text:
JERUSALEM (AP) — Days after winning upgraded status at the United Nations, the Palestinians are threatening to join the world's first permanent war crimes court and pursue charges against the Israelis.
Although the Palestinians say that any decision is still a long ways off, the mere threat has unnerved Israel. But pressing a case may not be so simple and could potentially leave the Palestinians themselves vulnerable to prosecution.
Since winning recognition as a nonmember observer state in the United Nations General Assembly last week, the Palestinians believe they now qualify for membership in the International Criminal Court.
In opposing the Palestinian bid at the U.N., Israel repeatedly cited Palestinian threats to turn to the ICC to prosecute Israeli officials for a variety of alleged crimes, ranging from actions by the Israeli military to Israel's construction of Jewish settlements on occupied land.
While Israel does not recognize the court's jurisdiction and believes its own actions do not violate international law, officials are concerned legal action that could embarrass Israel, make it difficult for Israeli officials to travel overseas or portray the country as a pariah state. A war crimes conviction can include fines and maximum penalties of life in prison.
With this in mind, a senior Palestinian official, Nabil Shaath, spoke of possible ICC action over Israel's tough response to the U.N. bid. Israel immediately cut off $100 million in tax transfers to the Palestinians and announced plans to build thousands of new homes in West Bank settlements.
"By continuing these war crimes of settlement activities on our lands and stealing our money, Israel is pushing and forcing us to go to the ICC," Shaath said late Monday.
On the surface, the Palestinians appear to have a strong case against Israeli settlements in the West Bank and east Jerusalem. The Palestinians claim the two areas, as well as the Gaza Strip, for their future state.
The U.N. resolution last week recognized a Palestinian state in all three territories, captured by Israel in the 1967 war. Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005 but continues to control access in and out of the area.
The U.N. resolution appeared to repudiate the Israeli position that the West Bank and east Jerusalem are "disputed" territories and effectively condemned Israeli settlements in the areas, which are now home to some 500,000 Israelis. Settlements are at the heart of the current four-year deadlock in peace efforts, with the Palestinians refusing to negotiate while Israel continues to build more settler homes.
The ICC's founding charter describes "the transfer, directly or indirectly, by the Occupying Power of parts of its own civilian population into the territory it occupies" as a war crime.
The Palestinian position on settlements has widespread international support. The international community, even Israel's closest ally, the U.S., has broadly condemned the latest planned settlement construction.
"Under our very clear understanding of international law, the settlements are illegal and have always been illegal, and that will remain so," Andrew Standley, the European Union's ambassador to Israel, told reporters Tuesday.
Even so, turning this international opposition into legal action against Israel will be no small task. The Palestinians would face a number of legal and political obstacles in pressing forward.
For starters, it remains unclear whether the Palestinians qualify for membership in the court, because it is open only to states.
Last April, the court's chief prosecutor at the time, Luis Moreno-Ocampo, turned down a request by the Palestinians to join the court. But he subsequently said in an AP interview that they would qualify for membership if they gained nonmember state status at the U.N.
So far, the court has said only that it "takes note" of last week's U.N. decision and will consider its "legal implications." Moreno-Ocampo is no longer at the court.
Goran Sluiter, professor of international law at Amsterdam University, said that with their newfound status, it seems likely the Palestinians could join the ICC. But it is unclear whether the court would agree to investigate their complaints.
He said the court would look at key issues, including the gravity of the alleged crimes and whether Israel's own judicial system is capable of judging the case, before deciding whether to prosecute. If they were to launch a probe, prosecutors also would look at alleged crimes by Palestinians.
"I think there is still a very, very, very, long way to go," Sluitter said. In the conflict between the Palestinians and Israel, "there's a broad range of conduct that could be a basis for further investigations because they would qualify as war crimes."
Robbie Sabel, a former legal adviser to the Israeli Foreign Ministry, said he thinks the Palestinians "will seriously hesitate" taking action against Israel.
He said Israel, for instance, could try to hold the Palestinian Authority responsible for rocket attacks out of the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip aimed at Israeli cities. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who lost control of Gaza to Hamas five years ago, claims to represent both territories on the international stage.
"Any Hamas person who launches a rocket could then be subject to ICC ruling. They have to expose their own people first," said Sabel, who is now a law professor at the Hebrew University.
A U.N. report into heavy fighting between Israel and Hamas four years ago found evidence of war crimes by both sides.
Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor said Israel would fight any attempt by the Palestinians to use the ICC as a "politicized instrument" against Israel.
"We are not worried about Israel's case because we have a good solid case and we work strictly according to international law," he said.
The Palestinians would also face heavy political pressure not to go to court. The U.S. Senate, for instance, is debating legislation that would cut off millions of dollars in assistance to the Palestinians and close their diplomatic offices in Washington if they file charges against Israel. The legislation is expected to be voted on in the coming days.
A senior Palestinian official said the Palestinians are in "no hurry" to rush to the ICC, in part because they are pleased with the heavy international condemnations of Israel's latest settlement plans but also because of fears of antagonizing the U.S.
The official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was discussing internal high-level deliberations, said the Palestinians are now focused on repairing ties with the U.S., which sided with Israel in opposing last week's U.N. resolution. Yet he noted that the Palestinians have refused calls to promise not to go to the ICC.
Late Tuesday, a meeting of the Palestinian leadership in the West Bank said they would ask the U.N. Security Council to pass a decision calling on Israel to halt "all forms of settlement activity." In a statement, the Palestinians condemned the latest planned construction as "war crimes," but, reflecting their current thinking, made no mention of going to the ICC.
Corder reported from The Hague, Netherlands. Amy Teibel and Lauren E. Bohn in Jerusalem contributed reporting.

subset: commoncrawl


text: Job Discussion Forums :: View topic - where the jobs are Get TEFL Certified & Start Your Adventure Today! Job Discussion Forums"The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Students and Teachers from Around the World!" FAQ Search Memberlist Usergroups Register Profile Log in to check your private messages Log in where the jobs are Job Discussion Forums Forum Index -> Chile View previous topic :: View next topic Author Message Dennis ParishJoined: 09 Nov 2004Posts: 18Location: santiago de chile Posted: Wed Nov 24, 2004 2:25 pm Post subject: where the jobs are A lot of people ask the same logical question before they get here: where are the jobs? There are a lot of schools here and it´s highly unlikely you can make a go of it with only one school; as for private students, Chileans are highly unreliable and almost no one makes a living from privates, just icing on the cake. A lot of schools will demand you sign a contract and give them exclusivity. A contract is neither good nor bad but it´s not necessary to work here with one. The problem is that the amount they pay you on a contract is rarely more than enough to pay basic expenses so bring your own money; Chile is rarely very profitable. Let me continue the theme about schools in additions to this letter but I will first warn everyone: wait until March before you come down here or you will just burn through any money you have looking and waiting for work to start. Summer is dead. Back to top Dennis ParishJoined: 09 Nov 2004Posts: 18Location: santiago de chile Posted: Wed Nov 24, 2004 8:40 pm Post subject: Okay, let me continue what I was saying. There are all sorts of schools for all sorts of teachers here, from those that rely almost exclusively on video (Wall Street Institute) to those which require no sort of skill at all (Tronwell, where you learn to teach one lesson, then teach it to different groups of students every class.) There are the more rigid methodologies (Berlitz and maybe Bridge-Linguatec, who are out of Colorado and based on the Berlitz method, if I remember their website info.) There are the schools which pay crap (Tronwell, Linguatec, Sam Marsalli and countless others), some of which will nickel-and-dime you with fines for lateness or set bonuses which are impossible to attain. A rough way to measure is that if they advertise on the Internet, they are probably not very good. [b]Note: the exception is Comunicorp who I find very fair and honest. They will also answer e-mails, generally, asking for your resume. There are also a lot of good schools and they tend to be smaller, pay more but ask more in terms of experience. You should think very hard before accepting any class which pays less than 5,000 pesos/hour and a better school should pay from 5,500 to 6,000 but some schools will pay up to 9,000 for classes further from the center. Try places like ABELS, Polyglot, Chileno-Norteamericano (who may pay less and ask you to sign a contract but keep you BUSY), Burford and others but ask what they pay and how they'll pay you. Why? The law states that they must retain 10% from your pay, which you can collect back the following April: this is the tax, in effect. You MUST present "boletas" which are bills for your services and you can only get these if you have gone through a series of complicated procedures with the government. Many schools will handle this for you in a way that you don't need to worry about it (such as boletas issued in someone else's name, the usual quasi-legal manner) but you should find out if they are going to get that money back to you somehow. Just something to think about... but the point is that you need to think about the fact that whatever pay rate is quoted to you, it'll end up 10% less at the end of the month. (Some schools deduct more but that's illegal; I guess they pass it off as "training fees" or whatever.) Any questions, I'll try to answer in my usual slow manner. Back to top eileenJoined: 15 May 2004Posts: 71 Posted: Mon Nov 29, 2004 2:24 pm Post subject: From someone who works at Norteamericano... Depending on how far from the center, Norteamericano will actually pay you a huge amount in transportation and what I call hazard pay, having to schlep up to the middle of nowhere. I´ve got one class that they pay me nearly $14,000 for, but it´s hella inconvenient. Another thing I´d add is that some schools will cover you with ACHS, which is worker´s comp, which I´ve unfortunately become very familliar with. It covers you 100% for accidents on the job or on your way to or from the job. Some also require you to put money into AFP, which is a pension plan. You can get it back when you move out of Chile, apparently. Some schools will also help you get health insurance, which, if you´re staying for the long term, is probably important. For about 35k a month (50 bucks), you can get state insurance, or a little more can buy you private. Norteamericano does all of these things, also they tend to have an hour and a half minimum on class times, which helps balance out the slightly lower pay. Hope you don´t mind me jumping in on your post. Back to top Dennis ParishJoined: 09 Nov 2004Posts: 18Location: santiago de chile Posted: Wed Dec 15, 2004 8:40 pm Post subject: Jump away! Any information is useful, I think, to other people out there. I worked at Chileno-Norteamericano in 2001 and they really kept me busy but they didn't pay me as well as you. Also, they wanted me to sign a contract and I was reluctant to do that at that time. I certainly would recommend them but it was tough to put up with the disorganization when I was there. How are they now? They wanted teachers to do progress reports by Internet when I was there but didn't provide computers so you either had to find a friend who was connected or blow money at a cyber-cafe. How "inconvenient" are we talking about? I teach in Quilicura so that's about an hour from the center, which is 30-45 minutes from my house... For anyone who doesn't know Santiago, my point is that a lot of schools will send you WAY OUT in Timbuktu and not pay you for travel time so it's something to watch out for. Back to top Display posts from previous: All Posts1 Day7 Days2 Weeks1 Month3 Months6 Months1 Year Oldest FirstNewest First Job Discussion Forums Forum Index -> Chile All times are GMT Page 1 of 1 Jump to: Select a forum Where to Begin----------------General DiscussionNewbie ForumCurrent Events ForumTechnology ForumOnline Teaching Forum Africa Forums----------------General Africa Forum Asia Forums----------------CambodiaChina (Job-related Posts Only)China (Off-Topic)Hong KongIndiaIndonesiaJapanMalaysiaPhilippinesSingaporeTaiwanThailandGeneral Asia ForumVietnam Caribbean Forums----------------General Caribbean Forum Europe Forums----------------Czech RepublicFranceGermanyGreeceItalyMacedonia and the BalkansPolandRomaniaRussia & C.I.S.SpainTurkeyUkraineUnited KingdomGeneral Europe Forum Latin America Forums----------------ArgentinaBrazilChileColombiaCosta RicaMexicoMexico (off-topic)PeruGeneral Latin America Forum The Middle East Forums----------------BahrainEgyptIsraelKuwaitOmanQatarSaudi ArabiaUnited Arab EmiratesGeneral Middle East Forum North America Forums----------------General North America Forum Oceania----------------Australia/New Zealand You cannot post new topics in this forumYou cannot reply to topics in this forumYou cannot edit your posts in this forumYou cannot delete your posts in this forumYou cannot vote in polls in this forum This page is maintained by the one and only Dave Sperling. Contact Dave's ESL Cafe Copyright © 2018 Dave Sperling. All Rights Reserved. Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2002 phpBB Group Teaching Jobs in China


text:
Burnt smell draws a lot of firefighters to Manchester apartment
January 28. 2014 9:07PM
MANCHESTER — A series of misinterpretations caused a "robust" response and a building evacuation for what turned out to be burned belts in a washing machine, according to District Fire Chief Jim Michael.
Michael said a woman called the Fire Department Tuesday evening to report that she smelled smoke in her third-floor apartment at 75 Greenview Drive. He said a full company of 24 firefighters responded to the scene believing there was an active fire. Once firefighters arrived, they found that the burning smell came not from the apartment but from an overloaded washing machine, he said.
"It was a robust response for what turned out to be a routine call," he said.
Further, a dispatcher ordered the building evacuated and reported to emergency responders that a woman was refusing to leave. It turned out to be a woman who said she "wanted to grab her cats" and who had left the building before firefighters arrived, he said.
All of the building's occupants were able to return to their apartments Tuesday night and nobody was injured in the incident, Michael said.


text:
U.S. Plans To Remove Troops From Okinawa
In a joint statement declared on Friday, the United States and Japan have agreed to remove 9,000 American marines from Okinawa.
The statement issued by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, Japanese Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba and Japanese Defense Minister Naoki Tanaka comes a few days before the expected visit of Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda to Washington D.C.
The plan entails transferring 4,700 marines from the Okinawa bases to Guam and the rest of the personnel to Hawaii and Australia, effectively halving the number of US troops stationed on the small, Japanese island to 10,000.
The Japanese are expected to pay an estimated $3.1 billion, according to Bloomberg News, for the costs related to the relocation of the troops to Guam. The total cost of troop deployment may run as high as $8.6 billion.
The transfer of troops comes as a relief in light of the extreme resentment against American troops stationed on the small Japanese island -- the issue became so severe as to jeopardize the US-Japan security alliance.
I am very pleased that after many years, we have reached this important agreement and plan of action. I applaud the hard work and effort that went into crafting it. Japan is not just a close ally, but also a close friend, said Secretary Panetta, according to The Telegraph.
Moreover, the decision alleviates tensions over the yet-to-be resolved conflict of the 2006 proposal to relocate the Futenma air base further up north on Okinawa. The potential relocation met with much local protest.
We think it breaks a very long stalemate ... that has plagued our politics, that has clogged both of our systems, Kurt Campbell, assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, told Reuters.
Okinawa currently hosts 75 percent of all US bases in Japan.
Okinawans have opposed the stationing of American troops on their small Japanese island since the 1995 kidnapping and rape of a 12-year-old school girl by American marines.
Most Okinawans resent the American troops' presence, complaining about pollution, crime, noise, and deadly accidents, reports Reuters.
In 2010, Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, who had promised to remove all American troops from Okinawa, resigned over the prolonged issue.
Although the Japanese would prefer to see American marines permanently leave Okinawa, this is unlikely given the Obama administration's return to the Pacific.
American troops have been stationed in Okinawa since the end of the World War II.
As the United States turns away from its engagements in the Middle East to face a fast developing Asia, critics of the troops' removal argue that the move is contradictory.
But in fact, the statement explains how the troop transfer is a strategic realignment to make the United States' Pacific presence more balanced, leading to closer US military ties with the Philippines, Australia, and Singapore.
Critics will be tempted to say that this belies the intended pivot to Asia. I think that would be an unfair criticism given the realities of the negotiations and the realities of the very, very longstanding problem in Okinawa that this is designed to solve, Voice of America quoted Richard Baker, an adjunct senior fellow at the East West Center in Hawaii.
According to a Bloomberg News source, the US and Japan are already discussing plans for joint military exercises in Guam once the troop transfer is complete.
As of now the removal plan has no timetables and has yet to be approved by Congress come June.
The three senators in charge of reviewing an independent assessment of the agreement, Senators Carl Levin, John McCain, and Jim Webb, said they still have many questions about the specific details, reported Reuters.


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Our bag organizers, pouches, cases, shells and notebooks come in five new shades this Spring, with Oxide Green, Orange Yellow, Brilliant Violet, Cadmium Orange and Magenta joining classic Black.
Packing your bag for the day ahead is turned into a game in our new video. Just like a slot machine in an arcade, pressing the button spits out many different combinations to choose from. Back in the real world, getting organized is easy if you keep a few simple tips in mind. With a bit of colour and the right configuration of tools, your tidy bag will lead to a tidy mind.
Sort your thoughts and objects into themes, functions and moods. Organize the contents of your bag by grouping together keys, headphones and cables into separate pouches or shells and equip yourself for the day ahead. Colour-coding will help you find your things quickly and efficiently. Try a bag organizer, designed to slot into your bag to maximize space in a rummage-proof fashion. It comes in a variety of sizes and shades, with a new docking system and handy Velcro lining for easy transfer.
Coordinate your colours and containers. Designed to complement each other visually and functionally, the pens clip onto the sides of notebooks; pouches have a strap which can be attached to the bag; shells include a hole through which you can feed your headphones or charger. The whole family features the same iconic shape of the notebook: rectangular form, rounded corners, portability, containers for space and ideas. The elastic band even appears as a closing mechanism on some bags and cases, keeping your belongings protected.
It all comes down to self-expression. We define ourselves by the cloud of analog and digital objects that we carry with us wherever we go, so it's important to choose the right configuration of colour and contents. The video above shows just some of the playful mix-and-matching that can be achieved with our new range.
Available on the Moleskine Store.
Video credits
producer & creative director: Daniela Fuggetta
director animator: Michele Putortì
compositing: C999
music: William Skeaping


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Learning project 2009proiecte
Doresc un site pentru E-Learning cu urmatoarele cerinte: -sa aibe o baza de date -sa fie 3 tipuri de utilizatori (student, profesor, admin) -studentii sa se inregistreze la cursurile profesorilor si sa dea teste -profesorii sa adauge cursuri/teste -admin-ul are control total
I have done all the experiments needed and i have got results , i need someone to compare and discuss these results and suggest a novelty then write it in a very professional academic writing: 5000 words the sections i need is: -Methods -Results -Discussion -Conclusion -contribution
Good Day, I want to set up a machine learning program that uses reinforced learning to achieve goals based on simplicity, security, efficiency and customer satisfaction. Will you be able to help me set up a bot to learn something with these reward structures in mind. The Machine must LEARN TO WRITE code in ASP.Net (C#) with the above variables in
The main utility of the software will be to analyze the professional profile for each client and to search for appropriate internet vacancies for each profile. Machine Learning | Cosine Similarity | Neural Network | Web Scrap | Neural network model takes care of every single text written in document. Neural network model will be reliable and
We require market research on the Learning Management / e-learning industry, particularly in Aus and New Zealand as per the uploaded project brief.
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I need you to write a research article. 12,000 words
Professional Learning Indicator Data interpretation Logical verbal reasoning Abstract reasoning
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User: Only Android Apps Admin and Agent: Web Portal User should use Android Apps, One username and Password only use single device, if need to change device admin should have option to release then can change the device, after new device register old device automatic deactivated Apps Menu: Home, Profile, Subjects, Live Class, Assignment, Latest Update, Shop, Ask Me Question, Contact Us. Must Re...
Interested freelancer can share their detailed resume/profile. Please attach profile in pdf format if possible
Use the latest technique to improve the quality of given data.
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Have to build a machine learning model to predict CTR (Click through rates) for websites. Will share details later.
I am trying to do a academic project with using HMM algorithm and project details will be disclosed on agreement. Looking for a person who is good at python and HMM algorithm
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I need you to write a research of 12,000 words.
For a Project, we scrap data from 100.000s of websites with different HTML structure. We are building a scrapping tool. For this scrapping robot, we need someone with deep experience in Machine learning. By using statistical techniques, he should give our tool the ability to "learn" with data, progressively improve performance.
Hi, i need an expert in machine learning who can work in java. excellent knowledge of AI is preferred. details to selected candidates only
...willing to share ideas, knowledge and embrace our company values. ------- OpenLearning is an online social learning platform that goes beyond content delivery, to focus on community, connectedness and student engagement. OpenLearning fosters learning communities that are fun, meaningful and student-centered, through the platform's social media workflow
To make a childrens arabic alphabet app that has interactive properties to keep kids more engaged in learning and fun to play.
Hello I am planning to launch an e-learning platform and would need a logo designed. The name of the brand is "EDUZIN" which is derived from the common English word Educe/Educing and means to develop or nurture something. The e-learning platform will host various courses on Spoken English, Personality Development, Soft-Skills, etc. I require
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I am in need of developer who has experience with Python, Keras and Google ML Engine. I have a deep learning model developed in Keras. I want to deploy it on Google ML Engine to serve predictions. I have written the code in a way that it can be deployed on Google ML Engine. The model trains alright when I run it locally using the python script but
Long terme projet. Need Back-end developper and Front-end developper to make a Learning Managing system like Moodle (written in PHP). Language: Python back-end Framework : Django front-end Framework: React or any JS
I am looking for an expert who has some deep knowledge in machine learning to help me set up an algorithm for stock price prediction. Technology : Python using Sklearn module or similar ( Preferred ) Currently, I am using four different trading strategies : 1. Linear regression strategy with HL_PCT and PCT_CHNG. 2. MACD Trading Strategy. 3. MACD
Înscrie-te sau Autentifică-te pentru a vedea detaliile.
I need a tutor who has read and can explain key passages and code examples taken from McElreath's Statistical Rethinking, Murphy's Machine Learning a Probabilistic Approach and Rasmussen's Gaussian Processes. I want to interact asynchronously (not through videoconferences), so I'd like to find someone who can provide written answers to questions I send
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Develop ML models using Python/Keras/TensorFlow. I will provide sparse data sets and direction on data content, prep and overall architecture.
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Build a website using Noodle using Adobe Connect and upload to Amazon Webservifes
how lstms work and so on bla bla bla
Semi-supervised Learning. Semi-supervised learning is a long-standing and important problem in Machine Learning. One of the main goals of generative modeling is to discover useful representations that can be used in the downstream tasks such as semi-supervised learning. The second problem is that these models tend to use all their capacity to capture
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Need to complete an LMS with Tin Can Api integrativo.
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Description We have an eLearning School. We need someone with LMS expertise, to act as a consultant LMS manager for us to: Help our S...available in real-time for trouble-shooting short response window/issues resolution… To teach few hours a month our students the main IT topics. (Internet safety, using our E-learning platform, cloud storage…).
Urgente se busca diseñadores instruccionales con experiencia de más de dos años para realizar guiones en castellano de cursos e-learning en temáticas técnicas y de competencias transversales. Los cursos se realizan con la herramienta EasyProf. Se valorará rapidez de ejecución, capacidad de estructuración y de guionización de ...
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I am looking for a freelancer who is expert in Python & Machine Learning. I own a job portal where i want you to develop Job Recommendation system based on user activity using user to user and any other good algorithm. I am looking for someone who is committed & ready to work with me for long term.
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I need you to write a research article. 12,000 words
I'm planning on opening a daycare within the next year and I need a logo that matches the daycare name.


text:
in this section
Breakthrough Starshot 'Sprites' in Orbit
'Sprites' are four-gram spacecraft, developed and tested at Cornell since 2007. This technology is now at the core of the Breakthrough Starshot project, whose goal is to send a small probe to the nearest star system. MAE Professor Mason Peck and Dr. Zac Manchester, who received his Ph.D. from Cornell MAE in 2015, are currently on the Advisory Board for the Breakthrough Prize Foundation. The Foundation just launched a Sprite on the Venta-1 satellite, the first successful demonstration of Sprite communications from over 1000 km away.
More here: https://www.centauri-dreams.org/?p=38201


text: ID Wholesaler: Building 'clever' inbound links By Jon VanZile. Published on October 15, 2012. Mention "link building" to an experienced SEO pro and don't be surprised if they look a little wary. After all, building inbound links—an activity that can be heavily rewarded by Google's algorithms—is as notorious as the territory of black hat SEO operators that pay for links, trade links and otherwise try to trick Google. But this is not a good idea. According to Google's webmaster guidelines, any "links intended to manipulate a site's ranking in Google search results may be considered part of a link scheme." Examples of such schemes including buying or selling links, exchanging products or links, trading links, linking to spammers or unrelated sites and using automated programs to create links to your site. Any of these can be punished with a loss of search ranking. That was one issue Jennifer Clancy, marketing manager at ID Wholesaler, and her team didn't have to worry about. ID Wholesaler is a niche b-to-b company that sells ID cards used throughout corporate America and the medical industry. It's not a high-profile product, so good SEO is an important component of the marketing effort. Unfortunately, as of last year, the company ranked 22nd for the important search term "ID badge lanyards," and was listed on the third page of search results—a no man's land by Google search standards. Hoping to increase the company's visibility by building inbound links, Clancy's team hit upon a clever idea: Appeal to the large audience of people for whom lanyards are a passionate interest and hobby. "We had some meetings and brainstormed, and the idea sparked," Clancy said. "I had bumped into some people on Twitter and Pinterest who designed custom lanyards. They were crafters and beaders. So we came up with the idea of a contest aimed at the custom lanyard audience." This audience wasn't exactly interested in corporate IDs, but it was a much larger audience with greater linking power than Clancy's traditional target market. So ID Wholesaler announced a contest: $300 for the best custom lanyard and $150 for second place. The company set up a custom Facebook page where beaders could share their entries with their own personal networks to solicit votes. ID Wholesaler also built a minisite on its corporate website to host the entries as well as a Twitter account and a small investment in Google ads. Finally, ID Wholesaler provided a contest badge to each entrant they could place on their own website and social media pages. The badge linked back to ID Wholesaler's minisite. The total investment was "a few thousand dollars," according to Clancy. And the response? "We were blown away," Clancy said. The contest brought in 87 entries which, in turn, generated 7,450 votes as contestants promoted their own lanyards and almost 1,000 Facebook "likes." As a result, the company's ranking for the keywords "ID badge lanyards" jumped to No. 2 on Google and the number of inbounds linked surged, while traffic related to the keyword "lanyard" jumped 90%. In designing the campaign, Clancy and the marketing team at ID Wholesaler followed many of the methods that Derek Edmond, managing partner of KoMarketing Associates, recommended on his blog, Search Engine Watch. They encouraged traffic from legitimate referral sites, focused on contextual and relevant keywords, and reached out to related markets. "The best links, like sales, are won over time," Edmond said on his blog. As for ID Wholesaler, it is already looking forward to next year's contest and considering additional ones. Most Popular In this article: BtoB


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Report: Calif. High-Speed Rail Budget Assumes Historically Low Operating Costs
From California Watch
By hitting the reset button, Gov. Jerry Brown bought some time for the embattled California high-speed rail plan.
In recent months, the CEO of the controversial project resigned. Brown installed Dan Richard, an official with political and transportation industry connections, as new board chairman.
More importantly, the California High-Speed Rail Authority dramatically revamped its business plan, slashing as much as $30 billion from the price tag for building the San Francisco-to-Los Angeles system – from $98 billion to as little as $68 billion.
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But none of those changes addressed what a panel of outside financial experts has styled "the elephant in the room" for California's proposed high-speed rail system – its extraordinarily low projected operating costs.
If the bullet train project is to pencil out, it must operate far more economically than any high-speed rail system in the world, according to the experts, who include former World Bank executive William Grindley.
Unless these extraordinary economies actually are achieved, the train will require alarmingly high annual operating subsidies "forever," as the experts wrote in a report last month. The annual operating deficit could top $2 billion, they wrote.
The rail authority disputes the experts' conclusions. The issue is of crucial importance, because by law, the state is forbidden from subsidizing the bullet train.
"We showed that their (projected) operating costs and revenue costs per mile were significantly lower than what anybody anywhere in the world had ever been able to achieve," said Alan Bushell, a retired technology executive and co-author of the study. Other authors are retired Stanford University economics professor Alain Enthoven and Silicon Valley financial expert William Warren.
The rail authority's business plans indicate that the bullet train would cost about 10 cents per passenger mile to operate, Bushell said in a recent interview.
That means it would cost 10 cents to carry one passenger one mile on the rail system. But international high-speed rail systems cost on average about 43 cents per passenger mile, he said.
"They have to have worked some incredible operating efficiencies to justify those kinds of costs," Bushell said of California's rail planners. "I doubt they have."
The financial experts' study reviewed operating cost data for international bullet trains, including reports compiled by the Spanish banking group BBVA.
The experts found the world's lowest operating costs were in Italy – about 34 cents per passenger mile. Highest costs were in Germany and Japan – 50 cents per passenger mile. In the U.S., Amtrak's Acela Express, a high-speed line linking Washington, D.C., and Boston, costs about 44 cents.
The rail authority "insists loudly that the High Speed Rail service will be run at a profit from an operating point of view," the experts wrote. "… They reach this conclusion because they dramatically understate operating costs, which our analysis shows will be much higher."
The rail authority contends that its operating cost projections are sound, derived from a sophisticated computer model. The system will turn a profit and won't require operating subsidies, rail officials insist.
In a statement, rail board member Mike Rossi said the bullet train's planners used conservative assumptions to verify that the rail line will operate profitably.
Regarding the outside experts' critique, Rossi said, "We have met with the authors of the report in an attempt to correct their flawed assumptions and conclusions."
That's not precisely true, countered Grindley.
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He said he and his co-authors have repeatedly asked the rail authority for the data that underlies their calculation of the bullet train's projected operating costs. The rail authority hasn't made the information public, he said.
"Our deduction is that their cost calculation must be either eliminating items that are included in the operating and maintenance costs (of the foreign rail lines) or they have downgraded the costs," he said. "Or both."


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Sustainable movement leader holds book presentation, signingUniversity of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Posted: Mar 31, 2011
Shanah Trevenna, a UH Mānoa lecturer, author, and one of Hawai'i's sustainability movement leaders, will discuss her new book, "Surfing Tsunamis of Change," as part of the Rhetoric for Social Justice Speaker Series. The public talk and book signing will take place on Monday, April 11, from 12:30-1:20 p.m. in Bilger Hall Auditorium, Room 152, on the UH Mānoa campus.
Trevenna is wrapping up a UH system-wide tour as the Wo Learning Champion Distinguished Lecturer. She is also returning from a mainland book tour that took her from San Francisco to Baltimore, Maryland, where she received the National Sustainability Champion Award from the American Association of College Professionals.
Trevenna will share her powerful narrative that shows how seemingly impossible personal and systemic change can be achieved by learning to surf the waves of change. When she realized her prized high-tech engineering job was hurting people and the environment, Trevenna left her corporate life and home country of Canada to go on a transformative journey that eventually landed her in Hawai'i. As an unknown graduate student on the Mānoa campus, she worked with many others who shared the grand vision that Hawai'i would be a model and world leader in sustainability.
Despite great odds, their first project created $150,000 in annual energy savings for one building and inspired a movement now recognized throughout Hawai'i. Trevenna's book sheds new light on what stifles and creates change, and shows that—through engaging research and proven strategies—every individual, organization, business and community can ultimately create significant change in their lives and the world.


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What's New in Nasopharyngeal Cancer Research and Treatment?
Research into the causes, prevention, and treatment of nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is being done in many university hospitals, medical centers, and other institutions around the world.
Causes, prevention, and early detection
Many studies are looking at how Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and other risk factors cause cells of the nasopharynx to become cancerous. Researchers hope these studies may eventually lead to vaccines to help prevent some cases of NPC by avoiding EBV infection.
Recent discoveries about EBV, its interaction with nasopharyngeal cells, and the immune system's reaction to EBV have led to new blood tests that may help detect NPC early and better predict the response to treatment. These tests are now being studied in areas of the world where this cancer is common.
New surgical techniques
Advances in the field of skull base surgery such as the use of endoscopes in the nose now allow doctors to remove some tumors from hard to reach areas like the nasopharynx. This type of surgery requires a specialized team that has expertise in this field. It may offer hope for some patients with recurrent NPC and patients with the keratinizing type of NPC, which often doesn't respond to radiation therapy.
New radiation therapy techniques
Most types of radiation therapy use radiation in the form of x-rays. Another type of radiation uses protons to kill cancer cells, instead. Unlike x-rays, which release energy both before and after they hit their target, protons cause little damage to tissues they pass through and then release their energy after traveling a certain distance. This means that proton beam radiation may be able to deliver more radiation to the tumor and do less damage to nearby normal tissues. Although this approach is promising in theory, it hasn't been proven to be better than x-ray techniques like IMRT. Also, the machines needed for proton therapy are very expensive, and so this treatment is not widely available.
Doctors are also studying the best schedule for giving radiation therapy. External beam radiation treatments are usually given once a day, 5 days a week, for many weeks in a row. Studies are now under way to see if schedules that either give the doses over fewer days or give smaller doses twice a day might be more effective.
Researchers continue to develop new chemotherapy drugs, new drug combinations, and new ways to give drugs that might be more effective against advanced NPC. Several drugs that are already used to treat other cancers, such as capecitabine, oxaliplatin, and gemcitabine, have been studied for use against NPC as well.
Clinical trials are also testing ways to best combine chemotherapy with radiation therapy. For example, studies are comparing the effectiveness of chemotherapy given before, during, or after radiation therapy.
Targeted therapy
Drugs that target specific parts of cancer cells may prove to be useful against NPC and have fewer side effects than standard chemotherapy drugs.
The drug cetuximab (Erbitux), which targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). protein found on the surface of cells, is already being used in some cases of NPC that recur or keep growing after treatment with chemotherapy. Other drugs that target EGFR are also being studied for use against NPC, including nimotuzumab and icotinib.
Other newer drugs target a tumor's ability to develop new blood vessels, which they need in order to grow larger. These drugs are called angiogenesis inhibitors. Several of these drugs are now being tested for use against NPC, including bevacizumab (Avastin®), sorafenib (Nexavar®), and pazopanib (Votrient®).
NPC seems to be caused at least in part by infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Although patients' immune systems can be shown to have reacted against EBV, this doesn't seem to be enough to kill the cancer. Researchers are trying to use different ways to boost the immune system or help it better target EBV-infected cells.
One way to do this is to remove T lymphocytes (immune system cells) from the blood of patients with NPC and alter them in the lab to increase their numbers and their power to kill EBV. The cells are then injected back into the patients. Early results with small numbers of patients have been promising, and larger studies of this technique are now under way.
Gene therapy
Scientists have recently discovered how certain gene mutations (changes) in nasopharyngeal cells may cause them to become cancerous. A clinical trial using a virus to replace the damaged tumor suppressor gene p53 in the cancer cells had some promising results. This approach is still being studied.
Last Medical Review: January 15, 2015 Last Revised: August 8, 2016
American Cancer Society medical information is copyrighted material. For reprint requests, please see our Content Usage Policy.


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Venice, the power of the past
Saturday, 21 October 2017 from 14:30 to 17:00 (CEST)
Event Details
In the past Venice was an independent city state which featured a unique republican government system that lasted for some nine hundred years, and the centre of all this was San Marco square. La Piazza, as the locals call it, encompasses the ruling buildings of the political, religious and civic power of the Most Serene Republic, the two most notably being the highlights of this tour: the Ducal Palace (with the Prisons and the Bridge of Sighs,) and St. Markís basilica itself.
We'll start this tour visiting the Ducal Palace, the combined seat of the Duke or Chief of State, the ruling government offices and justice courts of appeal at the time when Venice was an independent republic. As we move along the Duke's abode and the State Rooms (including the Collegio or ruling board, the Senate, the criminal court and the huge room of the Great Council), youíll learn the crucial facts of Veniceís history and state organization. Last but not least the Palace also houses world class paintings by the greatest Venetian painters of the 16th century, making it a great showcase of art. After completing the tour of the palace we move on along a narrow corridor better known as the Bridge of Sighs converted by British travellers into a famous tourist icon in the 19th century that still endures. At the other end the former State Prisons awaits us, but just for a brief visit!
We exit the palace now and start a short stroll into the square to view and talk about the striking buildings located all around: the National Library, the Bell Tower, the Procuratie, and the elegant and charming Clock Tower on top of which two hammering statues toll a bell and still draw peopleís attention every hour. The Piazza, besides hosting the governmental buildings of the past, was a also an open stage where Venetians for centuries paraded in beautiful costumes to celebrate special occasions, providing thus the greatest example of civic pride in Europe.
But itís time now to enter an extraordinary building, the real basilica of San Marco. Built in the 9th century for the first time as the burial chapel of the evangelist Mark after his relics were taken from Egypt, the present church was the result of a radical rebuilding and decoration between the 11th and 13th centuries. Once inside, the visitorís attention will be captured by the precious decoration made of gold and colorful shining mosaics in the ceiling, the great variety of marbles along the walls, and last but not least by the jigsaw and geometric patterns of the marble mosaic floor. Declared in the past as the national church to upkeep the worship of Mark, their patron saint, Venetians spent with no restraint to produce this striking building which is also a great example of Byzantine art and architecture.
When and How
This tour runs on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 14:30 to 17:00 pm and from May to October.
This tour will run with a maximum of 8 people.
This tour will run rain or shine
Pricing and admissions
Price is 62,50 € per person. Price includes the service of a pro guide and priority admissions to enter San Marco church avoiding long lines. Other fees 2,00 euros per person for the use of the public ferry. (In case of rain the ferry canít be used and an alternate walk will be proposed)
Cancellation Policy
Between 7 and 4 days before the tour, 50% refund / from 3 days to the date of the tour and no shows, no refunds.
Single travelers
If you are just one person wishing to join this tour send us first an email to firstname.lastname@example.com
Our guides
All of our guides are professional and certified
Dress code, backpacks and rucksacks
Inside San Marco church: no shorts, no sleeveless, no bare shoulders. Bermuda pants,
knee high skirts, T or Polo shirts, a scarf to cover shoulder are ok. Backpacks, rucksacks
and bulky bags are not allowed in San Marco church. Even if you can drop backpacks and rucksacks or other bags in deposit, this may be time consuming.
Meeting Point Google maps link: http://goo.gl/maps/0CoMn
In San Marco square by the exit of the Ducal Palace called in Italian 'Porta della Carta' located on the right side of san Marco church. It is an ornate gate showing the statues of the Duke kneeling by the Winged Lion. See picture below.
The guide will have a sign saying: Venice for Beginners
Contacts: email email@example.com - cell +393899618900
When & Where
Piazza S.Marco - http://goo.gl/maps/0CoMn
Exit of the Ducal Palace 'Porta della Carta'
30124 Venezia
Saturday, 21 October 2017 from 14:30 to 17:00 (CEST)
Add to my calendar
www.yourtoursinvenice.com is run by professional certified guides with many years of experience. Our goal is to provide quality guided tours specially designed for independent travellers.


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Police looking for man who tried to steal TVs from Tilton WalmartBY DAN SEUFERT
Union Leader Correspondent
July 14. 2013 7:18PM
TILTON — Police are asking for the public's help in identifying a man who they say tried to steal two 32-inch flat-screen televisions from the Walmart store in Tilton Friday.
According to police, they responded to the store at 2:27 p.m. at the request of the store's loss-prevention department, which had stopped the man at the door.
Upon being stopped, the man left the television sets and fled on foot in the direction of the adjacent Market Basket store, police said.
Anyone recognizing the man is asked to call Tilton police at 286-4442.


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Urbi et Orbi Message
Message for the Celebration of the World Day of
Opening of
the Holy Door at Basilica of St. Mary Major
On the stroke of midnight marking the beginning
of the Year 2000, the Holy Father spoke to the pilgrims rejoicing in St
Peter's Square and gave them his blessing for the new year and the new
millennium. Here is a translation of the Pope's remarks, which were made
in Italian.
The clock of history strikes an important hour: at
this moment the Year, 2000 begins, and we enter into a new millennium. For
believers this is the year of the Great Jubilee.
A Happy New Year to all of you, men and women of
every part of the world!
As we cross the threshold of the New Year, I would
like to knock at the door, of every home, to bring to each of you my
cordial good wishes: a Happy New Year to everyone in the light which,
shines out from Bethlehem upon the whole universe!
I wish you a year filled with peace: the peace
proclaimed by the Angels on that Holy Night; the peace of Christ, who, out
of love became a brother to every human being! I wish you a year filled
with serenity and happiness: may you always be, certain of God's love for
us. As he did 2,000 years ago, Christ comes today with his saving Gospel
to guide the uncertain and faltering steps of peoples and nations, leading
them towards a future of true hope.
I ask him to bless this moment of festivity and good
wishes, that it may be the promising beginning of a new millennium filled
with joy and peace. Let us enter the Year 2000 with our eyes fixed on the
mystery of the Incarnation.
Christ, yesterday, today and for ever.
To him belong time and the ages.
To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever.
I thank you. Happy New Year to all. Praised be Jesus
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By PHILIP ELLIOTT, Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) _ The Education Department could use federal dollars to build schools for districts that suffer traumatic events such as those in Newtown, Conn., under an agreement the Senate education panel approved Wednesday.
Senators rewriting the No Child Left Behind education law agreed to expand the Education Department's authority to help schools face shootings, suicide or other disruptive events. The Education Department does not currently pay for school construction projects and the proposed changes could expand Washington's role in special circumstances.
"Like we help schools that are felled by natural disasters … we should help schools that are felled by mass assassinations," said Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn.
Adam Lanza, 20, killed his mother at their Newtown home before going to Sandy Hook Elementary School, where he killed 26 people. Twenty of the victims were children.
Newtown schools have already received $1.3 million in federal aid to offset costs the district incurred after the December 2012 shooting as well as provide counseling and training for school officials.
Students have been moved to a remodeled school renamed Sandy Hook Elementary School in the neighboring town of Monroe. Officials in Newtown plan to build a new elementary school and Murphy proposed having Washington pick up some of the tab.
"This is a small town. They do not have the resources available to rebuild the school," Murphy said.
Republicans on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee opposed the proposal, saying it would shift the Education Department into the construction business.
"We have provisions for emergencies and disasters declared by the president that have construction of public buildings that are damaged," said Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, the top Republican on the panel. "This seems to be a pretty big jump from a crisis management plan to" being responsible for 50 percent of the cost of new schools.
The changes would affect a relatively small program inside the Education Department. Since 2001, the department has given more than $33.5 million to 106 schools recovering from violence or other disruptive incidents.
The proposal comes as senators rewrite the massive No Child Left Behind law that governs all schools that receive federal tax dollars. The Democratic-led panel is scrapping the one-sized-fits-all national requirements of No Child Left Behind and instead giving way to standards that states write for themselves.
Other changes agreed to include a requirement for schools to report how much money they spend on school sports _ broken down by team and gender.
"They know how much money they're spending. We're just asking that it's made public," said Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash.
As with most proposed changes, Republicans on the committee opposed measure.
"The girls' softball coach … is going to spend more time filling out forms than working with girls," Alexander said. "It's hard for me to see how this is anything more than a huge burden on local schools."
(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)


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Wholesome and nourishing cat foods, nutrition system and healthy start pack.
Formulated to supply cats of all breeds, sizes and ages with a healthy and supremely satisfying grain-free diet to help them thrive.
A nutritious food that supplies kittens, adults and senior cats with a healthy and supremely satisfying diet to help them thrive.
Grain-free recipe with organic chicken plus turkey, liver and shrimp. Added moisture hydrates the body and helps support a healthy urinary system.
Premium grain-free dry and canned foods, and ultra-pure fish oil supplement provide everything your cat needs to thrive.
Premium dry and canned foods, gourmet treats, and wellness food supplement provide everything your cat needs to thrive.
A combination of our All Life Stage food and Wellness Food Supplement supplies abundant nutrients for optimal health.


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what kills me about that is this person obviously bought one strictly for putting it on ebay. stuff like that makes me sick. kinda like those damn gentle giant exclusive busts how much was this selling for originally from the fan club?
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NEW YORK (AP) — Stock indexes are falling on Wall Street, pulling the Dow Jones industrial average further below the multi-year high it reached last week.
The Dow sank 127 points to 13,869 shortly before midday Thursday, a loss of almost 1 percent.
The Standard & Poor's 500 index was off 12 points at 1,500 and the Nasdaq composite gave up 27 points to 3,141.
The pullback comes after a strong rally at the beginning of the year pushed indexes to their highest levels since the financial crisis. The Dow closed above 14,000 on Friday for the first time since 2007. It's still up 5.8 percent for the year.
Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. fell 2.5 percent after the media conglomerate cut its forecast for annual earnings.


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Swan Lake Resort and Dickies Restaurant are excited to announce a partnership with Plymouth Speedway. We look forward to getting involved with "The Playground of Power" to help bring top notch dirt track racing right here to Plymouth, IN. With our renewed efforts of giving back to the community we are a part of, we felt like this was a perfect fit.
Along with signage along the backstretch for both Swan Lake Resort and our two restaurants (Dickies and Putter's Bar & Grille), we are thrilled that we are also going to be the title sponsor for two of the regular year long series. Swan Lake Resort will be the title sponsor of the UMP Modified series and Dickies Restaurant will be the title sponsor of the 600 Sprint series. This is a fun way for us to get involved and we cannot wait to be a part of it.
Track Owner Ed Kennedy, Irish Saunders and the crew at Plymouth Speedway are working very hard to not only improve the experience for the drivers but for the fans as well. Plymouth Speedway is a family friendly venue for everyone to enjoy a night of racing. We know that the future is bright at Plymouth Speedway and are proud to be associated with "The Playground of Power". Check out the 2014 schedule through the link below and plan a night of fun for the entire family.


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WASHINGTON — According to a panel of real estate finance and economic experts, the deepening U.S. economic slowdown and emerging property and casualty insurance issues are key threats to the nation's $20 trillion real estate sector in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
"Real estate is very much on the front lines of the crisis affecting New York and rippling throughout the broader U.S. economy," said Owen D. Thomas, managing director at New York-based Morgan Stanley and member of The Real Estate Roundtable. The Real Estate Roundtable is an organization in which public and privately held real estate owners, developers and lenders work with major national real estate trade associations to address key national policy issues relating to real estate and the overall economy. Participating trade associations represent more than 1 million people involved in virtually every aspect of the real estate business.
Thomas spoke on behalf of The Real Estate Roundtable at a briefing hosted by the Congressional Real Estate Caucus on Capitol Hill Oct. 4. "The worsening macroeconomic and business environment, exacerbated by the events of Sept. 11, will have a material impact on overall real estate markets," he said. Thomas expressed concern about the effects of the economic slowdown on the lodging industry, where an estimated 500,000 employees may be laid off in the next three months and financing for new projects has all but dried up.
Another serious concern is property owners' ability to obtain adequate insurance coverage in the wake of the terrorist attacks. Before Sept. 11, property and casualty and general liability insurance policies typically covered damages resulting from acts of terrorism, excluding only damages relating to acts of war. Future policies are now expected to exclude both types of losses — a change that would severely impair property owners' ability to conduct routine real estate transactions.
"Without adequate insurance, it would be difficult, if not impossible, for real estate owners to operate or acquire properties or refinance loans," said Real Estate Roundtable President and COO Jeffrey D. DeBoer. "We urge policymakers to recognize this as a major threat to the economy and to address this issue expeditiously."
U.S. Rep. Phil English, R-Pa., who moderated the session, said the real estate industry depends on a robust, growing economy. "We have arrived at a pivotal economic moment," he said. "The tragic events of Sept. 11 are reverberating not only through our hearts as we as a nation work to return to our lives, but through the economy as more and more often the word 'recession' is being tossed about when talking about the economic slowdown. This was a valuable opportunity to bring those in the real estate business together with policymakers and have an open discussion on where our nation's economy is heading."
English co-chairs the 93-member Congressional Real Estate Caucus with U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Mass. According to Neal, the aggregate value of the nation's real estate stock is about $20 trillion and the industry generates over $290 billion annually in federal, state and local taxes. There are approximately 11 billion square feet of office space in America, providing space for 28 million workers.
Courtesy of Real Estate Roundtable News


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BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Marathon bombing suspect who was killed overnight had studied accounting as a part-time community college student.
Bunker Hill Community College officials say that 26-year-old Tamerlan Tsarnaev was a student there for three semesters: fall 2006, spring 2007 and fall 2008.
Spokeswoman Patricia Brady said Friday they had little information on Tsarnaev other than that he studied accounting at the Boston school.
Tsarnaev had been known to the FBI as Suspect No. 1 and was seen in surveillance footage in a black baseball cap.
The other suspect is his 19-year-old brother, Dzhokhar. He was a student at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.


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Established in 1891 by Bernardo Ortiz de Zarate of Vizcaya, Spain, the world-renowned Ortiz seafood company is today operated by the family's fifth generation of food artisans. The Ortiz family upholds the traditional methods upon which the company was founded: local fishermen use pole lines to catch one-by-one the prized Bonito del Norte (Atlantic white tuna) and careful collection of shellfish. Ortiz seafood is known as "Delicacies of the Cantabrian Sea" and is procured around the globe by the most discriminating chefs, patrons, and specialty food shops.
Net Weight: 4.06 oz, Drained Weight: 2.43 oz. 10-14 mussels per tin.


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Experience Africa travelling through the waterways of Botswana, the beaches of Zanzibar and the savannahs of the Serengeti National Park
Marvel at the crashing white water of Victoria Falls, the unique, sprawling Okavango Delta and the tranquillity of the natural waterholes in the Khama Rhino Sanctuary. Then travel through Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania towards Zanzibar, East Africa's famed Spice Island. Continue north witnessing Ngorongoro Crater and the big cats of the Serengeti National park. From verdant national parks and remote highland villages, to savannas stretching towards the horizon and roaming herds of elephants, Africa never fails to delight, inspire and move. Come face-to-face with wild animals, explore landscapes rich in natural beauty and meet some of the friendliest people you've ever come across on this memorable journey across Africa's south to the eastern plains.
Support local conservation by visiting the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, the only place left in Botswana where both black and white rhinos reside
Camping on a remote island in the heart of the Okavango wilderness is an experience you'll never forget. As night falls, the sounds of the African bush are like nothing else
Go wildlife-spotting along the river at Chobe National Park, home of the world's highest concentration of African elephants
Experience the rumble and roar of Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwe side, which gives you the broadest view
Discover the magic of South Luangwa National Park, a highly concentrated arena of noble beasts and exotic wildflowers, on a dawn game drive
Chill out on the northern beaches of Zanzibar enjoying white sand and sparkling blue sea of the Indian Ocean
Explore the home of the Big Five beasts of Africa – the Serengeti, a wildlife arena like no other
Camping out in the Okavango wilderness means digging a bush toilet and going without a shower. For most travellers this is a small price to pay for such a gorgeous remote island location.
The African wild comes alive at sunrise, so there will be some early starts. The thrill of spotting your first lion or rhino is well worth any loss of sleep.
At Usambara Mountains, you'll hike to the beautiful Irente viewpoint. It's not overly strenuous, but a reasonable level of fitness is required.
Camping in the Serengeti National Park with no barriers between you and the animals is amazing, but it's important to heed the safety advice of your leader. You will be briefed as a group on arrival.
Our purpose-built overland vehicles allow for excellent game viewing, equipped with large sliding windows. They have no air-conditioning, however, so they can get dusty and hot at times.
The going can be slow over the long distances and often bumpy roads. A little bit of patience will go a long way towards your enjoyment of this beautiful land!
This is a participatory camping trip, so team spirit is key. You'll be expected to help out with camp setup, food preparation and cleaning.
As the early bird catches the worm, the early camper sights the animals. There will be many early starts either to make use of the better safari time or to beat the morning traffic on long travel days.
This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2018 to 31 December 2018. View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2019 - 31 December 2019
1. A single supplement is available on this trip. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. An optional sunrise balloon ride in the Serengeti National Park is possible on this itinerary. Please see the itinerary above for full details of this activity. As the balloon only holds 16 people, places are limited and we recommend you book in advance. Please inquire when booking your trip to book this optional activity.
3. This is a combination trip made up of 3 shorter trips. This means your crew and the composition of your group may change in Victoria Falls and Zanzibar.
4. The Zanzibar portion of your itinerary may have a few more passengers than the maximum group size of 22 as we have a crossover of trips starting and finishing in Zanzibar.
5. This trip finishes upon arrival in Nairobi on Day 37. Please do not book any flights until after 8pm this evening.


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Need policy change
For a century the Forest Service's policy has inadvertently been to encourage big fires. Small fires early in the season have traditionally been easy to put out and the Forest Service pats itself on the back when it does so, claiming to quickly extinguish something like 97 percent of all fire starts.
The problem is that the forest needs to burn to be healthy and by extinguishing smaller earlier-season fires the Forest Service has long laid the groundwork for large late-season fires.
The 3 percent of fires that the Forest Service cannot control end up being major conflagrations that kill all or nearly all the trees over very large tracts and sterilize the soil. While the Forest Service will acknowledge that fire needs to be returned to the forest, they claim that it is too dangerous to set large intentional burns early in the summer season (or just before the fall rains) while ignoring how dangerous it is not to do so.
In a more natural world, somewhere around 10 percent of the forest on the east side of the Cascades would burn every year; these fires would in general have short flame lengths and do little damage to mature trees while clearing the forest floor of a minor accumulation of branches, needles and small trees. We must return our forest to a more natural state, and the only affordable way to do this is through fires that are intentionally set and allowed to burn.
Early in the summer season there are many ways that fires can be controlled. The ridge tops still have snow and the north sides of the hills are still cool and moist. Old fire scars, such as left by the Bluegrass Ridge and Gnarl Ridge Fires, can be used to advantage as could the ski runs at Meadows and Timberline and the whole system of roads throughout the forest.
Yes, it will be risky to intentionally allow fires to burn, whether in June or late September, but the alternative is to continue to set the stage for a conflagration of many hundreds of thousands of acres as a result of an uncontrollable late-August fires. Somewhere around 200,000 acres will burn due to uncontrolled fires in Oregon this year, while both Arizona and Texas have seen the burning of more than 1 million acres each.
It should be obvious that the present Forest Service policy is not coming close to working. It is time to try something different.
Jim Denton
Mt. Hood
Issues not addressed
Rebuttals by Don Haight, Kevin Benson, Tiffany Pruit and George Fisher don't deal with the issues brought before the citizens and pointed out in the Town Hall held in Cascade Locks by the citizens, and for the citizens: lack of leadership, degradation of our public safety by destroying a well running fire department, creation of a hostile working environment, and forcing out 7-plus key employees in a small town.
There were secret meetings held which didn't include some members of the council; where's the rebuttal? There was a special auditor's report which cost in excess of $600 which was not in the approved budget, which purposely left out and understated revenues and was used to justify a morally and ethically bankrupt budget process, where's that in the rebuttals?
Benson and Fisher accused of violating city and county building codes, while being office holders; that being a violation of their fiduciary responsibility, where's the rebuttals?
And last of all, where is the rebuttal for moral, ethical, and corrupt leadership? I don't see it. Vote these four out of office, please retain Lance Masters. Let's return some sanity to city hall.
Rob Brostoff
Cascade Locks
We deserve answers
Cost/benefit analysis needed on fighting the "Hundreds-of-thousands of Dollars" Lake Fire: Am I the only one still waiting for some answers to the U.S. Forest Service's tepid response to the 9-1-1 call that reported the start of this fire on Aug. 26?
Does the USFS have a plausible explanation for "monitoring" this fire for the first several days, rather than choosing to dispatch a small crew with shovels to put it out? How much is it costing taxpayers to deal with this thousands-of-acres fire now?
If the USFS was instead the USFS Company Inc., the employee/s who made this decision would be held accountable to their shareholders. So don't we, the "shareholders" picking up the tab for this now 4,000-acre inferno, deserve some answers from "management?"
Jo Ann Harris
Hood River
Whitson makeover
On Saturday, Aug. 20, Whitson Elementary was the lucky recipient of a makeover. There were no television crews or construction companies; just a group of wonderful people who gave a day in their lives to improve the appearance of our school.
They came from our community and surrounding communities. They weeded, trimmed, raked and painted their hearts out.
I want to sincerely thank the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the Whitson PTO, community volunteers and the staff that worked to make Whitson a more inviting place for our students.
We were very fortunate to be chosen as the recipient of a "Day of Service" by the LDS church. The Whitson PTO provided the necessary supplies for the volunteers. I loved being a part of this special day.
People, young and old, were bustling everywhere with smiles on their faces, feeling good about the reformation taking place right before their eyes. The atmosphere around the school was quite uplifting and I personally was very touched by the efforts of all the volunteers.
The entire staff is also thankful for the efforts of the volunteers. Quite a few classrooms were definitely brightened up. The playgrounds look wonderful, our school is beautiful and definitely more inviting.
Thanks again to the many v9olunteers who donated their precious time on a hot, sunny Saturday in August. We at Whitson are all looking forward to starting a new school year and I think we all may have a little more spring in our step, due to the fact that we're starting each day in beautiful surroundings.
Vicki Prendergast
Whitson Elementary School
White Salmon, Wash
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- 2 {9 inch} deep dish pastry pie shells {I use the pre-made refrigerated ones...no judging, please!}
- 1/2 stick butter {salted}
- 1 {7 ounce} package flaked coconut
- 1 cup pecans {rough chopped...the texture makes this pie what it is}
- 1 {8 ounce} package cream cheese, softened {you can use full fat or 1/3...I wouldn't do fat free}
- 1 {14 ounce} can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 {16 ounce} container whipped topping thawed {I used two 8 ounce ones}
- 1 {14 ounce} jar caramel ice cream topping
While your pie shells are baking, toast your coconut and pecans in the butter until they become golden brown. Set them aside to let them cool.
Beat the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk together until creamy.
Fold in your whipped topping...careful not to "break it down" too much, but still get it incorporated nicely {it's such a fine line, isn't it?}.
This is my layering set up. I like to have it all ready to go.
Start by using 1/2 of your cream cheese mixture and divide that evenly between the two pie shells {so, technically, each pie will get 1/4 of the mixture}. You should still have half of your mixture left in your bowl.
Drizzle 1/4 of your caramel sauce over the cream cheese mixture on each pie
{1/4 per pie...1/2 the jar total}.
Sprinkle 1/4 of the pecan/coconut mixture over the caramel on each pie
{again, you'll use 1/2 of the mixture total}.
Repeat the layers, using the remaining ingredients.
All layered up! Place pies in the freezer overnight.
You'll pull them out about 10-15 minutes before serving to let them thaw a bit.
All of the textures and flavors are amazing.
Seriously. This is crazy good.


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One of the most annoying things about the glut of "How to be a real man" articles on the internet (other than their continued insistence on trying to get dudes to wear dress shoes without socks) is that they don't always help with the remedial basics. Nowhere is this more apparent than with food. It's either "grill everything" or "make this nine-course tasting menu or you won't be able to satisfy your love and she'll leave you for her co-worker Steve who is the worst kind of dude because he roots for the Colts and says stuff like 'slappa da bass.'" Damn, do I hate that Steve. Anyway, I'm here to help you step up your cook game. This is dedicated to those folks who don't know béchamel from a baseball bat.
REMINDER: I am not a real chef. I know how to cook. Dig me? Also, the actual chef types in this newsroom are standing behind me as I type this ready to whack me upside the head with a risotto maker if I screw this up. Let's get dangerous.
A food native to your culture: Seem cultured without doing much of anything! How do you do it? Ask your mom or an older person whom you share DNA with. It's a cool way to stand out at a pot-luck "Did you see how Erin whipped up that shepherd's pie?" "Wow, Rochelle killed these black-eyed peas!" "Holy crap, Pradeep did the damn thing on this dum aloo!" (WARNING: Adapting too much of your culture's culinary treats might lead to you being asked to assist at Thanksgiving. Don't get overzealous.)
A breakfast sandwich: If you drink socially to the point of excess, then I don't have to tell you how powerful a good breakfast sandwich can be. There aren't words. If I were Bill Simmons, I would call breakfast sandwiches the Chris Webber of the things you can put into your mouth. I would then make a bunch of references to pyramids and stats. That won't be happening today; instead here's how easy a breakfast sandwich is in five steps.
1: Decide what you want to put on it (My go-tos are either sausage egg and cheese or chorizo, egg, cheese and avocado.)
2: Make your filling (Fry your bacon/sausage, cut an avocado, whatever.)
3: Scramble two eggs.
4: Add cheese to the eggs (non-negotiable.) While you're at it, put an English muffin or toast into a toaster.
5: Put all of the stuff on the toast or English muffin. Eat it with a Gatorade.
A non-breakfast sandwich: This is easy enough. The only difference between what you're doing now and doing this right is toasting your bread. Toast your bread or the terrorists win. (Sidebar: Aren't we due for a faceless "enemy of the state as dictated by scared white dudes" upgrade? Since the'40s, we've had: Nazis, Commies, Hippies, people who wore disco clothing, gay people, Iraqis, black people from Los Angeles (circa LA riots), Somalians, Branch Davidians, Bosnians, North Koreans, Iraqis again and now just "terrorists." Just saying, I don't think you should trust people from New Zealand. I'M ONTO YOU, JOHN KEY!)
Macaroni and cheese: Easier than you think! Take your regular process for making blue box or shells and cheese and then just add the following at the end: Bacon and three handfuls of other kinds of non-nuclear orange cheese. Simple enough, right? You work hard, you deserve multiple cheeses in your life.
(Now, you might be one of those people who advocates for putting the finished product into a casserole dish and baking it. I respond to that with: Well, if you want a casserole, Mr. Better Homes & Gardens, then make yourself one. Have a noodle caboodle extravaganza, you dick. Keep it creamy and put half a bottle of sriracha on top.)
A salad: When I say salad, what do you think? Some kind of beautiful piece of Pinterest porn with pine nuts? A bunch of lettuce covered in ranch dressing and sadness? A salad from a pizza place? No matter what, you're right! A salad can be whatever you want it to be; just try to have more vegetables to non-vegetables. There are a lot of places serving you bunless sandwiches disguised as salads. Other than that, it's up to you to find your happiness. In a lot of ways, it's like life, am I right? *winks* *pulls quarter out of your ear*
Chili: Steal a crock pot from your parents house next time you go home. Brown some meat in it. Put some cumin, pepper (whatever you've got), garlic powder on that. Add a big tub of that store-made pico de gallo (yup!), beans, two beers, chili powder, tomato paste. Now, go do something for a bit. Like watch a season of "Living Single;" that's about the right amount of time. Come back and stir it a few times. Congrats, you've got chili. Man, do I love me some "Living Single." *sings* "IN A '90S TYPE OF WORRRRRLLLDD ..."
Tacos: Come on, man. Legit the easiest thing you can whip up. Get everything you order on that horse tumor you call a burrito from Chipotle. (Notice how cheap all of it was. Crazy, right?) Now, put it all into a few tortillas (Flour or corn, don't matter as long as they're soft--don't be a child) that you let sit on your oven burner for 9 seconds on both sides. Inhale.
A store-bought pizza that doesn't taste like crap: You're not going to hear me advocate for making your own pizza. Get whatever normal frozen deal you can buy four of for $7 and add three dashes of that Italian seasoning at the back of your cabinet. Ditto a little red pepper if you like it spicy. Now cook it. Much better, right?
A chicken dish that doesn't require grilling: Be it fried, baked or fricasseed, you can't be out here wearing a $1,000 suit then making a grilled boneless skinless struggle on the damn Foreman grill you've had since you were a junior. You can't go wrong with chicken marsala or a good chicken curry. And now for the easiest (and most fun) recipe I have in my arsenal ...
A booze drink that doesn't require pop: No one's saying you have to make an infused cocktail collecting the flavors of elderberry and chamomile and bourbon that tastes like beer that tastes like coffee. Nah. Learn how to make ONE drink that doesn't require adding pop and stirring.
So yeah, experiment! You are an adult! Stop eating like an overdeveloped 7-year-old! I believe in you!
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As he stood waiting for President Barack Obama to arrive for a campaign rally at a minor league baseball field, longtime Virginia resident Rick Flaherty marveled that his state could help the Democrat remain in the White House.
"It's a sign of progress that we think we can pick up the state of Virginia," said Flaherty, a retired scientist who along with his equally enthusiastic wife, Diane, joined a diverse crowd of 12,000 in Prince William County outside Washington to cheer the incumbent. "We love Obama. He's a person you want to have a beer with."
Virginia broke with tradition four years ago when it chose a Democrat for president for the first time since 1964. Paired with an Obama win in North Carolina, the 2008 victory suggested the Democrats might be able to make a sustained push into the border South for the first time since it turned solidly Republican in the 1960s.
Now, the economy in Virginia continues to lag, even in a state where a close proximity to the nation's capital has helped keep the unemployment rate below the national average. Despite changing demographics that should give the Democrats an even better shot in Virginia than they had in 2008, many Virginians don't want to give Obama a second chance. And the Republicans could retake the state, along with neighbor North Carolina, and stop the Democratic march into the South.
"Four years ago people were looking for a change, for whatever reason. There were so many reasons to look beyond George Bush," said Loudoun County resident Chris Hoffmann, who recently joined 8,000 boisterous Mitt Romney supporters at an outdoor rally in Leesburg recently featuring country musician Andy Griggs, comedian Dennis Miller and the Republican nominee for president. "Obama is an articulate man who offered a lot of promises. He can be very persuasive. But he's had four years and things have only gotten worse."
After leaning toward Obama for much of the race, Virginia is now up for grabs.
As of Sunday, the two major party candidates each had the support of 47.8 percent of likely voters, the tie making it the closet state in the country according to an average of public polls compiled by the website realclearpolitics.com. Four years ago at this time, Obama led by 7.3 points in Virginia over Republican John McCain.
With the race so close and the stakes so high, the candidates are familiar faces in the state, from coal country in the southwest, the farmlands in the central region, military-rich eastern Virginia and the bustling suburbs in northern Virginia, where the federal government employs tens of thousands of people.
The president chose Virginia as the place to formally kick off his general election campaign in April. Since then, he's stopped here 16 times. He planned another visit Monday to campaign with former President Bill Clinton, tough they canceled due to the threat of Hurricane Sandy. Vice President Joe Biden has held four events in Virginia. Romney has held 20 events in Virginia and his running mate, Rep. Paul Ryan, another 14.
The appeal of the candidates is just one part of the Virginia story, though.
It wasn't Obama alone who pulled the state into play in 2008. Virginia has shifted from reliably Republican to soundly divided thanks to dramatic demographic changes that have made the state more diverse, youthful and educated.
"The Virginia electorate is so much more fluid than other states," said Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington. "It's a very difficult environment for politicians because you have to keep re-introducing yourself to voters."
If anything, it's accelerating, and tilting the commonwealth's landscape even more away from solidly Republican and more open to the Democrats.
Since 2004, nearly three quarters of a million people have moved into the state, many flocking to the sprawling suburbs outside the nation's capital.
Democrats say the changing demographics are on their side. The census shows the state ticked up two percent in population growth in the last four years, with the increase largely among Democratic constituencies including African Americans, Asians and Hispanics. In just the last four years, Latino voter registration is up 19 percent and African American registration seven percent. Nearly 60 percent of those who have registered in the last two months are under the age of 30.
If Republicans took the state somewhat for granted in 2008 by ignoring certain regions and constituencies, they're working overtime this fall to match Obama's unprecedented ground game and reach their own slice of the electorate..
While Obama still has double the number of offices as Romney – more than 60 -- Republicans boast of 4.5 million voter contacts, including knocks on 1 million doors to pitch voters face to face, according to Dave Rexrode, executive director of the Republican Party of Virginia. That's six times the phone calls and 11 times the door knocks of 2008, they said.
No longer solidly Republican red, and definitely not Democratic blue, this piece of the old South is instead a deep purple at the state level with the pendulum swinging back and forth between Democratic and Republican wins as independents determine victories based on candidates, not parties. A U.S. Senate campaign between two former governors – Republican George Allen and Democrat Tim Kaine – is neck and neck.
"People want mainstream government," said Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., a cell phone executive turned popular governor who used his moderate pro-business record to persuade independents, even in rural regions, to vote for him.
Virginians, he said, opt for a change when either party moves too far from the middle.
Since Obama's win four years ago, the state turned away from Democrats and largely back to the Republicans, who now control the Governor's office and the legislature. Republicans hold a commanding majority of Virginia's congressional delegation, though both U.S. Senate seats now are held by Democrats.
Democrats have made the most inroads in the Northern Virginia suburbs outside Washington, where one in three voters now lives. Republicans have electoral strength in the southern and western regions.
But the key battleground areas full of independent voters are the exurbs of Washington and Richmond as well as Hampton Roads, the sprawling region in southeastern Virginia and home to a large number of veterans as well as college students and African-Americans.
Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell was the first Virginia Republican in recent years to forgo his conservative roots in lieu of a moderate, pragmatic approach centered on kitchen-table issues, such as jobs and schools, and an emphasis on the diverse new populations in northern Virginia, including Hispanics and Asians. It's a strategy Romney is trying to emulate.
McDonnell said Virginians are focused on economic issues, such as federal spending and impending defense cuts – the Pentagon is in Northern Virginia, the Navy dominates the Hampton Roads. Social issues don't matter as much, he said.
"Governor Romney is pro-life. Barack Obama is radically pro-choice," he said. "But that's not what people are voting on."
David Lightman contributed to this article.


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SUNSET BEACH, N.C. (AP) — Officials say a North Carolina judge and the woman he tried to rescue have both drowned off Sunset Beach.
Authorities say 54-year-old Mitchell McLean died Wednesday while trying to help a husband and wife struggling in the water. McLean was the chief District Court judge for Wilkes, Ashe, Alleghany and Yadkin counties. Officials say rip currents are to blame in the deaths.
Fifty-five-year-old Mary Anne Galway of Waxhaw was identified as the woman who drowned. Authorities say her husband, Edward John Galway III, was treated at a hospital and released.


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Just in case anybody interested - would like to share a perfect downwind idea (I have done it twice). The track looks crazy - I was with a friend who had second session without instructor
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B2JOD8c ... I0QVk/edit
The idea:
1) park the first car on the 3rd ave
2) on the second car drive to Coyote point park (park gate closed ~ 7:45pm, plan to be back by that time)
3) have 2-3 hours of fun
Some safety notes:
- Please be very accurate to do not mess up at Coyote Point launch - it's limited space to launch a kite.
- It could be hard to get into water in a high tide
- The wind can be even lighter than at 3rd in the evening (after 6pm) - a rider should be ready to body drag to the shore/able to ride in a light wind.
- I would recommend to have a marine radio/cell phone.
I think it's the easiest downwind in the bay area, enjoy!


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How noisy are they?
I have a small house, only about 1000 sq ft to dehumidify. But for allergy reasons I need to get the humidity really low, like 45%, about 50 pints/day dehumidifier is recommended for that apparently.
The whole house dehumidifiers I've seen are a lot bigger than that, like 90-120 pints/day.
Are such things loud? Do they have dBA ratings?
It occurred to me that with that noisy whirlpool beast I had, the noise was from the fan. A cheap fan is loud. You could only tell if the compressor was on by listening closely.
So maybe a whole house dehumidifier isn't loud. It would be using my furnace fan, right? Turning it off and on as it needs to?
Does the compressor make a lot of noise?
My furnace fan is about 51 dBA. I don't want much more noise than that in my garage, the bedroom is next to it and the noise of the furnace fan is about as much noise as I want in the next room.
I guess a whole house dehumidifier would be in the garage? Unlike a central AC which would be outside, and one really shouldn't hear b/c of that?