattered over vast dimensions. While impressive, the architecture is foreign to Iranian traditions. Introducing a national museum collection into this context seems anomalous but serves a different purpose.
According to media reports, the new museum will be part of a grand corridor or axis catering to Khomeini's followers. As early as July 23, Tourism Deputy of the Ministry for cultural Heritage, Vali Teimuri announced that the research project on places associated with Khomeini in Qom, Najaf, Jamaran, and the his Mausoleum was underway and once completed, tourism development for places associated with him would be added to "the collection of the country's tourism corridors".
An axis linking Iraq to Tehran with main stations being Jamaran (the residence of Khomeini in north Tehran) through the Mausoleum to the holy Shiite city of Qom and thereon to the holy city of Najaf in Iraq -- the center for training Shiite clergy -- where Khomeini spent time in exile before 1979, is a political gesture.
It is also part of a personality cult promoted for Khomeini, something that is similar to and competes with the cult of Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Achaemenid dynasty and a nationalist symbol. Khomeini's tomb sets up the scene for this kind of a personality cult.
It is suggested that there will be separate entrances and the museum will be controlled only by the Cultural Heritage Ministry. However, in the Islamic Republic, public institutions are not secure from outside interference and influence. The mausoleum is under the custodianship of Khomeini's grandson. At any point, he or his colleagues may seek to influence the state of affairs in the national museum.
For decades, the Islamic Republic has been struggling to forge its own version of nationalism centered around first Shiite Islam and then Iran. A new museum will reposition Khomeini, who rejected nationalism and add a nationalist tone to his personality cult, making it part of official propaganda.
Establishing the grand axis, and a museum in it, is also an important gesture in Iran's regional cultural diplomacy. Already the National Museum has played an important role in heritage diplomacy, a form of international relations focused on cultural heritage. The last popular example of this activity inside Iran was the exhibition in 2018 of Louvre artifacts in Tehran for the occasion of the museum's 80th anniversary.
A new museum will shift the focus of heritage diplomacy to the Shiite communities in the region. In this sense, it is not completely divorced from regional religious, political and military policies of the Qods Force, the overseas arm of the IRGC.
But in symbolic and cultural terms, Khomeini's tomb has only achieved limited, official success, perhaps because Khomeini is a political figure first and foremost.
If the grand plan is successful, it can bring together the Islamic Republic's regional diplomacy, military and strategic aims, and domestic and international tourism together. In this picture, the museum will play a key symbolic and cultural role in terms of heritage diplomacy.
Here, the ramifications of a possible symbolic contradiction between a national collection and Khomeini's tomb should not be underestimated. As in the existing national museum, the collection and the building itself become national icons and have meanings for visitors.
The current National Museum emphasizes Iranian nationhood. This is incompatible with the mausoleum's ideological and religious meanings. An important challenge is avoiding the inevitably conflicting images and messages the two produce.
Museum, vault or both?
The purpose of the precise function of the branch is still unclear. Mohammad-Hassan Talebian, the Deputy Minister for Cultural Heritage suggests that it will be a museum starting with 2,000-3,000 exhibits on display and then it can use the 400,000 objects in the vault of the existing National Museum. The vault is essentially a secure storeroom for safekeeping objects that are not on display.
Talebian's claim is rejected by his colleague, Mohammadreza Karegar, a past Director of the National Museum and present Director General of Museums and Movable Artifacts. Other unnamed sources claimed 40,000 pieces will be transferred to the basement of Khomeini's Mausoleum, a claim also rejected by Karegar.
The allocated area will be around 25,000 square meters, more than twice that of the existing National Museum at around 11,000 square meters. Therefore, any storage or display in this location will be significant in size.
The need for more space to display thousands of objects is genuine. Even before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the National Museum of Iran was quickly running out of both exhibition space and storage.
In his brief interview, Karegar referred to UNESCO guidelines for storage and handling of exhibits and said that the new building will aspire to the highest international standards. However, in Iran, there is often a gap between guidelines and practices.
The location of the Mausoleum may pose technical and security challenges. Furthermore, Problems with bad odor and sewage management in the area around the mausoleum are well documented. The chequered record of bodies nominated for the museum or vault's construction—the IRGC and the Development Jihad—does little to instill confidence in the safety of archaeological treasures.
Also, one has to consider the however remote possibility of accidental damage caused by any attacks on Khomeini's mausoleum.
Reactions and backtracking
The announced plan has caused immediate reactions. A few commentators have taken to twitter to air concerns about the safety of the collections. Others speculate that this is about legitimating and purifying Khomeini's image. Lack of transparency, shortage detail and contradictory official statements prevent forming an accurate picture and instead encourage speculations and conspiracy theories.
Reacting to virtual protests on online forums by both expats and heritage activists inside Iran, official backtracking began.
Karegar announced "there is no plan for moving the vault and exhibits of the National Museum to this place [the new National Museum]" insisting "one of the places that, because of its standard structural build, may be used in emergency situations is the space in the City of Sun [a new exhibition ground adjacent to the Mausoleum]".
In a panic-stricken tone, the Voice of Heritage (Sedaye Miras) an official cultural heritage news website, offered an "explanation about unsavoury interpretations of the story of moving the National Museum of Iran's vault".
It noted that the explanation was in reaction to "the multitude of interpretations made by many media outlets and activists in Iranian and overseas virtual networks [social media]".
Such significant popular reactions reveal the sensitivities around cultural heritage within the Iranian society at large, a fact documented and discussed previously by academics.


text:
Southern California fires affect reptile breeders.
Allen Repashy watches the Rice Canyon fire. It burned more than 9,400 acres. Photo courtesy of Donald Schultz
Nine San Diego County wild fires affected thousands this past fall, including large-scale reptile breeders. Sandfire Dragon Ranch, Giantgeckos.com and Repashy Reptiles were at high risk, but the blazes never reached their doors.
However, four fires — one from the north, south, east and west — surrounded Repashy Reptiles at one point. "The closest one got about three miles from us but looked like it was much closer," owner Allen Repashy said.
Owning the largest collection of Rhacodactylus geckos in the world, Repashy said he tried to prepare for a fire, but he realized he wasn't prepared enough. "I would need a 53-foot tractor trailer full of deli cups to move my collection, and it would take 20 people a day to pack it up," he said. "I think in the future I will be better off building a better defensible compound and stay and fight rather than try and pack up."
Repashy consolidated geckos into crowded cages and lost several hundred due to stress and hot, dry winds. "Because of the crazy situation, the geckos got minimal care for a week, and we were pretty much completely shut-off from the world," he said.
According the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, San Diego County fires burned more than 369,000 acres, destroyed or damaged more than 2,900 commercial and residential properties, caused seven deaths and more than 120 injuries, and amassed estimated costs totaling $61.7 million.


text:
One look that I love for fall is lacy silk slips and tanks layered over a tee. This shirt perfectly captures that look in just one piece, which is why I instantly fell in love with it. While it's still hot it works perfectly paired with shorts and as it gets cooler I can't wait to layer it more with a cozy sweater or a cool leather jacket.
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
All In One
Labels: 90s, A.L.C., Accessories, Celine, Fashion, Lace, Outfit, Sandals, Sandro, Shorts, Silk, Steve Madden, Style, Summer, Sunglasses, Tank, Trend
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
Be Calm, Be Confident, Be Kind.
I don't have the words to say thank you.
This journey has been four years in the making and has only just begun.
How do I say thank you to the mothers that have hugged my neck and whispered in my ear and told me that they would have followed me to Miss America because of the impact I've had on their daughters?
How do I say thank you to the little girls who have come up to me to tell me that I've inspired them to follow their dreams?
How do I say thank you to my incredible team of people who have spent countless hours preparing me for every second of competition and service?
How do I say thank you to my family and their undying love and support even when I don't deserve it?
From the bottom of my heart I can't tell each and every one of you how grateful I am-
For each and every hug, for every encouraging word, every post, every hand squeeze, I am forever grateful.
Thank you.
Rodney and Keith- where do I start? My wonderful, incredible, amazing pageant dads. I love you both so much!
Rodney, we walked into this week with the attitude and mantra of being calm, confident, and kind. But I knew no matter what, that I wanted to leave this week with the attitude of being gracious, humble, and grateful. Thank you for giving me a fearless, loving out look on life. It took me 3 tries to be a Rodney's girl but I guess that's the magic number, because this was the best year yet.
Keith, thank you for your paperwork guidance and your raw sense of humor, you never cease to put a smile on my face. I love your dry wit and how you make everyone around you laugh. I've loved getting to know you this year.
You have both become a part of my family and that will never change. There aren't enough words in the dictionary to describe how indebted I am to you both for your kindness and support. You have taken me in like I'm your own and given me so much love and selfless time and effort to prepare me. I can't wait to come see you soon! I love you both so much.
David Camp- thank you, thank you, thank you. For the weekly interview prep, my constant questions and midnight texts asking you about 1567 articles, for the hours you put in preparing me for the interview for the job of a lifetime. How do I say thank you for all you've done? Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to voluntarily prepare me to communicate my heart and my passions to my judges' panel. I have loved this year of getting to know you and spending time with you - you are an amazing and selfless human being- I'm a better person because of your impact on my life. I love you.
Ashley Grindstaff, I don't have words to tell you how grateful I am that God gave me you as a big sister. You've been my rock when I needed someone to be steadfast, my shoulder to cry on when I needed it, and you have had my back from the day I met you. I'll never forget the first time I Called you as a sophomore in college looking for scholarship money and the right local to compete at. You were so gracious to this nervous, blonde girl that had no idea what journey she was walking into. Your family and your community have welcomed me as their own and it's an honor to call you a friend. I love you so much. (I've got my bags packed for that Florida vacation btw!!)
Mom, I love you. I am so lucky to have a mother who supports me POSITIVELY and ENCOURAGES me every step of the way. Never have you ever pressured me negatively- you've always lifted me up and encouraged me. It cracks me up to hear that people say you're a "crazy pageant mom" because you're the farthest thing from it. You've taught me grace and poise and how to be a lady. You've taught me how to be graceful under pressure, and I will never know how to thank you for that. You've taught me resiliency, you've taught me to never stay down when you're knocked down, and most of all you've taught me to love. You have always taught me to go in a spirit of God's love and grace and to show that to every person I come in contact with. You've taught me that it's not what you say or how you say it but it's how you make people feel, because that's what they'll never forget. Thank you for loving me unconditionally, for the long car rides from one end of the state to the other, for your witty comments, for your constant reminders that I AM worthy, and for loving me when I'm not so easy to love. You're incredible, mom. I love you.
Dad, thank you for giving me the work ethic of a champion. You've taught me that hard work beats talent every day of the week and I can't thank you enough for that. You've led by example and given me the tools to KNOW how to work hard and that the best things in life don't come easy. Thank you for giving me all the tools I could ever possibly need to achieve my goals, and for giving me the worth ethic to do the same. Thank you for being there through the ups and downs and in betweens, I love you.
Christal, you're the best sister I could ask for. You're so supportive of whatever dream I chase and I can't thank you enough. Thank you for letting me make fun of your birth mark that turns purple when you get pumped because it's pretty fantastic. You are so bright and beautiful and I'm so incredibly excited to see what you do next. I love you to the moon and back little one.
Rocky and Tony- you LITERALLY came all the way across the country to watch me compete. TWICE. (one more time for the people in the back) TWICE!! I love you both so, so much and I can't thank you enough for your encouragement and love. From Amigo the golden doodle pictures, to memes, to witty come backs, you both always know how to make everyone around you smile. I can't thank you enough for the thoughtful gifts (that are currently being framed as we speak) and for your constant encouragement throughout the year. (and Tony for your fabulous pageant photos!!) I love you both lots. I can't wait to come see you in Palm Springs soon!
Steve Roten - I have never, ever, ever been so comfortable in my own skin before. Thank you for teaching me food is not a reward and exercise is not a punishment. Thank you for teaching me to love cardio and to relish the weight room. (even when people make me jump 3 feet in the air from their screams during their lift.) Thank you for pushing me to my limits and encouraging me to be my best. I almost cried when I tried on a size zero dress and it zipped up seamlessly. I've never experienced that before while taking care of myself, in addition to eating and exercising the RIGHT way. I felt so confident putting on my swimsuit this year and knowing that I gave my body 110%. Thank you for every lift session, putting me on tuna instead of tilapia, and for giving me an attitude of never giving up, even when it gets hard. I've loved getting to know you and your family these last 2 years and getting to know your love of bettering people's health. You truly have the magic touch - because you've made me love the stair master and hate fried food haha! Thank you for everything these last two years, I'm forever grateful.
Paige Dennis - for four years you have dressed me To the 9s (I'd even argue a 10 😉) and have made a scared, shy, nervous girl feel like a queen. You truly made me have my Miss America moment when you made me cry my mascara off in that beautiful pink Sherri Hill gown that I swore up and down I'd never put on. I've loved every minute in your store; thank you for putting up with me even when I run around in a Sherri hill couture gown flapping the chiffon like wings and looking like a loon and you still told me I looked lovely- thank you thank you thank you. Thank you for your patience, encouragement, hilarious snapchats, and support. I love ya Paigey.
Jonah, Grace, Kendall, Georganna, Teresa, Rob, Carter, Aubrey - how blessed am I to have such an incredible friend group? God blessed me with some incredible friends and I don't know how to say thank you. You all have shown up and shown out over the last four years - from Miss Collierville our senior year in High school to Miss Tennessee 2017 after graduation, you have been there. George, Rob, Teresa, Carter, and Aub- thank you for being there through it all. I can't wait till January when we all get to stand together and George and Rob's Wedding! Jonah, your kind supportive spirit have gotten me through this last year. Whether we're on the floor of my room laughing until we can't breathe or working on swimsuit walk in my parent's entryway, we always have so much fun and you make everyone around you smile. I love you. Grace, you have been there since 8th grade and I can't begin to tell you how blessed I am to call you my second sister. (Sometimes you and Christal remind me a little too much of each other 😏) You're always there with encouraging words - and sometimes wine when it's needed - and a hug. I'm so excited to watch you change the lives of children at St. Jude with your sparkling demeanor and radiant smile. I know they love you and I do too! Kendall, I don't know why it took us so long to finally become friends but I'm so glad we did- I can't believe we lived ten minutes from each other growing up and didn't meet until college, but WOW am I so glad that the Lord brought you into my life! You are immeasurably valuable as a precious person and friend. You are so selfless and move mountains for others when anyone asks for your help. I have loved getting to share Oxford with you and I can't wait to come visit you (and cheer for you) in Knoxville soon. I love you so much sister friend.
To everyone who has taken the time to tell me how I've impacted your life or of someone around you- thank you. It's because of you I've been changed for the better. I've had tears in my eyes reading these texts and cards and letters all of you have sent- from Pastor RJ in Iowa who took the time to encourage me from his home state and pray with his congregation that I might shine my light and impact the lives of others affected by Alzheimer's disease to my sweet Iris princess who sent me daily gifts of encouragement. From the woman who grabbed me in the Ronald Reagan Airport to tell me her story about how her friend smiled for the first time in weeks after seeing me at the Alzheimer's forum to the woman who let me hold her child as she receives her chemotherapy treatment in the NICU. Sitting here reflecting on this last year truly reminds me how grateful I am for all of the love and support from people that barely knew my name but came up and hugged my neck after events to tell me that my story changed them for the better. All I ever wanted in this organization is to inspire others, to bring hope to families with Alzheimer's and tell them that they're not alone.
Thank you to everyone who has poured into me these last four years, mentored me, encouraged me, supported me, or sent positivity my way. I promise it hasn't gone unnoticed. So thank you THANK YOU thank you for every second of this journey 💜
So, what's next?
I have no idea.
But I know it will not affect my Advocacy work for Alzheimer's.
That will never change. I'll fight for a cure until Alzheimer's is nothing more than a distant memory.
The next step isn't even known to me yet.
But I am resting in the fact that there's a plan that's so much bigger and brighter and more beautiful than my own that I don't even know yet.
And that's the beauty of this journey.
It's only just begun.
3/14/2021 04:08:12 am
Loove this
Leave a Reply.


text:
Lead Organisation: Women's Resource Centre (Armenia)
Partners: Women's Political Resource Centre – WPRC (Georgia), Bureau of Gender Strategy and Budgeting – BGSB (Ukraine), Belarusian Organization of Working Women – BOWW (Belarus)
Project duration: 6 months (April – September 2017)
Aim: to develop capacities of members organisations in four National Platforms (Armenia, Belarus, Georgia and Ukraine) in gender audit and gender analysis, through intensive trainings for organizations that will develop their skills in gender mainstreaming, including through gender monitoring and gender budgeting.
Main output: an advocacy plan for gender audit of the selected organizations in the four National Platforms (Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Ukraine).
Gender Audit
English Version
[scribd id=371580738 key=key-rRCrrcOHhF0ehBxadYTk mode=scroll]
Narrative Report
[scribd id=370249163 key=key-rCAmqnTWmbYt2xNL3y4n mode=scroll]


text:
SEATTLE (AP) — An early offensive punch from Robinson Chirinos, a solid effort by Houston's bullpen and another baffling play by Seattle's defense helped the Astros keep rolling.
Chirinos homered to cap a three-run first inning, Houston's bullpen pitched six shutout innings and the Astros beat the Mariners 4-2 on Monday night for their sixth win in seven games.
Chirinos' eighth home run capped a first inning in which Seattle's decision to use Cory Gearrin as an opener backfired. Gearrin (0-2) gave up an RBI triple to Josh Reddick, a run scoring groundout to Yuli Gurriel and Chirinos' long homer to cap his one inning of work before handing off to Wade LeBlanc.
Chirinos was guessing he'd get a first-pitch fastball and was correct.
"My plan was to swing early. He's a guy that likes to throw his fastball first pitch and after that he starts to use his slider," Chirinos said.
Houston tacked on another run in the sixth when Seattle's defensive problems resurfaced. With runners at the corners and one out, Gurriel hit a grounder to shortstop Dylan Moore. Alex Bregman broke from third to try and score and Moore threw to the plate, but catcher Omar Narvaez had taken several steps up the first base line believing Moore was going to try and turn a double play. The throw was on target and beat Bregman easily, but instead bounced to the backstop as a fielders' choice and the fourth run for Houston.
Seattle manager Scott Servais said Narvaez was at fault.
"When the ball is hit the first thing you are thinking is it's a double play, and Dylan actually made the right read. He wasn't going to be able to turn a double play on that," Servais said. "He made a very athletic throw to the plate, and Omar just vacated too early. You got to make sure he is committed to going to second before you trail the play to go back it up."
Houston starter Corbin Martin was pulled after just three innings, but relievers Framber Valez (2-2) and Chris Devenski worked five scoreless innings. Ryan Pressly pitched the ninth for his third save.
Martin has not been able to finish four innings in his last three starts.
"I was falling behind in the count. I wasn't as aggressive as I needed to be and throwing 30 pitches in the first inning that kind of slows down the rest of my outing," Martin said.
Seattle got solo home runs from Mallex Smith and Edwin Encarnacion in the third inning, but the Mariners were 0 for 8 with runners in scoring position, leaving runners at either second or third base in each of the first five innings. Jake Marisnick saved a run in the eighth with a diving catch of Moore's liner to end the inning.
LeBlanc threw eight innings, allowing one run and three hits over the final eight innings after replacing Gearrin. It equaled his career-high for innings pitched and set a club record for most innings pitched in a relief appearance, topping Bryan Clark's 7 2/3 innings in 1982.
In his three starts since coming off the injured list, LeBlanc had not lasted past the fifth inning.
"There were things in the last two or three starts that were trending toward a quality outing," LeBlanc said.
Seattle placed RHP Chasen Bradford on the 10-day injured list with a forearm strain and recalled RHP Matt Festa from Triple-A Tacoma. Bradford pitched two innings on Sunday against the Angels but came out of the outing feeling soreness in his arm. Festa will be in his third stint with the Mariners this season having appeared in seven games.
Astros: Houston manager A.J. Hinch said 2B Jose Altuve, OF George Springer and IF Aledmys Diaz all went through an extensive running program before Monday's game. Altuve and Diaz also did some fielding drills. Hinch was pleased with the progress all three are making and said the club will get a better assessment of their recovery.
Mariners: SS J.P. Crawford (ankle) did fielding drills before Monday's game and continues to progress faster than expected from his sprained ankle. Manager Scott Servais said there is a chance Crawford could rejoin the team on the next road trip. … Seattle hopes 2B Dee Gordon (wrist) and IF Ryon Healy (back) will be able to go out on rehab assignments toward the end of this week.
Astros: LHP Wade Miley (5-3) struck out a season-high nine in his last start vs. the Cubs. He's allowed three runs or less in 11 of 12 starts this season.
Mariners: Seattle has yet to announce its starter for Tuesday's game.


text:
Is the US Anti-War Movement Pro-Resistance?
By Amer Jubran
February 4, 2004
At this point, it is a waste of time to discuss the perfidy of the US government. It is established beyond doubt that Bush, like presidents before him, represents the interests of a prosperous war industry. What is worth researching, though, is the methods by which the US managed to achieve its vast criminal empire. Such research needs not focus on the well-known economic and military machinery and its political consequences, but rather on the unconventional and secret strategies employed by the US to encircle and strangle its prospective targets. These strategies include client regimes, large-scale media propaganda, and co-opting opponents of the system. One such opponent is the United States "antiwar movement."
As one administration after another wages war with impunity, culminating with Bush ignoring 10 million antiwar protesters on February 15, 2003, any hope one might have that this movement could bring change has become wishful thinking. In order to bring the US war machine to a halt, insights are needed into why the antiwar movement has not been effective. This must include an examination of the leadership, culture, theoretical and practical goals, mission, and strategies of the movement as it stands today.
During the Vietnam era, the US government spent a great deal of resources on researching the movement and its impact. It responded to the movement with imprisonment, harassment, and assassination of leaders. An entire system of social rewards was developed to buy people off. The government's most effective strategy, however, was its choosing to contain the opposition rather than attempt to eradicate it. It was by this means that a "loyal opposition" was created - an opposition which the government could manipulate and control, allowing it enough power to reach a large segment of the population, and to disseminate a message of change, but withholding the power necessary for such change to be in any way implemented.
In the Vietnam era many realized the government could not be trusted. The pretense of a democracy in which two parties struggled against each other to keep the USA honest would no longer work. Elite planners understood that non-governmental organizations could do what the Democrats had formerly done. That is, they could push for reform of policies set by Republicans, and their free expression of political frustration could be promoted and used as a sign of a healthy, confident democracy. Such organizations could thus continue work vital to the government's longevity, absorbing the opposition in the name of reform, and the Democrats and Republicans could more openly merge forces.
After thirty years under this system the movement has established its right to freedom of expression, and not much else. The focus has changed from demands for changes in government policy to just having the right to express those demands.
Unlike the 60's, when antiwar protesters were attacked by dogs, sticks, and water hoses, protesters today are accompanied by police motorcades. The government issues rally permits, marching permits, sound permits, and vending permits. Some consider it a victory just to obtain a permit to protest. This reflects how demoralized the antiwar movement has become. Of course, once a protest is permitted, it will then be subjected to massive police supervision, as we have all seen.
For some whites and excluded minorities such as Natives, Blacks, Arabs, Latinos, and others whose political tone was too radical, the US developed more serious measures. The strategy was to hit these groups hard, away from public view. A large number of those who could leave choose to do so, and work within the system. Some whites saw the double standard and this made them sensitive about their privilege but paralyzed in their ability to take initiatives. Naturally, the minorities reacted with contempt toward whites. Part of the antiwar movement was thus divided, and thus conquered
"Give Peace A Chance"
Today in the US, there are many groupings in the movement. The biggest two differ in their political positions and tone, but are comparable in their behavior. One takes the position of reforming the system by appealing to the president, government, Congress, and voters. During the Gulf War of 1991, this group demanded the US "let the sanctions work." Similarly, leading up to the occupation of Iraq in 2003, it said, "let the inspections work." No matter what the outrage, this bloc's song is "Give peace a chance."
The moral base for this bloc is "peace" - an abstract goal that no one disagrees with but which lacks critical definition. It does not seek to address root causes - the fundamental need for justice as a requisite for peace, and the immediate necessity of stopping the US war machine in order to obtain that justice. Instead, it claims to be objective, to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and blames bad leaders on both sides - a US president and a third world tyrant, Bush and Saddam, Sharon and Arafat - as if both sides were equal.
The dominant philosophy in this bloc is pacifism - at any cost. Not only does this ensure zero risk to themselves in confrontations with the
authorities, it leads them to condemn the resistance even of those being oppressed. Only if the victims of the US are purely oppressed and do not fight back does this bloc advocate for them. It joins with the US government in labeling resistance movements as "terrorist."
The most troubling area in this bloc's politics is its position on Palestine -- its complete failure to understand the long history of racism, killing, displacement, and torture used against Palestinians, and to understand the Palestinians' commonality with other people around the world who have been invaded and dispossessed. Its position on Palestine is not very far from the official public position of the United States, Israel, and the Arab client regimes. The leadership of this bloc accepts only "good Palestinians" as activists in their movement. A good Palestinian is one who accepts their vision of peace between what it contends are two populations -- Israelis and Palestinians -- competing for equal rights. History is thus erased. The oppressor is put on an equal footing with the oppressed. Worse, the Israeli aggressor is treated as the victim.
This bloc's leadership is composed mainly of white liberals, and is heavily infiltrated by Zionists. It draws its constituencies from left democrats, churches, academics, and some students. Normally, the constituencies are loyal. Members are steady in their numbers and contributions.
"Bring the Troops Home Now"
Criticism of the second bloc is more important than of the first. The first practically announces itself as a loyal opposition. The second does not -- its opposition is more formidable.
The second bloc takes a strong stand against US imperialism but does so on the basis of the material self-interest of another abstraction-the working class. With this group, the needs of working people at home take priority over support for resistance in countries under US attack. Instead of spending money on war, this group says, money should be spent on providing jobs, education, and health care. Their priority demand, "Bring the troops home now," comes close to the mainstream's "Support the troops," and is a betrayal of those people in other nations whom "the troops" are busy shooting at, bombing, and colonizing.
This group rightly points out the existence of an "economic draft" but does not grapple with the fact that poor and minority people who have been taken in by the economic draft are capable of moral choice, did not have to join, and are just as guilty of the crimes of imperialism as George Bush if they pull the trigger. Also not recognized is that many of the "troops" bring with them the prevalent US diseases of ignorance and racism, and fight because they believe in what they are doing. A significant number are not minorities. Some come from military families. The best reason for wanting these particular soldiers to come "home" is to stop them from killing people. To appeal for their return on the basis of an injustice done to them twists both logic and morality. Yet more ink will be spent on one GI resister in this bloc's newspapers and leaflets than on a thousand Iraqi resisters who gave their lives confronting Uncle Sam. Indeed, more ink will be spent on the need for domestic health care and education and decent jobs in the relatively wealthy US than on the right of Iraqis or Palestinians just to live.
It is important for any movement's leadership to take a position on issues. Constituencies need clear analysis in order to understand world events and mobilize in response to them. However, clear, strong positions are of no use if an organization's main goal is to build numbers. Building numbers means slogans with broad appeal and minimum controversy which generate the largest possible protests. The goal becomes flexing political muscle and self- promotion which, in turn, establish the power of an organization, and give it credibility in negotiations. The negotiations are carried out on two tracks.
The first track is with the US government
When concerns about permits, collecting funds, and event promotion become more important than changing a brutal system, the movement is in trouble. After the dramatic protests of Seattle and Quebec City, the government became more serious about granting permits to protest. It asserted its right to control when, how, and where protesting could take place. Lengthy negotiations with protest organizers became necessary. Concessions were required. The result was a long stream of non-violent, peaceful, and inconsequential protests in several years of some of the most blatant military and economic violence the world has ever seen.
The protest against the World Economic Forum in New York City in the winter of 2002 provides an example. The authorities cleared all protests from twenty city blocks around where the forum was taking place, except for the area of the official protest. Protesters who wanted to get to the designated area were allowed to do so only through numerous and arbitrary police barricades. They were then corralled into narrow pens along the street, block after block, standing for hours in miserable, cold weather. The only action was speeches and chanting. If anyone wished to break away and march to the Waldorf Astoria, where the forum was being held, they had to go through the security marshals
of the protest organizers before getting to the police lines. At the end of the day, the statement came from the stage: "Go home in small groups; we have won today by showing the ruling class that the movement is strong and present." In fact, the ruling class only learned that the movement is willing to sit in pens and police itself all day long, and mount no challenge whatsoever to the fat capitalists assembled in the forum.
The second track of negotiations is with the liberal "peace" bloc of the antiwar movement.
Using slogans to recruit and build numbers is an act of sectarianism. Sectarian attitudes focus on recognition. Milder politics lead to greater
numbers and resources. The second bloc wants to tap into these resources, but also wants to be recognized as dominant in the movement. An ideal strategy is building a principled position and allowing people time to discover its consistency and clarity. But overcoming differences in political opinions with the other bloc requires a compromise. At this point, language is made to serve both sides of an issue. For example, demands like "Free Palestine . . Victory to Palestine . . . Long live the Intifada" and "Stop US Imperialism" become "End the Occupation" and "Support the troops--bring them home."
With time, the importance of such issues as Palestinian and Iraqi resistance could be brought to the weaker bloc, but such effort would meet with decisive opposition from Zionists both within and outside the movement who are in a position to dictate the political agenda. To maintain numbers, popularity, power, and financial backing, the anti-imperialist bloc is forced to sacrifice principles and make deals. Sometimes, these deals require dropping an issue or, worse, presenting it diluted. The blood and suffering of victims of US imperialism are thus used to serve the purposes of power politics.
Another critical problem is this bloc's readiness to adjust its agenda to its sources of funding, making such decisions without the knowledge of its wider constituency. For example, funding from the Muslim clergy shifted the focus of the April 2002 demonstration to Palestine, a focus which was certainly correct, but which should not have depended on money. On October 25, 2003, funding from the liberal donors of the Vanguard organization resulted in Palestine being dropped from a large west coast antiwar protest. Because of funds pouring in
from Vanguard, key organizers who had once been in support of Palestine attempted to veto a speaker for the Palestinian resistance from addressing the San Francisco audience. However, they did allow the Democrats to speak on the stage that day.
Although this bloc is a coalition, decisions on strategy and events are made by only a few individuals. A central committee selects people it deems appropriate to represent various causes. These people are often limited to describing first hand how the US government made their lives miserable, leaving political analysis to the central leadership. Furthermore, if the representative criticizes a stand, or how an event is handled, regardless if it was right or wrong, this individual will be iced. Instead of healthy debate, critics are condemned.
The second bloc has difficulty maintaining loyal members and allies. That is why it doesn't grow. Unlike the pacifists and reformists of the first bloc, the constituency of the second bloc is made up of radicals angry at injustice. These people possess the best qualities of revolutionaries -- bravery, political sophistication, and a willingness to sacrifice. Sadly, they find themselves sucked in by something that talks revolution, but doesn't deliver. As a result, radicals either lose interest or disperse into smaller groups with smaller resources and try to avoid sectarian conflict with the larger bloc. They are miles ahead of the first bloc in seeking to resist, but they are halted and slowed down.
Both blocs differ in their politics, but have like strategies. During a crisis, they both call for a stand and make plans for a massive protest. Inevitably, that protest falls on a Saturday. A protest in a public park on a Saturday in Washington, D.C. might maximize the numbers of those who attend, but it does nothing to interfere with business as usual. The government is away for the weekend. Why can't a day be chosen when someone is there to listen, or when the White House or Congress is about to decide on a matter important to the movement? When Turkey's Parliament was deciding if it should join the US in invading Iraq, hundreds of thousands opposing the war surrounded the building and threatened violence if the resolution passed. The result was defeat of the resolution and Turkey staying out of the war.
Both blocs of the antiwar movement take protest only so far as political rallies with a stage and speakers, followed by a permitted "march." Would the coalition proceed if a permit were rejected? Anarchists' who protest without permits and who do interrupt business as usual, are denounced by some in the antiwar movement. Instead of being viewed as a wing in the movement that counters the inertia of the pacifists, they are left to deal with police brutality alone. This makes them distrust the rest of the antiwar movement. Is there anyone in the US antiwar movement who resists the US government as fighters in Vietnam, Columbia, Iraq, and Palestine have done? Is there an underground that has recognized the futility of peaceful protest and mobilized to directly stop US war and aggression? In the current movement, anarchists have gone further along these lines than anyone else, but no one has gone far.
Both blocs are reactive to whatever the US government does. They wait for Washington to make the decisions. A clear strategy of taking initiatives and putting the government on the defensive is absent.
Every movement likes to brag about its victories and achievements. Here is a short list of what the US has done since Vietnam:
As well, the US continues to maintain Israeli oppression of Palestine, it continues to wage war against Colombia using a phony war on drugs as a pretext, it continues to defy international treaties regarding war crimes, it continues to refuse to submit to an international court of law, it continues to steal oil from the Arab world, and it continues to support the dictatorships of its many client regimes. At home it has created the police- state Department of Homeland Security, the Patriot Act, the Border Security Act, and the world's largest prison population.
Where is the list of achievements and victories of the antiwar movement?


text:
Low convective field artifact elimination using dielectric padding and multichannel receive in cr-MREPT conductivity images
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Imaging the electrical conductivity of the tissues in RF frequencies is an important tool for medical diagnostic purposes along with the local specific absorption rate estimation that is closely related to MR safety aspects. Magnetic Resonance Electrical Properties Tomography (MREPT) algorithms use the fact that the electrical properties of the object of interest perturb the B1 field and that they can be reconstructed by solving an inverse problem that requires the measured B1 field. Convection-reaction-equation based magnetic resonance electrical properties tomography (cr-MREPT) provides conductivity images that are boundary artifact free and robust against noise in contrast to conventional MREPT algorithms. However, these images suffer from the Low Convective Field (LCF) artifact. This thesis propose two methods to eliminate the LCF artifact. One of which is to use dielectric pads in alternating positions to modify the transmit magnetic field and shift the LCF region from each other in different excitation data. Within an electromagnetic model, pads with different parameters (electrical properties, pad thickness, pad height, arc angle, and thickness of the pad-object gap) are simulated. First, the effect of high dielectric and high conductive pads onto the B1 field is analyzed. Then, two data sets with the pad located on various locations of the object (phantom) are acquired, and the corresponding linear system of equations are simultaneously solved (combined) to get LCF artifact free conductivity images. In experimental studies, water pads and BaTiO3 pads are used with agar-saline phantoms. In general, a pad should have 180ffi arc angle and the same height with the phantom for maximum benefit. Also, the closer the pad is to the phantom, the more pronounced is its effect. Increasing the pad thickness and/or the relative permittivity of the pad increases the LCF shift while excessive amounts of these parameters cause errors in conductivity reconstructions because of the failure in the assumption made such that the z-component of the magnetic field (HZ) is neglected in the solution. Conductivity of the pad, on the other hand, has minimal effect on elimination of the LCF artifact. Using the proposed technique, LCF artifact is removed and also the reconstructed conductivity values are improved. Thick water pads are proved to be better than the thin ones whereas high dielectric pads must be preferred as thin. The drawbacks of this method are that the acquisition time increases with the multiples of the excitation number and that the HZ assumption may fail to validate significantly with the choice of pad parameters. The second method proposes a solution that requires 1 excitation only and circumvents the LCF artifact. It uses the difference between the receive sensitivities of a multichannel receive coil as a means to alter the LCF regions in each channel data. Although it loses its accuracy for a non-quadrature coil, transceive phase assumption, which approximates the transmit phase as the half of the transcieve phase, is utilized and the data formed from different channels are combined to reconstruct LCF-free conductivity images. Comparing the results, this latter technique is superior to the original method as LCF artifact is eliminated and is superior to the padding technique as it requires at least half the time required for padding. However, the multichannel receive method lacks accuracy due to the incorrect phase, whereas it can be a valuable tool for non-quantitative conductivity imaging that only the contrast between the neighboring tissues is sufficient.
Thesis (M.S.): Bilkent University, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, İhsan Doğramacı Bilkent University, 2018.
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 54-60).


text:
Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!
Hello world!
By Bradley on November 18, 2011 in Uncategorized
About Bradley
One Response to Hello world!
Mr WordPress November 18, 2011 at 7:45 am #
Hi, this is a comment.
To delete a comment, just log in and view the post's comments. There you will have the option to edit or delete them.


text:
IT'S TIME for a coupon! Mar.28 to April 14 get it here
$20 off a $95 minimum regular priced clothing or accessories purchase at Plum.
see coupon for full details on exclusions that apply
instore and online
Some exciting news!
Coming next week...look out for Plum's new INSTAGRAMMER Rebecca! (follow her on Instagram)
Rebecca will be posting from Calgary and
I'm sure there will be some great things to come!
Welcome Rebecca!!
I'm excited to see what you have for us!!
Of course we all let our minds drift off to fantasy land; thoughts of months on the Riviera where we can linger in water front condos. Imagine enjoying the most delectable feast prepared by your own personal chef or garments by world renowned designers. Did I adequately distract you for a moment from vacuuming? Well, how often do we get lost on Pinterest or Instagram for hours on end, musing over these dreamy images. If you live a life described above, wonderful...it's a life we all wish for. But for the rest of us, wishes don't work in the credit card machine. Here's a look at some high end pieces I found. And some, let's say, more palatable alternatives that Plum has to offer.
I found this sweet retro look dress (Prada) on the left on a major retailers website. It has some unique design features, such as a front zipper, a belt and a near $2500 price tag...oops that's Canadian (if it makes a difference). It's gorgeous, but I prefer to eat some time in the next six months. The Plum option on the right is a nice viscose and nylon combo, which means it has a beautiful drape. And it's own very sweet design feature is the slight exposed back and tie.
Spencer + Shaw dress tie back (Tuscan sun) $128
The dress on the left looks event ready! Including intricate mesh inserts, strategically placed and the outstanding one shoulder design...did I mention it's Stella McCartney and a roughly two grand price tag (I wonder if it comes with a serenade by Paul). While I believe both dresses are suited for upscale events, potentially the one on the right (by Cream) could be worn at a casual daytime affair as well.
Cream shoulder dress (cobalt) $149
I love the t shirt on the left. Nice elongated, yet shapely cut and graceful round neckline. But I could buy 14 of the one on the right...or a return trip to Toronto, a book and maybe a new cell phone for the cost of the St. John t shirt...I'm not sure yet, I'm still thinking (I mean dreaming). And let's not get caught up on the 'stripes make me look wide' theory. It's all in how and what it's paired with. If that's a concern, a long cardigan or Kimono brings the eye downwards.
B. Young t shirt 3/4 sleeve (4 colours) $39
Enough of the comparisons. I decided to end off the blog with 3 of Spencer + Shaw's. Their designer has just a way with taking the retro and giving it modern gusto. She just has a special talent for dress designs and their fit.
Spencer + Shaw button front dress (amber/ivory dot) $121
Spencer + Shaw smocked waist dress (peach print) $110
Spencer + Shaw drape front dress (black zebra) $149
I'm surprised that escaping into fantasy by way of a book, a movie or just inside ones own head, is not a health requirement. Because it often helps us survive our realities...immediate or worldly. Fashion can certainly provide some of this, and we could call it Vitamin F....someone needs to contact our Minister of Health and have it added to daily requirements!
Yours in Fashion passion...
Even the most expensive clock still shows sixty minutes in every hour ~ Jewish Proverb
SO MANY more dresses to choose from...have a look ... read the full post and reader comments


text:
* Three daily game drives in the Masai Mara
* Authentic accommodations, prime location
* Optional hot air balloon safari or walking safari (additional costs apply)
* Light aircraft flights, meals and park fees included
Tour Itinerary
Days 1-3: Masai Mara National Reserve
In the morning you will be transferred to Nairobi airport, where you depart on a shared light aircraft taking you into the Masai Mara.
During the next three days you will be taken on daily shared game drives in the Mara National Reserve. Governors' Camp occupies one of the best locations on the river and animals regularly pass through the grounds.
Governors is one of the only properties to offer three game drives each day ensuring you maximise your game viewing. It is also the chosen base for the BBC wildlife TV documentary series 'Big Cat Diaries'.
Walking safaris and hot air balloon trips are available at additional cost.
Overnight: Governor's Main Camp (Full Board Plus – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Activities)
Day 4: End of Itinerary
After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip where you depart on a shared light aircraft flight back to Nairobi's Wilson Airport.
On arrival you will be met and transferred to the international airport where you continue with your onward arrangements.
* Time permitting, you may wish to arrange activities in Nairobi (additional cost applies). Contact us for more information.
Tour Code
From: USD $2,610 per person (based on 2 people sharing)
** Please contact us for pricing on other months or for solo traveller rates.
Upgrade options: Governors Camp has two excellent smaller tented camps (Little Governors & Governors Il Moran). Please contact us for details and upgrade prices.
Price Includes
Airport transfer in Nairobi
Return light aircraft flights Nairobi-Mara
Airstrip transfers
All meals
Purified water
Welcome drinks
Laundry service
Shared game drives in 4×4 landcruiser vehicles
Excursions to community and conservation projects or local schools
Park fees
Price Excludes
Accommodation in Nairobi (if required)
International Flights
Travel Insurance
Entrance fees for cultural activities
Talk to a Specialist
Make changes to this itinerary, combine or add new destinations, upgrade your accommodation or simply let us build a trip from scratch for you.
Call us in the US: 866-443-7173


text:
The 5 Best Kayak Roof Racks – 2020 Review Guide
If you've recently bought a kayak, congratulations! What you need now, is a safe and easy way to get your yak to your favorite beach, river or lake. Luckily, you'll find roof racks for your car that are made specifically for kayaks.
To help you purchase the best kayak roof rack for your needs, we've put together a guide with a range of fantastic options.
Table of Contents
5 Top Kayak Roof Racks
Product Name
Vehicle Compatibility
Ease of Loading
Malone Downloader Folding J-Style
|Fits all kayaks
Ramp allows the kayak to be easily loaded.
|Check Current Price
|2 Pair Universal Canoe Car Top Mount Carrier
|Fits kayaks, canoes, and boats
|Difficult to load–wide mouth.
|Check Current Price
Thule Hull-a-Port Kayak Carrier
|Not Universal
|Fits large kayaks
|No extra features
|Check Current Price
The Kayak Wing – Sea Kayak Rack
|Not Universal
|Kayak width must be under 30 inches
|No extra features
|Check Current Price
SportRack SR5527 Adjustable Foam Kayak Carrier
|Narrow kayaks
|No extra features
|Check Current Price
When purchasing a kayak roof rack, the first things to consider include the size of your kayak and the suitability of your vehicle. Many roof racks are universal, however it always pays to read the fine print to ensure you get the right fit.
Choose the Best Kayak Roof Rack for You
1. Malone Downloader Folding J-Style
The Malone Downloader Folding J-Style kayak roof rack is universal, which means it works with most types of vehicles.
A major perk of the Downloader Folding J-Style roof rack is a built-in boarding ramp that helps you load your kayak easily.
The J-style of this kayak roof rack means that the kayak sits on its side on top of the car. Therefore, there's less drag when driving.
Another benefit of the Malone Kayak Roof Rack is that it's mainly made from steel. This is a very durable material that helps protect your kayak while traveling. Being made from such a durable material also means that the roof rack should last many years in great condition.
Reviewing the Malone Downloader Folding J-Style Further
The bottom of this roof rack has rubber pads, which prevent it from scratching your car. Furthermore, when it's not in use, simply fold it down on top of your car for storage.
Some kayakers fear that this means the roof rack will fold down in the middle of carrying the kayak. However, this doesn't happen, as the roof rack can't fold or loosen when the kayak is engaged.
- Very durable
- Has a ramp for loading the kayak
- Made from steel
- Rubber Pads
- Universal Roof Rack
- J Style Roof Rack
- Folds Down
- Rubber pads can break down over time
2. 2 Pair Universal Car Top Mount Carrier
The 2 Pair Universal Car Top Mount Carrier is an excellent choice for kayaks, canoes and other small boats. It's universal, however, always check with the manufacturer as to its suitability for your vehicle.
This is a J Carrier, therefore your kayak or canoe is hauled on the side of the car. Additionally, it's sold in pairs, so you'll transport two kayaks with ease.
Unlike the Malone, this roof rack doesn't have a boarding ramp. However, the J shape of the kayak holder is wide-mouthed. A wide-mouth J carrier allows the kayak more room as it enters the mouth of the J, which means it's easier to load your kayak.
On delivery, these kayak roof racks come in small pieces. Simply place the pieces together to create the roof rack.
Furthermore, these roof racks are made of steel, making them very durable and long-lasting. There are rubber pieces, like the Malone, which may occasionally wear out.
Sometimes, however, various pieces of the steel roof rack can come into contact with your car roof. This may be a screw or a plate. If this occurs, you may have to do some modifying. Be cautious of this and double check where the roof rack connects with your car.
This kayak roof rack is a very safe choice, as your kayak won't blow around or shift while driving, even at high speeds. For new or seasoned kayakers, this makes it a superb choice.
- Wide mouth
- Steel
- J Carrier
- Sold in a set of four, enough for two kayaks (or boats or canoes)
- Can haul kayaks, canoes, or boats
- Does not shift
- Comes with ropes
- May not fit on every car roof
3. Thule Hull-a-Port Kayak Carrier
The Hull-a-Port fits many car racks, but not all. Some car racks need the Thule AeroBlade with Xadapt11 T-track hardware kit and XSporter with XAdapt 11, to attach them.
This roof rack is another J Style roof rack, which means the kayak is mounted on its side. As stated previously, this means you can carry multiple kayaks on the roof with less resistance from the wind while driving.
Unlike both of the other roof racks, the Hull-a-Port does not have any special way to load your kayak easily. However, it does have a feature that allows for speedy installation and removal. This is a major perk if you're often switching cars.
To secure your kayak, the Hull-a-Port is equipped with straps that are very durable and great quality. In fact, the entire roof rack is made from heavy duty metal and durable plastic to combat wear and tear over time.
- Has durable straps
- Easy installation and removal
- J Style
- Fits most car roofs
- Shorter Straps
- May not fit your car roof
4. The Kayak Wing – Sea Kayak Rack
The Kayak Wing is not a J Style roof rack like the others on this list. Instead, it's designed to hold the bottom of the kayak stable, rather than the side. This means that the hull of the kayak rests in the cradle of the Kayak Wing.
For your kayak to fit well with this holder, it must have a V-shaped or grooved hull.
Though this is not ideal for many kayakers, it's beneficial for those with a tall vehicle. It can be very difficult to lift a kayak of over 50 pounds that high, but the Kayak Wing allows you to slide it on top of your vehicle.
Though listed as a universal roof rack, cars that have a clearance of less than an inch and a half between the crossbar and car roof can't carry this roof rack.
Additionally, this roof rack is made of very durable plastic. Though this sounds inferior to steel, this roof rack comes with a 5-year warranty. If the plastic should break, the company automatically replaces it.
- 5-year warranty
- Kayak lies flat
- Easy to load on top of the car
- Keeps kayak very stable
- Holds hull of the kayak
- Made from plastic
- Does not fit all cars
- Kayaks with a width of more than 30 inches will not fit
- Hull must be v-shaped or grooved
5. SportRack SR5527 Adjustable Foam Kayak Carrier
The SportRack is an incredibly different type of kayak carrier. It's made of two foam blocks that attach to the racks on the roof of the car. These foam blocks then support an upside-down kayak.
The foam blocks have metal bars running through them, connecting each pair. There is a pair at the bow of the kayak and a pair at the stern. This provides maximum stability for your kayak on top of your vehicle.
There are also soft skids that sit beneath the foam blocks. These skids protect the vehicle roof from getting scratched.
Straps are also included in this purchase. They are surprisingly durable for straps included in a roof rack purchase. However, for some kayaks, they might not be long enough.
Often kayaks with a beam of more than 30 inches, which includes many recreational kayaks, don't fit well with this roof rack. Be aware of this and either purchase different roof rack straps or a different roof rack if your kayak exceeds this beam width.
This SportRack is a universal roof rack and does not seem to have issues strapping down on any vehicle type. It can fit most bars, especially those made by other roof rack companies.
That being said, some vehicles with rounded roofs may not be able to utilize this roof rack well. The foam block supports require a fairly flat surface to grip well. If your roof is very rounded – think of a Volkswagen Beetle – you may not be able to haul your kayak on these foam blocks.
- Universal
- Reasonable Price
- Sturdy
- Designed for narrow kayaks
- Has skids
- Foam may not be long-lasting
- Can slip on round roofs
- Not designed for wide kayaks
How to Buy a Kayak Roof Rack
Your Vehicle
When purchasing a kayak roof rack, you must first consider the vehicle you're using to haul it. Many kayak roof racks, even if they claim to be universal, might not be the right fit.
Therefore, make sure you read all of the fine print before you buy one, or speak personally with the manufacturer.
Shape and Material of the Roof Rack
There are many different types of kayak roof racks. J Style, cradles, saddles, and stackers are just a few of the most popular styles. Understanding the different styles helps you make the best possible choice.
J Style roof racks allow the kayak to tilt on its side on top of the car and allow for efficient loading. Two kayaks can easily fit on top of a vehicle with this style.
Cradles are often shaped like J Style roof racks, but they have a dip at the bottom of the J. This provides a better place for the kayak to sit than the typical J curve. Therefore, it's often easier to lift the kayak over this J curve than the standard J curve.
Saddles look like the letter 'v' on top of the vehicle and set against the kayak's hull. If you are a solo kayaker, this is an ideal option. Sometimes saddles do cause issues by only supporting kayaks of certain widths. Be cautious and do your research with this type of kayak roof rack before you buy.
Stackers allow a car to carry multiple kayaks. They look like a rod that sets in between the kayaks. This supports them and keeps them stable, while also protecting the kayaks from slamming into each other.
Material is another big concern for many kayakers.
Heavy-duty metals can damage the kayak or car roof. However, metal is much more durable than other materials. If purchasing a metal roof rack, it's important to make sure any rubber or foam supports under the metal do not connect with your car roof. Regularly check on this.
Foam can break apart after much use, but it can also save your car, your kayak, and you from a lot of worries. It's is especially great for kayakers who don't go out every weekend, but only a few times a year, as it ensures adequate support without having to use a heavy-duty piece for just a few trips.
Finally, plastics are better on car roofs and kayaks, however not quite as durable. Plastics can wear down much more quickly than other materials. Plastics are also more well-known for breaking down in high winds.
Size of your Kayak
Kayak size is very important to consider when purchasing a kayak roof rack. First, it is important to consider how heavy your kayak is. Most kayaks average 50 pounds or more in weight. If you have a sea or ocean kayak, you are often looking at more than 60 pounds in weight.
If you do not feel comfortable lifting 50 pounds clear above your head, it may be wise to purchase a roof rack with a special mounting feature. Kayak roof racks like the Malone provide this feature, making it very easy for anyone to load their kayak.
Additionally, you must consider the width of your kayak. Many kayak roof racks cannot support kayaks with a beam, or a width, of more than 30 inches. If your kayak has a wide beam, do your research and ensure that your kayak can be carried on your specific roof rack.
Kayaks which often have a wide beam are lake kayaks, as this provides ample support for the kayaker in the water. If you frequent lakes, double-check the width of your kayak beam before purchasing a roof rack.
Many kayakers prefer the J Style roof rack for kayaks with wide beams.
Personal Ability and Height
Perhaps most importantly, purchase kayak roof racks that make it easy for you to load and unload your kayak. This depends on your own capabilities for lifting it and secure it into place.
Our Final Review for the Best Kayak Roof Rack
When trying to decide on the best kayak roof rack, take into account your vehicle, your capabilities, your kayak's size, and the style of roof rack you prefer.
Many kayakers spend quite a bit of time researching roof racks, so don't be discouraged if you find yourself doing the same.
These roof racks are essential, as they protect your kayak on long drives, and should also protect the roof of your car from being scratched or dented. Therefore, it's worth spending some time making the right decision for you.


text:
Kyoko Fukada stars in Keigo Higashino's "Yoake no Machi de" movie
Kadokawa Pictures announced plans to distribute a film titled "Yoake no Machi de," based on a novel by Keigo Higashino.
The movie will be directed by Setsuro Wakamatsu ("Shizumanu Taiyo," "Whiteout"), featuring Goro Kishitani (岸谷五朗),46, and Kyoko Fukada (深田恭子),28, in the lead roles.
Set in Yokohama, the story revolves around a boss named Watabe (Kishitani) and one of his subordinates named Nakanishi (Fukada). The two have a chance encounter at a batting center, leading to an affair. However, Watabe soon learns that Nakanishi is suspected of murder. Her father's mistress was killed 15 years earlier, and the case is nearing its statute of limitations.
Filming is under way and is scheduled to finish in mid-March. Theatrical release is planned for fall 2011.
Fukada won the award for Best Actress at the Yokohama Film Festival for Kamikaze Girls.


text:
It was in 2007, during the DARPA Urban Challenge in the Mojave Desert, that self-driving cars first proved that they could navigate city streets with traffic to complete what may well have been the world's slowest auto race. Speed was limited to posted limits of 30 mph, and parking was part of the course.
I covered the 10-day qualifying event and race day itself for Wired. Back then, the year the iPhone launched and Windows Visa's glitches and crashes made me a Mac convert, the race cars had to have their trunks stuffed with computers in order to pull off what was then considered borderline insanity: getting cars to drive themselves in ordinary urban traffic. As an example, see the photo I shot of Stanford University's car during one of the qualifying events. The Stanford team took second place in the race, behind Carnegie Mellon, and went on to lead the autonomous car program at Google.
During the race, the general consensus was that self-driving cars would start to take to public roads in significant numbers within 5-10 years. Right on schedule, we now have Tesla's cars running part time on Autopilot around the world, Google self-driving cars undergoing long-term testing on streets and highways, and Uber testing self-driving taxis in Pittsburgh.
But any new technology coming out of controlled conditions inevitably shows quirks that can't be planned for until after they happen. The stakes are rather higher here than for, say, new phones however, as recent crashes of Tesla vehicles have shown.
Last week, news came to light of a fatal crash in China in January in which a Tesla Model S appears to have driven itself at highway speed into a slow-moving or stopped truck in the Tesla's lane. Tesla says there's no way to know whether its car was in Autopilot mode because it was too badly damaged in the crash to send back data to Tesla servers afterwards. But the company has confirmed that a later fatal crash, in Florida in May, did occur while the car was driving itself. In that case, the car apparently couldn't distinguish the white side of a truck turning in front of it from the sky behind it.
These problems aside, autonomous vehicle technology seems well on its way toward achieving the widespread use we all predicted at the Urban Challenge. In fact, just this week, the U.S. Department of Transportation released the first Federal Automated Vehicle Policy, providing guidelines for manufacturers while still leaving the industry breathing room for innovation.
I asked Cornell professor of computer science and director of the university's Intelligent Information Systems Institute, Bart Selman, to give me his take on where we stand now, what might have gone wrong in the China crash, and where he expects the industry to go from here.
For starters, he says, the more common self-driving cars become, the more they will be embraced by the public.
"Broader familiarity with self-driving technology will help change perception. For example, we will start to see more cases (with videos) where self-driving technology or driver assistive technology helps avoid accidents when the vehicle takes defensive action. The Uber trials in Pittsburgh will also help show people how autonomous car technology can be highly reliable and safe."
At the same time, challenges will remain for some time around unforeseen events (like parked trucks taking up the fast lane on a highway during poor visibility conditions, as was the case in the China crash).
"Highly unusual events can still be problematic because its hard to get sufficient data for training on such events. It seems likely that the technology will first need to be deployed in areas with clear driving conditions and clear road markings. Regulation can help introduce the technology in a safe manner."
Even with these initial limitations, Selman believes that the technology is on track to become ten times safer than human drivers in the near future, with 100-times-safer self-driving cars not too much farther away. Expect "a factor 10 under clear driving conditions within three years," says Selman, and "factor 100 within ten years."
But that high level of safety will come at a price.
"I expect to see full autonomous driving first in commercial transport (including Uber). Full autonomy with high safety requires many sensors on the car, multiple cameras, lidar, and lots of compute power. This can add easily $30K to $50K to the vehicle. So, initially full autonomy will be mainly for commercial vehicles."
Then, too, says Selman, autonomous driving needs to come with some measure of common sense.
I believe there will need to be some minimal requirements on visibility and road conditions for the safe operation of autonomous driving. This is actually in-line with human driving. For example, in the Northeast, we do close down schools and other institutions after and during heavy snow storms. There are conditions where visibility and road conditions are simply not safe no matter how good a driver — human or computer — is in the car.
In the case of the China crash, dashcam video has been released, giving Selman and others an opportunity to engage in some informed speculation about what happened.
Says Selman, "What you see right before the accident, is that other cars start moving out of the left-most lane. This is a signal for human drivers that something may be visible to other drivers even if you yourself cannot yet see any issue. People will then generally start following the behavior of the other drivers. (In a snow storm, it's typical that drivers follow the car right in front of them, often the only thing clearly visible.) The Tesla car has no clue about the behavior of other drivers. So, it happily stayed in its lane and only had the vision and radar system to rely on. Given the low visibility and the very low likelihood of a slow driving truck on the side of the road, the system made a probabilistic judgement, and decided "road clear". That's why the car does not even slow down."
Even before all the kinks are ironed out, however, Selman expects greater numbers of self-driving cars to reduce overall traffic fatalities significantly. "In fact," he says, "people may start to insist that at least other cars switch to self-driving mode."
What can be done to increase safety in the meantime? Selman suggests a mechanism by which cars go into self-driving mode only when road conditions permit safe computer-controlled driving, and return control back to a human driver when the situation deteriorates.
That would seem to require common sense on the part drivers as well as their vehicles. In the meantime, I'm looking forward to seeing videos of crashes being averted by self-driving cars. If you've already seen them, post a link in the comments.


text:
Our primary goal at Pettyjohn's is to provide you with a clean and healthy indoor environment.
Water damage and damp environments can pose the threat of mold growth in your residential or commercial property which can lead to issues for both your property and your health if it is not addressed right away. Mold can grow almost anywhere and it doesn't require a lot of moisture to aid in the growth of mold colonies. If mold colonies develop, it won't take long before they can start eating away at your property and the mold will tackle anything organic from your textiles and furniture to your floors, drywall, and ceilings. Mold can also release spores containing toxins which can pose a dangerous threat to human health.
If you happen to find mold growing on your property, DO NOT try to clean it yourself. Mold removal is one thing you want to leave to the professionals. Bleach can worsen the present mold and you can't get rid of all the mold spores in the air without specialized equipment and training. At Pettyjohn's, our professional technicians have the knowledge and equipment to locate mold and fungal growth and water damage, remove damaged materials, dry out and to repair all water and mold damaged structures on your property. We also offer 24/7 emergency restoration response services. Pettyjohn's is a Goldmorr certified company. Should you find questionable fungal growth, please call in the experts to mitigate the situation safely.
If you notice mold growth on your property, don't wait to have the damage assessed. At Pettyjohn's, we understand the dangers mold can cause, and we know how to safely and effectively remove mold quickly and efficiently. Contact us today at 919-556-4641 to schedule an inspection and cost estimate for emergency mold remediation in Wake Forest, North Carolina, and surrounding areas.


text:
Facts about London in 1066 tell the readers about history of London in 1066 until 15th century. The famous event in 1066 was the Norman conquest of England. It marked a new era in the English history after it was under the reign of Normans. During the Battle of Hastings, Harold Godwinson was defeated by Duke of Normandy, William. William and his army proceeded to London after controlling Hampshire and Kent. Find out other useful facts about London in 1066 below:
Facts about London in 1066 1: London Bridge
William and his army had to go clockwise from the London Bridge at Southwark due to their failure to cross the bridge.
Facts about London in 1066 2: surrender
William was accepted as the King after London was surrendered to him. The delegation believed that it was pointless to resist William and his army.
Read Also: 10 Facts about Life in Victorian London
Facts about London in 1066 3: a charter for London in 1067
William supported the preceded Saxon laws, privileges and rights by granting a charter for London in 1067.
Facts about London in 1066 4: the new title for William
William known as Duke of Normandy was called William the Conqueror after becoming the king of England.
Facts about London in 1066 5: the Viking's attacks and rebellions
Montfichet's Castle, Baynard's Castle and Tower of London were some royal forts constructed under the order of William to prevent any rebellions or Viking's attacks.
Facts about London in 1066 6: Westminster Hall
Westminster Hall was started to build under the commission of the third son of William the Conqueror in 1097. He was William Rufus.
Facts about London in 1066 7: the prime royal residence
The Westminster Hall was granted the status as the prime royal residence. During the Medieval period, it served as the basis for Palace of Westminster.
Facts about London in 1066 8: the First Barons' War
The continental armed force occupied London for the last time due to the First Barons' War in May 1216. The barons wanted to remove King John as the ruler.
See Also: 10 Facts about London History
Facts about London in 1066 9: the Peasants' Revolt
Wat Tyler was the leader of the Peasants' Revolt in 1381. Archbishop Simon Sudbury, Lord Treasurer and Lord Chancellor were executed by a group of peasants.
Facts about London in 1066 10: the end of Peasants' Revolt
The Peasants' Revolt ended after Wat Tyler was stabbed by Lord Mayor William Walworth.
What do you think on facts about London in 1066?


text:
Product Details
Promoting your business starts with literature and literature needs to be displayed. Zipcar used this one piece design to promote and display its literature at the store counter. Made from frosted polyethylene and screen printed in 2 colors, this literature stand promotes the brand while holding their literature.
Where To Sell
• Tradeshow materials, • Service organizations, • Schools & Libraries, • Corporate Information, • Medical/Healthcare pamphlets, • Retail promotion materials, • Emergency information