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SOUTHFIELD, Mich. - We all know Michigan winters can be brutal, and shoveling snow is never much fun.
Tiffany Tilley, of Southfield, hoped hiring The Snow Guys of Livonia would make this winter a little more bearable.
"Every year they send me the letter to use their company for snow removal services," she told Ruth to the Rescue.
Tilley says she paid the company $100 up front to plow just her driveway but says she was disappointed after the first big snow the week of Christmas.
"Here is it, my birthday, right after Christmas and my child is in the driveway trying to do what I paid for the service to do," said Tilley.
Tilley and The Snow Guys disagree over efforts to communicate about her complaint. Tilley showed Ruth to the Rescue three emails she says she sent to the company about her complaint. She also contacted Ruth to the Rescue.
We checked our archives and found Local 4 Consumer Ruth Expert has tracked down the owner of The Snow Guys in 2011, when a local couple wanted a refund during a dispute over service.
Before Ruth met with the owner again, the rescue unit checked in with the Better Business Bureau. While The Snow Guys had an "F" rating in 2011, the company is currently not rated as it tried to resolve outstanding complaints.
Melanie Duquesnel, CEO of the local Better Business Bureau said, "I think the only reason we're not saying 'Don't do business!' is that they did reach out to us, when we were not bugging them."
The Better Business Bureau says The Snow Guys have racked up 82 complaints in the last three years, and 21 in the last six months. The agency includes this language in its online review... "This company has evidenced a pattern of complaints related to failure to provide snow removal services as contracted."
Owner responds to Ruth to the Rescue
"We always go out there every time it snows. We have never not shown up," he told Ruth while they spoke outside his home.
Church says in Tilley's case, his trucks did try to plow, but there was a vehicle parked in the driveway, which makes plowing too dangerous.
Ruth asked the owner if he would consider giving Tilley a refund. He said, "I don't have the records in front of me. I'm not going to go dig them up right now. I will look at that. I'm an honest man. If my people missed the job and didn't do the job, of course, I'll issue a credit, a refund, something to make it up to her."
In the end, although Church says his guys did show up to plow Tilley's driveway, he promised to give her a refund, as a gesture of good faith.
Church also sent Ruth to the Rescue a written statement:
The Snow Guys Inc. exists to provide reasonably prompt and inexpensive snow removal services to our community. We try to do so in every circumstance, recognizing that weather can be unpredictably demanding. Those drivers who work with us are human beings, subject to the same limitations and frailties
common to all. We have no magic wand to make snow go away. It is hard work and important work. We do our best to do it well. Sometimes that takes more time and effort than others, and weather-related problems can be frustrating for anybody. Most of our customers understand and accept this fact, even as we work hard to service all of them as soon as we can.
Out of these challenges, however, sometimes concerns do arise. For that reason, when a complaint comes from a customer, we to try to address it quickly and responsibly. Usually we succeed, to the satisfaction of the customer. Any customer complaint is subjects to prompt attention. None are ignored or left unresolved. We have full time staff dedicated to being responsive every working day. Even when we are out plowing, our phone lines are set to inform any customer who calls of that fact. We offer budget-conscious service according to the express terms of service agreement chosen and signed by each customer, and we stick to the terms of that contract.
That is the best way to ensure basic driveway snow removal at a reasonable time and price.
Hundreds of customers are served and over two dozen drivers are on task every time the snow flies. We have been providing effective removal services for nearly 20 years. Our rates are low. Our service is reasonable. Our phone number is published. We have received many letters of thanks and commendation over the years from happy customers, hundreds of whom renew with us year after year. It is an honor to serve such a community,
and we hope to continue to do so for years to come.
My name is John Church. While I am not perfect, I stand behind my company and our work. So do almost all of our customers. Thank you.
Better Business Bureau
If you have a complaint about any snow removal company, you should follow up with the Better Business Bureau. Click on the link here.
Copyright 2013 by ClickOnDetroit.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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The largest outbreak of bubonic plague occurred in England from 1665-1666. It killed up to 100,000 people.The disease had been found in the Netherlands for some years before the Great Plague, and it is generally thought that it was carried from Holland on ships stocked with bales of cotton. It is thought that rats living inside the bales brought the disease. Strictly speaking, however, rats were not the immediate cause of the plague. Rather, the rodents acted as what is known as a 'vector'. This term describes an organism which does not actually carry a disease, but rather spreads infection by carrying bacterial causes of a disease.
It would be awesome to have a fast forward this early!!
Chippendale Friends Jaymes (left) and James (right) must collect dead rats from three locations and hand them over to the Rat Catcher on THE AMAZING RACE. Photo: CBS ©2012 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Well this kind of spells it out!FF = Rats
Is there a new promo on CBS?
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This election will be the last one that middle class blacks and whites will have a chance to elect someone who supports their beliefs.
By middle class, I mean those folks who have modest to moderate incomes, who pay taxes, who own real estate and just maybe have a little left in the bank.
The reason? In about two years there will be more people in the USA who don't pay taxes and who count on the government for their support, than there are taxpayers.
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Monday, 28 September 2015, 1:00-2:00 PM – Register here!
Join us for Tai Chi in the Galleries inspired by the renowned Asian art collections at the Ackland. Tai chi is an ancient Chinese movement practice known to reduce pain and improve your mental and physical balance and well-being. This class uses gentle Sun-style tai chi routines that are safe, easy to learn, and suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
All movements are done standing. Wear comfortable clothes and supportive flat shoes. The class is taught by Joanne Marshall, a certified yoga and Tai Chi for Health instructor. More information about Sun Style tai chi can be found at the Tai Chi for Health Institute website.
Registration: Space is limited! Please register below.
Cost: Free for Ackland Members; $5 per session for all others (payments should be made at the door by cash or check).
When: Most Mondays; 1:00-2:00 PM (see below for dates)
See Also: Yoga in the Galleries sessions take place at 12 noon on Mondays, immediately preceding Tai Chi. We hope you'll try a class!
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'Tis the season to be jolly - but an investigation has revealed the crimes that make Christmas anything but merry for many Northern Ireland families.
Festive family fallouts meant over a third of all Christmas Day 999 calls to Police in Northern Ireland last year centered around violence, with many of them heartbreaking cases of domestic abuse.
And while most people spend their big day tucking into turkey and giving presents, our police probe has revealed the region's boys in blue spent last December 25 investigating sex crimes, deaths and drugs.
But our investigation under the Freedom of Information act has revealed the shocking scope of domestic violence, which ruins Christmas Day for so many families in the region.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) revealed that there was an incident of domestic violence every 20 minutes last Christmas.
"Christmas is meant to be a time of joy, a time of generosity, a time of caring. But for too many women and children, the 25th December will be yet another day of living with fear, intimidation and violence."
Those are the words of Sandra Horley CBE, chief executive of national domestic violence charity Refuge, who said that for some women and children, Christmas can be an incredibly difficult time due to domestic violence.
She was speaking after our probe revealed police investigated more than one violent crime an hour last Christmas, with officers called out to a crime on average every 20 minutes.
And across Britain, our investigation showed these violent crimes were more often than not committed in the family home.
"Some police forces see increases in reports of domestic violence incidents at Christmas. This may be because many police forces run high profile awareness campaigns around Christmas time," added Sandra.
"It can be very difficult for a woman experiencing domestic violence to access support during the festive period – a period when her abusive partner may be spending more time at home and monitoring her behavior more closely than ever.
"Domestic violence is an abuse of power – it is the repeated, habitual use of violence and intimidation to control another person. We cannot blame domestic violence on Christmas, alcohol, drugs, unemployment, stress, money worries or ill health. These are just excuses for an abuser's behavior".
Two women a week are killed nationally as a direct result of domestic violence, while one in four women will be subjected to it during their lives.
According to Sandra said, for some, domestic abuse is part of their whole lives - not just something experienced over Christmas. She added: "The police should be encouraging women to reach out for support every day of the year, not just at Christmas."
The PSNI has now launched a campaign against domestic violence this Christmas, with Det Ch Supt George Clarke adding: "The sad reality is that at this time of year, the number of domestic incidents increase."
Our investigation is designed to show just what our region's police have to deal with when on-duty on Christmas.
In total, officers were called to 481 incidents or crimes across the country.
The majority of these were classed as non-crimes, and included ten sudden deaths, four hoax calls and 11 suspicious vehicles.
They also had to deal with 14 criminals or suspects who thought Christmas Day was the perfect day to breach their bail.
The most common crimes officers encounter are violent crimes and vehicle damage, but while Christmas is a day of joy for many, for some it is a day of misery.
Officers also dealt with sexual offences and a killing, while four families had their Christmas ruined by burglers.
"People seem to think that because it's Christmas, the world just stops and that includes crime," said a police source.
"But as you can see, it's just like any other day in terms of what we have to deal with. In many ways it is worse because you have that cocktail of drink and family which is often the fuel behind so much crime.
"And because it's Christmas, it's usually the day you get some of the weirdest crimes of the year."
Around the UK these include everything from Christmas trees being used as weapons to a man shooting his brother in the backside.
Around a quarter of Northern Irish incidents occurred in Belfast City, which is perhaps unsurprisingly the Christmas crime capital of Northern Ireland.
But in total, the force received 793 calls that day, almost one every two minutes.
And with the big day approaching, the police source added: "People forget when they are having fun that the emergency services have to work and it isn't a holiday for a lot of us."


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Message from Archangel Michael
June 2006 * LM-6-2006
Transmitted Through Ronna Herman
Beloved masters, this is a pivotal year as
the Earth and all who reside upon her prepare for the next step in the
quickening consciousness of all Creation. As we stated in our most
recent past message, the higher-dimensional Cities of Light are now firmly
in place in strategic places around the Earth, and the portals to these
wondrous cities are open and ready to receive you. It is you,
the Star Seed, who are being encouraged to stretch your spiritual boundaries
even further, and allow yourselves to move deeper into the chamber of your
Sacred Heart and your Diamond Core Essence, as you integrate more and more
of your multidimensional God Self. We are asking those of you
who have worked so diligently to return to balance and harmony, both within
your inner nature and the outer world, to once again step to the fore and
make this grand leap into the expanded reality of the future.
Just as you brought a small portion of Living Light with you down into the
lower dimensions of Creation, you are now being given an opportunity to
reclaim greater and greater amounts of rarified Creator Light substance.
Remember, as we explained to you in the past, this is the most important
lifetime you will ever experience on planet Earth, for you are being offered
access to the fullest measure of your God Self/Consciousness that you can
contain; however, you must use and share all that you tap into and
integrate, and then even more will be available to you.
Over time and in varying degrees, you have made yourselves ready to receive the refined infusions of Living Light from the Creator and our Father/Mother God, and it has "rocked and shattered" your old, limited state of consciousness, as you gradually built a new reality from the inside outward. With your feet and your newly balanced three lower chakras firmly anchored in the higher levels of a third/fourth-dimensional reality, you moved into your sacred heart and centered your consciousness as you slowly but surely began the process of creating a unique fifth-dimensional environment: a reality made up of your newly acquired wisdom, thought patterns, intentions and deeds. You might envision this as a sphere or a column of Light surrounding and protecting you (or a microcosm of the higher-dimensional Light Cities). This is an environment attuned to your refined over-lighting vibrational patterns in which nothing of a lesser frequency can penetrate, unless you lower the frequencies of your "spiritual armor," thereby allowing the distorted shadow Light to affect you.
When you are ready to take an inner journey into the City of Light nearest you, you will be taken to the appropriate level for your present "State of Being," which for most will be the first station or level of the sixth dimension (there are seven stations or planes in each dimension in this particular universal experience). For your comfort and as a safeguard to assure you will receive only the most beneficial infusion of refined energy, you will again be encapsulated in a sphere of Light, and two wondrous angelic guides will greet you and stay with you throughout your visit in this rarified environment. You will not only have access to, and will be infused with, the Living Light of new Creation via the Ascension Accelerator Chambers, but you will also receive a new activation within your Diamond Core God Cell. This will assist you to gradually refine your auric field and speed up the process of reclaiming your beautiful body of Light, so that you can project more of your internal radiance out into the world. You will also gradually gain access to the higher levels of the brain where the Light packets of wisdom are stored: your cosmic intelligence, your lineage, as well as your Divine Mission, and a detailed history of your journey throughout this universal experience. Inspired thought, new creative processes and inventions are often brought forth into physical expression by tapping into these Light Packets stored within your own brain.
You will not only receive a personal
infusion of Light, but you will also become receptacles for these higher
vibrational patterns of Light, and as you integrate these refined
frequencies, you will become the Living Light Beings of the future:
beautiful crystalline forms of higher consciousness containing all the
attributes, qualities and virtues of our Father/Mother God, God Seeds
encased in bodies of flesh, Living Light made manifest. Through
your intentions, you will also anchor this Light deep within the Earth
and around the world, so that the Earth will be infused with Divine
transforming Light from above and from within.
It is vital that you fully understand
the importance of spending time in your Pyramid of Light/Power in the
fifth dimension. It is not only a place to help you
become a master of cocreation, and was designed to assist you in
releasing, refining and removing all negative third/fourth-dimensional
karmic programming, but it is the first step in many as you are
gradually prepared to access the higher and higher frequencies of Light.
A great multitude of Pyramids of Light are stationed
throughout this universe, as well as many other geometrically shaped Way
Stations which helped you become acclimatized and adjusted to the lower
and denser levels of Light, as you refracted your vaster Self and moved
outward to the furthest edge of Omniversal Creation. Now is
the time whereby the prophecies of old will be fulfilled; you are now
being called to return to the realms of Living Light.
The more time you spend in your
fifth-dimensional Pyramid, the more quickly you will be able to access
areas of even higher frequency patterns and even greater aspects and
qualities of Creator Consciousness. Projecting your
consciousness into your Pyramid before you fall asleep is an excellent
way to speed up the process of becoming accustomed to existing in that
rarified environment. There has always been a failsafe in
these Pyramids of Light, whereby you cannot tap into a higher frequency
level than you can safely integrate. When you are ready to
be initiated into the higher-dimensional levels of Light, your angelic
guides will see that your personal pyramid is automatically formed at
the appropriate dimensional level for you, and the frequencies will
gradually be increased or refined as you integrate and utilize them in
your physical reality. We have stressed over and over again,
there are universal laws governing all aspects of Creation, from the
greatest and most dynamic down to the most infinitesimal. It
has always been our greatest desire to teach you the universal laws of
Creation, and to show you how to apply them on the physical plane in
order to create a world of harmony, peace, loving relationships and
abundance. As long as you align your desires with those of
your Higher Self for the greatest good of all, you have the ability to
create anything you can envision. We can give you the information and
guidance, but you must take the necessary steps to integrate the
knowledge and turn it into wisdom, and then become the living embodiment
of that wisdom.
Can you imagine what a glorious gift
it would be to have the veil of forgetfulness lifted and to remember ALL
of your past: who you truly are, where you have been, and the many
phenomenal adventures you have had? It is time, beloveds,
but not before you have healed the past and neutralized the painful
memories and seeming failures, so that all you can remember are the
wondrous sensations of the physical body that you experienced before you
sank into the density, and the tremendous joy and satisfaction that you
have derived from your experiences in the material realm.
As has been stated many times before,
'As above, So below.' Said in another way, 'The macrocosm is replicated
in the microcosm.' Therefore, it is important for your
understanding that you realize and accept the fact that each and
everyone of you is a Divine Spark of the Supreme Creator in manifested
form, no matter your station in life, or the circumstances you chose to
experience in this brief incarnation. You came to Earth to fulfill
your part of the Divine Mission for this universal experience, and to go
about our Father/Mother Gods' business as a cocreator of new worlds
without end. You have stored within your Diamond Core God
Cell the potential to become or have anything you can envision. We
stress this over and over, but you have not yet totally accepted this
universal truth.
The orders of The Goddess, Metatron,
Melchizedek and Michael are thriving and well-represented on Earth.
You, the embodied Legions of Light Warriors, under my direction are
entrenched, active and gaining strength of purpose in every area and at
every level on Earth, as you anchor more and more Light consciousness
and regenerate your physical, mental, emotional and etheric bodies.
There is a mighty legion of angelic Beings who carry the aspects,
qualities and virtues of God consciousness, and there are also
representatives of all the great Beings of Light on Earth in physical
form (albeit in a greatly refracted/diminished state), and more and more
ancient and mighty souls/Beings are being born each day.
There is a great influx of master Beings of Light waiting to take
physical form, for they wish to be on the front line of experience as
this miracle of transformation takes place on your small planet.
Beloveds, we are asking you to rise
above the turbulence and chaos that is taking place all around you.
Focus your gaze on the stars which are representative of the lofty goals
you are seeking. The emotions of sadness, anger, guilt or fear
only add fuel to the negative collective consciousness of the lower
dimensions; they serve no one. As a self-master you are
learning to express and project compassionate empathy wrapped in
unconditional love, knowing that ultimately the greatest good for all
will prevail.
Indeed, these are times of great
testing for humanity as the elements of nature strive to return the
Earth to balance and harmony, within and without. The planet
Earth is alive, but not well, for this great sentient Being has suffered
the results of humanity's discordant vibrational thought patterns and
actions for aeons of time. Your host planet is also
experiencing the accelerated process of releasing and shaking off the
shackles of its third/fourth-dimensional prison. The ancient
labyrinths and ley lines deep within and encircling the Earth are once
again being permeated with the healing elixir of Life, and the
long-dormant sentient crystalline structures deep within the Earth are
stirring and awakening once more. You are the bearers of
this transforming infusion of Crystalline Living Light, and it is you,
the bearers of the Living Light, who will determine the locations of the
new sacred power centers around the Earth, as well as the locations of
the earthly cities of Light and the Light stations of learning and
transformation. You, the collective Legions of Light, are the
ones who must tap into these wondrous celestial Cities and anchor the
higher frequencies of luminous Light upon and within the Earth.
As you tap into and are filled to overflowing with each graduated level
of Living Light, you will take what is required for your own
transformation, and the rest will be gifted to the Earth and
humanity-at-large through your Living Light Breath. You have
been taught the importance of practicing the Breath of Infinity, and
those of you who have diligently practiced this sacred breathing process
have gained much benefit from the Prana of Life (breath filled with the
Living Light of Creation).
Perfecting the Infinity Breath, the
Still Point pause, and the Binary Sequencing meditation will assist you
in moving through that multidimensional doorway deep within your Sacred
Heart, whereby you can be swiftly taken into your Pyramid of
Light/Power, and prepared to access the spiraling Light portal leading
to the City of Light nearest you.
The curtain is falling on the drama of the many past ages on Earth, as the exciting new Divine plan and vision for the future unfolds. You, who have earned the right to, once again, be designated as cocreators of worlds to come, are being asked to boldly reach upward and outward as you claim the gifts within the great cities of Light: virtues, qualities and attributes which will supply all you need to become masters of the Living Light. We, your brothers and sisters of the higher realms, await you. You have been sorely missed. The radiance of our Father/Mother God shines down upon you, now and forever more.
You are loved most profoundly,
I AM Archangel Michael.
Transmitted through Ronna Herman
Dearest friends, as anticipated, our seminar in Houston was an event filled with miracles and was almost overwhelming at times. On Friday, May 12, James Tipton, aka Tyberonn, who is of the lineage of Metatron, Thomas Beamer, lineage of Melchizedek, Helen Huber, representing the Goddess, and I, representing AA Michael, went to Moody Gardens on Galveston Island, about an hour's drive from Houston. We met a lady who worked there and she told us that the son of the Moody Family/ Moody Foundation had placed a beautiful, quartz crystal (about 50 lb. size), in the lobby of the administration office of the complex. She invited us to see it, and we were allowed to touch it in order to infuse our intentions into this powerful crystal. We also poured a small amount of water over the crystal from the three sacred lakes ( Lake Titicaca, Pyramid Lake and Lake Baikal ). We then went to the crystal cave, inside the Rainforest Pyramid, which contained five massive, quartz crystal clusters, two weighing at least 200 lbs., and three others weighing approx. 50-75 lbs., which had been placed in alcoves in the walls of the simulated cave as educational geological displays. There, we set our intentions, offered prayers, touched the stones, and sprinkled them with the sacred water. We also dropped some small amethyst and clear quartz points I furnished, under the directions of AA Michael, into the base pool of a waterfall at the cave entrance inside the Pyramid. We then walked the along the inner perimeter of the Rainforest Pyramid, which is the entry point into the three Pyramid complex, and contains tropical plants, birds and fish. We made our way to the center of the saltwater Aquarium Pyramid, which has a golden spiral circular two-tiered opening from base to apex, and again, we set our intention through meditation. We dropped two quartz crystal points in one of the salt water pools containing tropical fish and sea turtles, and we bathed some of the plants with the sacred waters. Finally, we visited the copper-colored Science Pyramid, and in the corner of the upper level, we followed the same process. We joined in a guided visualization of opening and anchoring the portal to allow the inflow of the Living Light, which will radiate the accelerated energies of ascension in a circular pulsing beam to all the surrounding areas. We also directed special intent toward "lightening" the energy of Houston. Tyb told us that Houston is, in a real sense, a major corporate center of world energy and power, and as such, a density of shadowed energy prevails. AA Michael confirmed that Houston was once the site of an Atlantean temple, and that this grid is needed to reactivate the sacred energies that once flowed throughout the area, and it is also critical that the portal be anchored so that the refined Light of new Creation can mix with and refine the ancient energies. We were told that we had successfully set the template required to initiate these processes. He also told us that this was the main reason the Moody family was inspired to create the Pyramid complex. In its worldly expression, the complex is primarily educational and is often toured by students and other groups, and as such, all who visit this beautiful place in the future will receive an infusion of Living Light, another magical way the Earth and humanity will be assisted in this time of transformation.
I was inspired by AA Michael to ask Tyberonn, Thomas Beamer and a dear friend, Dr. Helen Huber, to join me for this event, and now I understand why. Tyb gifted us with a wonderful slide presentation and spoke on the Metatronic Grid Systems & Sacred Sites. He has traveled the world and has a wealth of fascinating information to share. Tomas Beamer (presenting for the first time) spoke of his recent experiences since learning he is of the lineage of Melchizedek, how it feels to integrate his over- Lighting energy, and allow this great Being to work with and through him. Helen Huber toned with crystal bowls, and also gifted us with a beautiful, inspired song she wrote. Her beautiful voice has a wide range and an amazing quality. She surely must have sung with the Celestial Choir in the realms of Light.
After AA Michael's powerful message, he took us to our special Pyramid of Light, and then up the portal to the Light City over the gulf and surrounding states. I can't begin to tell you all the exquisite details of this first visit to a City of Light; however, beloved Michael has asked me to create a tape of the meditation, and also of the ritual for accessing the portal and anchoring the City of Light closest to you.
I have also produced a four-page article entitled Reshel/Metatronic Grids, Ley Lines, The Crystalline Grid, and the new Ascension Grid Overlay which was excerpted from information from Tyb and a wonderful friend of his, William Buehler. I hope to have this information available to you on my site shortly. What a wondrous time this is, and how blessed we all are to be given this glorious gift.
I, for one, intend to be a constant cosmic traveler. Won't you join me, dear friends, as we access and anchor the Living Light around the world? Love and angel blessings, Ronna
I am pleased to tell you about a new, very special book, written by one of my dearest angel sisters, Dorothy Aho. A JOURNEY OF LOVE INTO PEACE is a compilation of wonderful channeled material, and Dorothy's spiritual journey and experiences. I admire her greatly for "stepping out there" and having the courage to follow her passion. I know you will enjoy and treasure this jewel of Light.
Price: $16.95 plus $3 S&H (book rate) or $5 Priority mail. To purchase, please contact Dorothy directly: 218-525-7415 * Email: email@example.com
by Claudia Coleman
Email: email@example.com * Website: http://www.starwavz.com
"Swimming Lessons."
"As 2012 approaches, the massive acceleration of cosmic frequencies continues to impact all of our lives by forcing change. Humanity is being awakened from the trance-like state it has maintained for several thousand years, repeating deeply ingrained behavioral patterns of self-sacrifice, victimization and dis-empowerment. Taught to adapt to society's outdated values and beliefs, we are encouraged to live life on automatic pilot, questioning little and changing nothing. Change affects each of us in different ways. For some, change is refreshing, offering endless possibilities for adventure, creativity and growth. Many people are increasingly willing to live more consciously, taking responsibility for their thoughts and actions; willing to release deep-seated fears and experience unconditional love. On the other hand, diseases such as heart attacks, stroke, cancer and diabetes are on the rise as many feel overwhelmed by changes in their personal lives that they feel powerless to control. Feeling unsafe and unsupported, fearful and resistant, many find themselves desperately treading water in a murky sea of ignorance. Those who choose to face their fears and trust in their inner guidance will be shown how to swim out of the sea of ignorance. To successfully ride the wave of the Shift of the Ages toward a benevolent future, swimming lessons are definitely recommended; and eventually we may find ourselves floating peacefully on an Ocean of Love!"
Until next month--Be Well. Claudia
Book: "How To Feed Your Body Type" available from Ronna
t firstname.lastname@example.com t 250-763-7557 t www.starwavz.com
© 1998-2006 Ronna Herman, Star Quest All Rights
775-856-3654 • email@example.com * 6005 Clear Creek
www.Shegoi.net/Love The
Mother of All Plants
Miracle Crystal Salt Mineral & Anti-Oxidant http://www.mcssl.com/app/aftrack.asp?afid=251122
Natural Cellular Defense: Zeolite's www.mywaiora.com/722802
Many BLESSINGS
Keth Luke, editor,
The Divine Tune-Up Team: Jan Carter, Dr Light, our Angels, Cosmic, ET, and Earthly Crew


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UW Research Center Field Day Offers Presentations, Research Tours
The driver pulling the trailer with rows of seating slowed and paused for a group of people crossing the parched yards at the James C. Hageman Sustainable Agriculture Research and Extension Center (SAREC) near Lingle. His action was an unspoken invitation for a ride.
Betty Deeney of Hawk Springs waved the driver on.
"They want to see the equipment," she said to him, pointing to the men she was walking with and then, as a way of explanation, added, "Farmers."
An estimated 150 attended the revamped SAREC field day Thursday, Aug. 23. The field day, switched to late afternoon, ended with a cream can dinner. The field day offered three-minute research presentations and also trailer tours to research plots, where UW scientists awaited visitors.
"I like this," says Deeney, who attended with her husband, Lindsey Arnold. "I think you have a chance to go on your own more, and we stayed longer in one place than another. In whatever area of interest you like, you have more time to spend and visit with people."
Attendees saw Beth Burritt of Utah State University show how cattle can be trained to graze forage they normally wouldn't. Visitors also saw scientists show their weed research, Roundup-Ready alfalfa studies, shade avoidance in sugar beets and omega-3 supplementation in cattle. Participants also viewed a project that examines organic, conventional and no-till operations, coupled with livestock, forage trials and other projects.
SAREC Operations Director Jim Freeburn says he believes the field day was the best they've had.
"It seemed more relaxed and people were more at ease," he says.
Research posters were attached to a large truck and to sides of buildings, and there were tents under which people could visit and escape from the late afternoon sun.
"People liked the new tour format, the posters and the fastest three-minute presentations," Freeburn says. "Having the big tent, and the opportunity to mingle and visit with UW faculty members and researchers in a nonstructured way, seemed to be very well-received."


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It was a very busy week last week in the world of climate change, with lots of activity on both the domestic and international fronts. U.N. negotiators wrapped up talks in Barcelona, the last before the big event in December in Copenhagen. And climate and energy legislation moved in various ways in the U.S. Senate.
Here is the view of where things stand from The Nature Conservancy's climate change policy gurus: Eric Haxthausen, director of U.S. climate policy, and Duncan Marsh, director of international climate policy.
Cool Green Science: At this point, what should we be looking for in Copenhagen?
Duncan Marsh: Time is short. Real progress needs to be made in the coming weeks at the highest government levels in order to put together a meaningful agreement in Copenhagen.
Negotiators in Copenhagen must consolidate their efforts from the past two years into a framework that:
Contains the principles for actions by key countries to reduce emissions,
Establishes a significant financial commitment to help developing countries adapt to climate change and move toward clean energy economies,
Commits to a comprehensive, legally binding agreement.
There has been much attention on what the United States is doing or not doing on climate change. What about the rest of the world?
Duncan Marsh: There is growing evidence that governmental leaders from around the world are engaged behind the scenes at unprecedented levels, and are moving to take serious action on climate change. China, India, Brazil, Japan, Australia, Indonesia and others have made recent pledges to significantly limit their carbon emissions, promote clean energy or reduce deforestation.
The European Union proposed guidance on the level of funding developed countries will need to provide to effectively combat and adapt to climate change. Governments now need to make the commitments to provide that funding.
And, in the United States, the Senate took steps last week to clear a path forward on climate and energy legislation that would cap U.S. emissions — an essential step in reaching a comprehensive global agreement.
Why does getting legislation in the Senate and a global climate agreement matter?
Eric Haxthausen: Climate change is about the future of our country, and the world we leave for the next generation. But it is also about the present: We are already seeing changes, and addressing climate change now can begin to transform our economy as we put America back to work.
Duncan Marsh: We are seeing devastating droughts, floods and changing weather patterns that are displacing populations, causing food shortages and sparking social unrest that threaten each and every one of us. Scientific data tells us that the impacts of climate change — both current and future — are accelerating faster than previously predicted. All countries need to move quickly and join the global effort to reduce emissions and help people and nature adapt to this threat.
Is climate and energy legislation in the Senate dependent on securing enough votes from Democrats, or will it involve bipartisan support?
Eric Haxthausen: Final passage of climate and energy legislation in the Senate will — and should — require bipartisan support. Enacting solutions to climate change is not a partisan issue. Leaders from both parties have clearly stated the urgent need to take action.
Along with the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act (S. 1733) coming out of committee last week, Sens. John Kerry, Lindsey Graham and Joseph Lieberman — a Democrat, a Republican and an independent — announced this week they will work together and with others in their parties to ensure a solution is developed that can receive bipartisan support.
How do last week's actions in the U.S. Senate bode for an agreement in Copenhagen?
Eric Haxthausen: The last few days have shown real progress toward passage of a climate bill. We are hopeful that these actions, coupled with continued efforts over the next weeks by the Senate and the Obama administration, will help enable a strong outcome in Copenhagen.
Duncan Marsh: The U.S. Congress and administration must now act swiftly to fulfill the full promise of these initial actions. The coming weeks offer President Obama the opportunity to clearly demonstrate his commitment to acting seriously on climate change — and the world's opportunity to re-embrace U.S. engagement. It will require extraordinary leadership and political will to reach the firm commitment needed in Copenhagen to safeguard our planet for future generations.


text:
In Schools, Reading and Maths Skills Decline
Open any page of a new report by non-profit-group Pratham on the state of primary and middle school education in rural India and prepared to be shocked.
A fifth of 10-year-olds know how to read some words but cannot understand sentences. Almost half of seven-year-olds can't even make out letters. Fewer than half of 14-year-olds can divide numbers.
Pratham, which interviewed children in over 500 districts across rural India, did find some positive news to report. The group estimates only 3.5% of children across India in the 6-14 year age range are not in school, showing how the Right to Education Act of 2009 is bearing fruit.
But if the quality of education they are getting is not sufficient to teach them the basics of reading and writing, then there's little room for optimism in these enrollment statistics.
The numbers also give the impression that an already dire state of affairs may be getting worse. Last year, in the same survey, Pratham found that 48% of 10-year-olds could read a class-two level text, which are meant for seven-year-olds.
In 2012, the number slid to 47%, a level which is down from 54% in 2010.
Of course, there are regional variations which underscore the idea that education is more a problem in the north of India than the south. Four-fifths of children aged between 6 and 8 in rural Andhra Pradesh, a southern state, can read letters, words or more. That number drops to just over half in the impoverished northern state of Bihar, well below the national average of 68%.
The north-south divide appears to hold true of enrollment levels too. In the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous region, 6.4% of children aged between 6 and 14 did not attend school. In southern Tamil Nadu the figure was 0.6%.
Follow Tom and India Real Time on Twitter @TomWrightAsia and @indiarealtime.
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text:
Sunday, April 10, 2011
DMCA Digital Millennium copyright act Linden Lab will respond to allegations of copyright violations in accordance with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). The DMCA provides a process for a copyright owner to give notification to an online service provider concerning alleged copyright infringement. When a valid DMCA notification is received, the service provider responds under this process by taking down the offending content. On taking down content under the DMCA, we will take reasonable steps to contact the owner of the removed content so that a counter-notification may be filed. On receiving a valid counter-notification, we generally restore the content in question, unless we receive notice from the notification provider that a legal action has been filed seeking a court order to restrain the alleged infringer from engaging in the infringing activity. Please note that these notifications and counter-notifications are real-world legal notices provided outside of the Second Life environment. Linden Lab may provide copies of such notices to the participants in the dispute or third parties, at our discretion and as required by law - the privacy policy for Second Life does not protect information provided in these notices. To File a Notification A written notification must be made. This can be done either by fax or written letter (regular mail or courier). Emails will not be accepted unless a prior arrangement has been made. The notification must: 1. Identify in sufficient detail the copyrighted work that you believe has been infringed upon (i.e., describe the work that you own). 2. Identify the in-world item that you claim is infringing on your copyright, and provide information reasonably sufficient to locate the item in-world. For example "The allegedly infringing work I am referring to is located on the map area labeled 'Freelon, 104,30,56'." 3. Provide a reasonably sufficient method of contacting you; phone number and email address would be preferred. 4. (Optional) Provide information, if possible, sufficient to permit us to notify the user(s) who posted the content that allegedly contains infringing material. You may also provide screenshots or other materials that are helpful to identify the works in question. (This is for identification only, not to "prove" substantive claims.) 5. Include the following statement: "I have good faith belief that the use of the copyrighted materials described above and contained on the service is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or by protection of law." 6. Include the following statement: "I swear, under penalty of perjury, that the information in the notification is accurate and that I am the copyright owner or am authorized to act on behalf of the owner of an exclusive right that is allegedly infringed." 7. Sign the paper Please note: The DMCA provides that you may be liable for damages (including costs and attorneys fees) if you falsely claim that an in-world item is infringing your copyrights. We recommend contacting an attorney if you are unsure whether an in-world object is protected by copyright laws. Send the written document to the designated Copyright Agent at Linden Research: Linden Research, Inc. Attn: Designated Copyright Agent 945 Battery Street San Francisco, CA 94111 Alternatively, fax the document to (415)520-9660. On the cover sheet, please write ATTN: DMCA NOTIFICATION To file a counter-notification: 1. List the in-world items that were removed by the Second Life administrators, and the location at which the material appeared before it was removed. Please identify the object in sufficient detail, and when possible, the UUID. 2. Provide your name, address, telephone number, email address (if available). 3. State that you consent to the jurisdiction of Federal District Court for the judicial district in which you reside (or San Francisco, California if your address is outside of the United States). 4. State that you will accept service of process from the person who provided notification to us of the alleged infringement or an agent of such person. 5. State the following: "I swear, under penalty of perjury, that I have a good faith belief that the material identified above was removed or disabled as a result of a mistake or misidentification of the material to be removed or disabled." 6. Sign the paper. Send the written document to the designated Copyright Agent at Linden Research: Linden Research, Inc. Attn: Designated Copyright Agent 945 Battery Street San Francisco, CA 94111 Alternatively, fax the document to (415)520-9660. On the cover sheet, please write ATTN: DMCA COUNTER-NOTIFICATION FAQ How do I make a DMCA notification or counter-notification? Please follow the instructions above precisely, including only the enumerated information. Inclusion of any information beyond the specifically required information and optional information listed above could significantly impede review of your attempted notification. You may find it simplest to cut-and-paste the numbered items above and use them as headings for the information you are submitting. How does Linden Lab determine who "wins" and "loses"? Linden Lab does not adjudicate the substance of the copyright claim: we do not declare winners and losers. Your copyright in an item is determined in the real world, by real-world processes including the DMCA. The DMCA process allows users of an online service to resolve copyright disputes using the adjudication systems available in the real world. Can I submit my notices over email? Unfortunately, email addresses posted on public website pages quickly become the target of spam, making it difficult to review legitimate communications. Please submit information as requested above; if digital files are necessary to identify materials in question, we can make arrangements for digital delivery. Can I sign notifications and counter-notifications with my Second Life avatar name? We will not accept notices that are not signed by a real legal person. The DMCA process is a real-world process with real-world ramifications. I don't agree with the required statements. Do I have to state these things? We will not accept notices under the DMCA that do not include the statements required by the DMCA. Can you change the DMCA process? The Digital Millennium Copyright Act is federal law, passed by the United States Congress. Linden Lab does not have the power to change congressional acts. Why is Linden Lab imposing liability for damages for false claims of copyright infringement? The liability for damages for false claims is a provision of the DMCA, which was not written by Linden Lab. Note that these damages and legal fees can be significant, for example http://www.onlinepolicy.org/action/legpolicy/opg_v_diebold/. Can Linden Lab give me legal advice concerning my claim? Linden Lab cannot provide legal advice to you. If you are uncertain about any legal issues, you are well-advised to obtain the services of a competent legal professional. Do you terminate accounts based on DMCA claims? If Linden Lab believes that a user of Second Life is continually abusing the DMCA process, either with filings that appear to be without basis, or by continually re-posting content that is the subject of valid DMCA notifications, we may exercise our right to terminate the abusing party's account. Keep in mind though, that Linden Lab's actions still do not determine the substantive outcome of copyright disputes. Copyright matters are real-world rights, governed by real-world systems. Where can I find more information about the DMCA and other copyright laws? There are many available resources on the Internet. Linden Lab is not responsible for the content provided by these other resources, but we have found the following to be informative: A summary of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act can be found at: http://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf The text of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act can be found here: http://www.copyright.gov/legislation/hr2281.pdf The U.S. federal copyright code is here: http://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap5.html More government-provided information on copyrights can be found here: http://www.copyright.gov Many universities maintain useful public information regarding copyrights, including: http://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/index.php/Copyright http://fairuse.stanford.edu/
Posted by gie at 4:02 AM
Labels: DMCA
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text:
2019 Performance
Performance Roster:
Featuring Billy Cox (from Jimi Hendrix Experience / Band Of Gypsys), Joe Satriani, Taj Mahal, Jonny Lang, Dweezil Zappa, Eric Johnson, dUg Pinnick (from King's X), Chris Layton (from Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble), Mato Nanji (from Indigenous), Kenny Aronoff, Henri Brown, and Kevin McCormick * Artist line-up is subject to change without notice.
Ticket Prices:
$59.00 - $129.00 * Ticket prices may be subject to tax, venue fees and service charges where applicable.
Buy Tickets Now
Exclusive Ticket Offer Available!
Qualifying online ticket purchases are eligible for a FREE CD at this performance.
Every pair of tickets purchased through the event's official online ticket sellers that are accessible via the links provided on this website, comes with one (1) physical CD of the new Jimi Hendrix album, Both Sides Of The Sky. You will receive an additional email with instructions on how to redeem your CD. Offer must be redeemed by May 5, 2019. US/Canadian residents only. One CD per pair of tickets purchased. Not valid for tickets purchased via third ticket brokers/resellers, theater box offices, TM+ or where prohibited by law. Check event listings for venues participating in this promotional offer.
On Sale Date:
- Pre-Sale:
- Public:
- On Sale Now
Buy Tickets Now
Ticket Sales:
Online: Xcite Center Box Office
Telephone: 1-877-466-3404
Special Activities/Attractions:
Visit the Purple Haze Lounge™ at tonight's performance
More Info / Links:
- Website
- Xcite Center at Parx Casino
Performance Photos
In the meantime, please visit our Photo Gallery presenting photos from past performances.


text:
If you liked this post, you may also be interested in...
- Drug Prices Are So Insane That The NY Times Is Recommending The US Gov't Just 'Seize The Patents'
- Another Way In Which Patents Contributed To The Opioid Crisis: Hospitals Ordered Not To Use Better, Less Problematic Medicines
- IBM's Ridiculous Opportunism: Sells Out Section 230 To Sell More Filters
- After Decades Of Demanding China 'Respect' US Patent Law, Senator Rubio Pushes Law That Says US Can Ignore Huawei Enforcing Patents
- Huawei Now Using Patent Claims To Demand $1 Billion From Verizon, As The US Tries To Chase Huawei Out Of The US Market
Reader Comments
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Sneeje (profile), 21 Sep 2012 @ 4:47pm
To this idea I say...Splunge!
Anonymous Coward, 21 Sep 2012 @ 6:37pm
Re: To this idea I say...FOR THE CHILDREN!
arcan, 21 Sep 2012 @ 7:04pm
Re: Re: To this idea I say...TERRORISM
monkyyy, 21 Sep 2012 @ 7:31pm
Re: Re: Re: To this idea I say...THE AMERICAN SPIRIT
The eejit (profile), 21 Sep 2012 @ 10:42pm
Re: Re: Re: Re: To this idea I say...CHILDREN, TERRORISM AND THE AMERICAN SPIRIT!
S. T. Stone, 21 Sep 2012 @ 10:43pm
Re: Re: Re: Re: To this idea I say...AMERICA, FUCK YEAH
Don't forget!Don't forget the after/hidden panel! :)
S. T. Stone, 21 Sep 2012 @ 10:44pm
Re: Don't forget!I think Apple will need an ice pack for that second-degree burn.
Rekrul, 21 Sep 2012 @ 11:52pmCall me petty, but I'm really hoping that Google patented some key piece of their maps system, and that they now sue Apple over their native maps app. After all, Apple did copy them...
Anonymous Coward, 22 Sep 2012 @ 2:58amamen to that!!
Manok (profile), 22 Sep 2012 @ 6:05amBut we HAVE common sense around the patent system. It's only that common sense is not important. Big business, big money, and the politicians being able to have another 4-year run is and will always be the driving force.
This comment has been flagged by the community. Click here to show itstaff, 22 Sep 2012 @ 7:56am
more dissembling by MasnickThe Constitution says �To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries�. Therefore, if an invention is useful and promotes science, it should be patentable. It�s that simple.
In Federalist No. 43, James Madison wrote regarding constitutional rights of inventors, "The utility of the clause will scarcely be questioned. The copyright of authors has been solemnly adjudged, in Great Britain, to be a right of common law. The right to useful inventions seems with equal reason to belong to the inventors. The public good fully coincides in both cases with the claims of the individuals."
Have you ever filed, or prosecuted a patent application? Have you ever invented anything, or had to fight off large infringers who ripped you off and thumbed their noses at you saying "so sue us"? All you and teh comic know about patents is you don't have any.
Masnick and his monkeys have an unreported conflict of interest-
They sell blog filler and "insights" to major corporations including MS, HP, IBM etc. who just happen to be some of the world�s most frequent patent suit defendants. Obviously, he has failed to report his conflicts as any reputable reporter would. But then Masnick and his monkeys are not reporters. They are patent system saboteurs receiving funding from huge corporate infringers. They cannot be trusted and have no credibility.
Pixelation, 22 Sep 2012 @ 8:37am
Re: more dissembling by MasnickDude, you should write comics.
silverscarcat (profile), 22 Sep 2012 @ 8:54am
Funny thing...About patents and copyright...
Is that it's a CONTRACT with the people.
We act in good faith with said contract...
Until it gets abused.
Then, all bets are off.
Guess what?
When Congress kept extending copyright and allowed patents to become abused like they have...
They broke the contract, because of that, people don't follow it anymore.
And now, companies wonder why no one respects them when they wave around their contract.
John Fenderson (profile), 22 Sep 2012 @ 10:45am
Re: more dissembling by Masnick
Have you ever filed, or prosecuted a patent application? Have you ever invented anything, or had to fight off large infringers who ripped you off and thumbed their noses at you saying "so sue us"?
Yes on both counts. So?
Keroberos (profile), 22 Sep 2012 @ 11:48am
Re: more dissembling by Masnick"Masnick and his monkeys" have never argued against the idea behind patents and copyrights. They only speak against the abuses of the system that have been occurring with alarming frequency lately. The big ones being in your own post; "To promote the Progress"--seems to me could currently be read now as "To promote the profits of a few at the expense of society" and, "by securing for limited Times". In the tech industry the current terms for patents--20 years for utility patents and 14 for design patents--might as well be an eternity. Copyright already is for the most part eternal (they'll just keep extending the terms). Add in patents for the ridiculously obvious (rounded corners anyone?), and patents granted for things that have already been done with the only change being adding "on the internet", or "with a computer" to them. Coupled with all the non-practicing entities hoarding patents and charging the true innovators ridiculous licensing fees or, just outright suing them out of business (extortion?). I don't understand how anyone could think that there isn't a problem with patents and copyright that needs to be addressed here.
Anonymous Coward, 22 Sep 2012 @ 12:24pm
Re: Re: more dissembling by MasnickOn a mobile device, is another magic phrase to get a patent
Aaron P., 22 Sep 2012 @ 12:17pm
Re: more dissembling by Masnick
The Constitution says �To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries�. Therefore, if an invention is useful and promotes science, it should be patentable. It�s that simple.
It's the act of "securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right" that needs to "promote the progress of science and useful arts", not the invention. In other words, the act of patenting the invention itself needs to justify itself by promoting innovation.
I have to seriously question the motives of anyone defending the status quo of the patent system as it is on the basis that it is plainly dysfunctional. In your second link, the discussion about patent trolls is deceptively focused on whether or not the person who owns the patent is the original inventor - but that's not the problem with patent trolls. The problem is a combination of overly broad patents that should have never been granted in the first place, patents for which prior art exists which should have never been granted in the first place, patents for things that are obvious ("...on the internet") that should have never been granted in the first place, a court system that favors entities with enough capital to survive lengthy and costly litigation, and the entities that take advantage of all of these things together to extort actual innovators and bully them out of the marketplace entirely.
Let me ask you, have you ever been on the wrong side of a patent dispute, having to defend an invention of your own from a patent that should have never been granted in the first place by a person whose only contribution has been to take advantage of a broken system and punish people for actually creating something, a person who has no intention of producing any product and certainly did not invent anything themselves?
Clearly, I don't need any of the writers of TechDirt to tell me that the patent system is broken. Even if you were to discredit them completely, and I don't see that you have, the patent system would still be broken. And, of course, it's easy to attack people while enjoying the anonymity they provided for you to do so. I don't suppose you're eager to reveal your own identity or personal conflicts of interest and reveal where exactly your stake in this debate lies?
Anonymous Coward, 22 Sep 2012 @ 6:31pm
Re: Re: more dissembling by Masnick"as it is on the basis that it is plainly dysfunctional. "
nearly 8 million patents, and a few exceptional cases hit the headlines.
Would you care to address the other 99% of patents which seem fine?
By your definition of failure, most doctors should stop performing operations and you most certainly shouldn't drive or take a plane. Heaven forbid you use an appliance or risk crossing a street!
It's only a failure for those who try desperately hard to concentrate on a narrow group of cases, or a narrow period of time as whole new markets are opened up and spaced staked out.
Anonymous Coward, 22 Sep 2012 @ 9:38pm
Re: Re: Re: more dissembling by MasnickSo it only matters if it hits the headlines?
Anonymous Coward, 23 Sep 2012 @ 6:49am
Re: Re: Re: more dissembling by MasnickI don't suppose you're eager to reveal your own identity or personal conflicts of interest and reveal where exactly your stake in this debate lies?
Really not eager.
Anonymous Coward, 23 Sep 2012 @ 10:31am
Re: Re: Re: more dissembling by Masnick"nearly 8 million patents, and a few exceptional cases hit the headlines."
We've played this game before. I can come up with more examples of bad patents than you can of good patents.
In all the years of playing this game on Techdirt and requesting that IP extremists provide examples of good patents, I can only come up with a hand full of good patents. I can come up with a plethora of bad patents.
and please don't confuse a 'good invention' with a 'good patent'.
Where is the patent that tells me how to build my car, cell phone, computer mouse, etc... Where is a patent that tells me anything useful at all? and provide evidence that those inventions would not progress (as quickly) without patents.
gnudist, 22 Sep 2012 @ 2:32pm
Re: more dissembling by MasnickAn innovation shouldn't be patentable just becuase it's innovative, it should only be paatentable if granting the patent "promotes the progress of the useful arts" as per the costitutional justification for such a system.
A pantent on an innovation even when patenting it would only harm further innovation is a bad patent.
gnudist, 22 Sep 2012 @ 2:35pm
Re: Re: more dissembling by MasnickMan, I seem to love that word.
So to get it out of my system: PATENTS PATENTS PATENTS PATENTS PATENTS PATENTS PATENTS PATENTS PATENTS PATENTS PATENTS
*Takes breath*
techflaws (profile), 22 Sep 2012 @ 10:16pm
Re: more dissembling by MasnickIt�s that simple.
So how does locking up ideas (that someone else came up with just as easily) promote the progress in any way?
Stephan Kinsella (profile), 23 Sep 2012 @ 7:12am
Re: more dissembling by MasnickI've prosecuted hundreds of patents, am a EE, and have been listed as inventor on a few as well. Masnick is right. You are wrong. The patent system should be abolished. It is nothing but the leftover of mercantalism and protectionism. The state granting monopoly privileges to protect favored applicants from competition has nothing to do with the free market, capitalism, or property rights; in fact it is contrary thereto.
The fact that the Constitution authorizes Congress to grant these horrible monopoly privileges does not mean Congress must do so, nor that it is justified. The Constitution has in the past and does not authorize (or permit) lots of unjust laws and policies, like chattel slavery, tariffs, a central bank, drug laws, war, income tax, prohibition, etc.
See also this post about Jefferson's proposal to limit IP power: http://libertarianstandard.com/2011/12/01/thomas-jeffersons-proposal-to-limit-the-length-of-patent-a nd-copyright-in-the-bill-of-rights/
Anonymous Coward, 23 Sep 2012 @ 10:33am
Re: more dissembling by Masnick"Therefore, if an invention is useful and promotes science, it should be patentable. It�s that simple. "
As already mentioned, the patent needs to be useful and promote the sciences, not the invention. To confuse the two is retarded at best and most likely a dishonest attempt to obfuscate the issue.
Anonymous Coward, 22 Sep 2012 @ 9:09amEli Whitney invents cotton gin gets patent - lawyers make lots of money.
Eli Whitney invents way to make muskets by machine, ignores patents - Eli Whitney makes lots of money.
Rtkwe, 24 Sep 2012 @ 7:06am
Response to: Anonymous Coward on Sep 22nd, 2012 @ 9:09amExcept Eli Whitney never did that. He staged a demonstration to defraud the government to get more money for the cotton gin litigation.
Source: http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eli_Whitney#section_2 and class lecture
Anonymous Coward, 23 Sep 2012 @ 5:10am
In wonderland...'When I use a word,' Humpty Dumpty said, in rather a scornful tone, 'it means just what I choose it to mean � neither more nor less.'
'The question is,' said Alice, 'whether you can make words mean so many different things.'
'The question is,' said Humpty Dumpty, 'which is to be master � that's all.'
'When I make a word do a lot of work like that,' said Humpty Dumpty, 'I always pay it extra.'
'Oh!' said Alice. She was too much puzzled to make any other remark.
'Ah, you should see 'em come round me of a Saturday night,' Humpty Dumpty went on, wagging his head gravely from side to side, 'for to get their wages, you know.'
(Alice didn't venture to ask what he paid them with; and so you see I can't tell you.)
Minimum Wage Shill, 23 Sep 2012 @ 1:02pmPirate Mike, you still haven't told us your position on patents and copyrights. That means you're in favor of theft.
Mike Masnick (profile), 23 Sep 2012 @ 6:35pm
Re:Pirate Mike, you still haven't told us your position on patents and copyrights. That means you're in favor of theft.
No need to. Average_joe has already apparently defined what my position is, and no matter how many times I tell him he's wrong, he insists that the obvious answer is I'm dishonest, not that he's wrong.
Add Your Comment


text:
Bobby Reed Joins Cast of Victory Theatre's THE LAST DAYS OF JUDAS ISCARIOT; Full Cast Announced!
Casting has been completed for an AEA production of Stephen Adly Guirgis's play, THE LAST DAYS OFJUDAS ISCARIOT at The Victory Theatre in Burbank produced by Dee Smith and directed by Patrick Riviere.
Bobby Reed, best known for BOY MEETS BOY and his work with the Ridiculous Theatrical Company (Obie and Drama Desk Award-winning productions) joins the cast of JUDAS as The Judge and Caiaphas The Elder. After an extremely successful career in New York, Bobby now lives and works in LA where he has over 50 roles in Television, Film and Web Series and continues to find success on stage as well. RoBert Walters will play the role of Judas fresh off the critically acclaimed TWO COSMIC BROTHERS UNSHACKLE MOTHER EARTH.
The rest of the cast: Cooper Daniels (Jesus), Marc Erickson (Satan), Sharon Freedman (Fabiana Aziza Cunningham), Robert Paterno (Yusef El-Fayoumy), Faith Imafidon as Saint Monica, Jon Gentry (Pontius Pilot/Butch Honeywell), Dee Smith (Henrietta Iscariot/Mary Magdalene), Paul Nieman (Sigmund Freud/Saint Thomas), Robin McClamb (Gloria/Mother Teresa), Kevin Lino (Baliff/Simon the Zealot), John Dana Kenning (Matthias of Galilee/Saint Peter), Melissa May (Loretta/Sister Glenna).
Patrick Riviere (OPA!, FAMILY DINNER) who makes his West Coast Directing debut was the first Industry Professional Liaison for the Undergraduate Drama Department at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts; Education Director for Second Stage Theatre, and Artistic Director of The Emerging Artist Project, Inc. He is currently the Artistic Director of All Seasons Theatre Company and the Executive Director of PIE Story Theatre.
More information can be found HERE.


text:
Insulation resistance tester
The 1550B MegOhmMeter 5kV provides insulation resistance testing to as high as one teraohm with 250V, 500V, 1000V, 2500V, and 5000V output voltages. The tester performs automatic calculation of dielectric absorption and polarization index with no setup, and has 99 memory locations to which users can assign a defined, four-character, alpha-numeric label for recall. It carries a ramp function from 0VDC to 500VDC for breakdown testing, and users can download results to a Windows-based computer using the included 1550B software and optical interface cable. A rechargeable 12V battery powers the tester, which gives it enough energy for as many as 2,500 tests. Additional accessories include test leads, 5000V-rated probes, alligator clips, and an interface adapter and cable.
For more information, visit http://www.fluke.com.


text:
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To be coached by you is an unforgettable experience. You bring keen intelligence, true compassion and heartfelt sensitivity to each coaching session and in that space I move into life changing action, and I am very, very grateful.
Richard S. JaffeTrial LawyerAtlanta Georgia
Caird has an amazing ability to help you get to the heart of an issue and help you sort out the most effective and practical ways of addressing it. I have seen direct positive results from working with Caird and I have recommended her to a number of people who now give equally enthusiastic endorsements.
Tom McCulloughPresident and CEO Northwood Family Office LP
I was going through the most challenging period of my life, faced with having to make major changes on both personal and professional levels. I recognized I needed help to navigate through this time and as fate would have it I came across an article in The Toronto Star about Caird and her company Newroad Coaching. Caird has a great ability to consistently provide a positive, safe environment to guide you through the issues you are facing, while providing you the tools and feedback to get you through them and continue to move you in a forward direction. There was never any judgement during this process. I highly recommend Caird to anyone who is experiencing any challenges in their life and is stuck and can't move forward.
Karen B.Business Development Manager
When I was first introduced to the idea of a performance coach, I didn't think it was for me. But considering the number of professionals I know that work with Caird, I figured it was worth a try. A few short weeks later it was clear to me that this would become the single most profound business initiative of my career. Caird brings new form of accountability and direction to my world. She challenges my actions and is willing to call me out on old, unproductive beliefs. Most importantly, Caird is genuinely motivated to help find that place of purpose and inspiration and ultimately create break-throughs for me, my practice and my family.
Simon KayPresidentIPS Insurance
Caird brings an energy and enthusiasm to her work that will lift a room and draw the participants into the coaching. Her willingness to be open and transparent will also work to maximize the effectiveness of her coaching time with your people.
Lawrence BarnsFormer, Chief Executive OfficerThe Canadian Association of Family Enterprise
I can't thank Caird enough for helping me with a tough transition in my life. I had been "working" at home for many years raising my children but desperately wanting to find that next thing to devote my energy towards. Caird was absolutely vital in kickstarting my new life and new business.
Martha ReeveMartha Reeve Fine Art Consulting
Sometimes in business you can get bogged down worrying about the wrong things. In short, we lose our focus. Working with Caird, helped me refocus. By doing this I seemed to gain more energy, feel better about work and grow my sales considerably. Caird provided a solid sounding board with some good common sense ideas on communicating and organizing thoughts and ideas. After that we worked on implementation and follow through. All in all, I can honestly say that I looked forward to our weekly chats and the results they produced. Thanks Caird it was a great experience.
David GambellDirectorWeston Wood Solutions
My dealings with Caird are extremely beneficial. She knows how to push me out of my comfort zone in a constructive and creative way, the result being that I see things with a much broader perspective. This is an advantage both professionally and personally. In a demanding world in which I am juggling a lot of different responsibilities, I appreciate having that half hour a week with Caird which is all about me.
Tim Reid


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Doomsday Live, Part 2
Categories: Earth
Dec 3, 2012
If there is only one show you hear about the end of the world, let it be this one. Recorded before a live audience at the Computer History Museum on October 27th, 2012, this two-part special broadcast of Big Picture Science separates fact from fiction in doomsday prediction.
In this second episode: a global viral pandemic … climate change … and the threat of assimilation by super-intelligent machines.
Presented as part of the Bay Area Science Festival.
Find out more about our guests and their work.
- Kirsten Gilardi – Wildlife veterinarian at the University of California, Davis. leader of the Gorilla Doctors program, and team leader for the US-AID Emerging Pandemic Threats PREDICT program
- Ken Caldeira – Climate scientist, Carnegie Intuition for Science at Stanford University
- Luke Muehlhauser – Executive Director of the Singularity Institute
- Bradley Voytek – Neuroscience researcher at the University of California, San Francisco


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Freedom Pics uses a range of styles. Most photos are taken spontaneously. Freedom Pics is my own interpretation of the things I see. Some pictures may be realistic others allow the viewer to make their own imagination come alive. You will always find there is a story behind the pictures.


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There is a proud tradition surrounding high profile blockbuster movies that involves fabricated casting rumors. After the release of The Dark Knight in 2008, word spread that Christopher Nolan was casting Johnny Depp as The Riddler and Robin Williams as Hugo Strange for the final installment of his Batman trilogy. Obviously, these turned out to be completely made up.
At the moment, all eyes are trained on DC and Warner Bros. as a result of the bombshell announcement that Ben Affleck will play the new Batman in Batman vs. Superman. The casting has only fueled fan speculation as to who will play the villain in the Man of Steel sequel, which many believe will be Lex Luthor. (Check out our own Ben Kendrick's choices here.)
In fact, almost immediately after director Zack Snyder's Superman reboot was released, the popular choice for the role has been Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston.
As mild-mannered science teacher-turned-meth kingpin Walter White, Cranston certainly possesses the ruthlessness, dark charm, and sinister hairlessness widely associated with the classic Superman villain. In fact, this casting notion has taken hold in the fan consciousness so much so that it has inspired a pretty cool fan-made trailer for Batman vs. Superman featuring Cranston as the villain.
While many people seem to think the idea is a good one, the one small point often ignored is whether or not it's actually true.
Cranston is in Cambridge, Massachusetts, preparing for his role as President Lyndon B. Johnson in the play All the Way, which premieres at the American Repertory Theater on September 13th. When asked by the Boston Globe about the rumors flying around that he'll be playing Luthor, Cranston responded:
"I've heard that, too."
And what of the news that he'll be in at least six movies (with some reports suggesting the number could be ten)? Cranston went on:
"Six? This is all news to me. I think that maybe my name is bandied about because I'm known to be bald. 'What bald guy can we get?' The reality is they can take any actor and shave his head or put a bald cap on him."
Should he hypothetically end up in the role, would Cranston ever seek out the advice of previous actors who have portrayed the Superman nemesis, such as Gene Hackman, who was the first to play Lex Luthor on the big screen? Cranston had a glib reply:
"I can just see how that phone call would go, 'Gene? Hi, this is Bryan Cranston.' 'Who? Bryan Cranston? What do you want? How did you get this number?' "
The article describes Cranston as smiling and laughing as he responds to all of this, and when it comes to the period following his commitment to the stage (beyond directing an episode of ABC's Modern Family), he said:
"I think I'll relax the rest of the year. There's some irons in the fire, things that people are talking about, but nothing is set."
The answer is appropriately and understandably vague. Cranston has long since wrapped his duties on Breaking Bad, which is ending its successful run and in theory leaves Cranston in a position to take his career wherever he wants it to go. It has certainly earned him time off - if that's what he's really saying.
On the off-chance that Cranston has been offered the role of Lex Luthor, he's probably in no position to discuss the project. That said, his abject vagueness is interesting. The casting of Ben Affleck as the next Batman was kept a secret from almost everyone, and the casting of Lex Luthor is likely to follow the same pattern, but Warners has a knack for misdirection. When Marion Cotillard was cast in The Dark Knight Rises, Christopher Nolan and company were adamant in their denials that Cotillard was playing Talia Al Ghul - which, of course, turned out to be a red herring.
We're not saying that Bryan Cranston is intentionally misleading us, but smiling denials would be the way such a thing might go (and it fits Lex Luthor's character, as well).
What do you think, Screen Ranters? Is Bryan Cranston pulling our leg?
Batman vs. Superman will premiere on July 17, 2015.
Source: The Boston Globe [via Boston.com]


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Note: Over the past couple of years it's been impossible for me to keep working on Stainless and thus the source code for Stainless is now available under the MIT License for those who might be interested in continuing the project.
Thanks to all for your support!...
Stainless is a multi-process browser for OS X Leopard and Snow Leopard.
Although Stainless started out as a technology demo to showcase our own multi-processing architecture in response to Google Chrome, we've been inspired by our growing
What's New in Stainless
- new: OS X 10.7 compatibility
- new: 64-bit build
- added: ability to stop downloads in progress
- added: tab from autocomplete row selects URL for editing
- added: 3 finger swipe gesture left/right for back/forward (use with option key under Lion)
- optimized: faster multi-process manager
- fixed: backward and forward


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Community Board 10 in south Queens, according to State Senator Joe Addabbo, Jr., has one of the highest populations of seniors. Addabbo sees this as a growing issue that will have to be managed for a long time.
At first glance, a growing senior population is not bad news for politicians, even if it means more services are required. If you do right by this group, you can see the rewards come Election Day.
The challenge for any policy maker when it comes to seniors in New York City in 2012 is simply that the bulk of seniors are still pretty young - figure somewhere between the ages of 62 and 66. Addabbo explains that the younger, healthier senior citizens have caused policy makers to try to create jobs for those who still wish to work after retirement.
"It's an emerging issue, but now we are looking down the line and many of them want to work so we have to find work for them," says Addabbo.
Addabbo sits on the State Senate's Aging Committee and says that even if the economy were to take another downturn that seniors would be in pretty good shape, as far as state funding goes.
There is no question that politicians in this area are well versed in the issues facing seniors. Audrey Pheffer, the former assemblywoman in the 23rd District, was quite good at making this population a priority, and it paid off in dividends politically. My grandmother still thinks Audrey is her assemblywoman – even though Audrey has since retired and my grandmother now lives in rural Maryland.
Senior citizens' preferences were once relatively easy to predict. Only last week, I visited my grandmother at her senior center where she was going over a copy of the Ten Commandments with another woman. "You don't know this by now?!" I asked her.
The fact is that her generation is easier to please with less. Newer seniors are modern people; they even dislike the word "seniors." Gone are the days when seniors get on a bus and announce their seniority to get a seat. The seniors in their sixties today are often not interested in being singled out as such.
The City of New York is now trying to re-focus the needs of younger senior citizens as they relate to senior centers. Those who became senior citizens in the 1980s and early 1990s loved the senior centers that provided affordable lunches, ample time for card playing, and occasional trips.
The newer seniors are slower to accept senior centers. These seniors go to the gym weekly, more of them drive, and what they want from a senior center has required the Department for the Aging to re-focus the design of senior centers. The needs of the new seniors are not as easily measured.
One issue that has not changed – not for the better anyway – is housing. The economy has taken a toll on how, and where, seniors live. Addabbo says that home care and housing are the big issues for policy makers. Home care matters for younger people who are more often becoming home care providers for their elderly family members.
If seniors can remain in their homes for as long as possible with temporary care, working people can feel better about leaving their older family members during the daytime. In the last few years, my mother hired a woman to cook dinner for my grandmother so she would stay away from the stove.
Of course, that just meant that my grandmother started cooking dinner before the woman showed up. Apparently the issue here was that the woman was from Pittsburgh, and therefore she did not understand real cooking.
So politicians are faced with two very different populations of senior citizens. Many of us in the political center like to fashion ourselves as somewhat Libertarian, but senior care is where government should have an active role. As to where that role lies is something over which politicians should be debating.


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London Leather Travel Pouch
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- A travel pouch in London leather complete with a detachable handle and our Equestrian Knight motif.
- 22.5 x 5.5 x 15cm/8.9 x 2.2 x 5.9in
- Outer, inner: 100% calf leather
- Lining: 97% polyester, 3% polyurethane
- Two-way zip closure
- Eight card slots
- Three expandable compartments
- One zip pocket, one slip pocket
- Detachable handle
- Hand-painted edges
- Polished metal hardware
- Equestrian Knight motif on the front
- Made in Italy
Item 80082221


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View iPhone Image Location Data With Photoshop CS5
Yesterday I read an article on location data that is included with all images taken on your iPhone. This type of location data, which is also known as Geo Data or GPS Data, is included behind the scenes on all sorts of media that you create on a day to day basis so while I knew this and was familiar with the type of data that is included I had never spent much time looking into this data. Since I typically use Adobe Photoshop to edit images I figured I would start there and see how I can view location data for images taken on my iPhone within Photoshop CS5 which is the current version I am using.


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This post, written by Josh Burt, is republished with permission from The Spoiler. Go there often if you like soccer stuff.
Regular visitors to The Spoiler might remember a hilarious New York Post headline from a few weeks ago, concerning the England match. It went some way to proving that, actually, our brothers from numerous different mothers have a fine grasp of self deprecating humour.
And now for the follow up, which comes with a presumed tongue poking in educated American cheeks, whilst simultaneously reflecting the consensus amongst the more rural flag waving banjo players that riddle their beautiful country.
That's a headline that works on at least two levels, then. Very clever. Or, as you might put it, "very awesome".


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"Imagine what if and what will be?"
This was the question asked by organizers of the Discovery Science Center's annual fundraising dinner last week, which
welcomed some 400 community activists and raised more than $500,000 for science education in Orange County.
The massive event was chaired with style by Jeff and Andrea Reeves. The event honored major donors Microsemi Corporation, represented by Jim Peterson, and philanthropist Paul Folino and his corporation Emulex, for their unwavering support. They were honored with the Arnold O. Beckman Award from the center.
The evening also announced the center's capital expansion plans led by campaign chairs David Horowitz and Peterson. The ambitious expansion includes major renovation and addition to the center's Santa Ana campus.
On hand to welcome the crowd and to bestow the Beckman Award upon the dignitaries were Discovery Science Center President Joe Adams and Board Chairman Dan Bolar. Notable guests in the crowd also included Marta and Raj Bhathal, Walkie and Janet Ray, Lydia and Ken Himes, Rick and Mary Bailey, Dale and Sandi Dykema, and Kendra and John Doyle.
Supporting the Discovery Science Center over many years and charming the dinner crowd was Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist Michael Ramirez. Peterson, the honoree, shared the spotlight with his wife Sheila and Folino, the fellow honoree, who was attending with Margo Judge and a large contingent of extended family and friends supporting the evening.
"I am always asked, why Discovery Science Center?" Folino said. "We have an obligation as a community to provide kids with opportunities to come to Discovery Science Center and get excited about science and math. That's the way we are going to find engineers and scientists for the future. We need to return American back to where we should be in the No. 1 world position leading in math and science."
Peterson chimed in.
"As corporate citizens we have got to get involved," he said. "We need to work together to fix some of the macroeconomic problems that we are facing in this county. Together we can channel our great strengths from one generation to the next."
As in years past, the upbeat crowd arrived at the center at sunset on a Saturday evening, and was welcomed into an atmosphere of science, imagination and fun. Caterer Turnip Rose passed hors d'oeuvres and cocktails as guests examined science exhibits and experienced interactive setups created to stir the imagination.
Party planners even designed a signature cocktail for the night, which they called appropriately an "IMAGINE-tini." Dinner was served in a beautiful tent pavilion.
The Turnip Rose catering staff presented guests with a perfect duo of beef filet and fresh sea bass as they table-hopped and shared dinner conversation with friends. As the evening progressed the Stonebridge Band led by Gerald Ishibashi had the crowd dancing late into the night.
"Inspiration is one of the key ingredients of an education," Horowitz said, summing up the evening. "That's what Discovery Science Center does best."
Supporting the inspiration mission in the crowd were Arzu and Jim Osborn, Lois and John Wareham, Carole and Del Stagg with their daughter Stephanie, and Mike Wheeler.
THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays. B.W. Cook is editor of the Bay Window, the official publication of the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach.


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Raise a toast with designer glassware and stemware available at Neiman Marcus. We offer an array of antique and modern glassware sets crafted by renowned designers. Experience the best drink tastings with our wide assortment of stemware that include crystal champagne glasses, wine glasses, martini glasses, and tumblers.
Our selection of luxury glassware will set a sophisticated tone for your parties. The glassware sets feature attractive shapes, colors, and designs to enhance your tablespace. Simply choose the ones that are in sync with your personal taste, and get started with the celebrations.
Serve and enjoy your favorite drink with friends and family by selecting glassware from our expansive collection. Be it classic highballs or goblet glasses, our designs are elegant and attractive. Shop Neiman Marcus for fashionable glassware and stemware to complement any table setting.


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10 Tips for Leaders to Make Your Meetings GREAT!
By Mark Miller, Vice President, Organizational Effectiveness, Chick-fil-A
Meetings matter. If done well, they multiply our time, increase our productivity, tap into the collective wisdom and creativity of the group, yield better decisions and better results.
Let's face it—most of the meetings we attend are not the model for productivity and efficiency. Done poorly, they are a colossal waste of time. Here are 10 tips to help your team master a few basics for empowering your meetings, starting today.
- Invite the right people: Have you ever been frustrated when you were in a meeting and realized you were missing an important perspective? Maybe you didn't even have the decision-maker in the room. Always ask yourself, "Who needs to be at the next meeting?"
- Publish an agenda: Some people will never be able to contribute fully without advance time to prepare. Help them, and the team, by sending out an agenda—in advance.
- Distribute pertinent information before the meeting: Don't expect people to be handed important information in the moment and offer substantive feedback. If something needs to be reviewed or approved during the meeting, send it in advance whenever possible.
- Devote 75 percent of every meeting to performance improvement:If you are having a meeting only to "inform" people, there are much more efficient ways to do that. Devote the majority of the time in your meeting to review data, solve problems, think creatively, recognize great work, etc.
- Designate a facilitator: A facilitator's role is to anticipate and remove barriers—before, during, and after the meeting. Be sure someone is assigned to play this critical role.
- Designate a time keeper: This doesn't always have to be a separate person; sometimes a facilitator is comfortable with this added responsibility. Regardless, someone needs to help the group monitor its time.
- Document all action items: For some groups, this will be life-changing. Don't JUST talk about things. At the conclusion of every topic/agenda item, decide who will do what by when . . . and write it down.
- Review previous action items at each meeting: If you cultivate the discipline of reviewing the previous Action Items at EVERY meeting, people actually will do what they said they would do. Don't be afraid to give people the gift of accountability.
- Display your work: A flip chart works best. If you display your work, you'll find that it helps with the creative process, enables the group to stay on task, and helps you reach conclusions on the items you discuss.
- Practice the Three Fs: For every item on the agenda, be sure to:
- Frame it—answer the question: Why are we talking about this and what is our desired outcome?
- Focus on it—stay on track. Capture other topics that surface for a later discussion.
- Finish every item—that doesn't mean complete it necessarily. It does mean that everyone should know what next steps will be taken on the item.
Why not make your meetings GREAT?
Coauthor of "Great Leaders Grow: Becoming a Leader for Life,"Mark Milleris vice president, Organizational Effectiveness, for Chick-fil-A. During his career, he has served in corporate communications, restaurant operations, quality and customer satisfaction, and other leadership positions. He began his Chick-fil-A career in 1977 working as an hourly team member. He is the author of "Great Leaders Grow: Becoming a Leader for Life"and"The Secret of Teams" and the coauthor of "The Secret: What Great Leaders Know and Do" with Ken Blanchard. For more information, visit http://greatleadersgrow.comand http://greatleadersserve.org.Follow Mark Miller on Facebookand Twitter.


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Date: Nov 11, 2012
Press Release Number: 191-2012
As Announced Earlier Today by Governors Cuomo and Christie, Trains Will Run In Both Directions From 5 a.m. – 10 p.m. Seven Days A Week.
"Safely resuming service for our customers is our number one goal," said Mike Marino, the superintendent of way and structures for the Port Authority's PATH rail system. "I have never seen this kind of devastation in my 35 year career. Workers have had to pump tens of millions of gallons of water from the PATH tubes. They are working around the clock to restore switches and signals to allow for safe operation of service to the Hoboken, Exchange Place and World Trade Center stations."
"AECOM has been serving the region's infrastructure for nearly 100 years and we've never seen the kind of flooding and damage like that caused to the PATH system as a result of Hurricane Sandy," said AECOM's Vice President for Transit Bob Totillo. "Even the most dramatic photos can't capture the scale of it. It's been a superhuman effort to get restoration from Newark to Manhattan and the huge lift to restore service at the Hoboken and WTC station is well underway."
Full press release from Governors Cuomo and Christie:
For up-to-date information visit the Port Authority's website http://www.panynj.gov/path/ and follow them on Twitter @PATHTweet. To check ferry schedules visit http://nywaterway.com/.
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Founded in 1921, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey builds, operates, and maintains many of the most important transportation and trade infrastructure assets in the country. The agency's network of aviation, ground, rail, and seaport facilities is among the busiest in the country, supports more than 550,000 regional jobs, and generates more than $23 billion in annual wages and $80 billion in annual economic activity. The Port Authority also owns and manages the 16-acre World Trade Center site, where construction crews are building the iconic One World Trade Center, which is now the tallest skyscraper in New York. The Port Authority receives no tax revenue from either the state of New York or New Jersey or from the City of New York. The agency relies on revenues generated by facility users, tolls, fees and rents as well as loans, bond financing, and federal grants to fund its operations. For more information, please visit http://www.panynj.gov.


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Links for November 17th
Links from my del.icio.us account for November 17th:
- Ibn Yaaqub Al-Amriki: Egypt's Top Judge - Someone's caught on to the fact that Zakaria Abdel Aziz, the renegade Egyptian judge, is an Islamo-populist. I remember hearing him speak after the MB (rightly, courageously) defended the judges in 2006 and being astounded by his hyper-religious speech. But then again I never thought we should expect too much from Egyptian judges.
- Princeton University Press Special Online Sale Books in Middle Eastern Studies - PUP has big online sale - this links to the Middle Eastern Studies section.
- Jackson Diehl - Jackson Diehl Says Obama Will Have to Decide If He's on the Side of Democratic Reformers in the Middle East - washingtonpost.com - Egypt-basher Diehl challenges Obama to keep up the Bush democracy promotion agenda, with an eye on Egypt's next presidential elections.
- Top Obama aide denies report president-elect will back Arab peace plan - Haaretz - Israel News - Maybe he did back it, maybe he didn't. But once president he most definitely should.
- The Associated Press: Gadhafi: nations competing to sell arms to Libya - Interesting Qadhafi line from the end of that story: "Everything that is happening now was written in the Green Book 30 years ago already," Gadhafi said at a news conference in the Ukrainian capital. "And the Green Book says that dark-skinned people will rule the world."
- Welcome to My World, Barack - An Exit Interview with Condoleezza Rice - Interview - NYTimes.com - Condi Rice's advice to Obama on democracy promotion: "The Egyptians know that their next election is going to be an important transitional election. I think they're going to insist on a different kind of election." And how will they "insist", then?
- لسه عايش - Blog of Amr Salama, Sinai University student whom security recently arrested and stopped from running in university elections. [Arabic]


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Posts Taggedchi.mp
Most of us have a social networking account from a site such as Twitter or Facebook. For individuals, this gives us a great way of networking with interesting people interesting people. For businesses, it allows customers to really engage in a more personal level.
However, sometimes we want more from our face online. We might want to write more, and be sign in a tailored light. That's why so many people have websites and the like, which provide an online face to yourself that's been customised to how you want it to look and feel like. If you don't have the time, effort or money to launch a fully-fledged website about yourself (or maybe you're just not that interesting), these services allow you to create a quick 'n' easy profile page.