text:
Our Perspectives
From Millennium Development Goals to Sustainable Development Goals
28 Apr 2014 by Leire Pajín, Policy Adviser
The world has undergone significant change since the launching of the Millennium Declaration – a declaration capable of galvanizing political will and enabling agreement on the international development agenda as defined by eight objectives. The time has now come to examine and renew true political commitments.
As part of this process, the UN has led reflection and debate to define a new agenda for the "Future We Want for All" initiative based on two guiding principles: to accelerate and fulfill of the Millennium Declaration's tasks, and also to incorporate the new challenges posed by our unique and complex world based on lessons learnt during the past 14 years.
What role can the international community play within this context? Finish what has been started. If we take stock of what has happened during these 14 years, much progress has been made, particularly in reducing extreme poverty, creating universal access to primary education, fighting malaria and improving access to drinking water.
As various UN reports have highlighted, several countries have made significant strides forward on the MDGs, and some of the most important successes in recent years have occurred in the poorest countries.
However, new challenges appear on the horizon. We need a new agenda for a different and interdependent world, the poles of influence of which have increased. The new agenda has to be developed by all, given that one of the main criticisms of the Millennium agenda was that it was devised by a minority to be implemented for the majority.
The new agenda has to be universal, reflecting the nature of both the post-2015 development agenda and the Rio +20 final document – a document stating that "the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) should be ( ... ) global and universal in nature and applicable to all countries, whilst taking into account the different realities, skills and levels of development of each country and safeguarding national policies and priorities."
As part of this process, the UN will continue to lead consultations that facilitate faster progress in drafting a new development agenda while continuing to provide technical support to member states.
Nevertheless, the time has come to make political decisions. The ball is now in the court of governments responsible for drafting the agenda. They will devise this agenda through the SDG group and the high-level forum, and it will be approved in September 2015 under the leadership of the UN Secretary-General just as the time frame for achieving the MDGs comes to an end.
The time has come to seek greater coherence, loftier ideals and greater political will.


text:
Difference between revisions of "OSGi Monitoring"
(→Proposed implementation)
(→Proposed implementation)
|Line 29:
|Line 29:
* connect with external OSGi application
* connect with external OSGi application
* present all basic information about bundles and services working on it
* present all basic information about bundles and services working on it
* allow to start and stop installed bundles
* allow to start and stop installed bundles
* allow to uninstall each installed bundle
* allow to uninstall each installed bundle
* allow to install new
* allow to install new
Revision as of 21:10, 1 April 2009
Project Title
OSGi Monitoring
I will introduce idea of remote monitoring and controlling of external application based on OSGi platform. Its implementation will be a modified Plugin Registry view. At first I will try to present the meaning of OSGi in Eclipse environment and opportunities to use this view. Additionally, I will present the concept of project's implementation.
Project Idea
The main aim of this project is to provide remote management of application based on OSGi platform. I am going to show meaning and main application of it and then I will present importance of this project.
Firstly, we should know what is exactly OSGi. So it is a platform which provides an opportunity to us to create modular applications. In this case, module (in OSGi called bundle) is an independent single unit, which is a logical whole entirety and can be installed and uninstalled separately. The main feature of modules is that they should not be concerned with the internal implementation of other modules that it interacts with. It allows us to change the implementation of one module with no need to update all other modules that use it. The standard unit of deployment in Java is the JAR file but OSGi's bundle has some advantages above it. Mainly, bundles allow us to define explicit dependencies between them. Also we can exactly define in manifest file which version of each library our bundle needs, so more than one version of each library can residence in the same application. Additionally OSGi default makes packages inside one bundle private for others because we only describe in manifest which packages can be imported by others. The crucial thing in OSGi is that it is a dynamic module system for Java. It allows us to install, uninstall and update all modules without restarting or even stopping application for these operations. At once we can think that OSGi is an ideal platform for each application server but it can find implementation in other environments (e.g., handheld devices, IT managed environments). In Eclipse community OSGi is very important because whole Eclipse platform is based on it. It causes that creating new plug - ins and development of all environment are so simple.
In this case we can notice requirement of application which allows monitoring modules within OSGi application. In an Eclipse environment we can use Plugin Registry view. Unfortunately it only allows monitoring modules in Eclipse instance in which it is working. However, it seems an ideal basis for the project. Generally project will realize communication between an application based on one of the OSGi implementations and monitoring plugin on an Eclipse instance. It will be based on client – server architecture. In this communication external application will be a server and our view in eclipse will be a client. A server provides information about bundles and services which is interpreted by our application (Plug-in Registry view). Additionally it should make available operations on individual bundles, such as starting and stopping them, installing new bundles and uninstalling old ones. This application allows for example remote supervision of servers based on OSGi implementation so we can react immediately on any problem on the server side when it occurs.
Components of design and functionality
All functionality will be provided by modified Plugin Registry view. Method of presentation will be slightly changed. Bundles and services of each application will be grouped by its name. It should by enough clear and transparent for a user. Most of the functionality should be realized by additional operation in Plugin Registry view (starting, stopping modules, installing, uninstalling). Of course not all of OSGi implementations provide all of these operations so server application must provide information about OSGi implementation to a client. For example remote installation of bundles on Equinox can by impossible. On the basis of this information it should provide only permitted functionality. View with connected external applications should allow to add new ones, removing and insight into the basic information about them. Whole project will be part of Eclipse SDK, so will seamlessly integrate with it, but will also keep minimum dependencies on it to be possibly bundled as a separate Eclipse RCP application.
Proposed implementation
The first step of implementation should be the choice of the first protocol which will be used to communication with external OSGi applications. It must be enough simply for this phase. The basic method of connecting is a standard socket interface. This solution is partly implemented in bug number 243439. In my opinion this solution should be considered before we decide for other protocol. If we accept this, further development should be focused on its completion. After that we have to adapt Plugin Registry view to handling remote connection (e.g. making and breaking it). After connection with external application our agent should download information about all bundles and services installed on this one. Supervision should be in real – time (any change of bundle's state must be seen immediately in monitoring application). On this phase we achieve functionality of Plugin Registry view but with remote monitoring. At this point, another task would be to add further functionality: remote operation on bundles and even installing new bundles in external application. After this phase we should start implementation of the second universal protocol. Unfortunately on this stage of designing we cannot clearly choose the best one. There are several possibilities. One of them is JMX (e.g. org.eclipse.equinox.monitoring). Another possible solution would be to use the Eclipse Communication Framework (ECF). For example we can choose remote services API which is very similar to classic OSGi services API. After additional protocol/protocols will be added, we will add mechanism of expansibility for new protocols (e.g. from other plugins). In conclusion our client should offer following functionality:
- connect with external OSGi application
- present all basic information about bundles and services working on it
- allow to start and stop installed bundles
- allow to uninstall each installed bundle
- allow to install new bundles

subset: commoncrawl


text: Enjoy the luxury of our chauffeur service Book chauffeur All First and Business Class guests can enjoy the convenience of our Etihad Chauffeur service to and from Abu Dhabi International Airport, from and to anywhere in the UAE. Important to know: All First and Business Class tickets and redemption tickets (except Business Saver tickets) are eligible for the Etihad Chauffeur service. Guests traveling in The Residence receive free chauffeur pick-ups and drop-offs at all A380 destinations. Book chauffeur


text:
Automatically generated Scilab toolboxes/ATOMS modules for applications in acoustics
Philippe Glé, CEREMA
Scilab has been used since 2000 by the acoustics team at LR Strasbourg (Cerema) to develop codes or software libraries dealing with noise emission, sound propagation, acoustic signal processing, both for measurement and simulation.
Over the years, the need to share and reuse this code has grown significantly. The opportunity provided by Scilab to create new toolboxes seemed to address the problem. However there is a large gap between a library of Scilab functions and a Scilab toolbox tree. Moreover, as of Scilab 4.x many manual operations were required to create a Scilab toolbox (loaders and builders) and a facility to populate a toolbox tree from a library was missing. Also from a software maintenance perspective, having to handle several files for each Scilab macro is not always convenient.
Therefore our team decided to develop its own tools to generate toolbox structures that comply with Scilab 4.x, then first releases of Scilab 5.x and the more recent ATOMS structure. In the "source libraries" the "literate programming" approach was followed. Function documentation, tests and examples share the same file as the Scilab code itself under the form of comments Thus, for a given toolbox structure, these comments are used to populate the toolbox with user help pages, examples and tests. The software for generation relies on Perl, due the intensive use of regular expressions and a Scilab script.
The aim of the presentation is in the one hand to present the approach we developed for this automatic generation, and in the other hand to give an overview of the main toolboxes which have been created.
Paper signed by Philippe Glé, Christophe Heinkelé, Guillaume Dutilleux, Cerema
Cerema_ScilabTEC2014.pdf 4.45 MB


text:
Get the scoop
Sign up for email updates and I'll share the latest trends, outlet steals, hot new products & genius ideas for drool-worthy style on a budget.
Shipping Location
Oops! I can't identify your location. Please provide your zip so that we can show you the most up-to-date product availability.
It looks like you're in and your ZIP is . Make sure this info is correct so we can show you the most up-to-date product availability.
It looks like you're in , CT: . Please confirm ZIP so we can show you product availability for your area.
Visit Bob's Discount Furniture in Monmouth Junction, NJ to shop quality furniture at untouchable values. Browse the showroom for affordable bedroom sets, living room sets, dining room collections, sofas, mattresses, recliners and more. Stylish home accents and accessories bring this inspiring location to life. As always, there are free cookies, coffee, candy and ice cream to enjoy while you plan your dream home!


text:
The latest information about our work, including new reports and speaking engagements.
Posted on 28th November 2016
Posted on 19th April 2016
Posted on 13th February 2015
Posted on 11th June 2014
Posted on 22nd April 2014
Posted on 12th February 2014
You can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting us at email@example.com. For more information about our privacy and cookies policy please visit our website. By clicking below, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with these terms.
We use MailChimp as our marketing automation platform. By clicking below to submit this form, you acknowledge that the information you provide will be transferred to MailChimp for processing in accordance with their Privacy Policy and Terms.


text:
Making a Spokeshave
Make this tool in your workshop using scrap wood and a piece of tool steel.
By John Wilson
Pages: 60-65
From the October 2007 issue #164
Buy this issue now
If you have been reading these pages during the past few years, you have been introduced to the traditional spokeshave. I'm going to show you how to make your own. This means making everything from a shaped, hardened and tempered steel blade, to making the tool's wooden body with a micro-adjustable mechanism, right in your own shop.
From the October 2007 issue #164
Buy this issue now
Recommended Posts


text:
Outstanding faculty and students receive honors at UM System awards ceremony
Front Row (left to right): Marilyn Rantz, Wayne Huebner, Carl Hoagland, Debra Gayer, Susann Farberman, Dawn Garzon, Virginia Rahm, Casey Burton
Back Row (left to right): Michael Kruger, Vicki Sauter, Rita Csapo-Sweet, Wouter Montfrooij, Bahram Mashhoon, Jerry Valentine
Suzanna Long, assistant professor of engineering management and systems engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology, accepts the Presidents Award for Early Career Excellence.
University of Missouri-St. Louis Chancellor Tom George congratulates UMSL honorees. Left to Right: Vicki Sauter, Carl Hoagland, Tom George, Rita Csapo-Sweet, Susann Farberman and Dawn Garzon.
The University of Missouri Board of Curators and UM System President Timothy M. Wolfe will honor 16 faculty members and one student with awards June 13. These awards include the President's Awards—the highest honor bestowed by the University of Missouri System for excellence in the university's four mission areas of teaching, research, service and economic development; the Thomas Jefferson Award; the Student Entrepreneur of the Year Award; and the C. Brice Ratchford Memorial Fellowship Award.
"Our award recipients represent the finest of our faculty and students, and the University of Missouri System is made stronger by their hard work and dedication," Wolfe said. "Every day, each one of our award recipients makes a difference in the lives of Missouri's citizens and truly advances our state and nation."
The recipients and their honors include:
Thomas Jefferson Award
Steven Watts, Ph.D., MU
Watts is a professor of American history and has been recognized with both the Provost's Outstanding Junior Faculty Teaching Award and The William T. Kemper Fellowship for Teaching Excellence. He specializes in the cultural and intellectual history of the United States and has published in top journals. His biographies of some of the 20th century's most-influential cultural figures such as Walt Disney, Hugh Hefner, and most recently, Dale Carnegie, have won critical acclaim.
Student Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Casey F. Burton, Missouri S&T
Burton recently graduated in May with a B.S. in chemistry and is founder of Sapentia Development, LLC, where he acts as CEO and manages close to 30 employees. Burton created an online community and publication called MCQuarterly for fans of the popular game Minecraft. He also developed The Journal of Undergraduate and High School Research, a research journal aimed at high school and undergraduate students
C. Brice Ratchford Memorial Fellowship Award
Jerry W. Valentine, Ed.D., MU
Valentine is professor emeritus in Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis and served at MU for 33 years, establishing himself as a premier scholar in meeting the needs of educational leaders in grades five through nine. Valentine has authored or coauthored seven books, scores of professional articles and several instruments for school improvement and leader development. At MU, he developed the state's first comprehensive, performance-based teacher evaluation system and worked closely with Missouri's principals and assistant principals in facilitating evaluation workshops.
President's Award for Community Engagement
Wouter T. Montfrooij, Ph.D., MU
Montfrooij is an associate professor of physics and is the founder of the Saturday Morning Science lecture series, a weekly series of informal talks on a broad range of science topics targeted to the general community. Since its inception in 2003, this volunteer-run program has grown to be one of the most visible and respected outreach programs in the Columbia community, offering more than 320 talks and engaging some 30,000 people from Columbia and surrounding areas.
President's Award for Cross-Cultural Engagement
Rita M. Csapó-Sweet, Ed.D., UMSL
Csapó-Sweet is an associate professor of theater, dance and media studies. Since joining the UMSL faculty in 1990, she has worked to establish Hungarian and Eastern European educational and cultural exchange opportunities for the UMSL and St. Louis metropolitan communities. Her efforts have not only opened an artistic cultural exchange, but have facilitated discussions about war and tolerance, and helped reconnect generations of refugees with their heritage. She has also established a student and faculty exchange program with universities in Hungary, Bosnia and Croatia.
President's Award for Leadership
Michael B. Kruger, Ph.D., UMKC
Kruger is a Curators' Professor and chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy. He is recognized throughout the physics community as an innovative scholar and teacher with more than 60 published articles, many awards and research funding totaling more than $1 million. Kruger leads by building consensus among the faculty and encourages them to continually seek to improve the department and expand their impact in both teaching and research.
President's Award for Mentoring
Wayne Huebner, Ph.D., Missouri S&T
Huebner is the chair and professor of Materials Science and Engineering and has made a significant impact on the careers of many faculty members. He is known for providing frank feedback and his advice on teaching, research, professional development and service activities is unparalleled. He sets high expectations for his department and the campus community, and inspires faculty members to develop the tools and acquire the resources to be successful.
President's Award for Service
Vicki L. Sauter, Ph.D., UMSL
Sauter is professor of information systems and is motivated to find creative ways to help individuals and organizations use technology to meet their program needs. She created the Information Systems Advisory Board and the Information Systems Mentoring Club to engage students, alumni, faculty, staff and other members of the business community as volunteers. She also actively participates in the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences and has received several awards for her service.
President's Award for Early Career Excellence
Suzanna K. Long, Ph.D., Missouri S&T
Long is assistant professor of engineering management and systems engineering and has demonstrated an ability to create a sustainable, highly visible research program grounded in scholarship, effective teaching and service. Since joining the Missouri S&T faculty in 2008, she has received 21 grants totaling more than $7 million. With a research focus on transportation sustainability, she has published more than 60 articles and six book chapters. In addition to scholarship and teaching, Long has served in leadership positions at multiple professional organizations.
President's Award for Sustained Excellence
Bahram Mashhoon, Ph.D., MU
Mashhoon is a professor of physics with more than 27 years of experience at MU. He has made significant contributions to the field of gravitational physics and general relativity, including more than 185 publications. His many achievements include the discovery of spin-rotation-gravity coupling, now known as the "Mashhoon effect." In addition, he has developed extensions of Einstein's theory of relativity that are more compatible with quantum theory.
President's Award for Innovative Teaching
Carl Hoagland, Ed.D., UMSL
Hoagland is the Emerson Electric Endowed Professor of Teaching and Learning and consistently brings his vision for creating a technologically engaged campus to life. He has developed numerous educational programs using technology to maximize the learning experience. Hoagland created the E. Desmond Lee Technology and Learning Center, a technology-enriched computing center offering individual workstations, as well as UMSL's Second Life Writing Center, a virtual tutoring and learning space, which includes an Internet-based virtual environment for children with disabilities.
President's Award for Economic Development
Marilyn J. Rantz, Ph.D., R.N., FAAN, MU
Rantz is a Curators' Professor and is a leader in the development of innovative approaches to improving the quality of care delivered to older adults. Her research on nursing home quality has secured nearly $52 million in grants, most recently $14.8 million from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service—the largest grant ever received by the MU campus. She worked with the state and private industry to create TigerPlace, which has grown from 31 to 54 apartments and now includes an 85-bed rehabilitation center—all bringing more than 140 jobs to Columbia and resulting in over $5 million in annual payroll.
President's Award for Intercampus Collaboration
Debra A. Gayer, Ph.D., RN, CPNP-PC, MU
Dawn L. Garzón, Ph.D., PNP-BC, CPNP-PC, PMHS, FAANP, UMSL
Susann M. Farberman, DNP, M.Ed., APRN, CPNP-PC, UMSL
Diana B. King, MSN, RN, CPNP, UMKC
Virginia R. Rahm, MSN, RN, APRN, PNP-BC, UMKC
When Gayer saw a growing need for advanced nurse providers with a focus on children, particularly in rural communities in the state, she brought together intercampus faculty resources from MU, UMKC and UMSL to develop an online Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program. By collaborating to develop core pediatric courses, the group was able to improve student learning, and students were able to maximize their exposure to expert faculty on each of the campuses without leaving their own communities. The collaborative nature of the program seeped into the actual coursework as well with students from all campuses and across the state interacting and discussing children's health care issues.
Share This
About this Story
Campus: System
Key words: Competitiveness, Innovation, KC Campus, MU Campus, President, Rolla Campus, St. Louis Campus, Teaching, UM System,
County: Boone


text:
Readers recount their own tales of dealing with airport security
Trudy Walsh's article on the travails of getting a laptop PC through airport security – and how using a butterfly-style laptop case could help – struck a nerve with some of our readers. Actually, it struck several nerves, some dealing with laptops and cases and some dealing with the Transportation Security Administration's inspections themselves.
A couple of readers noted that their agencies require them to hand-carry their laptops when traveling, so Walsh's personal solution of checking her 10-pound laptop with her baggage wouldn't work for them.
"Most government agencies' Rules of Behavior specify that you do not place your laptop in check baggage," commented one reader. "You're responsible for it."
Frank C also cited concerns over baggage handling. "I've traveled both domestically and internationally and will not pack my laptop in checked luggage simply based upon the fact that it may not be in your luggage when you pick it up at your destination," he wrote. "I had employees and peers relate incidents where they choose not to check a laptop and it simply disappeared. Maybe it was the make and model but most travelers tend not to sanitize their laptops when traveling. I would rather bear the inconvenience and know that my laptop is safe."
So maybe having an old, 10-pound laptop is a defense against theft while traveling – extra weight equals better portability!
Federal employees have another complicating factor. "You think you have it bad. Try multiplying your problem times two," wrote Tony. "Since fed employees are not allowed to utilize government equipment for personal use, I take my own laptop with me when I travel. Yes, I almost always get additional screening. I learn to arrive at the airport an hour before my flight."
Walsh recounted how colleague Will Winton switched from a traditional briefcase —whose top half blocked TSA's X-ray machines – to an X-ray friendly Solo CheckFast laptop bag from eBags.com, which can be placed butterfly style on the TSA conveyor belt.
"I recently switched from a briefcase to a backpack with a laptop pocket inside," wrote Tony in Albany, N.Y. "Much better. I can leave the top of the backpack open when approaching the security checkpoint, nothing falls out. A quick reach inside gets the laptop out for screening and the backpack holds everything else. Coming out the other side, the backpack slings over one shoulder leaving hands free for shoes, etc."
"From my experience (and some background in physics), the main problem with X-rays, [which] really triggers extra scrutiny, is the battery itself," wrote CS guy in Chicago. "The lithium is generally a questionable element. Cadmium does not help also. If you have an extra battery for your laptop, DO NOT forget to take it out and put it with the laptop. Leaving it in your handbag or carry-on (or checked in luggage even) is an invitation for more security checks. It is not the laptop. And for profiling: have your iPhone in your ears, and Vogue or Newsweek in your hand and you are good to go... profiling is just silly, it is subjective."
The right case helps, but apparently not always. "I have a bag that is supposed to be able to go right through security 'butterfly style'," wrote another reader. "It works at the major airports, but at Manchester, N.H., I had to take it out of the bag as usual, so this does not work at ALL airports."
And then there is the inspection experience itself.
"I travel about 65 working days a year. Each trip's pleasure includes a fun-filled trip through the TSA accommodations," wrote Karl Norco of California. "I consider this my value-added part of the experience. Other than finding, and confiscating less than three ounces of toothpaste in a family size container, my experience with the TSA has been useless. That is unless you consider the bag they ruined when I forgot to take my laptop from my carry-on bag one trip. Now that experience was unique. With all the travel I do, I don't really feel any safer with the TSA doing what it does. After watching what they do with my shoes, on the belt or in a container, I believe they'd be hard pressed to stop any misguided person from passing all sorts of things through their checkpoints."
Others raised the question of who is searched. "I think the real issue is the 'random' searches they pull, where someone wins the lottery and gets pulled aside for extra checks before getting onto the airplane," wrote Sarah. "It's stupid and does no good whatsoever. They are so afraid of profiling that I've seen them let six tough-looking Arab guys go though and then grab an 88+ year old white grandmother who could not even really hear them, and had no idea what was going on, to search. People in line got so angry, calling the TSA guys names and telling them to lay off, that they eventually just relented and let her go. What did that help? I'm sorry, but sometimes profiling works. Who is more likely to be a terrorist in that situation? If you play the numbers enough, odds are you will get a hit sometime, but not if you play them stupidly."
Derek in Colorado, while noting that he'd never had a problem with his laptop – "It's the spare batteries, data cables, charger, etc. that seem to call out attention" – echoed the concern about profiling. "I agree with Sarah," he wrote, "politically correct sensitivity to 'profiling' is stupid and counterproductive."
And finally, there are always the people who manage to avoid trouble. "I've never had a problem with my laptop at airport security," wrote Allen George. "I simply take it out of its travel bag and set it onto its own tray, then run that through the scanner ahead of the bag itself. Nothing bad has ever happened. I think that is what you are supposed to do, anyway."
"I'm with Allen," wrote Alan Arlington. "I remove the laptop from my laptop bag and set it in its own tray, perhaps with my BlackBerry beside it. The only issue I've had (since 9/11) was when an inspector noticed the laptop I was carrying had the PCMCIA doors removed, and was disturbed at the gaping cavity. Further inspection – partially – allayed his concerns."
About the Author
Kevin McCaney is a former editor of Defense Systems and GCN.
E-Mail this page
Printable Format
Old people also need to be scrutinized - possibly even more than normal. Just think about how easy it would be to convince a somewhat senile octogenarian that she dropped something that you wanted carried onto a plane. Perhaps something you didn't care to follow onto the plane...
On a recent flight I carried my iPad but had my big laptop in checked luggage. Because of a medical condition, I may have to take pills at any moment. Water may not always be convenient, so I carry a bottle of water with me. Most TSA agents accept my explanation and allow me to keep my water. On my most recent trip I was told that I could carry (opaque) orange juice, but not water. The agent insisted on taking my water and told me to buy (overpriced) water on the other side of the checkpoint. I asked if I could dump out the water and carry the empty bottle through the checkpoint, and then fill it from a water fountain. She said that there could still be some dangerous explosive residue in the bottle after pouring out the water. She would not explain how she could insure the innocence of an orange-colored fluid. I sure feel much safer now.
This is one area where being inconsistent, changing, and less than logical greatly enhances security through the unpredictable. And stuff that goes missing in the baggage? Shows that the baggage is really getting inspected. And I bet a WHOLE lot of stuff no one reports as "missing" ... wasn't exactly legal to transport in the first place.
TSA also worked diligently to ensure that the private Registered Traveler programs would fail. Whether this was due to a desire to prevent a contrast of their performance to a competitor with a desire to ensure a better customer experience or simply trying to preserve their monopoly that was issued by kneejerk legislative fiat, we'll never know.
The "cost" is only worthwhile if the countermeasures in question are driven by a relevant and updated threat model and selected from the range of tools and processes actually likely to mitigate the threat in question.
The shoe carnival going on at airports and many of the other processes in use by TSA seem almost satirically tuned to create the appearance of security, without drawing from the lessons of professionals who have addressed airline security with far higher sustained degrees of risk.
Many security professionals refer to the TSA's screening as "Security theatre" and for good reason. Uninformed members of the general public derive some comfort that the USG is "doing something." Too bad it's not as much about mitigating threats.
There's a real cost to doing things effectively, but TSA has not been willing to enter in a genuine public dialogue about that. There are places with real airline security - Israel is a real example. To emulate them would involve some measures that I'd consider onerous (such as checking bags the day before a flight), and yet, I'd probably resent it less, as I know that it would actually be time spent improving the security posture.
The use of behavior detection officers (BDO) is a relatively non-invasive tool, if and only if they are trained effectively.
Profiling according to a real threat model would probably go farther than anything else to accomplish what I suspect we all want. Instead, what we get is harassment of anglo (for the lack of a better term) students carrying Arabic language flashcards.
If we really want innovation, the USG should get out of the airline security business and allow the airlines to compete with measures that they deem appropriate, cost-effective and competitive. People flew for decades with no weapons screening and the world didn't end.
When a majority of states liberalized their weapons carry laws, mass carnage was predicted. Given the utter failure of such a situation to appear, I'd probably feel safer on an airline where people with concealed carry permits could fly with personal sidearms than the expensive, dilatory and condescending screening in which we find ourselves today.
Show All Comments
Advanced Search
8251 Greensboro Drive, Suite 510
McLean, VA 22102
© 2018 1105 Media, Inc.
8251 Greensboro Drive, Suite 510
McLean, VA 22102703-876-5100 © 1996-2017 1105 Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.


text:
The Walrus Says
Lola's first days of 2007 seemed bleak until Abby came along.
On New Year's Day at about 4 p.m.while visiting Mike Messenger on East Shore Rd. the boxer decided it was time for a solo walk.
Lola, a little over a year old, left the house near the toll plaza when no one was watching and headed out. When her absence was discovered, speculation was that she was perhaps trying to get home to Seaside Drive near Head's Beach, where she lives with Todd Messenger.
Mike called the police department to alert the officers in case someone spotted her and called in her location.
A short time later the police called back saying there had been a report of a dog fitting Lola's description being hit by a car on 138 west. The police could not say for sure if it was Lola because the canine had run off.
The Messinger family, including Mike, Todd, Karen, and Sherrie went to the area where Lola was last seen and searched in the pouring rain. No luck.
Karen called a family friend, LuAnn Botelho, who has a bloodhound search and rescue dog named Abby that is trained in tracking and trailing. Abby will be 2 in April and has been in training since she was a pup. Karen asked LuAnn if Abby could help in the search.
The next morning they went out to look for Lola but the scented item Abby was given was contaminated by something in Todd's automobile trunk. LuAnn asked for one of Lola's toys.
That afternoon the team headed out again. Within 15 minutes Abby had a good idea where Lola was hiding and led everyone to the boxer lying alongside the highway, cold, scared and hurt.
After a trip to the vet's it was determined that other than an injured but not broken leg Lola was going to make it into the new year.
Kudos to Abby for doing such a great job as a proud member of the Rhode Island K9 Response Team.
It was her first find.
Hannah Cordes as Anne Frank has the title role in the Jamestown Community Theatre's upcoming production of "Yours, Anne."
In the words of Artistic Director Mary S. Wright, the presentation,
to be staged the weekends of March 2 and 9, is a small musical based on "Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl."
"The renowned account of two Jewish families hidden in a cramped attic over a warehouse in Amsterdam during the Nazi occupation is now a haunting and compelling musical, and while it remains loyal to the story, it is enhanced by a most moving and lyrical score."
Others in the cast are Jeannie Spinosa as Edith Frank. Matt Bolles plays Otto Frank. Becky Brazil is Mrs. Van Dan. John Andrews is Mr. Dussel. Iris Bohensky plays Margot, and Michael Liebhauser is Peter Van Dan.
Also appearing are Camille Baker, Dana Larkin, Kelsey Donohue, Allie Brown, Raeshelle DeValerio, Danielle Brown, and Erin Brown.
The music director is Becky Brazil and the producer Joan Mc- Cauley. Assistant producers and director's assistants are Donna Gavin and Maria Liebhauser.
Erin Brown is stage manager and will handle props. She will be aided by Allie Brown, assistant stage manager. Danielle Brown is costume designer and Janet Grant, accompanist.
Lavinia Hammond celebrated her birthday Saturday with a dinner party for 13 guests at the home of her daughter, Alice Dunn. Lavinia was 85 on Jan. 5.
Dr. Joshua Hatch of the Jamestown Animal Clinic says that dogs get cold, too.
"The following tips are helpful for letting Fluffy enjoy his or her winter play. Although fur typically is a good insulator do not assume Fluffy isn't getting cold. If your pet shakes and shivers on cold days, then they may need a doggie sweater or coat. As the dog ages this may become more important and regardless of their size, many short-coated dogs are sensitive to the cold weather.
"To protect your dog's feet from the cold and chemical de-icers on sidewalks you can apply a layer of petroleum jelly to their foot pads. Whenever your pet returns from a walk or playing outside, make sure you wipe their paws clean of any residue and ice. It also helps to keep your pet's nails trimmed and clip the hair between their toes so ice and snow does not get stuck there.
"Long-haired breeds or thickcoated dogs typically are less susceptible to the cold but they can get ice and snow trapped under their fur and as it melts it will get them wet and start to make them cold. So, regardless of their size and appearance make sure to dry your pets off every time they come inside from the snow and cold."
Speaking of which, it's not too early to feed the Dawgz. They receive donations at P.O. Box 1776, Jamestown, RI 02835.
The Knights of Columbus Council 9197 of St. Mark Parish will be putting on one of its outstanding Ham and Bean Suppers on Saturday, Jan 20, in the church hall from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
The menu will include maple cured ham, Afonso's famous Jamestown style baked beans, home made corn bread, coleslaw, dessert and beverages.
Ticket prices are $8 for adults and $4 for children. There is no charge for children under 5. A family ticket is available for $20 which will cover dinner for two parents and three children, an $8 savings.
Tickets are available from any Knight or by calling Grand Knight Dave Nardolillo at 423-2413.
Also in Knights' news, the council reported that Katherine Martin was the first $50 winner of the 10/10 Club.
The club was established to fi- nance the replacement of the aging St. Mark organ.
There will be a $50 drawing each month for 10 months concluding with the final drawing on Oct. 7 of $1,000, $500, $300 and $200.
The club is presently sold out, but anyone who wishes to participate can sign up on the waiting list. It's estimated that it will take at least three additional clubs to cover the cost of the replacement.
You can discuss it with FS Anthony Travasono at 423-0268.
Boy Scout Troop 1 is off tomorrow for a weekend of skiing at Ragged Mountain in New Hampshire.
Making the trip are Scouts Jim Perry, Michael Brendlinger, Kyle Wright, Nick Fay, Ben Normand, Sal Morenzi, Nanthaniel Hopkins, Dan Bailey, Eric Archibald, and Jack Tregenza.
Webelos II Sam DiGasper of Cub Scout Pack 1 will also make the journey.
Adults going along are Mike Perry, John Keavey, Glenn Hopkins, Diane Archibald, and Jim Archibald.
Diane organized and made arrangements for the weekend.
*** The daffodils are up on our front lawn.
The Jamestown Fire Department Newsletter reports there are nine new recruits, all island residents, in the current Fire Academy Class. During December, training sessions included off-road vehicle extrication using the recently installed winch on Special Service 1 and the winch on Engine 2. There were also search and rescue drills, pump operations drills, and ladder drills.
January activities will include CPR and AED certification course sessions tonight and next Thursday. All trainees are required to attend and active members are urged to be there also.
An all-companies ice rescue and cold water rescue drill will be held January 25.
Stop by police headquarters and pick up a blue Payton plastic bracelet for $2. The money is being used to support the family of Payton Watson. She is the daughter of Sgt. Frank Watson of the Jamestown Police Department and his wife Liz (Goode) Watson.
Payton has been diagnosed with leukemia.
Rehearsals begin Monday for the Jamestown Community Chorus' new season that will culminate on May 5 and 6 with its spring concert titled "Going Home." It will celebrate our country's heritage with singing, dancing, and instrumentals.
Before then the chorus will participate in the second annual Rhode Island Festival Chorus, founded by the island chorus' Director B.J. Whitehouse. Five state choruses will perform on April 29 at the East Providence High School.
There are no auditions and experience is not necessary to be a member of this august group. For more information, call B.J. at 423- 1574 or visit www.jamestownri. com/chorus.
You know we've all lost it when now there's a pill on the market to help fat dogs take off weight.
Common sense tells us to feed the critters less and walk them more.
The pills are such a stupid idea, we'll bet Pfizer makes millions.
Wednesday is Ben Franklin's birthday.
*** Be true!
Call in your stuff for this column to 423-0383 or 829-2760. You can e-mail us at jtnwalrus@hotmail. com. or drop your items off at the Jamestown Press office.


text:
Student Life
Regis is a student-centered, diverse, and active community, providing students with the highest quality of support and education on all levels. The Office of Student Activities is here for students every step of the way, and our best piece of advice: get involved and stay involved.
With more than 25 student clubs and organizations, there really is no better way to stay active, meet new people, and try new things. And, on the off chance we don't have the club or activity you're most passionate about – you can start one of your own!
Living on campus provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to experience Regis beyond the classroom. Our residence halls are just steps away from classes, dining facilities, and the Library. From the moment you arrive on campus, you will notice that we are moving and shaking. A sweeping campus development plan has created a beautiful quadrangle for students, a dramatic new residence building, and a reimagined library for fall 2015


text:
New-look Victory heads into battle
OVERSEAS stars Alessandro Del Piero, Emile Heskey and Shinji Ono got all the headlines, but the biggest off-season signing in the A-League was not necessarily a player.
Melbourne Victory showed nothing other than success was acceptable last season when it dumped two coaches in quick time, before it went for the best in Brisbane Roar mentor Ange Postecoglou.
But the former Melburnian wasted no time showing he thought the problem had not been at the top, sacking a host of the club's top players including just crowned player-of-the-year Ante Covic.
Also shown the door were long-time servant Grant Brebner, veterans Tom Pondeljak and Rodrigo Vargas, imports Fabio and Jean Carlos Solorzano and fan favourite Carlos Hernandez.
Throw in the fact Socceroos star Harry Kewell has returned to England to be with his wife's ill mother, and Victory fans at tonight's season opener against cross-town rival the Melbourne Heart may be excused for wondering whether they are watching the right team.
It has not been all bad news, of course.
Postecoglou pulled off a coup by signing former Adelaide attacking midfielder Marco Flores, who was the best player in the competition two seasons ago before transferring to Chinese club Henan Jianye for a reported $2.4 million over three years.
He should provide plenty of spark in the front third and could form a potent combination with livewire Kiwi attacker Marco Rojas.
Despite clearly being underused last season, the All White is a constant threat with the ball at his feet and will no doubt be given more opportunities by Postecoglou.
Speaking ahead of the season kick-off tonight, Postecoglou said given the changes he did not expect a faultless performance against the Heart.
"Obviously, we've made a lot of changes, not only in personnel but in the way we train and the way we play," he said.
"Having a derby first-up is fantastic, but tonight is just our starting point. Our ambition is to improve on anything we do tonight."
Despite the Heart finishing above the Victory last season, experts are expecting that scenario to be reversed this time around despite the signing of winger Richard Garcia, who has spent the past 13 years in England - the last five of those with Hull City.
Former Socceroo star John Aloisi has taken the reins at the Heart and may find things are tougher off the pitch than on it.
Star player Josip Skoko does not buy into that, saying he expects the club will again improve in its third season in the competition.
"Things that weren't perhaps right in the first year, got better in the second and it looks like in the third year now, the team is stronger again," Skoko said.
"I think anything less than a finals berth again this year will be a disappointment."


text:
Published by: Donne Jordan
Resolution: 3200x1800px
Category: Chair, More >>
Published at: Friday, February 09 2018 22:37:51
Make sure that the office chair that you will choose is capable of supporting the lower back as well as the users spine. If you can afford to, its best to go for ergonomic chairs because it is especially designed to give safety and maximum comfort. Be on the lookout for chairs that have the most adjustable features, but as a warning, do not choose office chairs that are way too comfortable. You do not want to see your employees getting too relaxed to the point that their chairs will make them fall asleep do you? Not to mention that they are taking a nap during office hours, at your expense.
The most common type of chairs are sofa table with chairs. Almost every home has at least a upholstered side chair, and they are mainly found in the living room in linen wingback chair. There are also smaller version that can be found in bedrooms. Some variants of these are wooden chairs with arms, rattan arm chairs, leather slipper chair or antique wingback chair, but they all look pretty similar. The second most common type of reclining chaise lounge chair are small lounge chair. You find them surrounding your dining room table. They are also available in different shapes, sizes, material and designs. You can opt for the backless dining chair, or a eames side chair with a comfortable upholstery.


text:
One of the oldest matchmaking services providing Viola personals to the area. Matchmaker specializes in helping singles in the Viola personals area find that special someone. Whether you are seeking a serious relationship or marriage; matchmaker.com can help you today. Our Viola personals service provides the latest in dating services to help you meet Viola single men and Viola single women. Create a free singles ad and start dating online, its easy!
ViolaJoin Now Free!
Viola Girls | Viola Men | Viola Gay | Viola Lesbians
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
More Viola Links:
Viola Dating | Viola Speed Dating | Viola Chat | Viola Singles | Viola Love
Senior Dating | Catholic Dating | Christian Dating | Muslim Dating
Black Singles | Asian Singles | Latin Dating
Specializing in Viola personals services for the past ten years and helping Viola singles find that special someone has helped matchmaker become one of the best online destinations. Our cupid matchmaking service allows you to receive email updates when new members that match your preferences join out Viola dating service. Find the best Viola classifieds and Viola personals when joining our online dating service today!


text:
MONTREAL - For many years now, it's been longtime Montreal music writer Juan Rodriguez's job to witness the parade of rock and other music and then share his opinion, and as his seven-part memoir confirms, he's never short of those. We've teased out a few highlights from the series, which continues every week through March 1. Enjoy.
Check back for more highlights on Feb. 15.


text:
Thursday, 08 August 2013
August 8, 2013
- Article Details
Alabama: Black lawmakers say new Ala. districts violate VRA; court case begins Thursday
California: Former Calif. lawmaker wants top-two system for presidential primaries | Lawyer in Voting Rights Act cases seeks to stop Palmdale elections | Kern County promotes voting with 'Do it for Them' campaign
Connecticut: Dems on course for primary
Florida: Voter purges will be part of best practices report to presidential commission | Ruling revives Florida review of voting rolls | Elections office wooing Pasco school parents | Duval County elections chief weighs in on local, state voting issues
Indiana: Hancock County latest to adopt vote centers
Mississippi: Hinds special election funding remains up in the air | Required funding of Hinds County elections remains unresolved
Montana: ACLU files lawsuit over Wolf Point voting district
New Jersey: No-show witnesses slow Parsippany primary challenge
New Mexico: Photo ID now required to vote in Rio Rancho
North Carolina: Legislature's election bill means new machines, less early voting | Elections office makes its move | NAACP calls for voter registration drive to counter new voter ID law | Elections officials prep for voter bill changes | Luke Eggers nominated for elections board | Absentee voters: Make sure those ballots are postmarked | State BOE denies appeal; one early voting site to be open for primary
Ohio: Legislators propose ending February and August special elections to cut local costs
Oklahoma: Election board secretary receives national certification
Oregon: County clerk's authority ignored--and may make it more difficult for voters
Pennsylvania: Workers at Berks polls gird for voter ID | Commissioners look to relocate polling stations | Poll workers: An endangered species in Bucks County? | Two Clearfield Borough polling sites may change
South Carolina: County election director's salary set at $49,500 per year
South Dakota: Push for satellite voting centers intensifies
Texas: Burnet County officials gear up for new Texas voter ID law | Few residents getting free voter ID cards | Vote centers given green light for November | Photo IDs will be required to vote, starting in the fall
Washington: Elections officials say Tuesday primary's low-low turnout is product of 'off-off year'
Wednesday, 07 August 2013
August 7, 2013
- Article Details
Arizona: Cardon running for secretary of state | Phoenix City Clerk named 2013 clerk of the year
California: Lancaster weighs voting options at town hall
Connecticut: Same day voter registration makes its debut in this years November elections
Florida: Lee County elections supervisor tapped for presidential task force on voting practices | Majority of Jax City council backs moving elections center | Supervisor of elections office debate costing thousands | Elections supervisor outlines proposed voting changes in Brooksville | 9 Investigates Florida's voter purge | Brooksville to have a single polling place for residents
Iowa: Moritz: A year later, still no names in alleged voter fraud | Voting program gets $200K payback
Louisiana: Orleans board of supervisors of elections moves to temporary space in courthouse basement
Massachusetts: Worcester tells voters when, where, but not who to vote for
Michigan: Jammed voting machine, entrance confusion leads to frustration at Detroit polling location | High auto insurance rates have surprising effect on Detroit voter population | Detroit elections director speaks about primary | City exploring future election options | Voter turnout low, poll workers playing Sudoku
Minnesota: Group that pushed for voter ID pleads for cash | Rep. Steve Simon running for secretary of state
Mississippi: Hinds supervisors' decision on paying election costs in limbo | Hinds election impasse remains
New Jersey: Gloucester County budget braces for $900K hit for special election tab
New York: Elections to be easier for voters with an app | Staten Islander Mike Ryan to take helm of NYC BOE
North Carolina: McCrory to sign or not sign controversial elections bill?
Ohio: Portage County elections board goes Twittering
Pennsylvania: Voter ID law likely won't be enforced in Nov. 5 general election | Casey knock Supreme Court and voter ID laws on voting rights anniversary
South Carolina: Public hearing set about Franklin County voting precinct consolidation proposal
South Dakota: Organization files complaint with civil rights division over satellite voting | Shannon County voting rights case dismissed | State cited in federal election complaint
Texas: Election volunteers begin training on new voter ID requirements
Tuesday, 06 August 2013
August 6, 2013
- Article Details
Alabama: Groups highlight voting rights law in Alabama
California: San Mateo County asks residents to weigh in on redistricting | Election lawsuits spreading across state
Connecticut: Registrar's canvas removes 1400 voters from the rolls | Registrar of voters busy | West Hartford special subcommittee working to solve voting problems
Florida: Jacksonville City Council panels go 2 ways over Duval elections warehouse
Kansas: Brownback hesitant to weigh in on voter registration problems
Mississippi: Stokes: County shouldn't pay legally mandated election costs
Missouri: Election officials remind voters of changes at the polls
Ohio: Provisional ballots, ID voting rules extended | 30 officers allegedly violated election law | Summit County approves new polling locations for September | Hamilton Co. board to discuss police voter registration | Board gives cops, other voters a reprieve
Pennsylvania: Voter ID update | Bucks County short nearly 200 poll workers for election
Texas: San Jacinto County reminds voters photo ID is required
Virginia: City voter registrar staff to visit local libraries
Monday, 05 August 2013
August 3-5, 2013
- Article Details
California: Senator pushes voting reform | Curtis kicks off campaign for secretary of state
Colorado: Voter fraud worries growing; election-day switches feared
Connecticut: Dem primary in Torrington would cost $13K
Florida: Renewed 'scrub' of Florida voter list has elections officials on edge | Governor to launch new purge of Fla. voter rolls | SOE site process 'out of control' | Santa Rosa County to launch voter info website
Georgia: Board eliminates two voting precincts
Idaho: Early voting starts soon for Canyon County consolidation election
Illinois: Little changes expected in online voter registration
Iowa: Revised voter registration forms now available
Kentucky: Ex-judge, 5 others out of prison in vote fraud case
Michigan: Clerk consolidates precincts to cut election costs | Former Cadillac City clerk reprising role for August election | Absent voter law: Ann Arbor complies early | Detroit election officials preparing for a long, complicated primary night | Suit filed over Detroit's election inspectors
Mississippi: Will Hattiesburg trial lead to election changes?
Montana: Bozeman to consider paying for special election to fund Gallatin College
New Jersey: Ridgewood prepares for special election | Lawyers want Parsippany primary votes tossed, point to losing clerk candidate's involvement | Special election will cost New Jersey voters, but how much? | New Jersey ballot dated and unfair, critics say
North Carolina: Higher-education experts critical of N.C. voter ID bill | Lawsuits expected over major NC voting changes | Election to replace Watt could cost more than seven figure
Ohio: Putnam Co. BOE members protest potential firings | Portage elections board launches Twitter account | Officers used police station addresses for voting
Pennsylvania: Costs of defending Pa. voter ID law undetermined | Cost of voter ID defense an open question
Rhode Island: No criminal charges will be presses in Gemma voter fraud claims
South Dakota: Gant still wants federal advice on SD voting sites
Texas: Voter registrar office moving | Wilco vote centers approved for Nov. 5 election | Military voter program needs further review
Wisconsin: Wisconsin Rapids leaders to consider voting machine purchase
Friday, 02 August 2013
August 2, 2013
- Article Details
Arizona: Horne to panel: OK voter proof | Election officials stick to guns on demanding proof-of-citizenship
California: Humboldt County embraces new system for election transparency
Georgia: Voters turn out to oppose closing of one of the county's smallest precincts
Illinois: Kane County judge to hear elections lawsuit
Indiana: Floyd County clerk accepts new position
Maryland: Vote fraud indictments underscore need for tougher laws, Republicans say | Bohanan urges Lexington Park early voting place
Michigan: Washtenaw County clerk says portions of Michigan's recall law is unconstitutional | Final tally in Detroit could take up to two weeks, clerk's office says | Detroit elections officials prepare poll workers for write-ins
Mississippi: Ware v. DuPree juror says intimidation led to mistrial
New Jersey: Paperwork filed to continue sheriff's race recount | County to receive $1.2M-plus for special elections | Testimony will expose illegal Parsippany primary votes, lawyers say | West Deptford changes polling station for special election | Absentee ballots in Parsippany council race challenged
New York: County executive calls for BOE's Knapp to step down
North Carolina: Bill expected to impact county voters
Oregon: Oregon state elections director Stephen Trout resigns | Elections director resigns as Brown remakes her staff
Pennsylvania: Voter ID's fate now in judge's hands | Closing arguments mark conclusion of Pa. voter ID case | Pa. officials willing to extend temporary block on voter ID
Rhode Island: Registrar appointment sparks cronyism debate
South Carolina: Panel cites experience in choice for Smalls for elections position | More space sought for voter registrar's office
South Dakota: Gant defers to empty election panel
Texas: New photo ID voter law in effect | Wilco vote centers approved for Nov. 5 election
Utah: Early voting not exactly taking off in Weber, Davis counties
Thursday, 01 August 2013
August 1, 2013
- Article Details
Alabama: Jim Bennett takes oath of office as secretary of state
Arizona: Horne threatens lawsuit over voter registration | State pushing again to demand proof-of-citizenship
California: DA's office stepping up election fraud investigations
Colorado: Cash-strapped Pueblo Co. asks state to pay for recall; Gessler instead explains the law
Idaho: Whitman County elections officials trying to get ballots in voters' hands|
Illinois: Quinn defends Lake County election board decision | Pingree Grove Village board wants more space for voters at the polls | DeKalb County clerk and recorder announces resignation
Indiana: Having their say on voting in Clark County | Possible new Clark County voting centers
Iowa: Voter registration sees some changes | Denison woman accused of voter registration fraud
Kansas: Dems want to re-examine voting laws
Kentucky: Ex-judge, 5 others may be released from prison
Louisiana: Terrebonne voters may have a new place to vote
Maryland: Voter fraud charges in Md. gets reaction from Afzali
Michigan: Canvassers to check primary write-in spellings | Winners of Detroit mayoral primary may not be determined for days
Montana: Mail-in election recommended
New Hampshire: Poll shows support for voter ID law
New Jersey: Schools won't be used for Senate primary voting
New York: Back to work for elections chief facing charges | Amid charges comes concern about voter confidence
North Carolina: Petition calls on McCrory to veto voter ID bill | AG Cooper: Voting changes could cost NC millions | Voter ID bill draws praise from Jackson, disdain from Bell | County officials react to voter bill
Pennsylvania: Dispute delays voter ID trial | Judge weighs last-minute request to dismiss voter ID lawsuit | Final tallies expected next week in Hazleton Area special election
Rhode Island: State Police close investigation into 2012 voter fraud
South Carolina: Three finalists in the running for election director
South Dakota: SD board defers stand on Indian voting stations | Indian voting centers not approved by state elections
Tennessee: County voting machines get software upgrade
Texas: Burnet Co. elections administrator observes Albanian procedures
Wisconsin: County looks to cost share on voting machines | New voting machines coming to village of Dane | Minor violations found at area voting locations
Wednesday, 31 July 2013
July 31, 2013
- Article Details
Alabama: Hearing set for changes in voting locations | Voting Rights Act resolution doesn't get vote | Bennett to take oath as secretary of state
California: Judge OKs lawsuit over alleged voting discrimination in Anaheim
Colorado: Gessler won't pay for election
Florida: Pinellas elections office to sent 1,800 voters new information cards
Illinois: Illinois prepares for online voter registration | Lake County sues state over voter law
Indiana: Clark County election board considers switch to vote centers | Ex-Ind. elections chief sues defense lawyer
Kansas: Dems want to take stab at amending proof-of-citizenship law
Louisiana: Orleans Parish elections supervisor still locked out of City Hall
Maryland: Two Md. women accused of using dead moms' names on ballots | Residents, officials urge early voting site in Damascus | Woman charged with voting fraud
Michigan: SOS website lets you check out your ballot online
Mississippi: Bryant will fight federal preclearance in state elections | Courtroom drama unfolds in Hattiesburg election fraud case, mistrial declared
Missouri: County clerk's office gears up for Aug. 6 special election
New Jersey: Date set for Parsippany primary challenge hearing | Local politicians sound off on special election
New York: New York vows to provide Bengali ballots after lawsuit filed | Election investigation timeline | Vote to make Staten Islander next BOE chief fails by one | Chief's charges rock Dutchess: 94 counts filed against election official | NYC BOE has been without an executive director for three years
North Carolina: Voting changes roll out in 2014, 2016 | Additional Forsyth County early voting sites denied
Pennsylvania: Judge in Pa. voter ID trial holds private hearing | Lawyers spar over voter ID law in court | State ends testimony in voter ID case
Rhode Island: No charges following voter fraud probe
South Dakota: Three S.D. tribes ask for voting offices in 2014 election | Tribes want polls closer to where they live
Texas: Prairie View A&M students demand on-campus voting
Washington: Elections dump controversial ballot-tracker system
Tuesday, 30 July 2013
July 30, 2013
- Article Details
Colorado: County asks state for recall funds
Connecticut: Primary costs in Middletown could cost up to $35K
Florida: Wrong ballots sent in St. Pete's primary | Wilcox identifies 8,500 'inactive' voters
Illinois: Illinois online voter registration to be in place next July | White questions voter policies
Iowa: Libertarian Jake Porter will run for Iowa secretary of state
Kentucky: New trial date set on vote fraud charge
Louisiana: Elections administrator says board was ousted from City Hall offices
Mississippi: Canton appoints new election commission | Both sides rest in Ware v. DuPree election trial
Montana: Montana Native Vote cleared in election day charge
New Jersey: Some polling places moving for primary | Glen Rock superintendent asks election board to relocate polling places
New York: Election board pick could help Bloomberg stop override of NYPD bill veto
North Carolina: Elections board to evaluate early voting request | State board denies expunged voters' appeal | Felon accused of voting in 2012 election
Ohio: Voter training for BMV workers proposed | Poll worker sentenced for illegal voting
Oklahoma: Elections board announces promotions and new hire
Pennsylvania: Voter ID trial slated to resume Tuesday | Case ponders balancing voter ID law against voters' rights
Rhode Island: Mollis plans to run for lieutenant governor
South Carolina: Some Greenwood residents have a new voting location
Texas: Obama pledges to keep up fight on voting rights, including in Texas | Secretary of state approves WilCo to use vote centers
Vermont: Vt. allows voter registration during insurance buy
Monday, 29 July 2013
July 27-29, 2013
- Article Details
Colorado: Colorado online voter system could play role in future recall elections
Connecticut: Registrar reduction on Hartford horizon | Duleep expands access to registrar's office as primary approaches | Berlin implements emergency plan for upcoming election days
Florida: Tommy Hardee: There' no off-year in the supervisor of elections office
Georgia: Former Columbia county director of elections dies
Guam: GEC makes FY14 budget request
Illinois: Quinn signs bill allowing online voter registration in Illinois | White backs online voter registration
Louisiana: Lawsuit claimed as reason more voters registering
Maryland: Misdemeanor convicts mistakenly struck from voter rolls
Michigan: Michigan law could lead to fewer recall elections
Minnesota: New technology to be tested at Minn. electoral polls
Mississippi: Plaintiff rests following testimony alleging voter fraud | Tensions high: Ware's team rests its case | Jurors given much to ponder in Ware v. DuPree
New Jersey: Somerset Hills towns prep for Senate primary
New York: Felony conviction means loss of civil rights, some able to get them back | Camden officials unsuccessful in reversing polling site location change
North Carolina: Major voting changes will reshape elections | Voter ID bill raises controversy in North Carolina | North Carolina's college students are in cross hairs of voter ID bill | Elections bill draws mixed reactions locally | New Hanover County plans for upcoming municipal elections | OC early voting sites chosen | Lee elections office adjusting to changes | NAACP ready to take legal action against voter ID
Pennsylvania: Balancing voter ID law against voters' rights | At trial, dueling estimates on voters who lack ID | Closing arguments expected in voter ID trial
South Carolina: November 2013 election expected to be costliest ever
Texas: Commissioners consider elections administrator | Military voter program needs further review by commissioners | Holder adds to voting rights debate for Texans
Virginia: Big changes coming for Prince William County voters | Online voter registration wins thumbs up from local registrar | SBE now has online training program | Virginia elections board offers online voter registration drive training for third parties
Washington: AutoMARK voting machines to be available for Thurston County primary
Wisconsin: Bernier: Voter ID likely back on tap for Legislature
Friday, 26 July 2013
July 26, 2013
- Article Details
Alabama: AG says state ready for DOJ challenge to voter ID law
Alaska: State seeks new voter registration system | Voting map submitted, language lawsuit filed
California: Riverside gets creative in voter registration and early voting efforts
Illinois: Locals educated on voter registration laws
Kansas: Kansas voting laws could face DOJ scrutiny
Kentucky: Clerk files ethics complaint against Grimes
Louisiana: Federal judge to hear Baton Rouge voting rights case Friday
Maryland: New district plan worries Berlin
Mississippi: Ware among witnesses called in day two of testimony | 375 absentee ballots called illegal in Hattiesburg election
Nebraska: Bellevue special election will mean greater expense for Sarpy County
New Hampshire: Hassan vetoes changes to absentee ballot processing
New Jersey: State to reimburse county for special elections | Fall's heavy election schedule has officials scrambling | Council opposes Oct. election | Special elections pose costly questions in Montclair | Candidate sues to change Atlantic County ballot
New York: McDonough seeks $5M following voter fraud case | Former Silver aide will be BOE enforcer
North Carolina: North Carolina first to tighten voting laws after ruling | Voter ID bill, proposed system overhaul prompts protest in Wilmington | Senate approves voter ID bill | Elections officials split on voter ID bill | Voting changes head to governor | Widespread voter fraud not an issue in NC, data shows | Protest at Wilmington city hall targets voting bill
North Dakota: Another warrant issues in voter fraud case
Pennsylvania: Expert rebuts Pa. voter ID claims | State to call more witnesses in voter ID trial | Union says more than 35K voters disenfranchised in November
South Carolina: Columbia election will cost up to $71K more than budgeted
Tennessee: Forrest Hill Community Center to again be used as polling precinct | Davidson election commission delays vote on move
Texas: Feds seek new scrutiny of Texas election laws | A guide to voting rights lawsuits in Texas | Local leaders react to impending court action on voting | Jeff Co. voters could soon cast ballots at any polling location
Utah: N. Ogden council OKs poll workers after debate
Virginia: Online voter registration 'good' for county
Wisconsin: Windsor, DeForest to purchase new election equipment


text:
As far as know that the format for pix static command is :static (dmz,inside) 192.168.2.10 192.168.101.210 dns netmask 255.255.255.255 0 0
static (dmz,inside) 192.168.2.11 192.168.101.211 dns netmask 255.255.255.255 0 0
static (highSecurity, lowSecurity) lowip highip
but in the configuration that I have got in the quote above (we have got different format)!!!Any clue ?
Edited: I found the solution


text:
I'm not online on ICQ so often anymore... I'm almost not online at all...
Working on your Hatebreed and Sick of It All. Check the thread in 10 minutes.
What were the two visitor messages you deleted in my profile?
Yeah, of course.
Oh, Jesus Christ
What ever dude That important Brothers Of OFFSPRING ! hahaha
I strongly believe that it is not about the nation of a person, It's about personality, your view, your heart and something ethic like that. There's an idiom we mostly use in Turkish " Önce insan olsun " that means "Must be a human, firstly."
hmm not so much. but my uncle lives in köln
The cultures are melting on world right now, so in a multicultural world, it's normal to having a punk/metal music listener people on each country. So Turkey has got too much punk/metal fans =)
thx =) My ancestors is a Turk. But i dont care. We are human =)
previously 0r4ng3
sold out
Junior Member
Senior Member
Off with her head


text:
Orlando Bloom, Selena Gomez, & More Support Malala Yousafzai in Her Fight for Education Equality
Selena Gomez, Orlando Bloom, and more are featured in this eye opening video for the We Are Silent campaign to support Malala Yousafzai in her fight to bring education to all women around the world.
Jennifer Hudson, Seth Rogen, J. Cole, Hannah Simone, Clive Owen, Edward Norton, Shay Mitchell, Joe Jonas, Martin Sheen, Reggie Watts, Big Sean, and Evanna Lynch all lend their voices to the campaign, which will promote going silent on April 17 for 24 hours for the millions of girls around the world facing poverty, exploitation and the denial of their right to education.
Find out more information, and read about Malala's story over at Free the Children.


text:
In the real world, you rarely need to know about only a portion of a set of data. If you want to look at data from a more complex angle, you'll need to use multivalued parameters.
This article demonstrates an approach for integrating multivalued parameters with SQL Server stored procedures. It takes advantage of table-valued parameters (TVPs), a new feature in SQL Server 2008. You can download the code by clicking the link at the top of this article. In the .zip file, you'll find a SQL Server 2008 folder that contains the sample code. You'll also need to download and install the AdventureWorksDW2008 database.
To get the database visit Microsoft's download site. Click the link to download the SQL2008.AdventureWorks_DW_BI_v2008 database based on the targeted hardware platform. By default, the Windows Installer package will place the AdventureWorksDW2008 backup file (AdventureWorksDW2008.bak) in the Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\100\Tools\Samples. Use SQL Server Management Studio to restore the backup file to create the AdventureWorksDW2008 database.
Parsing Parameter Values
You can define report parameters to filter data, connect related reports, and vary report presentation in reporting Services. Since SQL Server 2005, SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) has supported multivalued parameters to let the end user select multiple input parameters or values for reports. For example, the user could choose both United States and United Kingdom to generate a report that shows data from both countries. When a report parameter is configured as a multivalued parameter, Reporting Services automatically generates a comma-delimited string of the input values and passes the string to the report query. To work with a multivalued parameter in the report query, you must append an IN operator to the query WHERE clause of the SELECT statement. This works just fine when you use a freeform SQL statement in your report data set.
But what if you need to pass multiple values to a stored procedure? In the SQL Server 2005 release of Reporting Services, you needed to parse the comma-delimited string in the stored procedure to extract the parameter values. Comma-delimited parameter strings are difficult to implement and debug, but one of the SQL Server 2008's new features is table-valued parameters (TVPs). TVPs provide a built-in mechanism to send multiple rows of data to a stored procedure as a single parameter. This eliminates the text parsing code and simplifies working with multivalued parameters in stored procedures.
The Sales by Territory 2008 report in Figure 1 demonstrates how you can use the TVP feature to send a multivalued parameter to a stored procedure. This report uses the Reporting Services 2008 chart region, which has been greatly enhanced in this release. One of the new chart features illustrated is plotting empty points—the red crosses for the Pacific territory indicate that there's no data for this territory before July 2003.
As a prerequisite for using TVPs, you need to create a user-defined table type. The DDL.SQL script in the SQL Server 2008 folder, shown in Listing 1, includes the TerritoryType user-defined table data type and the uspGetSalesByTerritory2008 stored procedure.
CREATE TYPE \[dbo\].\[TerritoryType\] AS TABLE ( \[TerritoryKey\] \[int\] NOT NULL, \[TerritoryName\] \[nvarchar\](50) NOT NULL ) GO CREATE PROCEDURE \[dbo\].\[uspGetSalesByTerritory2008\] ( @CalendarYear int, @Territory TerritoryType READONLY ) AS BEGIN SET NOCOUNT ON; SELECT ST.SalesTerritoryGroup AS TerritoryGroup, D.FullDateAlternateKey AS \[Date\], SUM(FRS.SalesAmount) AS ResellerSalesAmount FROM DimDate AS D INNER JOIN FactResellerSales AS FRS ON D.DateKey = FRS.OrderDateKey INNER JOIN DimSalesTerritory AS ST ON FRS.SalesTerritoryKey = ST.SalesTerritoryKey INNER JOIN @Territory AS T ON ST.SalesTerritoryKey = T.TerritoryKey WHERE (D.CalendarYear = @CalendarYear) GROUP BY ST.SalesTerritoryGroup, D.FullDateAlternateKey END
The CREATE TYPE statement creates the TerritoryType TVP. The TerritoryType table defines two columns. The TerritoryKey column will store the territory identifier. The TerritoryName column is for the territory name. Strictly speaking, the TerritoryName column isn't needed, but I've included it for reference and it's always a best practice to document as you go, which is what I did by including the TerritoryName column in the TVP.
The CREATE PROCEDURE statement creates the uspGetSalesByTerritory2008 stored procedure, which takes the @CalendarYear and @TerritoryType TVPs as arguments. You'll notice that you don't need any code for parsing the parameter values because they're readily available within the TVP. To restrict the query data, you can simply join the SalesTerritory table to the TerritoryType TVP as you would join a regular table.
Designing the Report Query
Once the stored procedure is in place, you can design a report query to use it. Reporting Services doesn't support TVPs natively, but you can use an expression-based query to generate statements to load the stored procedure parameters and execute the stored procedure. Listing 2 shows what the statements should look like if the user selects year 2004 and North America and Pacific territories.
DECLARE @CalendarYear int = 2004 DECLARE @Territory TerritoryType insert into @Territory values (1, 'North America') insert into @Territory values (9, 'Pacific') EXECUTE \[dbo\].\[uspGetSalesByTerritory2008\] @CalendarYear, @Territory
Using this syntax, I added the GetQuery function shown in Listing 3 to the Code tab in the report properties.
Public Function GetQuery(ByVal calendarYear As Integer, ByVal values As Object(), ByVal labels As String()) As String Dim sb As New System.Text.StringBuilder() sb.AppendLine(\[String\].Format("DECLARE @CalendarYear int = \{0\}", calendarYear)) sb.AppendLine("DECLARE @Territory TerritoryType") For i As Integer = 0 To values.Length - 1 sb.AppendLine(\[String\].Format("insert into @Territory values (\{0\}, '\{1\}')", values(i), labels(i))) Next sb.AppendLine("EXECUTE \[dbo\].\[uspGetSalesByTerritory2008\] @CalendarYear,@Territory") Return sb.ToString() End Function
Next, I changed the report data set to use the following expression-based query:
=Code.GetQuery (Parameters!CalendarYear.Value, Parameters!Territory.Value, Parameters!Territory.Label)
At run time, this expression calls the GetQuery function and passes the parameter values. The selected values of the Territory parameter will be passed as an object array and the labels will be passed as a string array. GetQuery uses a StringBuilder object to construct the required T-SQL statements. First, it declares the CalendarYear parameter. Next, it loops through the input values of the Territory parameter and generates T-SQL code to insert the selected territories into the TerritoryType TVP. Finally, it appends a statement to execute the stored procedure and pass the parameters. Because the GetQuery method only performs string manipulation, the default .NET Code Access Security Execution permission is sufficient for the GetQuery method to execute successfully.
Related Reading:


text:
LN's MODS (Moderators)
Posted April 10, 2012 - 09:00 PM
Of course, they must have the necessary qualities to qualify as mod, but the detail that I mentioned being one of the most important cause honestly I can't tell you enough, how many times (seems pretty much just about every day) there is not ONE single mod online, none. Now thankfully, I can't say that I've seen too much bad going on where there always needs to be someone there, but at the same time, I don't think it's right either that so much time goes on consistently where there are no mods whatsoever online at all. Are you willing to do anything about this or is it really not worth it at all?
Posted April 10, 2012 - 09:42 PM
Based on what I've seen here the last 4 years I've been on these forums, activity is generally at a high whenever it's gameday (especially when the game is on), early morning (9ish), or during the afternoon. Late night (usually after 11pm PST), there isn't much activity on the boards unless there is some big news happening or a rumor that has us all up checking for updates.
For the most part, I think the moderators, RD and myself do a decent job of covering the forums for any problems that might pop up. Most of us are based out here in California, but RD is in a different timezone and netlord is on the other side of the world. We do a fairly decent job of covering the forums timezone-wise, but I see your point. We can't be on all the time, and we all have our lives off the forums.
Worst case scenario would be that something becomes really out of hand and we're not here. In that case, just shoot a PM to any of us and we'll get on it as soon as we can. Aside from a few new members that had joined in the last few months, we haven't had any real issues in a long while.
Posted April 10, 2012 - 09:46 PM
Now thankfully, I can't say that I've seen too much bad going on where there always needs to be someone there
Kind of answers it don't you think? I spend most of each day on here and don't really see any continual disruptive behaviour that warrants a mod to be online 24/7. Just my thoughts.
Posted April 10, 2012 - 09:48 PM
- Cookie likes this
Props to sidthekid871
Posted April 10, 2012 - 09:58 PM
Posted April 11, 2012 - 12:23 AM
Someone like MDI or J-Hizzle.
& Cano what made you start this thread?
5 Letters... 'YMCMB'
Posted April 11, 2012 - 05:44 AM
My past experiences is whenever there's something serious to deal with, one of them takes care of it the same day.
They're not CIA government automated bot programs with word recognition systems. They're people who volunteer time.
This isn't directed at anyone but:
I bet it would make their duties more efficient if users would share some of the weight and act in a support role by,
1. Not posting content that is offensive themselves and expect a degree of leniency because "everyone knows me and that I'm just playing". And even though this may be true to a certain extent it still requires the mods time to investigate and go through their process.
2. After one posts something wrong and the mods/admins take actions to fix it, that same poster should stop the smart remarks back to them for doing what they're supposed to do thus wasting more of their time.
3. If active users could or would report threads to mods that were truly offensive to assist the mods it would expedite their process. But I'm assuming mods get complaints and reports on anything and everything. Some that are important and others that are not. Which of course takes more time.
- L.A.K.E.R and Hero like this
Posted April 11, 2012 - 06:17 AM
hehe, i just work a lot, usually make it on here at least once to twice a day to check out new content, but i simply don't have time for more now as much as i'd like to be on here as much as i used to be. don't get to post as much as i'd like, spend most of the time reading threads
Posted April 11, 2012 - 09:59 AM
Trust me, it has nothing to do with that. I've just been thinking about this for a while cause like I said, I so consistently see no mods whatsoever online for long periods of time.
& Cano what made you start this thread?
I'm pretty sure you're being sarcastic, but I just wanna' be sure cause that is far from any truth whatsoever.
we get it chicano, you hate us...
Posted April 11, 2012 - 12:39 PM
Posted April 11, 2012 - 01:03 PM
Posted April 11, 2012 - 01:29 PM
Posted April 11, 2012 - 02:04 PM
Posted April 11, 2012 - 02:06 PM
Posted April 11, 2012 - 03:08 PM
The North Remembers
Posted April 11, 2012 - 04:05 PM
Posted April 11, 2012 - 04:27 PM
The North Remembers
Posted April 11, 2012 - 05:22 PM
Posted April 11, 2012 - 06:53 PM
Tell your admins/owners to be more active.
Online every single day, more than a lot of our members. Same with L.A.K.E.R.
Posted April 11, 2012 - 07:23 PM
0 user(s) are reading this topic
0 members, 0 guests, 0 anonymous users


text:
By Christine Murray
LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's competition watchdog is looking into government information technology contracts to probe whether the largest companies win too great a share of the work.
The Office of Fair Trading asked suppliers and purchasers of IT services on Wednesday for information on how the market is structured and barriers to entry for smaller firms.
The action could lead to a market study into the industry, possibly resulting in a referral to the competition commission or a request for voluntary action from companies and state bodies. If the OFT finds firms have broken the law, it could launch competition enforcement proceedings against them.
The top five IT suppliers to Britain's public sector are HP, Capita, CapGemini, Fujitsu and BT, the OFT said.
The biggest supplier, HP, runs the government's Defence Information Infrastructure, one of Europe's largest IT infrastructure projects. Capgemini and Fujitsu are focused on central government and BT works extensively across local authorities.
Capita, one of two British companies on the list, is better-known for its wider business processing outsourcing than IT, and runs contracts such as processing disability benefits on behalf of government in Wales and Northern Ireland.
The firm now wins more than one in two of the contracts it bids on, though it says this is a result of being selective about what to bid for in the first place.
"Maybe we're good at it. A lot of our competitors don't win one in two," Chief Executive Paul Pindar said in an interview with Reuters earlier this year.
"It would be very unusual to go into a competitive process without at least five or six other competitors in the starting block."
The top ten companies that supply IT to government hold a market share of over 70 percent, according to a 2011 study by analysts at Kable.
The OFT has shifted its focus in the last two years to looking at competition in public markets as government seeks to transfer chunks of services to private companies.
"It is very difficult to pre-qualify for UK public sector work," Espirito Santo analyst David Brockton said.
"There's a reason for that. They don't want any contractor coming in and undertaking government work without a track record, given the risks and high-profile nature of the work."
"It can be a 'Catch 22' for credible suppliers trying to break into the market," Brockton added.
The OFT said that while there had been many reviews of public sector IT procurement, few had examined whether aspects of the supply side of the market inhibited competition.
"Given the vital role that this technology plays in the delivery of public services and the cost to the taxpayer, the OFT believes it is important to explore whether there are any restrictions on competition," OFT Chief Executive Clive Maxwell said on Wednesday.
IT and procurement more widely are set to play a core role in how Britain's coalition government pushes through spending cuts.
In his spending review in June, finance minister George Osborne said he was looking to save around 1 billion pounds in 2015/16 by centralizing procurement, negotiating better deals with suppliers and making better use of IT.
The deadline for submitting information to the OFT is August 18.
($1 = 0.6592 British pounds)
(This version of the story corrects paragraph 6 to read "one of two" instead of "the only".)
(Reporting By Christine Murray; Editing by Paul Sandle and Tom Pfeiffer)


text:
- Alsace Lorraine
- Basque Country
- Brittany
- Champagne Country
- Corsica
- show more Regions
- Aix-en-Provence
- Ajaccio
- Cannes
- Disneyland Paris
- Saint Jean de Luz
- show more Resorts
Ski Resorts
- Chamonix
- Courchevel
- Flaine
- La Plagne
- Les Arcs
- show more Ski Resorts
Ports of Call
- Marseille
France Travel Information
The Basics
GMT +1 (GMT +2, Apr - Oct)
Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. European two-pin plugs are standard.
French is the official language.
Travel Health
No particular vaccinations or medications are required for travel to France. The prevalence of certain tick-borne infections, like lyme disease, tularemia, tick-borne encephalitis, and rickettsial diseases, mean that travellers should take precautions against ticks if they are travelling in rural or forested areas in warm weather. Rabies also occurs occasionally and those who will be spending time with wild animals or who are at any risk of animal bites should consider a rabies vaccination.
French hospitals and health facilities are first class. British citizens, and visitors from other EU countries, are entitled to heavily discounted medical treatment and medicines on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Otherwise doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Medical insurance is advised. Pharmacies will provide some first aid, but charge for it.
Most restaurants and hotels automatically add a 15 percent service charge so a tip is not necessary, although another two to three percent is customary if the service has been good. If service is not included then 15 percent is customary. Taxi drivers expect 10 to 15 percent of the fare, and hairdressers about 10 percent. Hotel staff generally receive about €1.50 a day and tips of about €1 are given to washroom and cloakroom attendants and museum tour guides. Tour bus drivers and guides are also tipped.
Safety Information
There is a high threat from terrorism and there have been a number of high profile terrorist attacks in 2015 and 2016 across France. Attacks could be indiscriminate and visitors are asked to be vigilant in public places and follow the advice of local French authorities. Due to ongoing threats to France by Islamist terrorist groups, and recent French military intervention against Daesh (formerly referred to as ISIL), the French government has warned the public to be careful and has fortified its own domestic and overseas security measures.
Security has been heightened in France over the last decade following the London and Madrid bombings, particularly in the transport sector. Unattended luggage left in public places will be removed or destroyed by security staff. While generally safe, visitors to France are advised to take precautions against petty theft and to ensure their personal safety. Thieves and pickpockets operate on the metro and around airports. Theft from cars is prevalent, particularly in the south, around Marseilles, and in Corsica. Tourists are advised to conceal bags and purses even when driving, and to never leave valuables unattended in the car. Bag snatching is also common, particularly on public transport and in shopping centres, and visitors should also be vigilant of luggage while loading bags into and out of hire cars at airports. Violent crime against tourists is rare and holidays in France are generally trouble-free.
Local Customs
French culture is of paramount importance to the French and in an increasingly Americanised world they feel duty-bound to protect it. It is appreciated if visitors can speak a few words of French; locals do not respond well to being shouted at in English. While the food is second to none, foreigners may find the service in many restaurants sloppy; waiters can appear rude (particularly in Paris) and take their time. This is just the way they are. Traditional games such as pétanque (similar to lawn bowling but played on gravel) are popular in village squares, but the national sports are soccer, rugby and cycling. Smoking in public places is not allowed and will incur heavy fines.
Business etiquette is important in France. A smart, fashionable, sense of dress is common as the nation prides itself on haut couture. Punctuality is not always observed though and the 'fashionably late' tactic may be applied. A handshake is the common form of greeting for men and women upon first introductions. Titles are important and the person is to be referred to as 'monsieur' (Mr.), 'madame' (Mrs.), or 'mademoiselle' (Ms.). Meetings usually occur over lunches, and the French are known to enjoy food. Business hours are generally 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
The international access code for France is +33. Most public telephones accept phone cards, which are available in newsagents. Free wifi is available in most hotels, cafes, restaurants and similar establishments.
Duty Free
Travellers from non-EU countries over 17 years entering France can bring in the following items duty-free: 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250g tobacco; 1 litre of spirits with alcohol content 22 percent and over, or 2 litres of dessert wine or sparkling wine not exceeding 22 percent alcohol volume, and 2 litres of table wine; 50g perfume or 250ml eau de toilette and other goods to the value of €175 per adult or €90 for children under 15 years.
Our Travel Expert
>Read Patrick's tips on France
>Ask Patrick a question
Become our France Travel Expert
We are looking for contributors for our France travel guide. If you are a local, a regular traveller to France or a travel professional with time to contribute and answer occasional forum questions, please contact us.


text:
Another North West Coach in the spotlight today. Past Seattle Supersonics and current Portland Trailblazers bench boss Nate McMillan. Steve Lee one of our northwest hoops bloggers points out with a little luck on his side, chances are, the Trail Blazers and McMillan will soon reap the rewards of all their efforts and hard work.
Northwest Coach Profiles: Nate McMillan
February 29, 2012 By Steve Lee
Filed Under: Portland Trail Blazers Blog Tagged With: Bernie Bickerstaff, Blazers, Brandon Roy, Coach, Coach McMillan, Dale Ellis, Gary Payton, George Karl, Greg Oden, Jailblazers, Joel Pryzbilla, KC Jones, Kevin Garnett, KeyArena, Marcus Camby, Mr. Sonic, Nate McMillan, NBA, North West Coaching Profiles, Northwest Coach Profile, Northwest Coach Profiles, Paul Westphal, portland, Portland Trail Blazers, Portland Trail Blazers Basketball, Portland Trail Blazers Coaches, Portland Trailblazers, Rudy Fernandez, Seattle Supersonics, Shawn Kemp, Sonics, Sonics basketball, Sonics blog, Sonics History, Steve Francis, Supersonics Coaches, Trail Blazers, Trail Blazers Basketball, trail blazers blog, Trailblazers history, Travis Outlaw


text:
SINGAPORE (AP) — Officials say 89 workers have been injured, some seriously, in an accident at a Singapore shipyard.
The Ministry of Manpower says the accident occurred Monday on an oil exploration rig being built by Jurong Shipyard Pte. Ltd.
The rig consists of a platform on three legs that can be raised or lowered. A shipyard spokeswoman says one of the legs failed to operate when workers were testing the rig, causing it to tilt to one side.
The ministry says the injured workers were taken to hospitals and 80 were later discharged. Three remained in an emergency ward.
An investigation of the accident is continuing.
Jurong Shipyard is a subsidiary of offshore engineering group Sembcorp Marine Ltd.


text:
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly is expecting another physical game when No. 17 Stanford visits the undefeated Irish on Saturday.
After watching his team get pushed around by the Cardinal (4-1) the past two seasons, Kelly says he is expecting a backyard brawl-style game. The Cardinal had never won two straight in the long-running series against the Irish (5-0) until taking the last three games, including Notre Dame's most lopsided loss under Kelly two years ago.
This will be Stanford's second road game of the season, following a 17-13 loss at Washington on Sept. 27. The Cardinal are just 3-10 all-time at Notre Dame Stadium.
Stanford coach David Shaw says the challenge for the Cardinal is to play their best game on the road.


text:
When someone gives you what you think is a compliment but is really an insult.
Wow, I think my Mom just gave me a drop kick compliment yesterday. She tells me, "Out of all your siblings you are the prettiest, but your sister is the smartest".
I said, "Thanks, I think..."
I said, "Thanks, I think..."
by artsytexan April 01, 2011
buy the domain for your pet blog


text: A wedding DJ can be an economical and fun way to add live entertainment to your wedding reception. Wedding DJs can play a wide variety of music and help you craft a wedding reception that fits your wishes and needs perfectly. GigMasters has thousands of professional wedding DJs for every wedding.