text:
Date: 6/15-16/1479 DR
|Resplendent Boots
|Shrine of Gond
|Alchemy Gloves
|Shrine of Gond
Food = Kevin, Drinks = Kannarrs
The Outsiders finish escorting Amyria back to Overlook and find the city refortifying. The group splits up to take care of various business, only to find that there are odd things happening around the city. They are asked by Lavinya, Priestess of the temple of Gond to locate her missing friend Haelyn, the Priestess of the Shrine of Gond. As the outsiders dig deeper, they find not only a murder, but further political strife.
After spending the night at Master Collob's farm, they left early the next morning to go the few hours it would take to make it to Overlook. As the city drew into sight, they were met with repairs and refortifications being done on the city. The "Heroes of Overlook" were immediately recognized and waved into the city. As Amyria headed off to the Temple of Bahamut the rest of the group grabbed Vylify and drug him to the Forgeworks so they could return the Wicked Fang sword to Groland Hammerstrike. In the time that they'd been gone, Groland had taken on a young apprentice, whose beard wasn't yet halfway to his belt, named Gustin. The weaponsmith was elated to hear that his brother's murderer had been brought to justice. As agreed, he rewarded them highly for returning the evil weapon which he was going to destroy.
From there, the group split; Vylify headed off to Merty's to work with the Artificer there to continue to hone his skills. Galidion headed briefly to the House of Sleep to send a message to the Princes of Shade. He had thought about staying, but Kalaban's androgynous ways bugged him too much, so he went to Blister to get blitzed. Timur, Elarinya and Damaia headed to the The Consortium to sell things that they'd picked up and to see if there was anything they wanted to buy. While there, they learned that Bram Ironfell was not in the city, but would be back soon. Damaia considered getting a new tattoo to commemorate their adventure but then she remembered Misty wasn't a very good tattooist and decided to put it off. The Paladin left for the Divine Knot to commune with his god, Tempus. The ladies returned to the House of Sleep and Rinya found a letter waiting for her. While they were eating, Kalaban also informed them that a priestess of Gond, named Lavinya was looking for them and her errand seemed rather urgent. They agreed to visit her once they'd eaten and had a few drinks.
Searynox left for the Nine Bells district so he could visit Kelemvor's temple. As he entered the Divine Knot, he noticed that there was a lot of activity going at at Moradin's temple. It seemed like the temple was being restored and rebuilt. Curious, the Dragonborn wandered into the temple to find out what was going on. The first thing he noticed as he entered was that Megan Swiftblade and the Freeriders were working guard detail. By the looks they gave him, he could tell that they recognized him and still weren't happy that the Outsiders had gotten more recognition during the Orc Invasion than they had. He was also recognized by another who almost ran him over with his full wheel barrow. The dwarf introduced himself as Murrik Hammerfist and told the Cleric that he and his band weren't welcome here (He suddenly recalled that the Hammerfists were the clan who had attacked them on the way to the Karak Mines). Other members of the Hammerfist clan began to circle around Searynox and the Freeriders stepped forward like they were torn between stopping the violence or allowing it to go on. About that time a red-bearded dwarf wearing a smock with the emblam of Moradin on it broke up the fight, sending the group back to work. He introduced himself to the Dragonborn as Ancestor Karros, the overseer of the temple, Second to High-Priest Durkik Forgeheart. Searynox asked why the sudden interest in repairing this temple? Karros explained that High-Priest Durkik had a vision that this temple should be reopened so that all of the races who wished to worship Moradin could do so, without feeling ill at ease up at the Stone Anvil. With this vision, the Hammerfist clan were donating time, money, and materials to this project as its staunchest supporters. The Cleric of Kelemvor asked if the reconstruction was only for Moradin's Temple or all of the rest, which had fallen into disrepair? Karros didn't know, but suggested that he either talk to the head of his temple, or ask Master Forgeheart himself. Searynox thanked him and left.
The cleric continued on to his temple and found that the head of the temple, Matron Volorvyn had just returned to care for the temple. In all of the time that they'd been at Overlook, he'd never met or heard of the Matron, so he was a little suspicious. She was a tall, skinny woman, pale and tragic looking in her robes of office. She greeted him warmly and thanked him for all of his sacrifices for the temple and their god. Searynox welcomed her back to the temple and asked where she'd been all these months? She explained that she'd run the temple before as an assistant, but when the previous high-priest had returned to Kelemvor, she'd been summoned to the city of Sayre for training and had just returned. She was also surprised by the sudden interest to rebuild Moradin's temple here, but didn't know any more about it. She planned on talking to the Council of Elders about getting funding for the renovation of their temple. The Cleric thought that all of this sounded great, but the Matron seemed distracted the whole time, which only seemed to emphasize his suspicions. He excused himself from Volorvyn's presence and then left. On his way out, he spoke to one of the other temple workers that he trusted and found that Matron Volorvyn's story was true, but still had a lot of holes in it.
After a hearty meal, the two ladies had made their way down to the Nine Bells to find the temple of Gond, also noticing the renovations to Moradin's temple. Compared to it, the temple of Gond had seen much better days. Inside, a dark-haired half-elf rose from prayer in front of a statue of Gond. She was excited to know that the Heroes of Overlook had finally come to visit and sat them on the only clean pews, offering them cheap wine. She explained that besides this temple, there was a Shrine of Gond run by a little old lady named Haelyn. When the women showed recognition, the priestess plunged on. She told them that a few weeks ago, without warning, Haelyn just disappeared. Her replacement, a man by the name of Grovald, told her that the old priestess had taken a spiritual retreat, but that seemed really suspicious. Lavinya, admitted that later she'd snuck a peek through the shutters of Haelyn's house (for which she'd since repented) but she'd seen part of a rather suspicious letter through the slats. It was addressed to 'G'—that must be Grovald,and it began with "I am commanded to ask if you've had any further problems with the worshipers of . . ." That's
all she saw, but she thought it sounded sinister enough. She then went to report this to the authorities, but they thought that there was nothing wrong with a spiritual retreat. She also turned to her fellow priests at the other temples and even though they've known each other for years, they also seemed unconcerned about it. Not knowing what else to do, she thought of the city's heroes. She asked if they'd be willing to look into this affair, even though she couldn't offer them anything in return? Damaia and Rinya agreed to check it out… but nothing more. Before they left the Nine Bells district, they decided to swing by Tempus' temple to find Timur. Once they'd explained what they'd been asked to do, he finished up his prayers, and feeling his god's approval, he joined them.
After getting thoroughly drunk, Galidion decided to head down to find Amyria in the temple to Bahamut. In his drunken state, he tried to arouse her ire to get her to attack him, but she kept her calm and suggested that he sober up. Since he couldn't provoke her, he staggered out of the temple, spewing offal everywhere. He met up with the other three as they were leaving Tempus' Temple
Searynox had followed Ancestor Karros' suspicions that things were not right with High-Priest Durkik, so he headed to the Stone Anvil to see if he could gain an audience with him. The great temple to Moradin didn't seem as well tended as it had in the past, obviously reflecting the lack of attetion that the old priest had told him of. It was true that the High Priest was pouring everything into repairing the other temple. The Dragonborn tried numerous ways to get a chance to speak with Priest Forgeheart, but he was told repeatedly that the High-Priest was busy in the lower levels. As he further inquired, he was told over and over that High-Priest Durkik was following Moradin's vision to make a temple available to the other races, not in the heart of Dwarf-town. That was the only reason that this was happening. The Cleric wasn't happy with the parroted answser, but couldn't get anything else. As he was on his way back to the House of Sleep, he met the rest of the group headed to Merty's to find Vylify. Once they'd gotten past the lecherous halfling and explained things to their Artificer compatriot, the Outsiders headed together to investigate the Shrine of Gond.
The Shrine was in a much better state than the temple had been. There were a decent number of faithful praying around the alter, but the man dressed in black behind it seemed distracted, like he didn't want to be there, as he muttered off the appropriate responses at the end of each prayer. Vylify and Galidion decided to sneak off to check out the two shacks east of the Shrine while the rest of the group tried to talk with Priest Grovald. As they questioned the man about Haelyn, they got the pat answer that they expected, but Timur could tell by looking in his eyes that the man was lying. In Haelyn's house, the Eladrin discovered rotting food in the pantry and a full clothes locker, both signs that the woman had not been prepared to leave on a long journey. The Netherese had a little more trouble, since his head was still spinning, but he discovered a symbol of Shar buried beneath clothes in a locker and in the fireplace he found a scrap of a note:
While the holy ones in the group were talking with Grovald, an older lady approached the women to tell them, conspiratorily, recognizing them as the Heroes of Overlook, that she felt that this man wasn't really a Priest of Gond, and then she quietly left. As soon as the Paladin realized that the man was lying, he commanded everyone to leave the shrine, resting his hand obviously on his sword. Hearing the commotion, the two sneaks hurried to find good positions before all hell broke loose. As the followers filed out, the Outsiders noticed that some of them seemed to hang back as if waiting for something. When the innocent people were safe, The Kalashtars eyes flashed a brighter white as he commanded the priest to tell him where Haelyn really was! Grovald threatened to send them to meet her and attacked with shadowy holy magic. At the same time,the stragglers drew weapons to attack as well. As the fight began, Galidion and Vylify discovered that there were crossbowmen in the trees all around the shrine as well, so they kept them from sniping their comrades by taking them down. As the fight went on, Searynox struggled to impose his will on Grovald's to Dominate him, and while the false priest was distracted from a mighty blow of Rinya's, he was able to slip past his defenses. While the rest of the Outsiders fought the other attackers, he pried information from the man. Groland admitted that he'd killed Haelyn and buried her body behind the fountain. He also confirmed that he was a follower of Shar, but he was doing this job simply as a mercenary for someone called General Zithiruun. He didn't know what he was a general of, or even what race because he was always a dark cloak. The only outstanding feature was his armor which was made up of straps and strange wires. He'd only ever met the General once, but he usually reported to a Dwarf. The Dragonborn really had to push to get the name, but Grovald finally revealed that it was Durkik Forgeheart, which only confirmed the Cleric's suspicions. Once they'd learned all they could, Galidion offered the man his life for Shar's (who they both worshipped) sake, but the false priest reiterated that he wasn't doing this for Shar, so the Swordmage finished his life.
Once the mess at the Shrine was cleaned up, the Outsiders headed up to Caer Overlook to speak with the Council of Elders, but the council was busy in meetings until the next day. Instead they were directed to speak to the Captain of the Guard, Captain Aerun. They had seen this blonde-bearded dwarf in charge of fortifications this morning as they'd entered the city. He explained that the council had finally approved the refortification since the Orc Attacks. The group told him about Haelyn's death and how High-Priest Forgeheart was somehow mixed up with a General Zithiruun. Once the High-Priest was mentioned the Captain looked very concerned. He told them that because of the political ramifications of this, he'd handle the situation, but he'd have to handle it delicately because of who they were indicting. Unfortunately, they didn't have concrete proof, so that added extra wrinkles to the case. Captain Aerun thanked them, sent them back to the House of Sleep , and told them that he'd be following up on this on the morrow.


text:
Scaling the heights of Microsoft Management
Playing with the big boys now
Last week Microsoft hosted the "Best of Microsoft Management summit 2005" at its UK headquarters in Thames Valley Park, marking the first time it has run such an event in the UK.
And very good it was too, with authoritative speakers from the US: Kirill Tatarinov, corporate VP of Microsoft's Windows and Enterprise Management Division, leading development and marketing for Microsoft's management technologies; Michael Emanuel, director, product management for Windows and Enterprise Management; Bill Anderson - lead program manager for the next version but one of Systems Management Server (SMS); and Vlad Joanovic, program manager on the next version of Microsoft Operations Manager (MOM). This was the biggest event Microsoft has hosted at Reading to date and we look forward to more such.
The event was very necessary too, as management of Microsoft systems - once you scale up above departmental level - is still perceived as an issue. Perhaps this should change – Bill Anderson claims that he knows of more users in 100k-plus user sites managed by Microsoft technology than some, allegedly more scalable, solutions have users in total. But enterprise systems managers are cautious and have long memories: for example, Microsoft's Active directory was certainly less manageable than Novell's eDirectory when it was introduced.
So, to some extent Microsoft is playing catch-up with management tool vendors such as BMC (Patrol) and HP (OpenView). It seems to be concentrating on manageability from the ground up rather than from Business Service Management (BSM) downwards.
Microsoft supports the IT Infrastructure Library - (ITIL) for operations "best practice" at last, but it doesn't have a federated, distributed CMDB (Configuration Management Database, a key foundation of ITIL) product yet - in contrast with BMC and Managed Objects, for instance. And of course, the basic concept, of a database of operational systems metadata, has been around since the heyday of the mainframe.
Design of De Times
According to Tatarinov, Microsoft sees itself as adding the "how" to the "what" ITIL prescribes – and, of course, it expects the ITIL community to adopt Microsoft extensions. That is perhaps a little less arrogant than it might once have been once - Emmanuel demonstrated a real understanding of this space when he pointed out that ITIL is about best practice for cost-effective operational management of IT systems but that most of the operational cost has already been locked in by the systems design.
So, you need to design systems for operational managemen and design them to facilitate use of ITIL best practices. The idea of designing and building complete operational business systems - not simply tossing a program over the wall to the business - isn't particularly new, either. But it is a very important idea, not often implemented – and Microsoft is well-placed to encourage it.
Microsoft's approach is built on its Dynamic Systems Initiative (DSI), which is about modelling the complete IT lifecycle and applying end-to-end, standards-based, policy-based management to it.
In practice this means developing Microsoft's System Definition Model (SDM); and promoting the ws-Management standard through the DMTF (), which Tatarinov claims will bring management tool interoperability. (Up to a point, Lord Copper: only freely-available, independent interoperability testing facilities bring true interoperability).
Expect to see "common engineering criteria" management features (such as health indicators and critical alerts) across the Microsoft product range. And, there's a new maturity in Microsoft's product release strategy, with "major releases" (which change the kernel of the product, or Windows) only every four years, and "minor releases" (which should need less testing) every two years – this will make it much easier for Enterprise customers to manage their environment.

subset: commoncrawl


text: Still grove and hill and shadowy grot, The flesh of our celestial thought, Trammel the mind, However bent Upon the heavenly argument. The spring of wisdom ever flows Pure shining water as it goes Over the rocks and through the grass Whither we stoop to hear it pass, And healing is a tree whose leaves Fall round us like the falling sleeves Of love, that bending down at night, Covers with them a face alight. Tangled with earth all ways, we move, And sleep at last in heaven that is a grove.


text:
The Geek Squad Fixes Your Hard Drive, Wireless, Sleep Issues and More
You've got tech questions, we've found the answers.
We've asked the tech experts at the Geek Squad to help you make the most of your technology, answering your thorniest tech questions. So if you're wondering what to buy, how to plug it in, or how to fix it, the Geek Squad can help.
This week, Geek Squad Agent Jacob Golick answers YOUR questions.
The hard drive in my desktop computer seems to run almost all the time. It's very loud and annoying. What's causing this and how can I fix it? -- Tony Johnson
That's a tough one to diagnose without more information, actually. There are multiple things that can cause this including virus/malware, hardware failure, and even low system memory.
Sometimes people think it's the hard drive when it's actually a system fan running full blast trying to keep the processor cool. This fan speed is normally auto-controlled, but a buildup of dust can hinder the fan's cooling power, causing it to constantly run. I'd advise taking it into a Best Buy or a local repair shop -- that way the cause can be narrowed down.
2. I'm trying to download a .bin file and then copy it to a CF card. Windows insists on opening the file in a program such as Adobe Acrobat reader. Are my file attributes screwed up? How can I fix this so I'm only copying the .bin file? -- David Drawbaugh
To make this answer a bit simpler, I'm going to assume you're using Windows 7 and the Internet Explorer 9 browser. When you click on the link, you should be given the options to open, save, or cancel. Click on save, it will automatically save this to the downloads folder.
Click the Start menu and type in "Downloads" without the quotes -- then hit Enter to bring up the default downloads folder. Locate your .bin file, right click on it and in the "send to" menu, select the removable drive that your CompactFlash card is in. Voila!
This is just one of many ways to accomplish this task, of course. Another simple way would be to right click the .bin file and click Copy. Then hit the Start menu, click Computer, double click your CF card, right click, and click Paste.
3. If I take my laptop from my apartment and go to Starbucks or the public library and pick up their wireless Internet, can someone use a remote device to spy on what I'm viewing -- even if I have security protection? -- John Dee
Technically, any open wireless network leaves you susceptible to having your information stolen.
If you connect to such networks often, you should have Internet Security software running, not just an antivirus. When it detects that you are on a new network, it will ask if it's private or public -- make sure you select public. This locks down your firewall tighter than it would be for a private network to keep you safe: File sharing and other services used to access your computer are blocked.
This can't protect against packet sniffers, though -- software that picks up network "packets" of data that can contain usernames and passwords as well as other information. But most important sites you'll visit from the library (such as banks and credit card companies) will have a secure site which encrypts this data, making it very difficult to acquire. You can tell if you are at a secure site by looking at your address bar where it says the http:// part. If it says https:// then you're on a secure site.
Visiting Facebook from Starbucks? Click the arrow next to Home on the top right, click Account Settings, and click on Security. In the center section, click on edit next to Secure Browsing, click the check mark that says "Browse Facebook on a secure connection (https) when possible" and click save changes.
I shut down my computer and choose the "sleep" mode. Unfortunately the computer periodically wakes up and then shuts itself off again! What's the solution to this? -- Jerry Fontaine
When you say it shuts off again, do you mean it shuts down or just goes back into sleep mode again? I'm going to guess sleep mode again. One common issue is your network card, which could be waking your computer up. To find out:
1. Click the Start menu, right click on your Computer and select Properties.
2. Click Device Manager on the left side of the Properties window.
3. Expand Network Adapters (Click on the + sign to expand).
4. Right click on your network card (if you are connected through wireless select the wireless card) and select properties.
5. Go to the Power Management tab and uncheck the option to "Allow this device to wake the computer." Problem solved ... I hope.
Got a question? E-mail us at email@example.com and we'll relay it to the Geek Squad. Next week, the Squad will answer the most interesting or most frequently asked questions.


text:
The only choice
one old man Ogden, UTOct. 8, 2013 2:37 p.m.
Mountanman, no, I'm not a recipient of anything you mention there. But I am part of the GOP's hated 47% -- and very proud of it.
Proud because I'm a loyal American who worked hard for well over 60 years and never took any "welfare" from the government or anyone else. Proud because I pay my full taxes without any offshore havens to shield me. (I paid a higher effective tax rate last year than Mitt.) Proud because I try very hard to be sure that I have learned what is fact and what is political fiction before voting. Proud because I really AM honest - unlike too many of our "leaders" and the wealthy powerbrokers who have purchased them lock, stock and barrel.
Ranch Here, UTOct. 8, 2013 6:32 a.m.
If the Republicans ever get back in power, you think they're going to change the ACA? Not likely, since it is 100% their own idea to begin with.
mark Salt Lake City, UTOct. 6, 2013 2:38 a.m.
You are right, Howard. Richards, where is WIC authorized in the Constitution, in your understanding of it? You should be just fine with the Senate not accepting the piece meal funding, after all, you do not think a federal program like WIC is constitutional.
But of course, we have no illusions, all your bluster about the Constitution is nothing more then partisanship.
Howard Beal Provo, UTOct. 5, 2013 10:36 p.m.
So Mr. Mike Richards:
I've read your posts for years, since when have you supported WIC or any government program? And then you slam the President for actions leading to cuts in these programs. That's truly rich...
one vote Salt Lake City, UTOct. 5, 2013 8:52 p.m.
The Republicans are working hard to alienate people with the shutdown and the delay of immigration reform. Have Rush Limbaugh attack women again and 2014 will be a banner year.
KJB1 Eugene, OROct. 4, 2013 10:48 p.m.
Where does it say in the Constitution that legislation requires x amount of Republican votes to pass? How apart the part where we're supposed to decide laws based on public opinion polls?
I've said this before on these forums and I'll probably say it again, but if Republicans want to overturn Obamacare, they can play by the rules. Draw up a bill, get it passed by both the Senate and the House, and have either a) a President who's willing to sign it or b) enough votes to overturn a veto. Republicans can't do this, so they're holding our economy hostage instead of honoring the Constitution they love to give lip service to.
You're probably too blinded by your hatred of Obama to see this, but you inadvertently hit on a good point: if the Democrats yield on this, our rule of law becomes meaningless. Want to bring back Prohibition or slavery? Revoke female sufferage? Just shut down the government until you get your way. Never mind the due process that's served us well for 226 years. This is about far more than Obamacare; our future as a republic is at stake.
Truthseeker2 SAN LUIS OBISPO, CAOct. 4, 2013 10:07 p.m.
"Harry Reid and his friend, Obama, thumbed their noses at all of them and either ripped them up or sent them back."
As expected, the Senate voted down the House's latest version of a temporary budget bill Monday afternoon in a straight party-line vote.
(Sept 30 2013)
Okay--so we're just waiting for the House to come up with a bill that will pass in the Senate.
The ball is in the "House."
Republicans own the shutdown and everybody knows it.
Alfred Phoenix, AZOct. 4, 2013 9:06 p.m.
"Alfred - please check the facts."
ECR - please check the Constitution. Which says: 'All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with Amendments as on other bills.' Article 1.7.
The House funding bill is to be the prime document which can be agreed to or amended by the Senate. The US Constitution gives no authority for the Senate to create its own funding bill and insist the House accept it.
"Evidence is there that if Speaker Boehner presented a clean CR it would pass in the House, but without a Republican Majority and so he refuses to do that."
There's nothing in the US Constitution authorizing CRs.
"Patty Murray, the leader of the Senate Budget committee has been blocked 18 times since last spring from holding a budget conference with the House."
John Boehner and the House passed several funding bills for various government agencies. Harry Reid and his friend, Obama, thumbed their noses at all of them and either ripped them up or sent them back.
"Just check the facts, please!"
Mike Richards South Jordan, UtahOct. 4, 2013 7:18 p.m.
There are so many who choose to ignore the Constitution. One poster tells us that "settled law" can't be changed. Does he want to go back to the days of savery, of prohibition, of women not voting? Even a grade-schooler knows that Congress legislates and that "settled law" does not keep Congress from writing new laws. Other posters keep telling us that the Senate sent a budget bill to the House. Can't they read? Are they so ignorant of the Constitution that they think that the Senate originates budget bills? Has the American education system failed so miserably that many don't have a clue about civics, or, do they purposefully choose to mangle the Supreme Law of the Land to suit their purposes, as does Obama and Harry Reid?
The People are represented by the House. The People have rejected ObamaCare, not only this year, but before it was "passed". 59% (that's a majority for the math impaired), rejected ObamaCare before it was voted on, but that didn't stop Obama and the Democrats from shoving it down our throats. Not one Republican voted for ObamaCare.
The House rejects ObamaCare. Period!
one old man Ogden, UTOct. 4, 2013 5:49 p.m.
I'm not a Catholic, but I've come to really respect Pope Francis. Here's an idea, let's appoint him to lead the House, Senate, and White House out of the mess they've made.
atl134 Salt Lake City, UTOct. 4, 2013 5:02 p.m.
@Mike Richards
"He has shut down essential services, which were fully funded by the House, to show us that he is the boss."
The Senate passed a fully funded continuing resolution too. However, there's not a majority in the Senate that would vote for the House bill. A majority in the House support the Senate bill (21 Republicans have openly stated they would support a clean continuing resolution) but Boehner isn't bringing it up for a vote unlike when the Senate brought up the House versions (and then voted them down).
Mike in Cedar City Cedar City, UtahOct. 4, 2013 4:23 p.m.
Mr DeForest. I am afraid that your condition is terminal. There is no real antidote to Faux News and crazy Beck.
ECR Burke, VAOct. 4, 2013 4:15 p.m.
Alfred - please check the facts. Since last March the Senate Democrats have made 18 offers to sit down and negotiate the budget for FY2014 and they have been refused every time. The Republicans know full well that the Administration will not change the ACA and so thae have focused the issue on that. In fact, a small handful have focused the issue on that. Evidence is there that if Speaker Boehner presented a clean CR it would pass in the House, but without a Republican Majority and so he refuses to do that. And somehow people of your thinking somehow interpret that as honorable behavior. The issues mentioned in the Fox News Report mentioned in my previous post indicate that the Republicans agreed to pass the CR with the other reductions mentioned supported by the Democrats, despite their desire not to cut those elements of the budget but then the Republicans didn't keep their word. For gosh sakes, even Fox News admits that.
Patty Murray, the leader of the Senate Budget committee has been blocked 18 times since last spring from holding a budget conference with the House. Just check the facts, please!
JoeCapitalist2 Orem, UTOct. 4, 2013 3:45 p.m.
Anyone who believes that if Obamacare proves to be the train wreck so many of us believe it will be (and has already caused havok), that the Democrats and Obama will say "you know, you were right, it is a disaster and we need to get rid of it", is dilusional.
Once this program takes full effect, it will be impossible to get rid of. To quote Jessie Ventura it will be "dug in like an Alabama Tick". It won't matter how bad it is or like so many other government programs - how much it costs more than it should. It won't matter how many jobs it costs, how enemic the economy remains, or how many people die waiting in line for rationed health care.
Remember, it is the Democrats who still say that the last big stimulus package (that was nothing more than a political payoff to all their friends) only failed so badly because we didn't spend enough money on it.
2 bits Cottonwood Heights, UTOct. 4, 2013 3:11 p.m.
Re: "Only one choice"...
President saying, "there's only one choice", sounds like a dictator to me. That doesn't sound like compromise or cooperation to me.
I don't know how Harry Reid and the media can paint the President as the man of compromise when he clearly says, "There's only one choice". Sorry... but that is NOT compromise. That's dictating.
They can say he doesn't NEED to compromise. That would be true. But to pretend that he is TRYING to compromise... is just 100% intellectually dishonest.
wrz Phoenix, AZOct. 4, 2013 3:04 p.m.
@Open Minded Mormon:
"Passed by the House,
Passed by the Senate,
Signed by the President,
and upheld by the Supreme Court.
and IS the Law of the Land."
Are you talking about immigration laws... which are totally ignored by Obama?
@Open Minded Mormon:
"We have a President throwing a tantrum because those elected House members have already PASSED the ACA [you call it, Obamacare]..."
Zero Republicans in Congress voted for Obamacare. And Obama hisself called it 'Obamacare.'
"...and NOW have the audacity to shutdown the rest of the Government and the country thinking it will stop it from happening."
The government is being shut down by the Democrats. Government funding works like this (per the Constitution): Funding bills are the responsibility of the House. Then it goes to the Senate for approval. If the Senate disagrees, the House and Senate sit down in conference committee and work out the differences. Right now the Democrats in the Senate refuse to sit down with the Republicans to work out the differences. That results in shut down. Who's fault? Looks like those who refuse to negotiate (Senate Democrats).
Wanda B. Rich Provo, UTOct. 4, 2013 2:21 p.m.
No, the president isn't throwing a tantrum. He's just refusing to pay the ransom demanded by the House. Refusing to negotiate with terrorists, if you will. And the House cannot reject the ACA. It already passed it. It cannot repeal it until the GOP scores a hat trick: the House and the Senate and the White House. Unlikely to happen as long as the tea party exerts its extremist brand of partisanship and refuses to exit the right-wing echo chamber for a breath of fresh air. But in the meantime, the House can certainly bring our unique form of constitutional government to the brink of extinction. And you don't see this? I thought you liked the Constitution, even though you read it through different spectacles than anyone else on these comment boards, except perhaps the guy from Idaho who pays enough tax to fund Obamacare all by himself, by his account. Sorry to disappoint.
Alfred Phoenix, AZOct. 4, 2013 2:03 p.m.
"... his assertion that the Democrats haven't compromised is just as big a fantasy."
The truth is... the House Repubs have passed several budgets that fund the entire government except Obamacare... but the Senate Dems refuse to even consider any of them. In fact, Dems totally refuse to sit down with Repubs to negotiate differences. Harry Reid is an intransigent fiend who name-calls Republicans in the House..
"What we have now is an attempt at a power grab by people without the votes to make it happen legislatively."
The power grab is happening on the Democrat side. They have refused to compromise on anything while the Republicans have given in on a number of issues.
"You know what the true problem is for Republicans isn't the idea that Obamacare will fail. They are more worried that it will work!"
We know the failures... higher insurance premiums and deductibles for millions of Americans... Doctors fleeing the business and retiring... Foreign doctors coming in to take their place... Old folks being denied care... The country becoming a part-time job country... unemployment dramatically increasing as employers lay people off.
2 bits Cottonwood Heights, UTOct. 4, 2013 1:53 p.m.
It doesn't matter that Democrats control only 2/3rds of the government today. They have shutdown the government 5 times (out of the 18 total so far) when they controlled all 3 (President, House and Senate). Google "government shutdowns in the United States".
Democrats whine a lot about THIS shutdown, but they forget that they brought the government to a shutdown 5 times during the Carter Administration (when they also controlled both the Senate and the House) so it's real hard to blame that on evil republicans who controlled 0% of the government at that time. And over what? Something SUPER IMPORTANT? No. They shutdown the government 5 times over Government Funding for ABORTION!!
To some... opposing the "Fundamental Transformation of this country" is not worth shutting down the government? But Government funding for Abortion is?
2 bits Cottonwood Heights, UTOct. 4, 2013 1:23 p.m.
I agree. Republicans have made their point that they are against it, and they were not allowed to have any input on it. So let it go and let the people decide if they like it or not (before the next election).
It's going to take awhile for the misery-index to rise to the point that people are actually willing to change their life-long voting habits. The sooner it gets out there the better, so they can vote their frustration in the next election.
If people love it (which I doubt will happen long-term)... then Republicans were wrong, and THEY will pay the price at the polls. But it's not like you are winning elections today, and the stalemate isn't winning you any fans or votes.
Let ObamaCare be fully implemented (including the mandate on big businesses Obama delayed) as soon as possible... so the highest number of people can see their new insurance rates and vote their frustration in the coming election.
Open Minded Mormon Everett, 00Oct. 4, 2013 1:11 p.m.
@Mike Richards
South Jordan, Utah
We have a President who is throwing a tantrum because the People, through their elected House members, have rejected ObamaCare.
We have a President throwing a tantrum because those elected House members have already PASSED the ACA [you call it, Obamacare] and NOW have the audacity to shutdown the rest of the Government and the country thinking it will stop it from happening.
Do you support the rule of law AND the Constitution Mike, or not?
GZE SALT LAKE CITY, UTOct. 4, 2013 12:57 p.m.
Actually, Brent, we can only change and fix the Affordable Care Act if the Republicans DON'T take a majority. The President and virtually everyone else involved with the Act admit that there are going to be things that will need to be altered. We will only know what those things are once we see what works and what doesn't work. The Republicans are not interested in any of that. They simply want to repeal and send up back to the days when insurance companies had the power of life and death over us.
wrz Phoenix, AZOct. 4, 2013 12:49 p.m.
"Since the Republicans only control one-third of the government and the Democrats with two-thirds..."
Let's see which party has the majority in the government... count noses of the elected Democrats and Republicans in the House, Senate, and White House and you'll see that the Republicans outnumber the Democrats by about 4.
" are totally dug in and unwilling to compromise in any way..."
Who are you kidding? The House Republicans have passed several budgets that fund the complete government (sans Obamacare). But the Senate Democrats refuse to accept any of them. So, it looks like the Democrats are the culprits in the shutdown.
"I think the only choice the Republicans have is to let Obmacare play out and demonstrate what a train wreck disaster it will certainly be."
It might be a train wreck but the Democrats won't admit it and the media, who they are in cahoots with, won't report it.
"...the only choice for the Republicans is to... elect a Republican House and Senate in 2014 and a Republican president in 2016."
The chances for that is slim to none. Again, Democrats have the media in their pockets.
Mike Richards South Jordan, UtahOct. 4, 2013 11:56 a.m.
We have a President who is throwing a tantrum because the People, through their elected House members, have rejected ObamaCare. He has shut down essential services, which were fully funded by the House, to show us that he is the boss. Women, Infants, and Children are left without help, even though WIC was fully funded. He has barricaded our national monuments, even though it cost more to put up the barricades than it would have cost to have minimal police protection, again, showing that he is boss and that he will prevent any citizen from seeing the monuments of Presidents who were not tyrants.
Why should the House let that insensitive President dictate to them, and to us, that he will throw us all under the bus if he doesn't get his way? A two-year-old is expected to have an occassional tantrum, but the President? Just how old is he anyway?
VIDAR Murray, UTOct. 4, 2013 11:43 a.m.
Stop all federal payments to everyone! Next day this will end.
Do you think for one minute those receiving social security will put up with not getting their money?
Do you think the wealthy corporations, and oil companies, will put up with not getting their money?
Do you think anyone will put up with the military not getting paid?
Right now it is just the average working American being hurt.
Best way to stop this tea party protest, is to cut off the politician's money and support.
VIDAR Murray, UTOct. 4, 2013 11:27 a.m.
If you keep throwing fits, tell people they are not welcome, and are generally unpleasant, everyone will leave your house, and you will be a hermit.
Welcome to the new hermit-republican party
The rest of us are going to work together to create a better America.
atl134 Salt Lake City, UTOct. 4, 2013 11:13 a.m.
Yes, let it play out, and don't try to interfere either (since that would just leave open the idea of Republican sabotage which is an easy argument to make when they're actively trying to cut off funding to implement it).
Happy Valley Heretic Orem, UTOct. 4, 2013 10:44 a.m.
So your rebuttal (No answer here) is You guys got free stuff?
I stand by my statement. I have received NO free stuff. My rates went up $10 buck which is less than the last increase before ACA, but I don't mind because my paying into a system which can help millions of Americans, feels much better than paying to kill foreigners who have never attacked us.
I don't know who "The rest of us have to suffer." are but honestly from your posts, you've been suffering since Obama was elected, do to misinformation and hate radio at Hayden lake.
Hutterite American Fork, UTOct. 4, 2013 10:41 a.m.
There is another choice. Let the ACA proceed, and help it succeed.
Truthseeker SLO, CAOct. 4, 2013 10:27 a.m.
Republicans and Democrats have had months to work out differences. But Republicans have refused, since March, to conference with the Democrats to iron out differences in the budget resolutions which passed each chamber. Instead, they calculated they could require Obama and the Democrats to agree to their demands on Obamacare/ACA if they were up against the shutdown "clock."
There are now over 20 Republican lawmakers who are willing to pass a "clean" continuing resolution to keep the govt open IF Boehner allowed it to come for a vote in the House. But Boehner won't allow a vote.
E Sam Provo, UTOct. 4, 2013 10:23 a.m.
You know, apart from the uninformed anti-ACA vitriol, there's a sensible core to this letter. No one, Right, Left or Center can say with 100% accuracy what will happen in the future. We don't know what the impact of the ACA will be. So stop all this posturing and foolish House symbolic votes, and let's just see what happens. If it's a catastrophe, Republicans will reap a significant electoral reward. If, as I think, the ACA works just fine, well, we Dems will do fine. Gamaliel was right-let's sit back and see what happens.
MaxPower Eagle Mountain, UTOct. 4, 2013 10:13 a.m.
The answer is simple: if you hate Obamacare so much, they way out has already been laid (see Vermont) come up with a plan that covers and helps more people for less. Write your State Legislature and have it become law in your State.
The whining game that has gone on for three and a half years clearly isn't working, so I suggest you try the better plan method.
Mountanman Hayden, IDOct. 4, 2013 10:03 a.m.
@ One old man and Happy Valley. You must be one of the fortunate ones who either got an Obamacare waiver are will be getting a nice taxpayer subsidy. The rest of us have to suffer. But no doubt you are worth it!
Open Minded Mormon Everett, 00Oct. 4, 2013 9:57 a.m.
In summary,
This is the end result of a Political Party obsessed and focused as their single and sole objective for the past 5 years has been to make Obama a one term President,
of trying to make America -- ALL of America, a better place.
"I hope he fails!" ~ Rush Limbaugh, un-official spokesman and figurehead/dittohead for the Republican Party.
Lew Scannon Provo, UTOct. 4, 2013 9:50 a.m.
Very true. The last Congress was the least productive since the Civil War. What a distinction. But the current Congress is on track to obliterate their predecessors' record. All due to tea party obstructionism. They have no ideas, no solutions. They only know how to complain, criticize, and sabotage. Anything to destroy a president they detest, even if they bring the country down with him. Brilliant.
Kent C. DeForrest Provo, UTOct. 4, 2013 9:44 a.m.
I turned on Faux News and Rush Limbaugh at the same time the other day. The echoes are still ringing out. I can't escape them. Please, help me get out of this echo chamber. It's driving me insane.
one old man Ogden, UTOct. 4, 2013 9:35 a.m.
Mountanman, Keep on dreaming! Everything we were told by the Republicans about the Affordable Care Act was a lie as is being demonstrated by actual results as people begin to sign up and more new and better plans come from insurance companies! More likely that your dreams of its failure will be that ACA will be the complete victory of the Democratic party when ACA's favorable consequences continue to roll in and Republicans are voted out of office in droves! The momentum in that direction is already well on its way! But you keep on believing in your fantasy!
Open Minded Mormon Everett, 00Oct. 4, 2013 9:34 a.m.
1st it was the OFFENSIVE, un-funded wars in the Middle East.
Then is was the willful spying on citizens by the NSA.
Continued with Government handouts and bail outs to Corporations and Banks on WallsStreet,
and now it's this - shutting down the Government by a minority handful of radicals - without the majority, who are using extortion on something;
Passed by the House,
Passed by the Senate,
Signed by the President,
and upheld by the Supreme Court.
and IS the Law of the Land.
If they want something changed, the must follow the Constitution.
Everything I've been taught to be warned and concerned about most in my LDS beliefs -
the trampling of the Constitution, and the Constitution Hanging by a Thread...
I witness happening right now.
And most ironic, by those who think and say they are upholding and defending the Constitution?
How can you be MORE wrong?
Happy Valley Heretic Orem, UTOct. 4, 2013 9:20 a.m.
Mountanman said: Everything we were told by the Democrats about Obamacare was a lie as is being demonstrated by actual results!
...this comment alone demonstrates the ignorance of a radio education.
Children covered by parent till 26...Check
Pre-existing conditions...Check
Dropping your coverage on a whim...Check
There's 3 many more could be found if you looked instead of listened.
Everything was a lie? All or none again?
embarrassed Utahn! Salt Lake City, UTOct. 4, 2013 9:14 a.m.
A Supreme Court ruling and a convincing re-election by our outstanding President Obama is not enough to quash the self-assured, unpatriotic, Self-righteousness. There has never been a time when I have been more embarrassed to say I'm from Utah! Mike Lee???? Really????
Badgerbadger Murray, UTOct. 4, 2013 9:09 a.m.
Republicans have more congressmen than the democrats. They have a majority in the house. If they cave on this, the ACA will never be fixed or amended or anything. It will roll forth crushing the US economy.
The notion that the republicans need more power it crazy. Obviously they now have the power to do what is best for the country right now, and they are doing it. I hope they keep doing it.
The call for more power, by both parties, is the a sick and unproductive pursuit. There is a great balance now, and both sides have to work with each other and keep each other's power in check. They have to try to sell their program to the people as being 'for the good of the country' even though we know full well there are those who are really going for the power and control. But at least those with a mind (for more than just handouts) will be pressuring their congressmen to do what is right for the country.
It is a perfect situation, short of a benevolent all-knowing all-loving God running the government.
Mountanman Hayden, IDOct. 4, 2013 8:50 a.m.
@ One old man. Keep on dreaming! Everything we were told by the Democrats about Obamacare was a lie as is being demonstrated by actual results! More likely that your dreams of success will be that Obamacare will be the downfall of the Democratic party when Obamacare consequences continue to roll in and Democrats are voted out of office in droves! The momentum in that direction is already well on its way! But you keep on believing in your fantasy!
RFLASH Salt Lake City, UTOct. 4, 2013 8:47 a.m.
You know what the true problem is for Republicans isn't the idea that Obamacare will fail. They are more worried that it will work! Everything they do centers around the failure of Obama! It is ridiculous! I am listening to all these people scream about not being able to go to the doctor you want or not being able to use the medicine you choose. They are talking about things that have been going on for years! How does it become the fault of Obamacare? Our health system sucks! Republicans seem to care little about how to change things! Obama hasn't done bad considering how things were when he started! The stimulus plan worked better than any Republican would admit. Face it, Republicans know that it will not make them look good if Obamacare succeeds. They don't want any kind of success for our president and they do whatever they can to get in his way. isn't it great that it isn't working. I am going to laugh when Obamacare isn't the disaster that Republicans say it will be.
one old man Ogden, UTOct. 4, 2013 8:31 a.m.
I wonder if this writer, who is apparently one more hapless victim of right wing propaganda, will still be singing this tune in a few years when the ACA has had time to get rolling and has proven to be popular with a majority of Americans.
Ted Cruz read Green Eggs and Ham during his fit of filibusetering. Ironically a great choice. If you don't remember the main idea of Green Eggs is simple: Try it, you just might like it.
Americans should try it. We just might like it. And if we don't -- after a fair trial -- we can and should go to work LIKE ADULTS and make whatever changes may be necessary.
The current GOP hissy fit is simply disgusting. Not at all unlike a toddler in a high chair refusing to try that green stuff on her plate.
Grover Salt Lake City, UTOct. 4, 2013 7:38 a.m.
Brent ends up citing the responsible position for any adult watching the circus in Washington. End the logjam and fix the law after your position is validated in the next election(s). He spends most of the letter on partisan drivel, but no matter since he comes to the correct conclusion: work with the Constitutional system to accomplish what you want. What we have now is an attempt at a power grab by people without the votes to make it happen legislatively.
If a survey were taken, less than 2% of the public would say they have ever heard of the "Hastert Rule" and even less would know what it means. Yet that rule is the real reason we face our fourth day of shutdown. The former Republican speaker enforced a rule that no bill would be brought to the floor of the House unless a majority of the majority would support it. The current Speaker is adhering to that rule even as the knowledge is growing that if he called a vote for a resolution to end the deadlock , it would pass...just not with a majority of Republican votes.
bluecollar Kearns, UTOct. 4, 2013 6:56 a.m.
Brent, you apparently are misinformed or choose to ignore historic facts. To state that the Patients' Protection and Affordable Care Act is The Presidents's only accomplishment is a convoluted opinion. The first two years of Barack Obama's presidency were filled with many very substantial accomplishments. Let me remind you of just a few: overhaul of the student loan program which resulted in much lower interest rates for students, Wall Street reform, eighteen tax cuts mostly aimed toward helping small businesses, economic stimulus, end of war in Iraq and the beginning of troop drawdown in Afghanistan, The Fair Pay Act which for the first time makes it federal law for women to be paid the same as men in the same job...
There's much more and oh yeah.... a health and insurance reform was passed. Since the Tea Party infiltrated Republicans in Congress not much has happened due to obstructionism.
Mountanman Hayden, IDOct. 4, 2013 6:49 a.m.
Which version of Obamacare should Congress fund? The original one passed by congress and judged to be constitutional by the SCOTUS or the versions that Obama has illegally altered 19 times since then, granting waivers for some lucky people but not for others? For many Americans this issue has gone well beyond healthcare, its about rule of law and the power of the President. We don't have a King or an Emperor in America who can change or alter the laws of the land at his discretion, we have a President with constitutionally mandated limits to his power. Obama has exceeded his powers and what is most disconcerting is that so many American don't care or are so blinded by their ideology that they won't see the danger. I am grateful for the Republicans who care about rule of law and fairness since the Democrats have demonstrated they do not!
ECR Burke, VAOct. 4, 2013 6:10 a.m.
Mr. Blair seems to live in the same fantasy world that Republicans on the Hill are suffering from. And his assertion that the Democrats haven't compromised is just as big a fantasy. From the FoxNews website, of all places, we read:
"One of the great mysteries of the current budget crisis is why Republicans did not declare victory and pass a continuing resolution last week funding government through the end of the year.
"The resolution that is at the root of this crisis already establishes sequestration-level funding that President Obama and Senate Democrats have repeatedly said is unacceptably low but which they were willing to swallow in order to avoid a government shutdown.
"That is the kind of compromise that, under normal circumstances, Republicans should celebrate. They got Democrats to accept a continuation of drastic, across-the-board spending cuts that are anathema to the president and his base. And yet members of the Tea Party, from Senator Ted Cruz to Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, have driven the Republican Party so far though the looking glass that even a compromise that so greatly favored their side has not been enough. "
The truth shall set you free.


text:
Published by Faber and Faber on 7 May 2015
Pages: 288
Format: Paperback
Source: Publisher
There is a box. Anything you imagine will appear inside. You have one go, one chance to create anything you want. What would you pick?"
That's exactly the question ten-year-old Timothy Hart gets to answer after discovering The Imagination Box. The greatest toy on earth.
The top-secret contraption transforms his life but when the box's inventor, Professor Eisenstone, goes missing, Tim knows he has to investigate.
With the help of a talking finger monkey called Phil, he sets out to find the professor. In order to rescue his friend, he must face his darkest fears and discover the true potential of his own mind.
I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Talking finger monkey. That's all you really need to know about this book. And if you are still questioning whether to read it after that, I judge you.
The Imagination Box is everything I want from a middle grade book. It's fun, adventurous, and made me smile the whole way through. I absolutely adore Phil the finger monkey and I would happily read any more stories with him in it.
Although this is part of a series, I felt satisfied with the ending. Yes I wanted more, but I wasn't left frustrated like a lot of series. This book definitely stands well on its own, and I would recommend it highly.
Its just such a good concept. As a kid I loved to play the Argos game, where me and my siblings would go through the catalogue and pick out the things we would have if money were no object. The Imagination Box is an extension of that; if the only limits were my imagination, what would I want? Thought provoking indeed!
Overall a story I fell in love with from start to finish. Brilliant characters (I want a Phil!) who made the story come alive. Can't wait for the next one and more adventures! 4 sofas.


text:
When two mini moon bear communities came together to form a group of 15, Animals Asia staff had to orchestrate every detail to ensure the 15 individual personalities integrated smoothly.
The first to meet were Baruffa, Georges, Xin Xin and Thomas. They sniffed each other as the bear keepers held their breath.
And then…
Lots and lots and lots of happy moon bear wrestling!
The coming together was all part of the bear managers' plan to integrate 15 bears at Animals Asia's Vietnam Bear Rescue Centre with the aim of maximizing space and outside playtime for all the bears.
To prepare for this mammoth integration session the team had cleared five adjoining dens ready for this moon bear social – complete with browse doubling as both toys and party snacks for the bears.
Buoyed by their early success, staff admitted Taz, Peter Robert Baynes, Birgit and Faith. Again the greetings were calm and familiar with Faith particularly happy to meet some potential new boyfriends. Later she would be so bold as to spend time sharing a basket with Taz.
Less successful was Bradley who was added with Cintron and kept trying to cosy up to a very patient but less- than-impressed Birgit.
Bela and Jenoe's entrance was slightly more nervous as they initially ran away from unfamiliar bears and tried to hide in the dens' higher spots. But once initial fears had been allayed, they calmed down and gently played with new friends Bradley and Cintron.
When Thao, Tieu Long and Isis were added the group was complete. Playing host, Thao confidently greeted any new bear he came across, while Tieu Long hung back and enjoyed the browse. Later he did decide to venture further and he was very friendly and playful, particularly with Faith who seemed quite taken by him.
Now that the group were all together in the den, staff tested relationships by introducing more food to the equation. Thankfully, there was no aggression besides slightly raised voices from the more food-driven individuals.
After dinner, the group settled in for further play and due to the warm weather a lot of snoozy relaxing.
The entire 15 enjoyed an overnight slumber party together before being allowed out to the enclosure as a group for the first time.
Bear Manager Sarah Dempsey, who oversaw the integration, said:
"These bears are on the most part all still quite young and this seemed to reflect in the speed and ease with which they integrated. For such a large group it was a really quick process. The larger group will provide everyone with more choices of who to play with and more physical and mental stimulation in their lives."


text:
- OOXML and ODF are document formats, like JPG and PNG are image formats. Open formats mean that anyone can write a program to read the file. Closed formats mean you cannot write a program to read the file. PNG is an open format, like HTML is an open format. Document formats are best when they are open.
- OOXML is Office Open XML, Microsoft's attempt to pass another standard. It is a competitor to ODF.
- ODF is already an ISO standard, and is already open, and already implemented and used by a variety of software.
- OOXML is NOT Open. There are many many technical reasons why it is almost impossible to implement it fully.
- India is forced to vote on the issue, and India's vote is important.
- Everyone who is in the business of writing Office Suites: IBM (which owns Lotus), Sun (which owns Star Office), Google (which owns Google Docs), and the Open Office team agrees that ODF is the superior format. ODF is already supported by many programs, some of which cost no money.
- China's IT experts are completely against OOXML.
- IIT Delhi is already on the ODF committee, and is strongly against OOXML. We don't know what IIT Bombay's view is, but my guess is that they are against OOXML as well. CDAC is against OOXML. IISc, and IIM-A are against OOXML.
- There is no "document war". ODF is already an open, ISO standard, and Microsoft refuses to follow along, and make its office software read and write ODF files. This is plain simple, bullying by a monopoly.
- Two standards for the identical thing are a very bad thing for consumers. Realizing this, US and South Africa have already stated that they will vote against OOXML. China is against OOXML as well.
Please take the time to write to the Indian delegation at firstname.lastname@example.com. Please be polite, and respectfully tell them that you are against OOXML. If any other Indian bloggers pick this up, I'd be grateful.
For technical reasons why OOXML is harmful to you, please see the previous post. For a quick slideshow about why OOXML is bad, please see Anand Vaidya's delightful slideshow.