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Tunisia marks the year anniversary on Saturday, December 17 of the self-immolation of Mohammed Bouazizi, whose act of protest triggered a revolution in the North African country - and the wider popular uprising now known as the "Arab Spring." While Tunisia appears to be heading toward a largely positive future, the outlook for other countries in the region appears less bright.
It was a singular act of defiance by an impoverished, 26-year-old vegetable vendor living in Tunisia's economically depressed heartland. Bouazizi's self-immolation last year on the 17th of December - to express his despair and anger at local authorities - triggered a national uprising that brought down dictator Zine el Abidine Ben Ali a month later.
The protests crossed Tunisia's borders. From Algeria to Yemen, angry people began setting themselves on fire, and the popular revolt we now call the Arab Spring was born. Besides Ben Ali, the leaders of Egypt and Libya have fallen in much bloodier uprisings - and Yemen's President Ali Abdullah Saleh agreed to step down.
Today, Tunisia is fundamentally - and most believe irreversibly - changed. In October, widely praised elections ushered in a new coalition government, with the moderate Islamist Ennahdha party the dominant power.
Retired US diplomat William Jordan, a North Africa expert, gives Tunisia a largely upbeat assessment.
"I think that overall, the trend is positive. Tunisia's new institutions are proving to be much more durable and much more responsive to Tunisians' desire for a more democratic, more open political system - and a decisive break from the Ben Ali regime," said Jordan.
Human Rights Watch's deputy regional director Eric Goldstein also praises Tunisia's evolution over the past year.
"People are free to go out and protest. New newspapers have been created. There's an atmosphere there that's completely different from the state of fear that Ben Ali enforced," said Goldstein.
While Tunisia's revolution was largely peaceful, it has not been painless. The country's key tourism industry and foreign investment plummeted. The uprising in neighboring Libya sent thousands of refugees across the border - and drove Tunisians working there back home. Tunisian immigrants piled up on Europe's shores, desperate for jobs.
Rebooting the economy is one of the biggest challenges facing the new government. Azza Turki, a political journalist for the Tunis-based weekly Realites, said, "Really now, what changes between last year and this year is that the Tunisian citizen is impatient today. He doesn't accept anymore to wait to have a job. He considers he made the revolution to have a better situation, an economic situation, a social situation and he just cannot wait anymore."
The country also faces political problems. The new coalition government already is squabbling. Critics fear the growing power of Ennahdha - and a rollback of women's considerable rights.
Earlier this month, thousands of hardline Islamists and secular activists staged opposing demonstrations in the capital Tunis, underscoring a growing standoff about the role of political Islam in once-secular Tunisia. The Islamists have occupied university campuses, demanding gender segregation and other restrictions - acts Ennahdha has condemned. Human Rights Watch's Eric Goldstein.
"What women are concerned about now, among other things, is this new climate of intolerance that we see in evidence in these protests on campus and other places where women gather to demonstrate in support of their rights, and they're surrounded by men who are insulting them, menacing them and in some cases physically attacking them," said Goldstein.
Journalist Turki is worried about Tunisia's future.
"The situation isn't clear. We don't know how to go, where to go. This government, I don't know what its plan is," he said.
But Mansouria Mokhefi, head of Middle East and North Africa programs at the French Institute for International Relations in Paris, is more sanguine.
Mokhefi predicts the West and Arab Gulf nations, in particular, are determined to make Tunisia's democratic experiment a success - and will offer the economic backing to do so.
Mokhefi also believes the rise of political Islam in Tunisia and elsewhere in the Arab world marks a shift toward a new identity, away from western-style democracy to a Muslim one, even if its future shape is a work in progress.
More worrying, commentators say, is what is happening elsewhere in the Arab world. Former diplomat Jordan recalls another anti-government uprising - in Algeria, where he was last posted - which unleashed a bloodbath in the 1990s that killed roughly 150,000 people.
"Tunisia [is] crucial as proof that you can make a difference, you can break through the door of oppression and you can affect change. But Egypt and Syria will probably be over the longer term, the true test cases? of whether you can make change successfully or whether you run the risk of provoking a more violent, longer-term chaos," said Jordan.
So far, Jordan and other analysts say, Tunisia remains the only Arab Spring success story. Whether Mohammed Bouazizi's desperate act will lead to others remains to be seen.
Tunisia Marks First Anniversary of Uprising
Tunisia marks the year anniversary on Saturday, December 17 of the self-immolation of Mohammed Bouazizi, whose act of protest triggered a revolution in the North African country - and the wider popular uprising now known as the "Arab Spring." While Tunisia appears to be heading toward a largely positive future, the outlook for other countries in the region appears less bright.


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Sounds good to me.
Sounds good to me.
Yeah it annoys me too, but I'd like to make a point here.
There 2 different types of problems:
1. Program doesn't run as it should (or like it used to)
2. Looking for features in a program that doesn't have them
For #1:
I hate it when people tell someone to use a different program because they are having issues with it that THEY DIDN'T HAVE BEFORE. Which means the problem can be corrected.
#2 however...
If someone is wondering about how they would go about making Norton Anti-virus a better program, there is no solution available... But if that was the case I would always recommend AVG Free Edition for example (which is way better IMO).
If the problem is a program issue (ie. not fixable) then I would recommend another program (recommend doesn't mean they have to do it). But if it is a problem that can be fixed, then I try to help out as much as I can.
And that's fine.Originally Posted by ahmad2121
Again, it's the helpless fan-boys I'm after.
No matter what program, we're working with, there's always gonna be a better way available, such is life.
I'm suggesting that we all continue helping folks with what they're dealing with as a primary function. If that fails, then yes, offer alternatives.
The beauty of a woman is in the eye of the beholder.
whew !!
for a moment this thread on decorum and " how-to-be-helpful, dont-simply- post- for {whatever pointless reason}"
seemed to be borderline unstable..
y'all know anything about vB code / parameters for images
[ like shrinking froggy in my sig to proportionate dimensions, rather than using "bimg"] ??
Last edited by SloNoMo; 10-23-2004 at 03:25 PM. Reason: vB parameters for images
" All that's necessary for the forces of evil to win in the world is for enough good men to do nothing."-
Edmund Burke
" Crunch Away! But, play nice .."
--RagingSteveK's mom
Yeah . . . . .Originally Posted by SloNoMo
As found here; http://forums.pcper.com/rules.php?#sigs[BIMG] vb code is not allowed to be used in signatures.
That is entirely subjective though, I for example think IE is better than FireFox. So do some others. Some people think Opera is better than both of them. Just because you think Firefox is better, doesn't mean that it can be accepted as fact.Originally Posted by XA04
If you can't come up with a solution for a software problem, keep your mouth shut and move on. I'm sure everyone on this forum who uses IE knows what FireFox is, who uses Outlook knows what Thunderbird is, and who uses Norton knows what AVG is. And even if they don't, it's not YOUR duty to crap on support threads to inform them and offer free advertising, it's up to the companies themselves to get the word out about their own products.
Now, as was said earlier, if someone goes on here and says "Hi how do I enable tabbed browsing in IE?" that's a totally different story. The acceptable response would be "It is impossible to have tabbed browsing in IE. Mozilla Firefox is a browser that has support for tabbed browsing, I highly recommend it" (or Opera, or Avant, or MyIE, or whatever your tabbed browser of choice is)
Last edited by JungleMan; 11-27-2004 at 11:30 AM.
PORTABLE: Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 2.4GHz | 4GB PC6400 DDR2 | 160GB 7200rpm HDD | ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4570 | 8x DVD±RW/Blu-Ray | 15.6" UltraSharp TrueLife display
Originally Posted by BuiesCreek847
Amen, it's annoying having people do that, or call you names because you ask a very simple question. Before you respond to someone in such a manner take into account WHY they may be asking said questions.
Hey not to go off subject, but..........
hey Tigsman when folding how hot is your Cpu max at?
I was thinking of folding and just wonder about a few things.
Is it normally at full load.
Do oced cpu handle it ok or do oced cpus crash or just unstable?.
I am oced FX53@55 13x200 = 2603.
I run 37c-42c idle and 44-48max.
If I encode a movie I max 52c.
Would I go past 52c if I fold?
Last edited by Fle@B@gL@ne; 07-06-2005 at 06:34 AM.
ASUS Sabertoothz77 T.U.F Series
Intel i7 3770K firstname.lastname@example.com 4/8 8mb
32GB DDR 1600 Overclocked Corsair Vengence
2 Superclocked EVGA GTX 680s instead stock 1008/6008 @1088/6200 befoe I oc it
2 raid 0 120x2 SSD Corsair Force GT and 60x2 SSD OCZ A III 1 x SSD to speed up external 2TB
24in 19by12 32in & 65in 1900by1080P
Logitech Z5500 5.1 505 watt all optical on SB X-fi 5.1 external
I appreciate this thread because I'm one of those guys who don't know his butt from 2nd base. Thanks for posting it.
Especially in the case where there is already the Windows Firewall, telling someone to get rid of the Norton Firewall is, IMO, exactly the right answer. It helps in exactly what Joe wanted to do, get his app access to the internet. If it wasn't suggested Joe buy product XYZ, how is it implied that he MUST spend money on something else?
Just to keep peace and harmony I'll abide by this request not to mention alternative SW, and avoid mentioning I feel Norton software is crap on this forum, but when the short answer is if you don't know how to use a piece of software and it's causing problems, enough problems that many other people feel it's crap, getting rid of it is the shortest distance between two points.

subset: commoncrawl


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Deer Personalized (or not) Vinyl Decal
This personalized (or not) vinyl car window decal / sticker features the silhouette of a deer or buck with antlers. Personalize it with your own custom text and choose your size and color. Perfect for car windows, bumpers, laptops, walls and more.
• Made in the USA
Our die-cut vinyl decals and stickers are made using premium vinyl and come in a variety of sizes and colors. The are made to order by American workers and ship fast from the USA.
Outdoor Vinyl Decals
- Permanent vinyl decal / sticker. Can be removed, but not reused.
- Can withstand extreme weather. Rated for 6 year outdoor use (4 years for metallic).
- Perfect for car window decals, car bumper stickers, car body decals, windows, mirrors, laptop stickers, signs, drinkware and more.
- Glossy finish.
Indoor Vinyl Decals
- Removable adhesive vinyl. Can be removed from delicate surfaces without causing damage.
- Best choice for interior walls, delicate surfaces, or any indoor application where a permanent adhesive is not necessary.
- Not for outdoor use.
- Matte finish.
What size should I choose for a car window decal?
For a typical car decal, most people choose either the 4″ or 6″ size. For square decals (same length and width), the 4″ size is perfect for a small, unobtrusive decal. For rectangular decals, we usually recommend going with the 6″ size.
How do you apply the decal?
Installation is easy, but care should be taken when applying the decal.
- Clean surface.
- Prepare the decal for application by rubbing a credit card or squeegee across the top layer of clear transfer tape. This will ensure that the decal sticks to the top layer.
- Remove the paper backing. The decal should stay adhered to the top layer of clear transfer tape. If the decal sticks to the paper backing instead of the transfer tape, replace the backing and repeat step 2.
- Carefully place the decal on the surface. Once in place, apply firm pressure using a credit card or squeegue to smooth it out.
- Slowly remove the top layer of transfer tape at a 45 degree angle. Take care to not pull the decal off the surface with the tape. If the decal pulls away, repeat step 4.
Can I get the decal in a custom size?
Yes, we can do any size you'd like up to 12″. If you need a custom size, please contact us.
There are no reviews yet.


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Please visit our Open House at 15155 DOVE PL in Surrey.
Open House on Sunday, April 12, 2015 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Updated and well cared for home in desirable Birdland area.3 bedroom with Family room on 7342 sq.ft.lot,fully fenced yard.Thermal windows,8 yrs old roof,5 yrs old roof and drainage tile all redone. Close to school and transit,Rec Centre,Library and Guildford Town Centre.JUST MOVE IN!!!!!


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|Year Built:
|Appleton & Wolfard
|Seismic Hazard Rating
|Number of Stories
|1550 Scott Street
|Gross Sq. Ft.:
The proposed modernization plan is to renovate the existing building while minimizing the risk associated with a major earthquake. The recommended seismic strengthening includes anchoring the roof to the perimeter walls, adding steel bracing between columns, and reinforcing existing footings as necessary. Some in-fill walls will be replaced with steel moment frames or concrete walls as necessary. Plywood sheathing will replace existing sheathing at the high and lower roofs. The risk reduction program also includes glazing replacement. The seismic project directly triggers associated disabled access, code improvements, and environmental hazard mitigation.
The building has a higher and a lower roof structure. The higher sloped roof is made of heavy timber construction supported by steel columns. A lower roof over the entry and office areas is supported by steel columns, stud walls, and concrete walls. The building envelope consists of concrete block walls, infill wood stud walls, and glazing. All walls and columns are supported by enlarged footings built into a thickened slab on grade.
Existing restrooms will be redesigned or new restrooms will be added. Service counters, work areas, and other public amenities will be made accessible.
Building code impacts involve compliance with current life safety requirements for exiting, heating, ventilation, electrical, lighting and other control systems. The existing heating system will be evaluated for possible replacement or modification.
Current law requires removal of asbestos-containing materials such as plasterboard walls, vinyl flooring, and roofing impacted by the seismic retrofit, disabled access and other renovation work. The removal of ACM's will require relocation of the building occupants during construction. The asbestos mitigation scope will be completed within three months. Lead that is impacted by construction will also be removed.
The modernization plan includes renovating the interior, and making improvements to the architectural layout of staff areas, service counters, seating, shelving, and other public amenities. Modernization work will also improve program space, and provide for additional data/electrical outlets. Other work includes building a larger mechanical room, replacing windows, and improving immediate surrounding landscape.
- Roof diaphragm is not well connected to framing beams.
- Connection between roof beams and building envelope need to be strengthened.
- Bays between columns need structural continuity.
- Foundations may need modification to tie seismic improvements together.
Non-Structural Deficiencies
- High glazing at north perimeter wall may become falling hazard.
- Stained glass above entry may become safety hazard.
- Replace existing roof sheathing with properly nailed plywood sheathing.
- Strengthen beam-to-roof and beam-to-column connections.
- Fill perimeter walls with braced moment frames or mass wall to resist lateral forces.
- Modify foundations as necessary.
- Replace high glazing with tempered or other type of safety glass.
- Protect and preserve existing stained glass, but minimize falling hazard.
- Except for minor striping, exterior path of travel and parking are accessible.
- Exterior and interior doors are not fully accessible.
- Path of travel is generally accessible except for workstations, and other public amenities.
- Restrooms are not fully accessible.
- Make exterior path-of-travel improvements as necessary.
- Make all doors, workstations, and other public amenities fully accessible.
- Make restrooms accessible.
- Existing boiler needs replacement.
- HVAC and air distribution system needs to be replaced.
- Plumbing systems need replacement.
- Replace boiler, HVAC equipment, and air ducts.
- The main panel is in need of an upgrade.
- The distribution system was found to be in good condition.
- New data line and communication distribution system is needed.
- Replace main panel and add sub-panels for data line and communication distribution.
- Upgrade power distribution system and add outlets as necessary.
- Add data lines as required.
- There are emergency lights and exiting signage.
- The building lacks a central fire alarm and fire extinguishers.
- Building has no smoke detectors.
- The building needs additional security grilles and security lighting.
- Provide additional emergency lights and additional exiting signage if required.
- Provide a central fire alarm system and fire extinguishers.
- Provide smoke detectors as required.
- Upgrade or add security grilles and security lighting.
- Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM's) are identified throughout the building.
- Abate asbestos if found in the wall and ceiling sheetrock joint/tape compound, heating hot water piping and fitting insulation.
- Where impacted by construction, abate asbestos in built up roof, floor tile and baseboard mastic, undamaged wall/ceiling sheetrock joint/tape compound, insulating materials concealed inside the boiler unit, ceramic floor/wall tile grout and mastic and vapor barrier, exterior stucco, and fire door core insulation.
- Lead that is impacted by construction shall also be abated.
- Entry doors need replacement.
- Most interior finishes are outdated and in need of refurbishment.
- Roofing needs replacement.
- Replace entry doors.
- Replace interior finishes when impacted by renovation work.
- Replace roofing.
- Landscape immediately surrounding the building needs improvement.
- Improve landscape along perimeter of the building.


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Web Content ViewerActions
Canon U.S.A. Launches New imageWARE Secure Audit Manager Express Enabling Document Security And Auditing For Companies Of All Sizes
imageWARE Secure Audit Manager Express Allows Companies to Track and Audit All Print, Copy, Scan and Fax Activity to Deter Loss of Information
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., March 12, 2012 - Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today introduced imageWARE Secure Audit Manager Express, a robust information security software solution that provides capture, archive and audit capabilities of activities performed on Canon imageRUNNER ADVANCE MFPs along with other Canon MEAP-enabled devices such as print, scan, fax, copy and send jobs.
Since imageWARE Secure Audit Manager Express exports audit data directly to a Windows folder as opposed to using a centralized database to store job information, it fits into IT infrastructures of practically all sizes. The software stores job attribute information from printed or scanned documents, such as who sent it, when it was sent, and a copy of the actual document image. In the event that important information is lost, crucial data including user ID, time/date, send/receive and a searchable record of what was sent can be easily retrieved by searching archived data of all document processing activities. Using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology to extract text from scanned and printed documents, imageWARE Secure Audit Manager makes finding documents simple.
Showing Canon's constant innovation and compatibility across solutions, imageWARE Secure Audit Manager Express integrates with uniFLOW, Canon-exclusive software that provides effective control over an organization's entire print output infrastructure. This combination of solutions allows the system to support a wider fleet of devices, including non-Canon branded MFPs and SFPs. Plugging in to the uniFLOW system allows administrators to set up email notifications when a predetermined keyword is printed, scanned, faxed, copied or sent. This capability helps mitigate, and identify the source of, crucial information leaks as they occur. Administrators can also use the uniFLOW system to search the full text of all documents that have passed through an organization's imaging devices in any form by storing processed jobs within a document management system such as Microsoft SharePoint.
"Canon constantly strives to improve document security for organizations of all sizes. Information is only as valuable as a company's ability to protect it," said Sam Yoshida, vice president, Marketing, Business Imaging Solutions, Canon U.S.A. "We are confident that imageWARE Secure Audit Manager Express will help information that passes through printing and scanning devices stay secure and will allow companies to quickly identify potential leaks like never before possible."
As imageWARE Secure Audit Manager is a highly scalable solution, customers of all sizes can benefit directly from its ability to deter information leaks. Given its flexibility in configuration, Canon's solutions company, Canon Information and Imaging Solutions, provides comprehensive services associated with the solution to Canon's channel partners and end customers.
imageWARE Secure Audit Manager is available immediately through Canon Authorized Dealers, Canon Business Solutions and Océ. Suggested retail pricing for imageWARE Secure Audit Manager is outlined below.
|imageWARE Secure Audit Manager Express Server 1 license
|iR Agent 1 Device
|iR Agent 10 Devices
|iR Agent 50 Devices
|iR Agent 100 Devices
|1 year Maintenance Support iWSAM Express Server 1 License
Security Services
Protecting information and ensuring document security are critical for any organization, and particularly in large enterprises. Canon U.S.A., through its subsidiary Canon Information and Imaging Solutions, Inc. (CIIS), assists customers in effectively implementing office equipment technology and software to help mitigate security related risks. CIIS security-related services include the scoping and implementation of products, including imageWARE Secure Audit Manager, Authorized Send, and varying user authentication technologies. In addition, CIIS provides consulting services designed to help clients to build their own more effective security policies in relation to their office technology deployments.
About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. With approximately $45.6 billion in global revenue, its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), ranks third overall in U.S. patents registered in 2011† and is one of Fortune Magazine's World's Most Admired Companies in 2012. Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes. Canon U.S.A. is dedicated to its Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental responsibility. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company's RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss.
† Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.
All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.
Availability, specifications and pricing may change without notice. Actual process is determined by individual dealers and may vary.


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1238 Harrison Street
Oakland, CA 94612
AYPAL is a leadership development, community organizing and coalition building organization that seeks to create healthy, safe, and thriving communities.
AYPAL's mission is to empower Oakland's low-income Asian & Pacific Islander immigrant and refugee families to be leaders for school reform and neighborhood change.
site support by swash design
© 2019 by AYPAL | Oakland
Staff Login


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The minimal, futuristic design of the Solari Cifra 3 is timeless. So timeless, in fact, that it's part of the collections of NYC's MoMA and London's Science Museum. So what is it that makes this clock so special?
Designed by Gino Valle in 1965 for Solari di Udine, the cylindrical shape of the Cifra 3 is designed around the shape and movement of the roller blades that display the alphanumeric figures (in Helvetica font, naturally). Not only does the cylindrical shape maximise surface area and minimise volume, the clear front half of the clock lets you see the movement of the clock's mechanical components.
A 1970 ad in New York Magazine said the Cifra 3 sold for $US32 back then (which, adjusting for inflation, is probably like spending $US200 now). If it sold today, it probably wouldn't be found in a Target or Kmart. [Solari and MoMA]


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Mercifully, I'm not talking about some bzarre pre-order DLC, which is available only at GameStop and bestows hero Connor with a foam weapon with which to annoy his enemies. I'm talking about a foam tomahawk you can buy, then run around pretending you're a deadly member of an ancient order of assassins.
It's officially licensed by Ubisoft, is 50cm long and is available from Jinx. For something made out of a soft, gentle material it sure looks dangerous, so apply caution if using in public.
Assassins Creed 3 Foam Tomahawk [Jinx, via OTL Gaming]


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Sunday, March 18, 2012
It's What's For Dinner
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UndHdzhrsAs 80,87,62,0,W
Posted by John Wells at 8:36 PM
Labels: testicles
3 comments:
- alam0tx said...
YEP...She is better lookin, John...
- March 18, 2012 at 11:18 PM
- Birmingham said...
Ok, about that video, John. Wow, what a hot girl!! But I started thinking maybe Its not a good idea to want to date a girl who is willing to use a utility knife to slice open testicles (even if she is only makin calf fries)....just sayin (:-/
- March 18, 2012 at 11:32 PM
- Allen Hare said...
Yep, John, put me in touch with Russell the knife man. I'd like to get one of those knives, and help support a "local" craftsman.
That girl in the video is charming and talented. Not sure if I could ever eat calf fries. Maybe if I was VERY hungry, or if she cooked 'em for me.
- March 19, 2012 at 7:13 PM
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


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(Fiction and Non-Fiction)
— Read on booksbymariekjohnston.com/
Books by Marie K Johnston – (Fiction and Non-Fiction)
(Fiction and Non-Fiction)
Published by Marie K Johnston
Marie K Johnston (aka Kristen M McCurry) is a novelist, poet, visual artist, resume writer, website creator and publisher. She is a 42 year old married mother of one living in a little arty town just northwest of Houston, TX. She was educated at The University of Texas at Austin and Cornell University in the 1990s and was accepted into Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism in 2000. Marie K Johnston wrote for Walmart.com and Rice University's Web & Print Division, worked for a variety of print and online publications (including "The Daily Texan" and eHow.com), and taught high school English/tutored UT@Austin students in Liberal Arts subjects for 14 years before she married. She is the author of 2 novels and 3 books of poetry, all of which can be previewed and purchased at http://Amazon.com/author/mariekjohnston and http://www.BooksbyMarieKJohnston.com! She writes local color "faction," taking a journalistic approach to her everyday life in Texas and blending this "seamlessly" with the style of magic realism (a combination of the "real" and the "surreal") in order to universalize the basic human pursuits of peace and wholeness in a world which seeks to crush even the most resilient of spirits. Johnston's "faction" always reveals the triumph in the struggle, the maturity in riding out the "ups" and "downs" of life in order to grow in wisdom and serenity and achieve "success." She is also the owner of Astute Pursuits (http://www.astutepursuits.home.blog), where she has been using her verbal prowess to garner dream jobs for her clients since 2010! With the invaluable assistance of the McCurry dynasty, Johnston has been reviewing and sharing the work of idealistic and gifted writers of fiction and non-fiction as head publisher of Halcyon Days Press, Inc. (http://www.HalcyonDaysPress.Wordpress.com), an IQ Publishing Haus of TX Company, with locations in Tomball and Houston, TX. She is also working to open her own Etsy store, "Boho Art by MKJ," to sell her original "word art," visual art that attempts to inspire her audience to be happier and to achieve their full potential, as well as a wide variety of yet-to-be-revealed decor for the home; a preview of her visual art can be found at http://www.MarieKJohnston.com ("The Fiction and Folk Art of Marie K Johnston"). In her capacity as an author, Johnston is currently working on two projects: 1) the publication of her non-fiction essays and journal entries, collected over the past 25 years, which explore the themes of love, loss, marriage, motherhood, pursuing careers in education and art, dealing with mental illness, and coming into one's own, and 2) a third fictionalized narrative dealing primarily with her daily, lifelong battle with Bipolar I with Psychotic Features. Both of these intense projects are due for publication and release in December 2020. View all posts by Marie K Johnston


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MARTINEZ — The self-described "unremorseful" killer of two people at the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge toll plaza refused to answer his prosecutor's questions Monday, and instead spoke ad nauseam that he wanted to plead guilty and stop wasting time on his trial.
Then, once again, death penalty defendant Nathan Burris changed his mind.
"I need all my appeals in tact — sorry," said Burris, a 49-year-old Richmond resident acting as his own attorney in the trial over the Aug. 11, 2009, slayings of Caltrans toll taker Deborah "Debbie" Ross and Golden Gate bus driver Ersie "Chuckie" Everette.
"I'm not going to run to the execution chamber — that's not smart."
Burris was angry over his breakup with Ross, 51, and jealous of her friendship with Everette when he stalked and killed the pair, a prosecutor said. Burris said he first fatally shot Everette, a 58-year-old San Leandro resident, in the toll plaza parking lot and then spontaneously ran to Ross' toll booth and gunned her down as she was on duty.
Chief assistant district attorney Harold Jewett on Monday tried to question Burris about his use of binoculars to watch Everette from afar before the shooting, and a report that he held Ross hostage in her home for four days before he killed her.
Burris, wearing a wide grin and occasionally giggling, rebuffed cross-examination attempts and said all the jury needs to know is what he's already told them during his testimony.
"This is not 'Sesame Street.' They get it, bro, they get it," Burris said. "I already told them what's up."
Burris claimed on the witness stand that Ross and Everette were romantically involved. He said Everette once threatened him on the phone, though he wasn't specific, and that he needed to "get him before he gets me."
The victims' families say Everette and Ross were friends through the Acts Full Gospel Church in Oakland, where Ross was a loyal parishioner and Everette was a deacon studying to be a pastor.
The final witness before the prosecution and defense rested Monday was Tyrice Ross, one of Debbie Ross' six sisters. She testified that before Ross ended her 14-year relationship with Burris, she discovered that he was cheating on her with a young woman in Texas while away as a long-haul truck driver.
Burris lost that job, and then lost a shuttle job that Ross secured for him. Ross was paying all of Burris' bills and allowing him to live in her house rent free when she told him that she wanted out of the relationship.
Tyrice Ross said Debbie Ross was packing to move into her Oakland home Aug. 7, 2009, when Debbie called and said Burris would not let her leave the home. He eventually did — after Tyrice Ross called Richmond police and reported her sister was being held hostage.
Burris apologized that weekend with a greeting card, a dozen roses and a box of See's candies, Tyrice Ross testified. Two days later, he killed her.
Burris briefly retook the witnesses stand after the sister's testimony to say Ross was not moving out, contrary to all her boxes of packed belongings, and that he never held her hostage. Burris, who has continually mocked capital punishment during the trial and calls his jail cell his apartment, repeated that whether he gets the death penalty or life in prison without parole, he's going to be just fine.
"Why are you smiling?," Jewett asked.
"I'm alive. I'm happy to be alive. Why not smile?" Burris replied. "I did cry back then but no more."
Jewett and Burris will give their closing arguments Tuesday morning. If jurors convict Burris of first-degree murder and at least one special circumstance, the penalty phase of the trial will follow.
Contact Malaika Fraley at 925-234-1684. Follow her at Twitter.com/malaikafraley.


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A revolutionary Q&A framework that features gamification strategies, community and social interaction models around Facebook, Twitter and urls.
Create the best q & a and/or survey gamification community script that has these features :
ease of use like stackoverflow
use of gamification strategies
allows revenue generating model for funded q & a using php/mysqa
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Almost everything on David Owen's airline costs $50.
Laughing out loud at anything in any movie, whether it is playing on the cabin system or on your own DVD player, is fifty dollars per incident. Asking me to turn off my reading light so that you can see the screen better: also fifty dollars.
If you and your spouse are dressed almost identically, or if you are carrying your passport in a thing around your neck, or if you are wearing any form of footwear or pants that you clearly purchased specifically to wear on airplanes, or if you make it obvious (by repeatedly turning around and talking to passengers in seats not adjacent to yours) that you are travelling with a group, the charge is fifty dollars.


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Gov. Ivey awards $1 million for 2020 Census outreach
Ivey to participate in Rosa Parks statue dedication
Ivey offers support to Operation Iron Ruck
Ivey proclaims Small Business Saturday
State unemployment rate drops to new low
McCutcheon is open to grand deal on gambling
Alabama's Daniels a finalist for national award for cyber tech school
Medical Cannabis Study Commission has a draft bill
Group urges legislators to pass female genital mutilation bills in upcoming session
Medical marijuana users tell their stories to Medical Cannabis Study Commission
American Society of Civil Engineers names Chambliss outstanding public official
Reed elected chairman of Legislature's Oil and Gas Study Committee
Retired State Rep. Pete Turnham has died
Small Business Commission holds listening session in Guntersville
Alabama Power's solar fee challenged in PSC hearing
Retail salespersons, registered nurses are the most sought-after employees
Shelby, Jones applaud Huffaker's confirmation as U.S. district judge in Alabama
Opinion | A new low for the Alabama Supreme Court: A most unethical appointment
Alabama Supreme Court rules against Birmingham, upholds Memorial Preservation Act
Judge orders charter school principal back on the payroll
Former Montgomery cop convicted in shooting of unarmed black man
Marshall Space Flight Center expands collaboration with UA on in-space manufacturing
Boeing's Starliner passes critical safety test
Boeing contracted to build more rockets for NASA
Brooks questions NASA experts with conflicting views on best way to return to the moon
Byrne supports Huntsville for Space Command HQ
Buttigieg campaigns in Alabama
Tuberville: Sessions had his chance to support Trump and blew it
Sessions says he would be honored to welcome Merrill's supporters
Merrill suspends Senate campaign
Buttigieg coming to Alabama next week
Byrne: Educating illegal immigrants harms Alabama students
Brooks supports rule that could cost 688,000 people SNAP benefits
Doug Jones backs legislation to permanently fund HBCUs
Opinion | Zeigler writes a book, crayons not included
Opinion | What then should we do?
Opinion | Is PCI offering oceanfront property too?
Opinion | Sessions in? Let the show begin
Opinion | With new leadership, a viable Democratic Party is possible, even likely
Opinion | Hope springs eternal, I hope
Opinion | The race is on for the U.S Senate
Opinion | A day to be thankful — and not so thankful
Opinion | There's a better gambling deal to be made
Graddick: ADOC, Legislature should address prison overcrowding — not the parole board
Opinion | Speaker Pelosi's prescription for drug prices is worse than the disease
Opinion | Thanksgiving to God is profoundly American
Opinion | Much to be thankful for
Opinion | Violent crime in Alabama: Enough is enough
By Brandon Moseley Alabama Political Reporter Wednesday, October 19, 2016, presidential candidates Donald J. Trump and Hillary R. Clinton debated for the last time before the...


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If you are not happy with the results below please do another search
Risk Warning
Property prices can go down as well as up. Homes can be repossessed if you do not keep up with payments. Properties purchased off-plan or incomplete can be open to further risks and losses to buyers. We urge buyers to seek legal advice where possible and must stress that investing in property does carry risk. Sales are conducted direct between the buyer and the vendor. Every care is taken to ensure that all marketing materials, prices, floor plans, visuals, brochures are correct at time of issue however these do not constitute property particulars for contractual purposes. Please be sure to check all final materials ahead of signing any purchase contract and conduct your own due diligence. Asset Opportunities are a marketing agent that presents direct developer and owner stock to property investors and buyers. Asset Opportunities never hold funds or take payments, admin fees or membership payments from investors.


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This site provides information using PDF, visit this link to download the Adobe Acrobat Reader DC software.
This site provides information using PDF, visit this link to download the Adobe Acrobat Reader DC software.
This is an applications-based course that continues with the mathematical inquiry that began in high school and intermediate algebra. The course will develop an integrated understanding of functions as well as the solutions and applications of linear, quadratic, exponential and logarithmic equations. The theory and graphing of inequalities will also be developed as will linear systems and the fundamentals of matrices. To prepare students for further study in business, finance and management science, the mathematical concepts will then be applied to such business applications as interest, discount and amortization as well as maximization and minimization problems.
Advisory: it is advisable to have knowledge in a course equivalent to MAT-115 Intermediate Algebra with a grade of C or better to succeed in this course. Students are responsible for ensuring that they have the required knowledge. BSBA and ASBA students are recommended to take MAT-119 or MAT-129.
Semester Hours: 3
Preview the Online Syllabus
(Please go to our bookstore, MBS Direct in order to view the correct materials for each course by semester as the contents of the actual online syllabus may differ from the preview due to updates or revisions)


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What is Reciprocity?
How can you check out materials?
St. Louis Metro library catalogs:
What are the rules for borrowing?
The borrowing rules of the lending library will apply. Cardholders are liable for any fines, fees or charges related to overdue or lost materials.
What materials are available?
The 11 participating library districts offer over seven million books, periodicals, newspapers and downloadable audio and DVDs. Because of the cooperation between these library districts, residents will have access to many more resources...all free of charge!
More Benefits of Reciprocity
For more information about reciprocity, contact your local branch library.


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Four-time Olympian to teach women's clinic at Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center
TRUCKEE, Calif. – On Saturday, Feb. 23, 10 a.m.-noon, four-time Olympian Katerina Nash will teach an intermediate to advanced women's cross-country skate clinic at Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center.
Nash, 34, is one of the most accomplished athletes of her time. Nash has competed twice in the Olympics for Nordic skiing at Nagano, Japan and Salt Lake City, Utah; a third time in Atlanta, Ga. for mountain biking and recently for mountain biking at the summer games in London. This past year, Nash finished third overall in the World Cup mountain bike series and placed fourth at this year's Cyclo-Cross World Championships in February.
"Katerina Nash is not only an incredible athlete, but she is a great teacher," said Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center Manager Sally Jones. "Her enthusiasm for Nordic skiing is infectious and we are incredibly proud to have her coach this clinic."
The cost is $35. Participants may register at the Cross Country Ski Center located at 15275 Alder Creek Road in Truckee or by calling 530-587-9484. To learn more about Tahoe Donner's cross-country clinics, visit tahoedonner.com/cross-country/lessons/clinics.
Tahoe Donner events sampler
Feb. 8, 5-7 p.m.: Free Ski Wax Clinic. Tahoe Donner Cross Country offers an opportunity for skiers to take the mystery out of waxing and learn from the masters with super waxing wizards Ralph Johnson and Glenn Jobe in the public wax room.
Feb. 9: Downhill Ski Area Race Series. This is a fun, public race event offered on five Saturdays throughout the season. The race format is a dual GS course with prizes awarded at each race. Skiers with the best three results in the series will have their names posted on the plaque in the ski lodge. Cost is $5 for two race runs and $1 per each additional run. Register 8-10 a.m. in the Downhill Ski Area lodge or 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the race start location.
Feb. 10: Paco's Valentine's Race. Racers may participate in a 15 kilometer freestyle citizen's race course. Choose to skate or stride. Pre-registration will open at 8:30 a.m. Race start time is 10 a.m. Great prizes will be awarded.
Feb. 16, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Efficient and Powerful Skate Skiing Clinic. Skiers will learn the secrets to efficient and powerful cross-country skate skiing techniques with super master racer and Fischer/Swix representative Dan Hill. Recommended for intermediate to advanced skiers. Cost is $35.
Call 530-587-9484 or visit tahoedonner.com/cross-country for more information.
For more information about Tahoe Donner, as well as its recreational facilities and events, visit http://www.tahoedonner.com, call 530-587-9400 or like them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/tahoedonner. Follow Tahoe Donner on Twitter at @tahoedonner.


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Mission Statement
The Sociology Club's primary purpose is to promote intellectual involvement among students. A secondary purpose is to provide students with the opportunity of getting to know other students and professors who are interested in the field of sociology.
Who Can Join?
All you need to join Cameron University's Sociology Club is an interest in sociology and a willingness to help and work with others in the community. There are no grade point average requirements, nor do you need to have a certain class standing. All students, regardless of major or minor, are welcome.
Dues for the club are $10.00 per year ($5 per semester - Fall/Spring).
If you are interested in joining the Sociology Club, print and complete the application form attached below and send it to Dr. Su Lee, South Shepler 608.
Also, send a group membership request in AggieAccess to Join Sociology Club so that you can receive communication on upcoming events and meetings.
Links For the Sociologically Curious
- American Sociological Association
- Alpha Kappa Delta (International Sociology Honor Society)


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Tigers call up power-hitting J.D. Martinez
Outfielder brings hot bat to bigs after homering four times in Triple-A twin bill
DETROIT -- The Tigers' bench is back to full strength, now with a little bit more power on it.
"He has that ability to drive the ball over the wall, which is a thing we don't have a ton of on this team," manager Brad Ausmus said of J.D. Martinez, whose contract was purchased from Triple-A Toledo on Monday.
The Tigers have 13 home runs for the season, all of them from eight regulars in their starting lineup. Martinez joined the Tigers on Monday having hit 10 home runs at Triple-A Toledo, including four in a doubleheader on Saturday.
"It was a fun day," Martinez said. "It's not really a day you can schedule for. I kind of just showed up, no BP, and played. It's just one of those things you kind of black out."
Martinez takes the roster spot of right-handed reliever Luke Putkonen, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list with right elbow inflammation. To make room on the 40-man roster, Detroit transferred Andy Dirks from the 15-day DL to the 60-day DL, a procedural move since Dirks isn't expected back until June after undergoing back surgery in March.
It was Dirks' injury that opened up this role on the team, first for rookie Tyler Collins. What was expected to be a platoon role in left field with Rajai Davis, however, morphed into more of a reserve role when Davis got off to a hot start.
They've gotten hits from their outfielders, but not an abundance of power. On a team that has had Don Kelly as its primary pinch-hitter for the first three weeks of the season, the opportunity to add a power bat to the ranks won out. It was the reason the Tigers moved quickly to sign Martinez after the Astros released him on March 22, and the reason the Tigers promoted him so soon.
Nobody in Minor League ball at any level has hit as many home runs as Martinez did this season. The 26-year-old South Florida native spent parts of three seasons with the Astros, batting .251 with 24 homers and 126 RBIs in 252 games, before the Astros released him. The Tigers, who had trade interest in Martinez last winter, had the framework of a contract that day and had him in their Minor League camp two days later.
"Everything happens for a reason," Martinez said. "I was just as excited when Detroit picked me up. There was a team that really wanted me. I'm super excited about the opportunity and to be in this clubhouse. When I look around, I'm in shock at the players that are in here."
At Triple-A, he went 20-for-65 (.308), with half of his hits leaving the yard. Martinez put up a three-homer game over seven innings for the Mud Hens in the first game of a doubleheader Saturday at Columbus, then added another homer in his first at-bat of the nightcap. The four home runs came on four different types of pitches.
Martinez credits a revamped swing he put together last fall at the encouragement of Astros coaches to make better contact, then broke out in winter ball in Venezuela.
"Those first couple weeks, I just wanted to pull my hair out," Martinez said. "I knew that it would pay dividends down the road. I just kept staying focused and staying positive. It took me a while, but I feel like I finally got accustomed to it, and now it's second nature, like my old swing.
Ezequiel Carrera, who made a big impression on Tigers coaches in Spring Training and is batting .364 (24-for-66) at Toledo, was an equally strong candidate, but he has just seven extra-base hits.
Though Martinez bats right-handed, the vast majority of his damage at Toledo came off right-handed pitching, batting 18-for-49 (.367) with nine homers and 19 RBIs, compared with a 2-for-16 showing and a lone homer off lefties. Fitting, then, that he won't have a lefty-killer role in Detroit.
"He's going to get starts against right-handed pitching. That's just a simple fact," Ausmus said. "Really, the spot to spell the most would either be [right fielder] Torii [Hunter] or Rajai, but they're also both righties."


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AMERICUS - A trio of Georgia Southwestern players collected four hits apiece to pace the Hurricanes in a 17-3 non-conference baseball victory over West Georgia on Wednesday evening at Hurricane Stadium.
Les Cromer was a perfect 4-for-4 for GSW while Josh Sanders and Stephen Eldridge each finished the game 4-for-6. All told, the Hurricanes finished with a record-setting 20 hits in the ballgame. The 20 hits is a program best for GSW in a regular season game during its NCAA era (since 2007).
The Hurricanes have won four of their last five games to improve to 11-20 this spring. UWG drops to 18-12. The Hurricanes have won all six meetings with UWG since joining the NCAA.
GSW wasted little time getting on the board on Wednesday as Eldridge drove in Sanders in the first inning to grab an early 1-0 lead.
The Wolves jumped ahead in the fourth behind a pair of runs off four hits.
GSW opened the flood doors in the fifth by scoring four runs on four hits. Eldridge, Neal Chambless and Cromer singled in runs. The next inning GSW added four more runs to open a 9-2 advantage. John Duran, Michel Coffey, Kyle Nobles and Cromer produced RBIs.
The Hurricanes weren't finished. In the seventh, GSW errupted for eight more runs. Eldridge and Cromer collected a pair of RBIs in the inning, Nobles and Sanders drove in runs and Randall Sheffield added a pinch-hit RBI single.
UWG rounded out the scoring with a run in the eighth.
Sanders tied a single-game program record with four runs scored. Chambless scored three times. Every batter in the lineup reached base safely during the contest. The Hurricanes put the leadoff hitter on base in six of their eight opportunities and were 4-for-6 with the bases loaded. Cromer and Eldridged finished with four RBIs apiece.
John Mark Rhodes led the Wolves with a 3-for-5 night. Shaquille Jackson added two hits.
GSW freshman Earl Dupree picked up his first collegiate win after throwing the first five innings, holding UWG to two runs while walking four and striking out three. Drew Cataldo tossed three innings of relief, allowed one run and two hits, walked one and struck out four. Chase Burnfin threw a scoreless ninth.
Alex Allen (0-1) allowed four earned runs in 1 2/3 innings of relief to take the loss for UWG. The Wolves threw seven pitchers in the game.
Southwestern returns to Peach Belt Conference play on Friday at 6 p.m. with the opening game of a three-game weekend series at No. 2 Lander University.


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The first floor public areas (the main entrance) and part of the ground floor office space in the DHCC are accessible to visitors in wheelchairs.
The main entrance to the Museum is accessible for people with disabilities and handicap parking is available on the right (or north) side of the building for easy access. There is also a ramp available next to the stairs.
Additional handicap parking is available on the left (or south) side of the building with entrance to the ground floor office space of the DHCC and access to an elevator to allow our visitors to get to the public areas. However, please note that the door leading into the ground floor offices remains locked. Therefore, please call the museum at 817-599-6168 if need to park in the area and would like for us to open the doors for you.
Groups with special needs may contact the DHCC at 817-599-6168 to inquire about the possibility of adapting a current Museum tour to their special needs.


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Lollipop Splash the Remix by Mariah Carey
Published by Linda on June 17th, 2011
Mariah Carey has enjoyed sweet success from her last fragrance, Lollipop Bling. Lollipop Bling was said to be inspired by her husband's delicious wedding proposal. Now, Mariah Carey is adding another addition to her Elizabeth Arden fragrance franchise.
The new fragrance is called Lollipop Splash the Remix, which is a trio of new scents that shows off Carey's fun-loving personality. The trio are as follows:
Inseparable – contains notes of raspberry, mango, jasmine and orange flowers.
Never Forget You – has wafts of gourmet jelly beans and golden peony.
Vision of Love – inspired by French macaroon and purple jasmine.
Each perfume is set to retail at $35 USD.


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During the conversation, he used the word "long-term" many times. One got the feeling that his "long-term" is longer than the "long-term" of most others. Money managers like to use the word "long-term" to justify their recent underperformance, but Yacktman Funds' shorter-term performance is just as good as its long-term performance.
Prior to forming The Yacktman Funds in 1992, Mr. Yacktman served in various roles at other management firms and was named Portfolio Manager of the Year by Morningstar in 1991. Mr. Yacktman holds a B.S. Magna Cum Laude in economics from The University of Utah and an MBA with distinction from Harvard University.
Over the last five years, Yacktman has outdone the S&P 500 47.2% to -1.1%, and 174.5% to 34.9% over the last ten years, particularly proving his mettle in preserving capital during market downturns.
Here is what he had to say recently:
GuruFocus: Mr. Yacktman, we interviewed you a few times. I track you closely, read all your letters, and interviews, lots of interviews. I think I know you pretty well, but still I thought I would ask some questions.
Yacktman: Sure. You realize a lot of the work here is done by the younger guys. So, give them credit too, Steve Yacktman and Jason Subotky who aren't here today, and Russell Wilkins.
I think a lot of times that is the case. But that's actually my question: What is the decision-making process like?
Yacktman: It's pretty simple. We do our own research and discuss ideas freely among the investment team. We know our core universe well and look for valuation driven entry points.
We take a generalist approach, so all managers are accountable for companies throughout our investment universe, rather than having sector coverage which we think creates walls in an organization. We like to have the flexibly to invest in what we think the best opportunities for managing risk and achieving results are at a given time and are not short term benchmark oriented investors.
Our process is basically is a function of our goals. The first one is, protect the clients' capital over time. This is a portfolio level goal, and understand that not all investment ideas will work out. We have a significant amount of our personal net worth in our strategies and we manage them as though we were managing a client's entire net worth.
The second goal is obtaining what we'd call equity-type returns, approximately double-digit annualized. Our third goal is to beat the (S&P 500) index over a full peak-to-peak cycle. If you go back and study our results from the times when the market has peaked, I think you'll find that the performance has been very, very good. More importantly, I think that our risk-adjusted returns are really excellent, and that's what it's all about.
So the process is then really a function of looking at the cash flows of a company. Most good companies generate cash, and that usually consists of two components; payout and return on retained earnings. Payout is the dividend and net share repurchase. Reinvestment rate is really the wild card in equity investing.
So basically you look at what the company did in the past with the extra cash they have, what they have done with that cash to predict what they might do in the future?
Russell Wilkins: We found what they've done in the past is a much better predictor of what they're going to do in the future than what they say.
Yacktman: The other thing is to really understand the business model. Most of the time the good businesses will make the managers look like stars, rather than the other way around. I remember one of my children said to me once, after dinner when we were talking about investing, "Now let me see if I have this right, Dad. Basically what you're saying is if you buy above average businesses at below average prices, then on average it's going to work out?" I said, "Yes, that's basically it."
What we're doing is attempting to shift the odds more in our favor. I can't overemphasize the importance of patience. So many people in this business think in terms of 10 minutes, or 10 hours, or 10 days, or 10 weeks, or 10 months, not 10 years. Very few people have the inner strength or patience to wait it out.
Actually an interesting point, of course as a manager and long-term investor you want to think long term, but you have pressure from clients. Just look at Bruce Berkowitz: He had an excellent long-term performance, but in just a few months, less than a year, I remember the fund peaked at $21 billion, but now we are talking about $6 or 7 billion. So how do you think about that? Of course as a manager we want to think long term, but what if you have the pressure?
Wilkins: We try to set investor expectations clearly and regularly. It is critical that investors recognize that no manager performs well in all environments. When we talk to potential investors, we emphasize they should not expect us to outperform the market every month, every quarter, every year. We believe investors would be well served not to track us versus a benchmark in shorter time periods.
Very quickly, the money is just gone. To select the companies that you have (P&G, etc), you said high quality, predictable. Do you have a screener that you build, or otherwise where do you generate these ideas?
Yacktman: We are focused on a fairly narrow universe of companies we know well. These entities are principally higher quality, U.S. domiciled, larger capitalization companies.
We use a variety of techniques to find ideas, including screens, although the best opportunities are often created because of short-term challenges within a business or its sector.
A good example of knowing the investment universe would be News Corporation (NASDAQ:NWS). Several years ago we had a big position in Liberty Media which itself was a large shareholder of News Corporation, so we studied the company thoroughly. In 2008 News Corp's shares fell with the decline in the market and the media sector got hit especially hard. We took the opportunity to establish a position in the shares when the price became attractive. As we like to say at the firm, "It's almost all about the price."
You wrote before that, I think a year ago, you want to invest in high quality companies now. You said high quality companies are cheaper at this time—
Yacktman: Yes, but relative to other equities. They have been cheaper historically.
Relatively cheaper. What is your definition of a high quality company?
Yacktman: We think quality is a combination of characteristics. We like to start with high return-on-asset businesses. We also like predictability. We prefer businesses that have fairly stable operating results in both good and challenging economic environments. Below is a simple chart we use to demonstrate characteristics we like.
We believe that companies that have low capital intensity and low cyclicality like Coke (NYSE:KO) Pepsi (NASDAQ:PEP), or Proctor & Gamble (PG) have the ability to earn some of the highest returns. What you're looking for is both the low asset requirements and low cyclicality. It is at its best when a company sells a disposable product or a recurring service. We also like to see a large market share.
Proctor & Gamble is an example of a quality company to us. While it has disappointed people and the company has not been able to raise its gross margins like expected, we think the businesses are strong and the outlook solid.
So it seems like the best time to buy those companies is when they have trouble, not when they are doing very well.
Wilkins: That's usually when you get the best price. Sometimes we get opportunities when defensive stable businesses are unpopular because the businesses appear to be unexciting.
Everyone thinks they have more trouble than they actually have, probably.
Yacktman: It's a manic depressive market.
Do you talk with management?
Yacktman: We do if we think it is important to better understanding our investment thesis or if we want to convey something, usually about capital allocation or compensation philosophy.
Because you're huge?
Yacktman: For large cap oriented investors we aren't that big. Recently with say on pay, we have heard from management teams more often.
Who makes the buy decision?
Yacktman: Typically at least two of the senior portfolio managers will be in agreement to make a decision. Building positions is usually a gradual thing. You don't wake up one morning and decide to put 10% into a position.
We talked about out of favor, and you mentioned Research In Motion. That stock has lost around 90-something percent from the peak, and today we just reported that Prem Watsa from Fairfax bought another 25 million shares.
Yacktman: And the stock hardly moved.
Yeah, it hasn't moved. What do you think about the company? You own a position.
Yacktman: Here's the dilemma with it. It has a wide array of possible outcomes. We felt we had protection with the balance sheet and customer base, but given the history of dramatic leadership change in the cell phone industry, people are nervous. I think you have three pieces. You have the cash and excess working capital, you have the patents and you have the embedded customer base. The real problem has been delays in getting a new phone to market. The length of time without a viable product has caused the customer base to become an ice cube on a hot day.
Wilkins: In our opinion, the price has declined a lot more than the value has dropped.
The company is doing restructuring, laying off lots of people. There are lots of costs with that, when they lay off people, especially in Canada.
Yacktman: While restructuring is expensive, we think the company is taking the right steps by aggressively cutting costs.
So you will not add to the position?
Yacktman: We did, during the second quarter, but not very much.
But you think the situation is…
Wilkins: You know, It's just all about the price. There are lots of assets we think hold significant value.
I was doing reading in the interview we had last time. Seems like a concept you use is called forward rate of return, and you use free cash yield plus growth rate. Where do you apply this? This apparently cannot be applied everywhere. If you apply this to Apple, the growth rate, like 40-something percent…
Wilkins: It is important to calculate a normal growth rate. You may need to use a multi-stage model for companies that have high short term growth.
Yacktman: And recognize that when you start getting those off-the-charts, high growth numbers, it's not going to last. Most businesses are difficult to project many years out. Growth is really critical because the rate of return on marginal units is very, very high. But the problem is that the market has a central tendency to overprice things, and put very high multiples on companies that are growing quickly, even if it is for a short period.
So that's how you apply it.
Yacktman: It is also important to be flexible, and I think our behavior in the 2008-2009 period demonstrates that. With AmeriCredit (ACF), News Corp (NASDAQ:NWS), and Viacom (NASDAQ:VIA), all of the stocks had some risk to them, but they offered potentially breathtaking returns. So we sold of Proctor & Gamble and Johnson & Johnson , We kept some defensive positions like Coke that we thought would be durable even if the market continued to go down because we felt on balance the portfolio had enough securities that could rise dramatically if the market stabilized or recovered.
So it's more like a risk-adjusted potential returns. That's how you made the decision of switching to AmeriCredit. I was very impressed by that, actually. You bought lots of AmeriCredit during the crisis.
Yacktman: A lot of people didn't understand their business and stayed far away because it was a subprime finance company. The business model is really relatively simple. They make primarily used car auto loans, largely, to sub-prime borrowers.
The key risk was a dramatic and rapid rise in unemployment rates. That's where we were vulnerable, and we knew it. But barring unemployment suddenly going to 15% or something like that you had a little breathing room.
That's different from a home mortgage, right?
Wilkins: AmeriCredit's customers would probably stop paying on their home before they would stop paying on their car because they need the car to get to work. AmeriCredit also has the ability to repossess and sell the cars when the customer defaults.
Yacktman: You had collateral that was 40-45% of the loan. The problem was the asset backed markets froze so they had to cut back lending and staffing.
So there was some risk, definitely.
Yacktman: There is always some risk, the question is how much is it and is the price you are paying allowing you to effectively manage the risk. AmeriCredit at its low was about 20% of book value. We felt in a wind-down scenario you might get back 60-75% of book. The company eventually got purchased by GM for about 150% of book.
It sold for $3 or something?
Yacktman: It got down there.
And how much money did you make on that?
Yacktman: AmeriCredit hurt our performance in 2007 and 2008 before adding to results in 2009. I think our ability to have it hit results in 2007-2008 and still hold up well during those years speaks to our ability to manage the overall risks in the portfolio.
Controlling risk, that's the key. So if we think of 2008, 2009, that was a great opportunity for you of course. Do you feel that you learned some things, some lessons from that?
Yacktman: I think that you learn something in every investment cycle, but I think each is different. In the case of 2008-2009, we were reminded that prices can fall dramatically below your long-term appraisal in the short term. We also learned that at very unusual times you may be able to get some outstanding deals in fixed income securities. In some mandates, for example, we raised our ability to invest in high yield from 10% to 20%. We think the new level gives us appropriate flexibility if we have an unusual environment again, but provides investors with a logical limitation.
How about now?
Yacktman: I don't see a tremendous amount of volatility or nervousness and in that environment the range of outcomes, the range of rate of returns tends to narrow. You don't have the tail like you did in '08, '09, so I think you aren't being paid to downgrade. That's why we have such a high percentage in very high quality stocks. We see that as the best risk-adjusted place.
But on a relative basis I'm excited because the yields on some of these stocks compare so favorably to what you can get in cash or 30-year Treasuries. When I say that people think we are interested in getting high dividends, but it's more about the cash flow. Dividends are a derivative of cash flow. I think what it really says to me is that the 30-year Treasury is more overvalued than these stocks are undervalued.
Relatively, probably.
Yacktman: That's why the relative spread is so enormous.
Even stocks, the yield historically now is very low, compared with what the stock yield was in earlier times.
Yacktman: It's just that Treasuries seem very overpriced.
Lots of people are saying the market is cheap, but they are actually talking about relative to Treasuries probably.
Yacktman: What I don't understand is why anybody in their right mind would want to own a 30-year Treasury today. That amazes me.
How do you think about Hewlett-Packard (NYSE:HPQ)?
I think Meg Whitman is very capable of doing the necessary management 101. The decision to hang on to the PC business was ultimately the rational one.
Wilkins: We think the stock is inexpensive, however the company has a history of doing some less than desirable things with the cash, which has kept us from taking a bigger position. Also, the company has net debt.
We prefer our larger positions in Microsoft and Cisco, in part because of their balance sheets. Cisco has more than $5 per share in net cash and generates approximately $1.50 per share in free cash flow. The stock is at 17, so less the $5 per share in cash, you are paying about $12 per share for the business. With a 12.5% free cash flow yield (net of the cash) Cisco does not even need to grow for us to have a solid investment.
We talk a lot about value traps these days on our website. Do you think things like HP or RIM are potential value traps? They have lost investors lots of money already.
Wilkins: HP is very diverse and profitable. Ultimately, we think the best way to avoid a value trap is to have a company that produces durable free cash flow.
Yacktman: Time will tell. We consider them special situations. Over our firm's 20 year history, we have taken some positions in stocks where there may be temporary or even prolonged challenges. We have done so because we felt the valuation was compelling. Some of our biggest winners, like AmeriCredit, started as a special situation. We recognize these positions don't all work, so typically we keep the position size on the smaller side.
It's all about the price, but value also, when you do a valuation of the company, it depends on how the company does, what the company does. The value can increase and can also decrease.
Yacktman: We try to consistently adjust our appraisal to new information. When HP purchased Autonomy, we had to adjust our valuation to reflect for the value destruction that occurred.
I don't see that you have lots of international companies.
Yacktman: We have a preference for American companies because we think we understand the nuances of accounting and management behavior domestically. Many of our top positions have a strong overseas presence, though. We bought Henkel (HENKY) a few years back because we thought it was far cheaper than comparable domestic companies. It also owned nearly 30% of Clorox and 30% of Ecolab. We've owned Unilever (NYSE:UL), we've owned Cadbury.
Wilkins: We've got companies like Coca Cola where the bulk of their earnings come from international markets even though it is based in Atlanta. If some day Coke moved to Switzerland, it would not change our ability to appraise the business
Okay, my last question. How do you think about the situation in Europe? How it will play out?
Yacktman: Well, there are several aspects of it. First of all –
Wilkins: Politicians will try to use it for their own advantage.
Yacktman: Another one is that our attitude has been… we should focus on things we can control. We believe you can find investments that could do well even if the economy is challenging or the market suffers. Even though the U.S. stock market has done poorly since 2000, we have achieved strong results because we focused on and invested in individual securities. We can set the sails, we can't control the wind. It's fun to talk about the economy, don't get me wrong… I'll be happy to answer your question directly. But when push comes to shove, it's what you buy and what you pay for it.
I would say this. The 800-pound gorilla problem is that most of the developed world has a model that's unworkable when it comes to dealing with older people. We have an aging population, and we have a declining birth rate, and we decided, whether it's England or Greece or the United States, to use a model that is not workable. The end result is politicians have overpromised on what they can deliver to people.
Growth will override any sort of issues if it can be achieved. And what people don't realize – again part of it's the time horizon – a 1% additional growth rate, if you can achieve that, over a period of 72 years, means you will double the standard of living over what you would have had if you had not done that. Now that's what the whole last 200-plus years, in most of the developed world are all about, industrialization. Yeah, you can argue about pollution, or you can argue about carbon footprint, or whatever, but the reality is I don't think most people want to go back to what life was like in the early 1800s, if they had a choice.
Wilkins: Think of what the air quality would be like if we're all still using wood-burning stoves.
Yacktman: Regardless of the issues in the macro world, we believe what is most important is what you own and the price you pay for it. Today we have significant exposure to some of the highest quality businesses in the world at what we think are attractive valuations. In an environment where there is so much global uncertainty it certainly feels good to be able to own such high quality securities.
The views expressed represent the opinions of Yacktman Asset Management LP as of August 17, 2012 and are not intended as a forecast or guarantee of future results, and are subject to change without notice.
Any sectors, industries, or securities discussed should not be perceived as investment recommendations. There is no assurance that any securities discussed herein will remain in a portfolio at the time you receive this information or that securities sold have not been repurchased. The securities discussed do not represent the entire portfolio and in aggregate may represent only a small percentage of a portfolio's holdings. Any securities discussed may no longer be held in an account's portfolio. It should not be assumed that any of the securities transactions discussed were or will prove to be profitable, or that the investment recommendations we make in the future will be profitable or will equal the investment performance of any security discussed herein. Yacktman Asset Management LP will provide a list of security purchases and sales for the past 12 months upon request.


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Dear Friends,
As some of you know I took a blogging break from 23rd November 2018. I had such wonderful plans for my break. But, life had other plans for me, to fall ill, to have my mother fall ill, to get an unplanned project at work, and become a bit busier in my charity work, and all the other usual stuff.
Though it was a blogging break, I continued to share many old posts and a few new thoughts.
I am not a crazy planner person, but, I think it is important to have some sort of schedule, some sort of routine. Therefore, I have decided I will only blog once a week, and that it will be a Wednesday and the New Schedule will start from March 6th 2019. It will be the first time I blog once a week. But, life still remains hectic, and if I want to be true to the purpose of this blog then it, for now, has to be once a week.
My content remains the same and hopefully, it is better quality.
So, with the bite of fresh orange, and the start of a new month, http://www.thoughtsnlifeblog.com will start a new blogging schedule from the 6th March 2019 and I will also celebrate 3 years of blogging. 👏😊👏🖱🕯📝📚📍🏵🌸🌷
However, until then I will be quiet on wordpress.com preparing myself for March 2019.
© 2019 http://www.thoughtsnlifeblog.com
Images: Microsoft paint. http://www.freeimages.com, http://www.canva.com and customised by myself in Microsoft paint.
Categories: #Thoughts, Blogging and Social Media, Productivity, Writing


text: In the modern age of Adobe Illustrator and vinyl printers, it's easy to forget that not too long ago, most storefronts, banners and billboards were painstakingly hand-lettered, one at a time, by artisans armed only with brush, paint and centuries-old principals of information design. Before standardized vinyl cut-outs decimated the industry, professional sign painters roamed the earth in such large numbers they had their own union, their own trade schools and even their own bars. Filmmaker Sam Macon, who teamed with writer Faythe Levine on the new book Sign Painters (Princeton Architectural Press), says "People used to go to the corner bar where all the sign painters hung out to talk about sign stuff. They were like cop bars." To survey the current sign-painting landscape, Faythe and Macon trekked the country for 18 months, relying primarily on old-fashioned word of mouth to track down veteran practitioners and new-generation sign painters in Portland, Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Austin, Cincinnati, Denver and elsewhere. Levine, author of the 2008 book Hand Made Nation: The Rise of DIY, Art, Craft and Design, initially found inspiration in the graffiti artists she'd known in Minneapolis who stripped away the so-called "gingerbread crap" from their lettering styles after they became entranced with a local sign painter who served as their mentor. Levine says, "The thing I've learned is that anybody can pick up a brush or pen and write an alphabet and make a sign, but to be a really good sign painter takes a lot of time. It's not the equivalent of punk rock." Macon adds, "Graffiti is one of several gateways that the young crowd has gotten into sign painting. Many of them who grew up on computers have now returned to these hand-made elements they can incorporate into the design work." Levine and Macon hope their project, which also includes a 2013 documentary-in-progress, spurs a renaissance in hand-crafted signage. "There is a romance to sign painting because of the tradition and the physical labor, which attracts people of our generation," Macon says. "But a lot of sign painters we spoke to emphasized this is not throwback or retro or old-timey." Helping to spark the revival is New York City's Colossal Media, whose hand-painted murals have become a hipster ad platform of choice. "It looks better than a big vinyl banner that flaps in the wind, and tears, and falls apart and fades. For these guys, the reason to paint the sign is, it looks better, it lasts longer, and it means you're for real." Check the gallery for a sampling of work and commentary by some of America's finest commercial artists featured in the Sign Painters book that hits bookstores on Nov. 2. Above: Greetings From Texas Austin sign painter Norma Jeanne Maloney says, "Even as a small child I had a fascination with typography, which was completely abnormal," she says. "As a teenager I'd draw ornate album covers, like Fleetwood Mac and Bob Seger. I was in love with type." Maloney turned out to be the only student who showed up for a class conducted by old-school sign painter Mike Stevens. When Stevens died, his daughter showed her one of his journal entries. "This girl is going to be a great sign painter," he wrote. "I'd been ready to give it up, thinking it was never meant to be, since I just kept hitting obstacles," Maloney comments. "That was a powerful moment."Brick Wall, Hard Sell Seattle sign painter Sean Barber, who worked previously as a carpenter and boat builder, uses chisel-tipped lettering quills to create his graphics. As excerpted from the Sign Painters book, Barber says, "So many stores have vinyl signs that now entire blocks look the same. Many business owners want to slap up some garbage and still have a bunch of people show up. It just doesn't work that way. If you have a good-looking storefront and you take pride in it, you'll attract more customers. I think people's appreciation [of hand-painted sings] is growing; business owners see them and want them. They can feel the power of a hand-painted sign."Go Team Go New Yorker Stephen Powers comes from a graffiti background. He says, "Certain techniques and ways of painting I learned from over one hundred years of sign painting tradition. What's really cool is that if you follow every known law in the sign game, you'll at least learn how to do a sign correctly. You can't really lie; maybe you can cheat a little bit, but you have to tell the truth. For me, sign painting is doing something that graffiti never could: it's impacting people's lives on a monumental scale."The Medium is the Message Mark Oatis, who teams with his wife Rose on Denver-area projects, studied five years at the Union Apprentice Sign Painting Course before joining forces with other painters. "We started this little club," he says. "One night we'd work on gold leaf, another evening we'd bring in somebody who was very skilled at show cards. We did this informally for about six or seven years. Sometimes five people would show up and sometimes twenty. Earl Vehill coined a name for us, "Letterheads."High-Wire Act Mark Oatis hopes the Letterhead project sustains old-school traditions. He says, "We began communicating through articles in magazines, letters, and by phone since it was pre-internet. The Letterheads connected people from around the country, and that's how it began to grow. There are still Letterhead meet-ups that reflect our first get-togethers in Colorado around the world to this day."Making an Indelible Impression Washington state sign painter Ira Coyne says "The businesses that I've developed good relationships with understand how important it is to look different from everybody else. If you go to a cookie cutter sign company that's going to print out something from the computer, with all the R's looking exactly the same, it just won't have as much character."Storefronts on Parade Jeff Canham studied graphic design at the University of Oregon, worked at a magazine, then got into sign painting when he moved to San Francisco. "A friend of mine was opening up a new store and needed a sign made, so he went to New Bohemia Signs, and I went with him. I loved what they were doing and asked how I could get involved. They told me to apply for an apprenticeship, and that's how it started."Power of Suggestion Sign painter Canham integrated old-school craftsmanship into his repertoire of digital tricks. "At the time I went to school they were teaching all the traditional means of graphic design, as well as how to do everything on the computer. I was lucky in that sense."Carnival Time Josh Luke, who runs Best Dressed Signs in Boston with his wife Meredith, formed a group called the Pre-Vinylite Society to celebrate the craft of old-school signage. "Sign painting is experiencing a comeback," he says. "I've been a sign painter for less than ten years, but in the last two or three years I've noticed a much higher demand for hand-painted signs. I see sign painting as a way to positively affect the visual landscape of my city."Cocktails, Anyone? Ohio sign painter Keith Knecht learned his craft from a hard-driving mentor. "For years I couldn't get a sign painter in the city of Toledo to show or tell me anything," Knecht says. "It really was a closed fraternity. I was lousy and slow, and I couldn't do the really good jobs to get the good money. Then I met Burt Mayer. He knew more about sign painting than any living human. He was a grumpy, grouchy old guy—just like the ones you hear about. He was a tough taskmaster. On more than several occasions I wanted the satisfaction of busting him one."Personality to Spare Minneapolis artisan Phil Vandervaart likes to blend humor and information in his work. "I tend to push everything to the comical because it's a sign, not fine art. It's meant to convey information and be attractive."Keeping It Simple Phil Vandervaart learned his craft from an older generation of sign painters. "I'm fifty-eight, and when I started in my twenties I had access to a lot of the old-timers who are now gone. They were really brutal. Once, after watching me paint a sign, one of them said, 'I want you to come back here.' He walked me about thirty feet back and said, 'Tell me why your sign looks like crap.' At first I was offended, but then I really appreciated his feedback and I took it to heart."Painting the Town Red New Yorkers Paul Lindahl and Adrian Moeller started Colossal Media in 2004 and quickly earned a following in New York City for their Sky High Murals projects. "We have a lot of walls in neighborhoods at street level, and our painters spend half the day just talking to people. We get a lot of appreciation from the public. Now advertisers want the hand paint, they want to draw the public. That's what advertising is about. It's getting to that viewer and having people stop to look."Images and text excerpts courtesy Princeton Architectural Press


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RICHMOND, Va. - The National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) released its 2010-2011 Team Academic Awards recently and VCU had both its men's and women's team honored.
A total of 787 teams from Divisions I, II and III earned the accolade after posting a cumulative team grade point average of 3.0 or higher for the 2010-11 academic year. VCU was one of 153 schools to have both its men's and women's soccer teams earn the accolade.
VCU Head Coach Dave Giffard's team finished the 2010-11 academic year with a 3.15 grade point average. The Black & Gold were one of five men's teams from the Colonial Athletic Association to receive the award.
The women's soccer program, under the direction of Co-Head Coaches Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak and Tim Sahaydak, produced a team grade point average of 3.12. The Rams were one of eight teams from the CAA to garner the award.
Of the 787 teams that received the distinction, 219 were men's teams and 568 were women's teams.


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A start
Im really interested in learning chess. I know the rules and everything. Ive read through the basic ideas about openings strategies and endgame but I still can hardly beet an ELO 1200 player on chessmaster. Was wondering if any of you guys have advise on how to best bring my rank up. My problem is that I am a medical school student so I barely have any time. I am looking for a way to get my rank up to 1400-1800 with only spending an hour or so a day max. ( if thats even possible that is_


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Pond & Lake Q & A
Q: How do you turn a one acre pond blue in color? My wife has fish in it and wants the blue tint? – Scott of Mississippi
A: Turning your pond a blue color is a great way to not only to provide your pond with a beautiful blue shade, but also will reduce the amount of sunlight that penetrates through the pond. Surprisingly enough, just one quart of Nature's Blue™ Pond Dye will shade a one acre pond (43,560 sq. ft.) with an average depth of 4′-6′. I would use one quart, wait 24 hours and evaluate. If you would like a deeper color add another 1/2 quart. Also, with Nature's Blue™ Pond Dye, there are no water use restrictions and it is safe for fish, birds, pets, horses, livestock and wildlife.
If you are more into beautiful reflections and a richer tone instead of the blue shade, I would recommend Black DyeMond™ Pond Dye.
Filed under: Pond & Lake, Pond Dye | Tagged: black dyemond, nature's blue, pond dye, pond shade |


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Jana: Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to start Amirah fashions?
Zainab: My name is Zainab I'm a revert to Islam of 10 years. I've been interested in fashion & textiles all my life. I've been designing in some form or other since the age of 10, and sewing since the age of 13; starting out on my bedroom floor and using my great grandmother's machine! I've studied and even taught fashion & textiles; to be fair I can't really do much else, this is my passion!
Becoming a Muslim at 16 was a really big learning curve in the clothing department. The change in my image was huge but not instant like some reverts, but lets just say every day I became a little more modest, until at the age of 18 when I was a full-time jilbab-wearing hijabi. After that another problem arose, having to find something out there I'd actually want to wear. Bearing in mind this was 10 years ago, there was no choice like there is now. Being a Fashion & textile student I just started to create my own jilbabs in my own style. Before long I had many sisters admiring my work and the constant question of 'Sister where did you get your Jilbab from?'. So to cut a long story short, I started Amirah Fashions just over 2 years ago, creating styles for the UK market. We started off small, but alhamdulillah have expanded at a very fast rate and now sell worldwide.
Jana: What have been your most popular items?
Zainab: The most popular items are always our exclusive jilbabs that sell out very fast! As we only ever stock limited quantities of the each jilbab, most customers will never see the same one on another sister, which people really love as it gives them a unique style. Our brooches always sell very well too, as you can always bring life to an old outfit with some sparkle. Also, Muslimahs have become more adventurous with their hijab styles and the brooch is always a great hijab styling tool!
Jana: What difficulties do you face as an online retailer?
Zainab: There are two major issues I have found difficult as a online retailer. One being that there's nothing like getting your hands on a garment to feel the fabric. We have an endless number of customers complementing our fabric that no photo will do justice to. Once sisters buy one item and get to see, and of course feel the fabric, they keep coming back. We do offer samples of fabric to customers upon request.
The second major problem is that some still fear Internet shopping, it almost scares some of our older customers, but when they've done it once there's just no stopping them! We have a very secure site using HSBC card processing and safe page. I still believe that as an online retailer I have a much larger opportunity to reach the masses. I mean if I were a shop in a small town my designs wouldn't be worn by sisters in America, Australia or Singapore, so there are many pros and cons to this business.
Jana: Do you seek to cater exclusively to a UK market, and if so how do you think this differs from other countries?
Zainab: At first we did cater exclusively to the UK market and always listened to what the sisters in the UK wanted in a jilbab/abaya. But there were many requests from sisters in other Western countries to make Amirah fashions available worldwide. So when we re-launched the company at the beginning of last year we decided to go worldwide and have never looked back since.
The main differences in the UK market, and our other largest market, the US, is that the UK customers tend to stick to more muted colours like blacks, browns or beiges with a hint of colour. However, the sisters in the US always go for our bolder items. But as it warms up in the UK, the demand for colour always goes up too!
Jana: What do you hope to achieve in the future?
Zainab: We would like to continue growing at the pace we have the last two years inshallah, we have introduced many new product lines since we started which we wish to continue, What id really like to see is a major fashion show of Islamic designers in the UK; I'd love to be a part of something like that! It would be great to see all the companyies under one roof giving that choice to Muslim women, especially the youth, that I didn't have as a new Muslim.
And now for the mini-giveaway!
We're giving you the chance to win a beautiful Bahira Hijab Clip (Pink), from the Gems of Amsanala'af range at Amirah Fashions. To be in with a chance of winning, you must do two things:
1. Visit the Amirah Fashions website and sign up to their newsletter (left hand side bar).
2. E-mail in your full name and city with 'Amirah Fashions Giveaway' in the subject line to firstname.lastname@example.com. Please note that if any of this information is missing, you will not be entered into the competition.
The deadline for entries is midnight GMT on Friday 30th April 2010. The winner will be chosen at random and contacted via e-mail. Don't forget to tell all your friends and family too - the giveaway is open to entrants from all countries!


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These are tough times and everyone needs to come to the table willing to negotiate and compromise.
Our teachers, nurses and other public employees have agreed to Governor Walker's cuts to benefits and pensions, yet he refuses to negotiate or compromise on his plan to eliminate collective bargaining rights. In fact, what he really wants to do is exploit the budget crisis to give himself unprecedented power. First he would end the ability of employees to negotiate with their employers. Now he has proposed giving himself the power to make massive cuts to BadgerCare and SeniorCare without legislative approval and to sell public utilities without competitive bidding. Rather than trying to grab power, we should be coming together to solve Wisconsin's problems.
Learn the facts about Walker and Koch
#notmywi on Twitter


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The Accounting Historians Journal Vol. 11, No. 1 Spring 1984 Douglas Garbutt CONSULTANT THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA IN ACCOUNTING HISTORY Abstract: The article draws attention to the vast archive of accounting records from ancient Mesopotamia available to historians, and the advances in Assyriology which have taken place since the revival of interest in the origins of recorded his-tory. Understanding of the materials has been advanced, in part, by specialists from other fields, such as mathematics and astronomy, yet accounting historians do not seem to have been attracted to the problems of interpreting the elegantly simple records and the societal context within which they were made and used. To exemplify the challenges facing the accounting historian, the author consid-ers evidence on the Dreham archive, the temple as a financial institution, and the use of loans, interest and banking. Finally, the author suggests that the records of Ancient Mesopotamia offer a rich field of research in accounting history. Ancient Mesopotamia and Modern Iraq There is some confusion in the terms applied to the civilisations of ancient Mesopotamia. The name, which is Greek, means the land between two rivers, the Tigris and Euphrates—which rise in the mountains of Turkey and flow south to the Gulf where they meet at the Shatt-el-Arab near Basra. The Euphrates takes a longer course, and almost joins the Mediterranean near Jerablus, but it then takes a vast curve inland. At Baghdad the two rivers nearly meet; only twenty miles separate them. Babylonia covered the southern half of modern Iraq to the Gulf of Basra, and was centred on the ancient city of Babylon, a city ferociously denounced in Jeremiah 50 to 52 because Nebuchad-nezzar took the Jews to captivity there. Babylonia was divided into Akkad in the north and Sumer in the south. Akkadian, Assyrian, and Babylonian are Semitic languages akin to Hebrew and Arabic. Sumerian has so far resisted all attempts to relate it to any language living or dead.1 Famous Sumerian cities were Ur, Uruk, Nippur, and Kish. The author is grateful to Professor D. J. Wiseman of the School of Oriental and African Studies, Professor R. H. Parker of the University of Exeter, and Mr. David A. R. Forrester of the University of Strathclyde for their helpful comments. The author makes the usual confession of responsibility for such errors as remain.