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Since 2007, Bhutan has undergone a major political transformation. The Bhutanese state moved within a period of ten years from a monarchical government into a parliamentary democratic monarchy. For the first time since Bhutan's unification in the 17th century by the Tibetan religious hierarch, Ngawang Namgyal, there is a clear separation of religion and state and monastic representation in the main institutions of government has been removed.
The transformation of the political landscape was accompanied by the abdication of the fourth king, Jigme Sangye Wangchuck, in December 2006 in favor of the then Crown Prince, Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck, who became the fifth king. This unforeseen move was perhaps a signal by the fourth king marking the wider political transition already unfolding. The fifth king oversaw the first elections and on July 18, 2008, formally signed Bhutan's first written constitution, completing the political transformation that began in 1998 when a Cabinet of Ministers replaced direct royal rule. In November 2008, the coronation of the fifth king in Thimphu also served as a belated celebration of the centenary of the Wangchuck dynasty, which was established in December 1907.
Despite the ongoing development of a democratic system, no permanent solution has been found for the Nepali Bhutanese, or Lhotshampa refugees. In the 1990s, approximately 90,000 Nepali-speaking Bhutanese were, it is claimed, forcibly evicted from the country. Since 2008, the United States, Canada and other countries agreed to accept Lhotshampa refugees though many remain in refugee camps today, awaiting resettlement or repatriation.
It is still too early to say how Bhutan's political transformation will evolve. The developing democracy has only two political parties, both dominated by royalist sympathizers, and lacks an effective opposition. Bhutanese appear to have cautiously embraced the top-down democratization process, but Bhutan faces a range of other challenges—notably a series of earthquakes, the global economic downturn and its impact on the tourism industry, and intermittent acts of political violence by antigovernment groups—that will test the newly democratized government.
As outlined in the country's new constitution, Bhutan has a bicameral parliament comprising the National Council or upper house, and the National Assembly or lower house. The party that wins a simple majority is the governing party and its leader acts as prime minister.
The king is Bhutan's head of state and appoints the heads of national commissions, the attorney general, and members of the Supreme Court. The king can object to or amend legislation and return it to the parliament for review, but after it has been reconsidered and resubmitted, the king is obligated to sign it into law. Furthermore, the king's cabinet nominations are subject to the National Assembly's approval.
The creation of a new electoral framework for regular, free, and fair elections based on universal and equal suffrage took place between 2005 and 2007 and represented a major transformation of the Bhutanese political landscape. The Election Commission of Bhutan (ECB) is responsible for management of the electoral system, namely the creation of electoral rolls and the oversight of parliamentary and local elections (for the position of gup, or the head of local administrative units). It was also responsible for a referendum on the new constitution. The ECB was established on January 16, 2006, and currently comprises the chief election commissioner and two election commissioners, along with supporting staff. The commissioners were recommended for appointment by an independent committee and confirmed by the king on December 31, 2005. The ECB has maintained independence from political interference since its creation. In addition, the UN Development Program (UNDP), in participation with the Japanese government, has been working with the ECB since 2009 to enhance its capacity to ensure the conduct of free and fair elections at local levels and promote awareness on rights and duties through civic education.[1]
The ECB approached the establishment of an electoral system with two main concerns: the basic electoral education of the Bhutanese people, and the creation of an effective voter registration process. Throughout 2006 and 2007, election officials worked on creating the country's first voter database. The ECB believed that approximately 400,626 Bhutanese would be eligible to vote in the 2008 general election. Following several rounds of voter registration, 318,465 voters were registered by March 2008.
The registration process was not without incident. A high percentage of voter registration forms did not contain all the information required. Further problems were created by delays in the provision of new citizenship cards, which were required in order to register. The ECB faced major challenges to reach all of communities to ensure that each person had the correct documentation in order to be registered. However, despite the difficult terrain in Bhutan and the number of remote rural communities, registration in rural areas was higher than in the urban centers. It appears that either a significant number of rural-urban migrants did not understand that they were required to register in order to vote or that there was confusion over where they should register.
Mock elections were held in April 2007 to educate the electorate about the voting process and enable the ECB to identify structural problems that needed to be resolved prior to the 2008 general election. There were no registered political parties at the time of the mock elections, so four dummy parties were created, each of which was associated with a particular set of values. The traditionalist Druk Yellow Party received 44.3 percent of the vote, while the pro-industrialization and development Druk Red Party received 20.38 percent. The Druk Yellow party went on to secure 46 of the 47 constituencies in a run-off. These two mock parties were in reality very similar to the two real political parties that were created later in 2007. Election observers from the UN, Denmark, and India attended the first round of the mock elections and did not find any major irregularities.[2]
The formation of political parties became legal in April 2007. Political parties must register with the ECB and party representatives who wish to stand in elections must not have a criminal record and must have acquired tertiary-level education. Although a number of political parties emerged in the second half of 2007, only two parties ran in the elections: the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT), led by the former prime minister, Lyonpo Jigme Y Thinley, and the People's Democratic Party (PDP), led by another former minister, Lyonpo Sangye Ngedrup. The two parties campaigned on similar messages of unity and development and both proclaimed loyalty to the royal family, leaving little ideological contrast between the two parties.
A third party, the Bhutan People United Party (BPUP), was disqualified from competing in the elections on the grounds that it lacked the requisite member diversity and that its ideology was unclear. The BPUP had declared itself to be a party for the nyamchung (downtrodden) and, under Article 15(4)(b) of the constitution, membership of a political party may not be based on "region, sex, language, religion or social origin." The BPUP was held to be in breach of this article.
National Council elections were held in December 2007. The National Council is a nonpartisan body that has both legislative and review functions and can initiate or prepare legislation, with the exception of monetary and financial bills. Of the 25 members, 6 are women. A simple majority elects 20 of the members from each of the 20 dzongkhag (districts), while the remaining 5 are appointed by the king.
The National Assembly has 47 representatives, all of which are elected on the basis of a first-past-the-post system in which a single member represents the constituency. According to the electoral framework, elections for the National Assembly are held in two rounds: in the first, voters select the party of their choice, and in the second, candidates from the two parties with the most votes compete. However, in the first general election for the National Assembly, held on March 24, 2008, only two parties competed, eliminating the need for a first round. Turnout was very high, at 79.4 percent. Despite predictions of a competitive race, and the fact that the PDP received 32.9 percent of the overall popular vote, the DPT secured 45 of the 47 seats in the new National Assembly.[3]
International observation reports of the elections indicated no major irregularities, but stressed the importance of a genuine choice among alternative ideological perspectives.[4] Both the DPT and PDP published manifestos, but the substantive differences between the parties were difficult to delineate. Both party leaders made it publicly known that they would follow the King's desire that they work in the "pursuit of Gross National Happiness." As a result, the elections were perceived as focusing on the personalities of the party leaders. Although the party candidates made strenuous efforts to reach as many communities in their prospective constituencies as possible, it was the role of the two party leaders that appears to have shaped both the campaign and voting.
There were 42 international and 52 domestic observers. From the reports of the election observers, the elections ran smoothly in all 20 dzongkhag.[5] However, recommendations by the international observers included a wide range of changes, including boosting capacity of the ECB and a more proportionate system for the allocation of seats.[6] Furthermore, the high voter turnout is somewhat mitigated by the fact that 82,000 Nepali Bhutanese living within the country were declared nonnationals under the 2005 census and were therefore ineligible to vote.[7] The lack of inclusiveness in the democratization process was reportedly the rationale for four bomb attacks on January 20, 2008, which the government claimed were launched by ethnic Nepalis protesting their exclusion from the electoral system.[8] Though the attacks caused minimal damage, they drew attention to the ongoing tension between the government and groups that are marginalized from the Bhutanese state.
Irregularities in the vote tallying process arose after a recount was conducted. It was found that in Phuntsholing, the tally of votes was miscounted and prematurely called in favor of the PDP.
In 2002, Bhutan held its first universal suffrage local elections. Despite the success of the national elections, however, local elections originally scheduled for late 2008 continue to be delayed. In May 2010, the ECB announced that the process of preparing a voter list for local elections could not be completed until other work, including the revision of local-level district boundaries, is finalized. The process of "delimitation" follows from the Local Government Act 2010. In addition, the ECB has noted that extra time is required to educate people about the changes, conduct training, and address various logistical problems.[9]
Following the signing of the constitution in 2008, the Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC) members submitted their resignations. Under Articles 2(19)(g) and 26(2) of the constitution, the right to appoint the chairperson and members of the RCSC rests with the king. In February 2009, the new commission and a new secretary were formally installed. The RCSC has developed a clear process of selection through competitive examinations, with a new exam introduced in 2008. Promotion is based on merit and there has been a steady training program to ensure professionalism across the RCSC.[10]
The state generally does not interfere with civil society organizations, though this is potentially because very few controversial or overtly political groups exist. The 2007 Civil Society Organization Act and the resultant creation of the Civil Society Organization Authority provided the first legal framework to support nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and there is a growing awareness of the importance of NGOs in the development of democratic procedures and their role in strengthening democratization in Bhutan. A number of donor organizations, notably the United Nations, work closely with NGOs, reflecting the positive relationship between donors, the national government, and NGOs. Key civil society organizations (for example RENEW, an NGO working to promote women's education and empowerment) have played an important role both in developing and delivering a range of services and in influencing and working with government officials.
Bhutan has seen a substantial increase in the range of media outlets in the last few years. The formerly state-run Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS) is now a private corporation, marking the end of state media control. Nevertheless, it is currently the only service to offer both radio and television and is the only television service to broadcast from inside the Bhutanese border. In February 2008, BBS began an online radio service as well. Meanwhile, print and online media sources in Bhutan have proliferated over the last few years, replacing the monopoly of state-owned Kuensel as the only newspaper in the country.
Journalists are free from extralegal intimidation, arbitrary arrest, and physical violence. The state does not censor the media, but there is undoubtedly a substantial degree of self-censorship regarding culturally-sensitive issues. The media's role in the promotion of democratic values and debate is still embryonic; it will likely play an increasing role as the new party system becomes embedded and a new political consciousness emerges across Bhutanese society. Internet is becoming more widespread in the main towns and is free from state censorship.
The 2008 constitution sets out for the first time the fundamental rights (Article 7) and duties (Article 8) of Bhutanese citizens. Article 7(1) of the constitution states that "All persons shall have the right to life, liberty, and security of person and shall not be deprived of such rights except in accordance with the due process of law." The death penalty was formally abolished in March 2004 and Article 7(18) affirms that no person will be subject to capital punishment. Similarly, torture is officially prohibited under Article 7(17), together with the use of inhumane or degrading treatment. There have been reports, however, that officials use torture in Bhutanese prisons, particularly with political dissidents.
The High Court and the judiciary have been proactively seeking to educate ordinary people about their rights and responsibilities through meetings organized in local communities. A key component of these meetings is to ensure that people understand their options for redress not just from violations committed by their neighbors but also with respect to the state. Crime levels remain low, although there are increasing reports of drug-related crimes, notably in Thimphu and Phuntsholing. There are no state-sponsored attacks on activities or political opponents and few reports of arbitrary arrests. Bhutan allows the International Committee of the Red Cross to visit and inspect its prisons annually and conditions were found to be generally acceptable in 2009.[11]
Gender equality in primary and secondary education has been achieved, with the proportion of girls equal to that of boys, but there remains a lag in terms of the ratio of females to males in tertiary institutions. The constitution allows for female members of the royal family to inherit the throne. Nevertheless, female representation in national and local government remains low. At present, only 10 of the 72 MPs are women, and there are no female cabinet ministers. At the local level, there remain very few women elected as gups. However, the percentage of civil servants who are women has increased from 19 percent to 29.5 percent. Employment remains primarily agriculture-based, but unemployment among urban women is significantly higher than among men, at 9.5 percent compared to 5.3 percent.[12] Two key NGOs, the Tarayana Foundation and RENEW, are actively promoting programs to empower Bhutanese women. The EU Election Observation Mission report recommends that political parties consider voluntary quotas for women candidates and that the election administration seek to ensure that women are well represented among election officials.[13]
Under Article 9(17) of the constitution the state will "endeavor to take appropriate measures to eliminate all forms of discrimination and exploitation against women including trafficking, prostitution, abuse, violence, harassment and intimidation at work in both public and private spheres." There are a range of organizations that actively promote equality and empowerment, for example the National Commission for Women and Children (NCWC), set up in 2004. These organizations emphasize improving child and maternal health, and recent indicators suggest that progress has been significant on lowering maternal mortality and improving under-five infant survival rates.[14] The National Assembly has unanimously endorsed the two Convention on the Rights of the Child Optional Protocols on the sale of children, child prostitution, and child pornography and the involvement of children in armed conflict. In addition, two draft bills under consideration, the Child Care and Protection Bill (CCPB) and the Adoption Bill, provide a comprehensive legal framework for child protection.
Although there is no specific law protecting Bhutanese citizens with disabilities, there is no evidence of official discrimination. The government seeks through the Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation program to provide medical and vocational rehabilitation and promote the integration of disabled children into schools.
Bhutan has three main ethnic groups and its people speak 19 languages. The majority of Bhutanese follow Himalayan Buddhism, notably the Druk Kagyu and Nyingma schools. The majority of Lhotshampa are Hindu, and there is a small, though gradually growing, number of Christians in the country. Article 7(4) of the constitution sets out the rights of freedom of conscience and belief for all Bhutanese. It acknowledges that "Buddhism is the spiritual heritage of Bhutan" (Article 3(1)), while specifically refraining from declaring Buddhism to be the official state religion on the grounds that recognizing Buddhism could create social division within the country. This marks a major transformation in Bhutan's political history, as the system of government intertwined secular and religious affairs beginning in the 17th century, with the unification of the country. Even during the period of modernization introduced by the third king during the 1950s and 1960s, monastic representation in government continued. It was not until the dissolution of the last National Assembly in 2007 and the move toward a newly constituted National Assembly that no places were reserved for the State Monk Body.
However, although the Bhutanese constitution sets out official indifference to religion and recognizes religious freedom and equality, the apparently secular nature of the new Bhutanese state is affected by the following considerations: the king must be Buddhist (Art. 2(1)), although the monarch will also act as protector of all religions (Art. 3(2)); Buddhist monks and nuns are prohibited from voting or standing as candidates for office (Art. 3(3)); and the state continues to provide adequate funds and facilities to support the Zhung Dratshang (Monk Body) (Art. 3(7)). However, the state does not involve itself with the appointment of spiritual leaders or the internal organization of the Monk Body.
All religious groups are able to fully practice their faiths. However, while the king is to be regarded as the protector of all religions and of freedom of belief (Article 7(3)), there remains a prohibition on proselytizing. In addition, it is unclear whether the exclusion of Buddhist monks and nuns from voting or standing as candidates extends to other religions.
As noted above, Bhutan's most significant human rights problem relates to ongoing reports of discrimination towards the Lhotshampa community. Tensions between this group and the royal government began to rise in the 1980s, following the redefinition of the legal requirements for Bhutanese citizenship in 1985. Tensions erupted in the early 1990s and approximately 90,000 Lhotshampa either left or were expelled from Bhutan. For Lhotshampa remaining in Bhutan those who are unable to claim full citizenship are permitted to reside in the country but are not classified as citizens. Article 6 of the constitution sets out the basis for full citizenship: being born to two full Bhutanese citizens; being born in Bhutan prior to December 31, 1958, and appearing in government records; or by naturalization. This can cause problems for those individuals who have permission to reside but are not recognized as Bhutanese citizens.
The right to freedom of association has been formalized under Article 7(12) of the constitution, which provides that "Bhutanese citizens shall have the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of association." However, membership in associations that are deemed "harmful to the peace and unity of the country" is prohibited. This caveat mirrors the prohibition on the formation of political parties based on ethnicity, religion, or region.
The introduction of the Civil Society Organization Act 2007 was a major step forward for civil groups in Bhutan. The act sets out the scope of two new forms of civil society organizations, for "public benefit" and "mutual benefit." The former refers to those civil society organizations that assist a section of society; the latter represent the interests of their members, for example a particular profession or business. The act was under consideration for a number of years and uncertainty about its implementation probably inhibited the development of civil groups.
The Civil Society Organization Act also sets out the role and function of the Civil Society Organization (CSO) Authority, which is responsible for oversight and implementation of the act. Members of civil society organizations elected the authority's five members in March 2009, and the organization was formed the following month with 28 member organizations. Only one of the listed members was from eastern Bhutan, with the remaining 27 located in western Bhutan.[15]
The constitution does not specifically provide for a right to peaceful demonstrations, and whether this right exists remains unclear. To date, public demonstrations and protests have not been part of the Bhutanese political culture. As the wider society becomes more accustomed to the new political landscape and the possibilities for engaging in political activities, the use of peaceful demonstrations may develop.
At present there are no trade unions in Bhutan, possibly because of the primarily rural-agricultural focus of the Bhutanese economy and society. The right of association does not explicitly include or exclude the right to form and participate in free and independent trade unions, although the 2007 Labor and Employment Act does allow employees to form an association in the workplace if at least 12 employees wish to join. In 2008, for example, telecommunications employees formed an association in response to concerns over promotions. To what extent these workplace associations can be seen as trade unions remains uncertain. However, the state does support a range of civil associations, and business organizations that are active in engaging with officials.
Under Article 21(1) of the constitution, the Bhutanese judiciary is independent and charged with upholding the rule of law. The structure of the judiciary changed slightly in 2009 with the formation of the Supreme Court, which is the ultimate court of justice for all appeals and specifically is charged with upholding the provisions of the constitution. Immediately below the Supreme Court is the High Court of Justice located in Thimphu, and in the main administrative center of each district there are district-level courts. Due to its size and commercial importance, the border town of Phuntsholing hosts a subdistrict court. The decisions of lower courts can be appealed upwards, and judicial independence is adhered to at each level of the court system.
Former chief justice Lyonpo Sonam Tobgaye, who oversaw major reforms in the Bhutanese judiciary—notably the development of formal legal education and civil and criminal procedural reforms—retired in October 2009. Shortly afterward, based on the advice of the Appointment Committee, the king appointed him to preside over the newly created Supreme Court. As the new highest court of law in the country, the Supreme Court will play a key role in the interpretation and application of the constitution.
In August 2010, opposition party leader Tshering Tobgay challenged the constitutional right of the government to revise tax rates without parliamentary approval.[16] The High Court had ruled against the government, which raised an appeal to the Supreme Court. The case was heard on appeal in January 2011; the February 2011 verdict held the government's actions in breach of the legislative process. The decision was the first case to interpret the 2008 constitution and was noted by various commentators as an important landmark in Bhutanese political and constitutional development.
The Bhutanese judiciary has become more professionalized over the last 15 years in a process of slow but steady change. Since the April 2010 judicial appointments were made to the High Court, a professional, well-educated judiciary at all levels has now been achieved. The High Court also now includes one female judge for the first time. Appointments are based on advice and recommendations by the National Judicial Commission, which are submitted to the king for his approval. Selection is based on a judge's knowledge of the law and experience, with a minimum of seven years as a district court judge required before appointment to the High Court. An annual judicial conference is held that all judges at all levels must attend. In addition, the High Court monitors court data from across the country to ensure that all district courts are handling cases promptly and reducing delays to court hearings and decisions. Bench clerks and judges receive continuous training on use of the case management system. According to the 2009 World Bank and IFC Enterprise Survey, while more than 7 percent of companies operating in Bhutan identify functioning of the courts as a constraint to doing business, three-fourths of companies perceive the judiciary as fair and impartial.[17]
Judges have led a number of initiatives to ensure that ordinary Bhutanese are aware of the general structure of the legal system and the main areas of law, including property and contract law. In a series of visits, judges have discussed legal problems with villagers in order to ensure that they understand the range of legal options available beyond the traditional practice of village-level mediation. Two key aspects stressed in these meetings are the civil and criminal procedural codes, and the judges have emphasized that a person accused of a crime is held to be innocent until proven guilty. Another important part of this public legal education program has an explanation of court process. With the appearance of private law firms, the role of traditional attorneys (jabmi) is being supplanted by legally-trained representatives. The engagement with ordinary Bhutanese has been important for establishing confidence and improving the public's understanding of legal rights and obligations.
Article 7(23) of the constitution establishes the right of all Bhutanese to raise an action in any court. In addition, under the constitution and as set out in legislation governing civil and criminal procedure, all Bhutanese citizens have the right to due process. Access to the courts and the importance of ensuring that the courts handle cases in a timely manner has been a major factor in court reforms since the late 1990s. All citizens have the right to be represented and, if required and desired, the court may appoint independent representation. However, representation is not mandatory and an individual has the right to self-represent.
In the course of the democratic transition, the Office of Legal Affairs became the Office of the Attorney General, which acts as the state prosecutor, and a new attorney general was appointed in March 2010. The duties of the attorney general, who is accountable to the prime minister and the king, are set out in Article 29 of the constitution. The attorney general can be asked to speak on legal matters in parliament. The Attorney General is required to declare any conflict of interest under Section 46 of the Office of Attorney General Act 2006.
The king is the commander in chief, and the chief operational officer reports directly to him and the prime minister. In June 2007, the Royal Bhutan Army (RBA) stood at 9,021 active duty personnel. However, in line with the government initiative introduced in 2005, which followed a December 2003 military campaign against Indian guerrillas who had set up camps in southern and southeast Bhutan, the size of the army has been reduced and a citizen militia is being trained. By 2008, the army had only 8,000 active duty personnel.
The Indian Army maintains a mission in Bhutan, known as the Indian Military Training Team (IMTRAT), responsible for the military training of RBA and Royal Body Guard (RBG) personnel. RBA and RBG officers are sent for training at the National Defence Academy in Pune, India, and at the Indian Military Academy in Dehra Dun. The Indian military has also provided support to the Bhutanese authorities, for example during the 2003 campaign, but does not exert any influence over Bhutanese affairs.
The Royal Bhutan Police joined Interpol in 2005. The police do not interfere in the political process and appear to have worked with election officials in 2008 to ensure the smooth running of the National Assembly elections.
Ordinary Bhutanese may own property alone or in association with others as long as they are full citizens. Property rights are enforceable and the state maintains a centralized land register. The state does not seize land; if areas of land are required for development purposes the owners are compensated.
Bhutan's Anticorruption Commission (ACC) was established in 2006, and since then has made a substantial impact in the country. It has established an effective legislative and administrative framework that promotes integrity and the prevention, detection, and punishment of public officials, and a wider program focuses on educating the general public about the role of the ACC and what constitutes corruption. This approach recognizes that certain aspects of Bhutanese custom may inadvertently promote some forms of corruption. Under the direction of Neten Zangmo—a highly respected and independent-minded woman who was reconfirmed in August 2010—the ACC fulfills its duties without interference from the state.
Bhutan's relatively small economy remains dependent on the state. In efficient state-owned companies dominate many spheres of the private sector. According to a 2007 ACC survey, the main forms of corruption in the country identified by Bhutanese are nepotism, favoritism, and the misuse of public funds.[18] In a 2009 ACC report, 63 percent of Bhutanese companies identified corruption as a major problem.[19] Petty corruption does not appear to be a major problem, however, as evidenced by the fact that 75 percent of individual respondents to the 2009 ACC survey claimed to have had no experience with corruption in the past year. The Royal Audit Authority report and the surveys undertaken by the ACC demonstrate increased scrutiny of public finances and a state focus on increased transparency.
Following a 2010 review of business in Bhutan, a recent report suggests that there remains a lack of transparency around tax policies, and that tax officials deal with cases individually. As a result of this approach, decisions appear to be arbitrary and the relevant legislation open to various interpretations. A 2009 survey of companies operating in Bhutan reported demands for bribes, especially during frequent interactions with local authorities when doing business. The survey noted that the publicly declared war on corruption emphasizes the intentions of the government to promote private sector development. However, in roundtable discussions with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) conducted by the ACC, some companies complained that the ACC is overly focused on petty corruption at the expense of addressing large-scale corruption.
According to the World Bank and IFC 2010 "Doing Business" report, while starting a business and applying for licenses in Bhutan are cheaper than the regional average, these processes are time consuming and bureaucratically complex.[20] A challenge or hindrance to companies appears to be the cost of enforcing commercial contracts. In contrast, enforcing commercial contracts is a costly affair, which does not necessarily involve heavy bureaucracy. A 2009 survey found that 15 percent of senior management time is spent dealing with the requirements of government regulations in Bhutan, which is the highest among all countries in South Asia. In an attempt to address these issues, the Bhutanese government has created an online web portal, the Bhutan Portal, which contains a range of practical information on legislation, requirements, and various licenses. Recognizing the importance of providing advice to promote and develop the private sector, the Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry has developed its website as well and now provides companies with information and how-to guides. In addition, the ACC is working with a range of agencies to reduce the administrative burden on businesses and to streamline public sector procedures.
Bhutan's media present allegations of corruption and question the actions of authorities. However, a number of issues likely discourage would-be whistleblowers. The ACC website does not allow anonymous allegations of corruption to be submitted and individuals reporting corruption must provide not only details of the incident and the nature of the corruption, but also personal details. If an allegation is found to be unsubstantiated and made maliciously or with false information, the informant may be prosecuted under the Anti-Corruption Act of 2006.
The constitution sets out the legal right of all citizens to obtain information and to petition government agencies. However, the draft Right of Information Bill has yet to be passed by the government. Work began on the draft in 2007, but recent statements by the minister for information and communication, Lyonpo Nandalai Rai, indicate that there is a reluctance to introduce the bill. This delay was publicly discussed and debated in a UN-sponsored forum on public space in August 2010, showing a growing demand for a clear legal framework and right to access information.[21]
The National Council may challenge the government on budget-making and provides an important review. However, it remains unclear to what extent ordinary Bhutanese have access to information on the executive budget-making process and expenditures. Although there are tight procurement guidelines, a 2009 survey revealed concerns about bribery and petty corruption that undermine confidence in the transparency of procurement processes.
- The government should pass the draft Right of Information Bill to ensure greater transparency.
- The ECB must complete local election voter registration lists and conduct the necessary education and training of officials, and hold long-delayed local elections.
- The government should promote wider political participation, including by integrating parties with genuinely divergent viewpoints, to ensure a more effective opposition in the National Assembly.
- The government needs to find a permanent solution to the Lhotshampa question, including full restoration of citizenship rights for Lhotshampa within the country and a resolution to the refugee crisis for the Lhotshampa living in refugee camps in eastern Nepal.
[1] "Strengthened Institutional Capacity of the Election Commission of Bhutan," United Nations Development Programme, January 20, 2009,
[2] "Bhutan: Final Report on the National Assembly Elections, 24 March 2008," European Union Election Observation Mission to Bhutan, May 21, 2008, http://eeas.europa.eu/human_rights/election_observation/bhutan/final_report_en.pdf.
[3] "Bhutan: Tshogdu (National Assembly)," Inter-Parliamentary Union, http://www.ipu.org/parline/reports/2035.htm.
[4] Ibid.
[5] For a fuller analysis of the 2008 elections, see R W Whitecross, forthcoming, "The King's Gift: Constitutional Change and Democracy in the Dragon Kingdom," In People Power, Democracy and Political Change: The Experience of South and Southeast Asia A Dasgupta (ed). Dasgupta.
[6] "Bhutan: Final Report on the National Assembly Elections, 24 March 2008."
[7] "Letter to Prime Minister of Bhutan regarding discrimination against ethnic Nepalis," Human Rights Watch (HRW), April 16, 2008, http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2008/04/15/letter-prime-minister-bhutan-regar....
[8] Andrew Buncombe, "Ethnic Nepalese blamed as bombs shake Bhutan," Independent, January 22, 2008, http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/ethnic-nepalese-blamed-as-b....
[9] Phuntsho Choden, "Delimitation ball in govt. court," Kuensel Online, May 11, 2010, http://www.kuenselonline.com/2010/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=15420.
[10] See Royal Civil Service Commission website: http://rcsc.gov.bt/, accessed April 26, 2011.
[12] Gross National Happiness Commission, National Commission for Women and Children, and the Royal Government of Bhutan, National Plan of Action for Gender: 2008–2013, http://www.undp.org.bt/assets/files/gender/NPAG.pdf, accessed April 26, 2011; National Statistics Bureau, http://www.nsb.gov.bt/, accessed April 26, 2011.
[13] See "Bhutan: Final Report on the National Assembly Elections, 24 March 2008," European Union Election Observation Mission to Bhutan, recommendations 32 and 33, http://eeas.europa.eu/human_rights/election_observation/bhutan/final_report_en.pdf.
[14] United Nations Development Programme—Bhutan, Towards Gross National Happiness: A Journey with UNDP—Annual Report 2008–2009. (Thimphu: UNDP), http://www.undp.org.bt/assets/files/publication/UNDP_Bhutan_2008_2009_AR.pdf, accessed April 26, 2011.
[15] "Civil society organisation authority established," Bhutan Observer, April 18, 2009, http://www.bhutanobserver.bt/civil-society-organization-authority-establ....
[16] "Seeking 'closure' from the Supreme Court," Kuensel Online, August 3, 2010, http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=16292.
[17] World Bank & IFC Enterprise Survey 2009, http://www.enterprisesurveys.org/ExploreEconomies/?economyid=24&year=2009, accessed April 26, 2011.
[18] Anti-corruption Commission of the Royal Government of Bhutan, 2007 Corruption Perception Survey, (Thimphu: Anti-corruption Commission, September 2008), http://www.anti-corruption.org.bt/pdf/cpsr.pdf.
[19] "People's Attitude Towards Corruption and Anti-Corruption Commission," Office of the Anti-Corruption Commission, January 2009, http:// www.anti-corruption.org.bt/pdf/pac.pdf.
[20] "Ease of Doing Business in Bhutan," International Finance Corporation and the World Bank, http://doingbusiness.org/data/exploreeconomies/bhutan.
[21] "Discussing Public Space," Bhutan Observer, August 21, 2010, http://www.bhutanobserver.bt/discussing-public-space/.


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A popular Star Wars toy is being urgently recalled by retailer TK Maxx over fears that it could give users electric shocks.
The Star Wars Holopane 25 Lightbox enables fans of the sci-fi films to bring their favourite characters to life by inserting a holopane to create a 3D effect.
The toys, which feature designs of Darth Vader, Chewbacca, a Stormtrooper and Rey, were sold in shops in December 2018 and January 2019.
Battery leakage
The new product recall applies to all products which came supplied with blue GaoLe-branded AAA batteries.
This is because of leakages found in some of the batteries, which could pose a health risk to users.
Any products supplied with other types of batteries are said to be safe to use and unaffected by any leaks.
What to do if you have one of the toys
TK Maxx has advised that anybody who bought any of the recalled products should stop using them immediately and return the toys to any store for a full refund.
It has said that a receipt is not needed in order to get your money back.

subset: commoncrawl


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Monterey Mosaic Collection by Quoizel Lighting
Color brings life to any design, and the Monterey Mosaic collection from Quoizel is definitely full of life. Vibrant pen shell mosaic creates stunning glass shades. The multi-tone glass is the perfect match the curving, twisting bases, finished in malaga brown. Add flush mount, pendant, chandelier and wall fixture styles to all your rooms.


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INM Out the Door Acrylic Powder Cover Pink 4oz (INMOTDPCPK4)
Cover Pink Acrylic Powder 4 oz - INM Out the Door
Availability: Product not available
INM Out the Door Acrylic Powder Natural 4oz SKU: INMOTDPN4
INM Out the Door Powder Light Pink 4 oz SKU: INMOTDPLP4
INM Out the Door Powder Clear 4oz SKU: INMOTDPC4
INM Out the Door Powder White 4 oz SKU: INMOTDPW4
INM Out the Door Powder Dark Pink 4oz SKU: INMOTDPDP4
INM Out the Door Acrylic Powder Cover Pink 4 oz
Cover Pink Acrylic Powder, 4 oz jar.
How to apply Out the Door Acrylic Powder
- Use a ratio of 2 parts liquid and 1 part powder, with Out the door monomer liquid
- Mix to obtain a creamy mixture
- If it's too wet, the acrylic will get sticky
Out the Door powders are polypure polymer. It is a fast setting polymer that offers superior control and expert workability. It will not run into the cuticles and offers a creamy, controlled application.
Get superior control and enhanced strength that gives you the ability to produce thin, strong, natural looking nails.
Out the door acrylic nails : Speed, Strength, Durability, Stabilized control, Natural looking color, Non-yellowing formula
Additional Information
Additional Information
Brand INM Reference number INMOTDPCPK4 Professional exclusive product No Dimensions No Product Acrylic Powder Collections No Odor Regular Drying Regular Colors Pink Sizes 4 oz Quantity One Wholesale No


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Hadrian's Wall
You can walk this Roman fortification its entire length from coast to coast.
Hadrian's Wall, England
- A World Heritage Site, it stretches 73 miles across the far north of England from the banks of the River Tyne near the North Sea to the Solway Firth on the Irish Sea.
- The Roman fortification dates back to the reign of Emperor Hadrian in 122 AD. You can see what remains of the ancient settlements and forts walking the Hadrian's Wall Path, which runs 84 miles from coast to coast.
- Along the way you'll discover fascinating border towns and villages, such as the picturesque market town of Brampton.
- Learn about the lawless bands of 'Reivers' who once stalked the borders in the Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery in the city of Carlisle.
- You may like to combine your visit to Hadrian's Wall with a trip to Cumbria's picturesque Lake District, due its close proximity.
- Pick up the trail in Newcastle, which is 1 hour 30 minutes south of Edinburgh by train.
VisitBritain Shop
- Vagabond Brothers Explore Hadrian's Wall


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Regular price $1,710
Natural Emerald Engagement Ring - Sienna Emerald Ring
This exquisite hand crafted emerald engagement ring in 14k white gold features a magnificent center princess cut natural emerald of 0.40 carat, surrounded by 20 shimmering round brilliant diamonds of G/F color and VS-SI clarity, framed with light scattering milgrain edging for the perfect finishing touch.
The center stone set in a secure four prongs in white gold setting and framed on each side by 7 round VS clarity diamonds set into the top of the band.
With its rich design, this exquisite emerald ring is a perfect choice for anyone who would like an heirloom quality diamond engagement ring that reflects an elegant antique style.
Total stones weight for the ring is 0.74 carat.
Comes with a grading report from the EGL International (European Gemological Laboratory).
FREE worldwide shipping, handling, and insurance!
Width at top of ring: 8mm
Width at bottom of ring: 2mm
Height off finger: 5mm
Nature Friendly Philosophy
Hypoallergenic Nickel Free Jewelry
Nickel allergies are known to develop with increased contact and cause dermal irritation such as rashes. Juliet&Oliver is committed to utilizing only pure gold to create the highest quality nickel free jewelry without any risk of health allergy or environmental harm. Learn more about nickel-free jewelry.
Fair Trade Jewelry
In the spirit of raising awareness and promoting ethical and eco-friendly jewelry production, Juliet&Oliver is committed to engaging in and supporting the efforts of Fair Trade initiatives worldwide.
Fair Trade is an alternative exchange system that challenges injustices in current global trading practices by serving as a model of an ethically-sound and economically-beneficial trading structure. By emphasizing inter-personal relations, justice, and sustainability, Fair Trade helps decrease the exploitation and marginalization of labor in the global economy and more specifically the developing world.
By engaging in Fair Trade, consumers are contributing to the economic empowerment of small scale producers; investing in developing communities and environmental sustainability; and supporting fair prices for products, direct trade supply chains, and fair labor conditions.
Julier&Oliver utilizes strictly Fair Trade jewelry products – from metals and stones to packaging and paper production.
Plant a Tree
Juliet&Oliver donates 5% of all profits to eco-conscious organizations for planting trees and conserving forests. Juliet&Oliver is committed to contributing to the rising global consciousness about environmental care.
We believe we have a responsibility to restore balance and give back to the earth affected by jewelry-related mining by replenishing what we have taken from nature. We aim to give back to the environment through recycling our proceeds to efforts which will help replenish the land, such as tree planting and sustainable cultivation efforts.
Jewelry production and manufacturing in the global market has an enduring history of large-scale negatively impactful consequences on the environment through ethically-compromised systems for mining and extracting natural resources. One of the harmful consequences of the production, manufacturing and transportation of natural resources used in the jewelry industry is the increased emission of greenhouse gasses thereby contributing to global temperature rises and by way to the threat of global warming we currently face as mankind.
Planting trees is one effective way to replenish the natural resources lost in jewelry production and hinder the effects of greenhouse gasses contributing to global warming. On average, a person is responsible throughout his lifetime for 70 to 100 tons of greenhouse gasses through daily human activity. Since one tree alone can absorb an average of 0.7 tons of carbon dioxide (an atmospheric pollutant) throughout its lifespan, a person can "offset" their global footprint in terms of greenhouse gas emission by planting 200 trees.
By contributing to Juliet&Oliver's tree-planting initiative through your purchase, you can get one step closer to this goal!
Eco-Friendly Packaging
Keeping with our goal of eco-friendly production, Juliet&Oliver is committed to eco-friendly packaging, using recycled and eco-friendly materials for all packaging:
Shipping Boxes – strong and robust recycled paper fit for secure delivery until it reaches the customer
Cotton Canvas Bags – reusable, biodegradable organic cotton canvas
Wire Binding – organic binding and natural linen (such as natural, biodegradable cotton) for wire lining
Cards, Envelopes & Tags – 50% recycled paper, meeting the international recycle paper standards
Shredded Paper – reused paper shreds from offices etc. for inner packaging in boxes
Jewelry Boxes – powerful and reliable eco-friendly box with standard velvet lining
Business Invoices, Letters & More – recycled paper for all paper materials
While it seems like a small contribution to the eco-consciousness movement, utilizing eco-friendly packaging methods such as recycled materials reduces the environmental burden of material production and waste disposal.
Recycled packaging helps preserve the natural environment by converting waste products into raw material which can then be transformed into new products. This cycle not only preserves our natural resources, but allows for a decreased emission of CO2 gasses into the environment. This serves as a working solution to the problems encountered with the common use of plastic packaging, which has proven to contribute to global warming as well as non-sustainable energy production and waste through its' petrochemical compounds.
Conflict-Free Diamonds & Gemstones
When selecting a diamond jewelry from Juliet&Oliver, you can rest assured that you have made an ethical, conflict-free diamond purchase. Blood diamonds or diamonds mined in unethical war-zone regions and sold to finance armed rebellion, have regretfully made their way into the mainstream diamond industry.
Through our commitment to diamond purchases from only ethically-sourced production, we can guarantee a conflict-free diamond gemstone in your diamond jewelry purchase.
Make your proposal memorable down to the very last detail. Every jewelry is packaged in an elegant presentation box that's ready to give.
Refunds & Exchanges
We will accept returns and exchanges on most pieces (see below for exceptions). Items must be returned in unworn condition within 30 days of receipt, and all paperwork (including the GIA certificate, if applicable) MUST be returned as well. After 30 days, all sales are final.
Since our designs are crafted by hand, all returns will incur a 10% restocking fee. This fee covers the labor required to resize and polish the returned piece. If pieces are returned that require extensive cleaning or repair, or are otherwise unable to be resold, we will charge a higher restocking fee depending on the work required.
If you wish to exchange your piece, we will apply the full amount of your original purchase to a new purchase of equal or greater value. The new piece must be in stock at the time of the exchange (within 14 days of original purchase); credit does not apply to future purchases. Limited to one exchange per piece.
Please contact us prior to sending your jewelry back, so we can be sure it arrives safely. Clients are responsible for return shipping costs, and we highly recommend that you insure your package - we are not responsible for items lost in the mail.
- All customized jewelry is final sale. We will not accept returns on any customized piece, including those with upgraded diamonds.
- If you purchased your jewelry at a Juliet & Oliver authorized dealer, you must return it to that location.
- Rings set with unique one of a kind gemstones can not be accepted for refund.
- All Sale pieces are not eligible for return or exchange.
- Shipping will not be refunded for returns.
- Shipping costs are the responsibility of the buyer for any returns or services, including customs fees for international clients.
- To international buyers (outside of the US): If your package is returned to us because you either were not able to be contacted at the time of delivery, you will receive a refund for your order LESS the shipping fee, LESS the import fee, and LESS the restocking fee for the item(s) you ordered. Please make sure to provide an accurate international shipping address.
- To domestic buyers (within the US): If your package is returned to us because you were not able to be contacted at the time of delivery, you will receive a refund for your order LESS the shipping fee and LESS the restocking fee for the item(s) you ordered. Please contact us if you need to change your delivery address.


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The historic seat of the state government of Virginia, Richmond's beautiful Capitol Square will make a great location for your engagement photography session.
Start off your engagement photo shoot in front of the gorgeous Virginia State Capitol Building, designed by Thomas Jefferson, himself. Have your engagement photographer take some seated photos of you and your fiancée on the front steps leading up to the capitol. Afterward, the two of you can pose for a relaxed photo on the lush green lawn surrounding the square. Venture up to the elevated capitol building and have your engagement photographer arrange a photo in between one of the towering Corinthian columns. The capitol building's immaculate Classical Revival architecture will create an ideal backdrop for your engagement photos.
The area surrounding Capitol Square is also great for engagement photo ops. You and your loved one can unwind on one of the countless cozy benches scattered along the perimeter of the square as your photographer takes some snapshots. You can then have your photographer take some candid photos as you and your fiancée meander along the winding red brick walkways. Walk over to the west side of the Capitol Building's entrance and you'll find an ornate, sparkling fountain – a great spot for some engagement photos. Finally, pose for an intimate portrait beneath any of the large shade trees that border Capitol Square.
Capitol Square is only one of the numerous locations that downtown Richmond has to offer for your engagement photo shoot. The downtown area is rich with scenic spots that will work perfectly for your session.
One of the area's most popular features is the Richmond Canal Walk, which stretches one and a quarter miles from 12th and Main Streets, south of the capitol. You and your fiancée can take a leisurely promenade down the pathway that runs along the canal, pausing for photos beneath the verdant foliage or on the lush green lawns. After a short walk alongside the canal, you'll reach Browns Island Park, a popular Richmond park that frequently hosts concerts and other public events. Have your engagement photographer snap some romantic portraits of you and your loved one as the two of you pose on the footbridge that crosses the canal. There are also countless cozy benches sprinkled throughout the park that you and your man can use for photos. In the late afternoon hours, your engagement photographer can create some gorgeous photos with the tranquil canal waters in the background.
Only a few miles away north of Browns Island Park is Richmond's famous Union Street Station, also home of the Science Museum of Virginia. Once you arrive at the station, your engagement photographer can take some photos on the expansive grassy area in the front of the station. Afterward, walk over toward the exterior of the building and have your photographer create some portraits as you pose beside one of the traditional Ionic columns. The two of you can also pose in the spacious Doric colonnade, beneath the arched entrance. You can then venture inside the spacious, brightly-lit Classical interior of the station, a great space to use for photos. Finish off you photo shoot at the station with some unique shots by the train tracks.
Covering over thirty acres of indoor and outdoor floral collections, the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is one of Richmond's most prized possessions and is a popular location for engagement photography in the state's capitol.
Upon arriving at the garden, have your engagement photographer take some photos near the Lewis Ginter Conservatory. You and your fiancée can relax on the verdant lawn surrounding the conservatory as your photographer takes some lighthearted snapshots. The structure's Classical-style architecture, as well as the vibrant flowerbeds scattered around it, will provide a stylish backdrop as you and your fiancée take a stroll along the perimeter pathway. Afterward, head over to the tranquil Sunken Garden, where your photographer can take some photos of you and your loved one beside the cobblestone border, surrounded by lush greenery. The two of you can also sit back on the steps that open onto the garden for some intimate photos. Once you've finished at the Sunken Garden, head over to the North Terrace Garden, whose elegant courtyard contains a beautiful sparkling fountain – a great spot for a couple's portrait. Visit the Conifer Garden, which provides a secluded gazebo overlooking a serene reflective lake. Other exhibits and displays that you'll find at this Richmond treasure include the Grace Arents Garden, the Rose Garden, the Perennial Garden, and the famous Arbor Walkway. Admission to the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is $10 for adults – make sure to check the website for special hours and events!
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It's been several years since I've had my Sunshine
Life has been interesting in our round-the-world family. Schooling and medical needs of the kiddos have been a major priorities!
Our eldest son came home at age 11. He's now almost 16 and we will always be adjusting. He loves art and soccer, definitely not school.
Next is our middle kiddo, a 15-year-old homegrown funny guy who loves gaming and band.
The "baby" in our family is now 12. She came home at age 2. Tumbling, dance, running, music, and reading keep her busy.
DH works in data and I work part-time with information.
My interests are travel, reading, music, getting together with friends and family, and walking/hiking outside when the weather here is just right.
Hopefully I'll be able to get my account reactivated!
Though I know I won't be as active as I was many years ago, I've definitely missed doing this with all of you and would love to work towards a little (someday) travel money.


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The Pasteur Institute of Madagascar confirmed yesterday that a Madagascar village had lost at least twenty people to a deadly outbreak of the bubonic plague. Today, the BBC confirmed with officials that two cases of pneumonic plague – considered deadlier and more virulent than bubonic plague – have also been reported.
Above: Yersinia pestis, by Rocky Mountain Laboratories/AP via Wikimedia Commons
It bears mentioning that the bubonic and pneumonic plagues are both caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, the primary difference being the location of the infection; bubonic plague refers to an infection of the lymphatic system, pneumonic plague an infection of the respiratory system. Via the BBC:
But while bubonic plague is usually transmitted by flea bites and can be treated with antibiotics, pneumonic plague is easier to contract and if untreated, has a very high case-fatality ratio, experts say.
Madagascar's health ministry director-general Dr Herlyne Ramihantaniarivo confirmed to the BBC that two cases of the plague had been reported.
Last year, Madagascar had 60 deaths from bubonic plague, the world's highest recorded number.
These cases have reportedly occurred well outside Madagascar's normal plague season, which typically runs from July to October, and a lower elevation than usual. In this light, health officials say, recent infections are especially concerning, and suggest that the infection may be spreading.
More updates on this as it develops. For more info, visit the BBC.


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"Tiny houses are hard, but so is everything that is worthwhile." -Ryan Mitchell
Hello tiny life readers! It has been some time since I last wrote an article and I am so excited to be back writing articles for one of my favorite blogs! Last year I left The Tiny Life while trying to reconfigure my everyday life in what I refer to as the world of the big houses. It has been quite the journey!
I had to start this article with the title of a post Ryan made at the beginning of the year. It's pretty much my motto at present. At an organized retreat I recently attended in Vermont we started the weekend by stepping in to a ring of river stones and visualizing ourselves leaving behind our daily realities. We called it the rabbit hole, a term borrowed from Alice in Wonderland. It is a psychological exercise, or ritual if you prefer, aimed at letting go. It allows an individual to fully immerse oneself in the present and provides temporary release from ones daily grind. I found this experience to be a symbolic reoccurrence in my existence, the most recent being my experience living the tiny life.
I can certainly compare my time living in a tiny house to jumping down a rabbit hole. Besides being of relatively small dimensions, the rabbit hole and a tiny house share traits that I find incredibly appealing including whimsy, excitement and a general disregard for the limiting options provided by our present day world. Living the tiny life requires an ability to accept a different reality than that currently proposed by society at large and an embracing of the alternatives that come with the lifestyle. These aspects make living in a tiny house wonderful but also extremely difficult.
When I moved in to my first tiny house I escaped many realities that I did not care to face, primarily a mortgage but that wasn't all. There is a certain flexibility and unpredictability in mobility that a tiny house provides which I enjoyed. Most of all, living outside the norm was thrilling to me. There was less distraction from the present moment in such a small space! For me, smaller spaces are conducive to my own creative processes in terms of mental focus although physically they are limiting. It's these contradictions, however, that keeps such a life interesting and allows for expansion in ways you may never have imagined (think biscuits that make you as big as a house or as small as a mouse a la Alice's experience). Sometimes though, it reveals to you challenges you are not sure you can handle.
I bring this up because for nearly 2 years I lived in a tiny house and then about six months ago I had to leave due to an unsafe situation in my life. It was devastating to leave behind my home and try to figure out how I fit in to the world of big houses again. It didn't take long for me to find a house, but a home I have yet to find. I am currently homeless and wandering, wondering and trying to figure out where the tiny life exists for me now. It's disconcerting but there is excitement in the new and unknown. The tiny life continues to be an alluring alternative to me and even after all the turmoil I hope to again have a tiny house of my own.
Ultimately, the change means recreating my reality all over again. For awhile it was okay living back in the world of big houses. Who am I kidding? It was awesome! Having a regular bathroom and renting a house that held the most amazing tub I have ever had the pleasure of using was fantastic but after a few months the retreat started to get old. I miss my compact life and the feeling of safety small spaces provide me. I miss the independence and pursuit of sustainability within my home space. I miss talking to people about the merits of living such a life and having a beautiful example to invite them in to. I miss my cheap rent! After leaving La Casita, I felt completely disconnected from the movement and it took me a long time to feel as though I still belonged. Just because I no longer live in a tiny house does not mean I've lost dedication to the movement and its ideals. I just had to figure that out for myself and reinstate a commitment to the tiny life. It has been a very vulnerable time for me and it has helped me realize that living the tiny life is still in my plans and I am excited to discover new opportunities within the movement.
Your Turn!
- Can you relate to jumping down the rabbit hole of the tiny life?
- What keeps the tiny life alive and exciting for you?


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Lies and Walls
Something was dangerously wrong, and I could tell.
A shadow fell across her face. She lifted her head just the smallest bit, her eyebrow cocked up towards the ceiling. Her lip quivered, and it happened so quickly that I thought I imagined it. Because, for a split second, there was something in Sam's eyes that I didn't recognize. I'd known the girl for years, and if there was one side of Sam I hadn't seen, it was the side I was seeing now.
Almost as fast as it had happened, that look was gone. Sam extinguished the fire in her eyes, letting them cloud over and pursing her lips into the same dull, "I-don't-give-a-shit" pout. She turned away from me, casually throwing her handbag down. She didn't stop to pick it up as it slid off the sofa. That was typical Sam.


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Laptop shoots spike into owner's hand
DVD drive part springs into action
Watching DVDs may be bad for your health - specially if the drive on your laptop decides to shoot you.
William Warner suffered horrendous hand injuries after his notebook spat out a sharp sliver of metal that pierced his palm, the New Zealand Herald reports.
The component in question was the optical drive's track-holder, an 11cm blade of sorts, clearly capable of inflicting stigmata-like injuries if thrust out at sufficient speed.
No one has been able to explain why the part flew out with such force. Toshiba, which made the laptop, was quick to point out the incredible rarity of such an accident, and insisted its products are safe.
Local Toshiba marketing chief Mariana Thomas told the paper: "Toshiba does not believe that the circumstances of the case raise any general safety issue with its products and stands behind their safety.
"We are not aware of any incident with a Toshiba product resulting in a person suffering injuries of a similar nature in New Zealand or elsewhere in the world."
Toshiba decided a fresh laptop was the way forward, and offered Warner a replacement. The 54-year-old is also seeking financial compensation, a process yet to be settled. ®
Sponsored: Detecting cyber attacks as a small to medium business


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Welcome to Walker Love
Walker Love is a firm of Messenger-at-Arms and Sheriff Officers. We provide a range of debt recovery, citation & diligence, enforcement, tracing and investigation services to businesses, public sector bodies, individuals and third sector organisations >find out more.
We are commissioned to operate within all six Sheriffdoms in Scotland and we are members of Connexx International.
You can find out more about what we do by clicking on the links below or by visiting one of our 8 offices across Scotland. If you want to make a payment click here.
Professional Services
Comprehensive citation & diligence, investigations, insolvency and pre-litigation service. Find out more
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Proven revenue collection, tracing, investigations and debt recovery services. Find out more
Financial Services
Providing ethical and fair enforcement, investigations and debt recovery advice and services. Find out more
Recovering outstanding business and household utility debt. Find out more
Recovering rent, overpayments and other monies owed to social and private landlords. Find out more
Debt Advice
Struggling with debt? There is help available. Find out more


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2004 The Hotchkis Shootout Event - Hotchkis Media Shootout II - Track Time
We Came, We Raced, We Broke!
It's the classic story in motorsports. We had a fast car that last year finished Second overall and promised to be much quicker this year. But that means little when you break in the first lap of the first of four events, ending our shot until next year. That's racing.
The Hotchkis Shootout invites any magazine or media staffer to Buttonwillow where they can duke it out with the other magazines for a year's worth of bragging rights. Inaugurated last year, John Hotchkis enlisted Baer, Centerforce, Flowmaster, Yokohama, Magnacharger, Red Line, Optima, Axis wheels, and a few others to co-sponsor this year's Media Shootout day. The idea was to pit run-whatcha-brung street-legal cars against each other in a four-tiered contest. The race consisted of a 600-foot slalom, a quarter-mile drag race, a 60-to-0 braking flog, followed by hot laps on Buttonwillow's road course.
Last year, we entered my '65 Chevelle powered by a 420ci Lingenfelter-built small-block Chevy that did exceptionally well. We won both the dragstrip and 60-to-0 brake contests and finished Fourth overall on the road course. We did poorly on the slalom-it's still our worst event. On the first practice lap with the car handling much better through the cones, the right rear suspension banged twice just as we cleared the final gate and then the right rear locked up. A post-mortem revealed the axle had sheared off right at the flange, mangling some brake parts and cutting the Kumho tire.
After the track sent out its tow truck to cart away the wreckage, Bryan Wilson from Centerforce offered to let us drive the company's 2000 Corvette that he had brought out initially as a display vehicle. The Vette is equipped with a complete Magnuson supercharged LS1 engine, along with a ton of parts from RK Sport, Weld wheels, Yokohama 18- and 20-inch tires, and of course, a Centerforce clutch.
We jumped in the Corvette and just managed to get back to the slalom course in time to run, followed quickly by the dragstrip and braking runs. With zero seat time, we drove the car cautiously since both timed runs on all three venues are averaged requiring both runs to be clean. Unfortunately, we learned that our fastest time on the slalom was on the practice run and not for time! We did better in the quarter with more consistent runs and even pulled down a short 111-foot stopping distance on the braking test by literally trying to bend the brake pedal with our right foot. The dragstrip revealed that the new combination still needed some tuning since the Magnuson blower is capable of much more power than what the Corvette delivered.
After lunch, Hotchkis split the field into two 15-minute sessions for practice. The Vette felt strong, but after four laps it succumbed to overheating problems. A subsequent underhood inspection revealed the accessory/blower drivebelt was about to let go. This is partly because of a slight misalignment problem that was easily rectified.
So in a matter of a couple of hours, your scribe had managed to kill two cars and had officially dropped out of the race twice! Additional attrition from several cars left the door open for a Nissan 350Z and a couple other imports to run some relatively quick laps on the road course, but substantially slower than what took the top spots on the road course in 2003.
Overall, the event was still fun even if we broke on the first lap! We're already planning on a full-out assault on the Hotchkis event for next year with stronger Strange axles, less weight, and perhaps even fresh paint to make our barge look a little better. A quick count of vehicles revealed an even split of imports to domestics, but the imports clearly held the upper hand. It's obvious we need to make a musclecar statement. The first two Hotchkis winners have been imports, and we need to show them that our old-school musclecars can play in this arena, too!
StandingsThe most important point to get out of this is how dominant the import cars were in this event. Mark Takahashi wheeled the best rear-wheel-drive stock machine, but save for that effort, the domestics did not fare well. Next year, we clearly need to improve the domestic machine participation to keep these import guys out of the top three spots!
Mustang TimesThe most populous body style at the Hotchkis Media Day was the late-model Mustang with three cars competing. Last year, Chevy High Performance Art Director Mark Takahashi wheeled his '97 Mustang Cobra convertible, but was hampered by stock tires, faded brakes, a lame suspension, and dead shocks. This year, he returned with a compete Hotchkis suspension upgrade (see "Charming the Snake," Jan. '03, pg. 46) along with an excellent set of Koni shocks and a full set of Kumho Victoracer 710 gumball tires.
While these changes didn't do much to improve his times on the dragstrip (average of 14.76/97.67 mph), the combination of chassis and tires improved his slalom lap average speed from 58.52 mph last year to 60.40 mph this year. In the braking contest, Mark almost took home the top spot with a fantastic 101-foot stopping distance that equated to a two-lap average of 103 feet versus last year's 124.73-foot average. That can be attributed mainly to those incredibly sticky Kumhos.
|Slalom Winner:
|Scott Tsuneishi
|Nissan 350Z
|11/44-Mile Winner:
|Pablo Mazlumian
|Toyota Supra
|Braking Winner:
|Scott Tsuneishi
|Nissan 350Z
|Road Course Winner:
|Jason Jackman
|Audi A4
|Overall Winner:
|Scott Tsuneishi
|Nissan 350Z
On the road course, Mark dropped his two-lap average from last year's 2:25.26 to a much quicker 2:20.70 time-a solid 5-second-per-lap improvement, which is huge considering the rest of the car is stock and a ragtop to boot. All this really points out how well an underpowered car with a decent suspension and a good driver can do in events like this.
Vette Adventures
Weld Racing supplied the 18x10.5-inch front and 20x10.5-inch rear wheels mounting a set of 275/35ZR18 front and 285/30ZR20 rear Yokohama AVS Sport tires that really were glued to the track.


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CAMP Everett B, 88, of Newburgh, NY died Tues, Dec. 11, 2012. VISIT: 5-8pm Thurs, Dec. 13, Brooks Funeral Home, 481 Gidney Ave, Newburgh. SERVICE: 11am Fri, Dec. 14, Union Presbyterian Church. BURIAL: follows with Military Honors in Woodlawn Cemetery, New Windsor. ARRANGEMENTS: Brooksfh.com or call 845-561-8300.
SMEDES Barbara Ann, 75, of Highland, NY died Tues, Dec. 11, 2012. VISIT: 2-4pm Sat, Dec. 15, Michael Torsone Mem. FH, 38 Main St, Highland, NY 12528. BURIAL: Private, at family's convenience. ARRANGEMENTS: www.torsonememorial.com
GRIFFIN John E, 82, of Monroe, NY, died Nov. 23, 2012. SERVICE: 11am, Sat, Dec. 15, St. John's Lutheran Church, Middletown. BURIAL: OC Veteran's Cemetery, Goshen. ARRANGEMENTS: Ralston-Lippincott-Hasbrouck-Ingrassia FH, Inc.
PORTO Joseph T, 69, of Wallkill, NY died Friday, November 30, 2012. MEMORIAL SERVICE: 2pm Sun, Dec. 16, Millspaugh Funeral Home, 22 Bank St, Walden. ARRANGEMENTS: Millspaugh Funeral Directors. millspaughfuneralhome.com
EDWARDS Hattie, 80, of Wurtsboro, NY died Sun, Dec. 9, 2012. VISIT: 9-11am Fri, Dec. 14, at funeral home. A full obituary will appear in tomorrow's paper. VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. FH, Wurtsboro 888-2731 www.kennyfuneralhome.com


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Reaction to protective caps for pitchers varies
Like batting helmets and ear flaps in years past, the protective headgear that will be available for Major League pitchers starting in Spring Training next month will be a source of curiosity, skepticism and an unknown level of acceptance among those now allowed to use it.
Just who will opt to wear the new gear remains to be seen, but those diverse opinions on the first piece of protection offered to the men working 60 feet, six inches from home plate already were evident upon the announcement of the caps' approval Tuesday.
Count D-backs starter Brandon McCarthy, seriously injured by a line drive in September 2012, as one of the skeptics, at least of the current version approved by Major League Baseball and the Players' Association. McCarthy said the padded cap manufactured by isoBlox is "(h)eaded in right direction but not game ready" in a tweet Tuesday, expanding on those thoughts in an interview with ESPN.com.
"I won't wear it in its current form," McCarthy told ESPN.com.
However, Clayton Kershaw, a two-time National League Cy Young Award winner by age 25, sounds like someone ready to accept this change. Kershaw will head to Spring Training with an open mind about what has been approved for use this coming season.
"I've actually tried one of those on. I've thrown with it," Kershaw said in an interview on MLB Network. "You don't look very cool, I'll be honest. You don't look very cool out there. But technology is unbelievable, and it really doesn't feel that much different once you get used to it."
Royals ace James Shields, who last year saw his former Rays teammate Alex Cobb felled by a line drive, echoes the sentiment that any protection for pitchers is a step in the right direction.
"I can't really say if I'm going to wear it or not, but it's definitely a good thing and something that we should take a look at it," Shields said.
The debate on the merits of the first offer of protection for pitchers' heads following several incidents the last few years can include reasonable people disagreeing, even fellow relievers in the same bullpen, like the Giants' Javier Lopez and Jeremy Affeldt.
"It's nice to see any sport take precautions to prevent injury," Lopez said via text message. "As a pitcher, we are the closest to the action in the field of play, and batted balls can get on you quickly. That being said, I look forward to seeing what the finished product looks like, and if it helps just one pitcher, then it's worth it. It's always nice to have safety nets."
Affeldt, meanwhile, is among several players who said they would not wear the caps, which are thicker by a half-inch in the front and an inch thicker on the sides.
"I won't wear it," Affeldt said. "No chance. The thing is huge and bothersome. I don't want to try and figure out how to keep it on my head and throw a [good] pitch at the same time."
That sentiment was shared by others in baseball, but by no one more notable than McCarthy, who has been intimately involved in the process of developing head protection for pitchers since his traumatic injury suffered while with the A's in 2012.
In the interview with ESPN.com, McCarthy broke down the reasons he won't be wearing this particular model, saying the caps in their current form are too big, too hot and too unstable.
"Nobody wants this to work more than me," McCarthy said. "But we tried to take this as far as we could and see if it's something that could work, but it just wasn't there."
McCarthy is one of several Major League pitchers who have been struck in the head in recent years. That list also includes the Blue Jays' J.A. Happ, struck by a liner last May, and the Rays' Cobb, struck while on the same mound at Tropicana Field the following month.
Cobb said Tuesday he has not had a chance to look at the design yet and noted he's willing to consider it, but he added that it would "probably take a while to catch on."
Rockies right-hander Juan Nicasio is among those who sustained serious injury from a comebacker, a liner causing a fractured skull and broken neck in August 2011. Rockies trainer Keith Dugger said Tuesday he'll work with Nicasio to see if the pitcher wants to use the currently approved model, and the trainer is among those celebrating the introduction of head protection of any kind for pitchers.
"It's a good thing," Dugger said. "It's one of the few devices that has passed standards, and it can be custom fit for anyone. It's just going to take time to get used to. The good thing is there are options for players."
Yankees reliever David Robertson is another who is skeptical about whether this is a tool he'll use to protect himself in the coming season. He said Tuesday he doesn't plan to wear the newly approved cap.
"Not at this time," Robertson said on MLB Network Radio on Sirius/XM.
To Robertson and many veteran pitchers, the risks of pitching without a helmet are outweighed by other factors, at least for now.
"When you step on a field, you are at risk. Baseballs get hit hard, bats get thrown. Things happen," he said. "It's a tough game and it happens fast. I just think that's the way baseball has always been played, and I'm not really ready to change that yet."
As Shields and Kershaw contend, however, any step toward protecting pitchers is a good one to take.
"I definitely commend Major League Baseball for trying to take care of the situation that could definitely be harmful to a pitcher," Shields said. "For me personally, just to have the option -- whether you want it or not -- is a great thing for baseball and for pitchers."
Said Kershaw: "I'm definitely not opposed to it. I think it'd take a lot of getting used to. I think it's a great thing and a step in the right direction, for sure."


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Welcome to the team Taylor SmithTaylor Smith is the most recent addition to the Foundation team. Look for his intro ad below and in the latest Thrasher. Keep an eye out for Taylor's Hell on Wheels and Welcome video dropping soon.
Photo: Rodential
Posted May 2nd, 2011 by Sinclair
Glad he is on the team!
Hope he doesn't flake like berle did on you guys.
Hope he doesn't flake like berle did on you guys.
Posted By: jonathan gonzalez on May 2nd, 2011 at 05:17PM PST
back lipping a whales vagina woooah
Posted By: dd on May 2nd, 2011 at 09:12PM PST
Yeah Taylor!
Posted By: SD! on May 2nd, 2011 at 09:32PM PST
taylor smith! make jonathan gonzalez flow for 2011, and ryan spencer am. wooooo!
Posted By: davey on May 5th, 2011 at 03:52PM PST
never heard of the guy... what happened to alex goro that guy was the real deal, hopefully hes good
Posted By: jonsboro on May 6th, 2011 at 12:28PM PST
taylor is tight
Posted By: ryan on May 6th, 2011 at 08:27PM PST
taylor is my brother
Posted By: ryan on May 6th, 2011 at 08:29PM PST
cant wait for wtf! to drop! f-ing summer nigglets.
Posted By: isaac on May 9th, 2011 at 02:04PM PST


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Electronic Arts: Memorial Day Sale!
By Dig Om
Every now and then a sale comes through the App store that you just do not want to miss. Last year around Christmas, both Gameloft and EA had huge sales on all of their hits, dropping prices for many top games to as low as .99 cents. Now, in honor of Memorial Day EA (Electronic Arts) is again having a similar sale.


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With AirDrop, you can instantly share your photos, videos, documents, and more with other Apple devices that are nearby.
Use AirDrop to share and receive content, like photos and documents, with other Apple devices that are nearby.
Before you begin
Before you begin, check the following:
- Make sure that the person you're sending to is nearby and within Bluetooth and Wi-Fi range.
- Check that you and the person you're sending to have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on. If either of you have Personal Hotspot on, turn it off.
- Check if the person you're sending to has their AirDrop set to receive from Contacts Only. If they do, and you're in their Contacts, they need to have your email address or mobile number in your contact card for AirDrop to work.
- If you're not in their Contacts, have them set their AirDrop receiving setting to Everyone in order to receive the file.
You can put your AirDrop receiving setting to Contacts Only or Receiving Off at any time to control who can see your device and send you content in AirDrop.
Receive content with AirDrop
When someone shares content with you using AirDrop, you see an alert with a preview of the content and you can tap Accept or Decline.
If you tap Accept, you get the content in the app it was sent from. For example, photos appear in the Photos app and websites open in Safari. App links open in the App Store so you can download or purchase the app.
If you AirDrop content to yourself, like share a photo from your iPhone to your Mac, you won't see an option to Accept or Decline. The content is automatically sent to that device. Just make sure that both devices are signed in with the same Apple ID.
Choose who can send you content in AirDrop
Choose who can see your device and send you content in AirDrop.
Go to Settings > General > AirDrop.
You can also set your AirDrop options in Control Center. Here's how:
- On iPhone X or later, swipe down from the upper-right corner of the screen to open Control Center. On iPhone 8 or earlier, swipe up from the bottom of the screen.
- Press firmly or touch and hold the network settings card in the upper-left corner.
- Tap AirDrop .
- Then choose one of these options:
- Receiving Off: You won't receive AirDrop requests.
- Contacts Only: Only your contacts can see your device.
- Everyone: All nearby iOS devices using AirDrop can see your device.
If you see Receiving Off and can't tap to change it, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps and make sure that AirDrop is turned on.
Published Date: Tue Dec 04 18:36:02 GMT 2018
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text: Services Read more Products Read more Testimonials Read more Advance Overhead Door Family Owned and Operated Business Advance Overhead Door has been serving our customers in the Milwaukee area for over 27 years and has become the number one choice for Milwaukee's garage door needs. We specialize in repairs of existing and sales of new garage doors and garage door openers! We take pride in our garage door service with prompt, courteous, professional specialists who will tackle your problem! Our garage door service technicians are trained to meet our very high quality standards. Call the garage door experts at 414-321-0500 and we will have a service technician sent to you, usually the same day! Contact us today and join the thousands of satisfied customers that have trusted Advance Overhead Door Amarr Doors Learn more LiftMaster Openers Learn more Safe-Way Doors Learn more


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- This event has passed.
Leaf Collection
November 15, 2018 @ 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
|Recurring Event (See all)
An event every week that begins at 8:00 am on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, repeating until November 16, 2018
Village crews will be collecting leaves today. Remember:
- Place leaves curbside, along the edge of the road, not on the pavement
- Leaves must be free of sticks and rubbish
- Avoid parking on the street if your area is scheduled for collection
- Every effort is made to stay on schedule, however, the weather and amount of leaves falling sometimes cause delays
- If a route is not completed on a scheduled date, rest assured crews will continue the following day and all leaves will be collected before the season ends
Click here for additional information and a detailed map: http://whitehouseoh.gov/departments/public-service/leaf-collection/


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There was an error retrieving images from Instagram. An attempt will be remade in a few minutes.
I'm paid to design websites, but otherwise I bake, cook, draw, write, knit, run way too much, watch a great many bad movies, repair things, and reluctantly practice amateur psychotherapy and medicine. Jack of all trades, master of none? Most likely. But I tend to be overwhelmed with the options the world offers and people usually end up with cookies because of it, so no one seems to mind.


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EAGLE is free up to a certain board size 3" by 4" if I remember correctlycertainly big enough for a shield (unless it "hangs over the edges" a lot!)ah just saw your not "not for profit" - oops
The cheapest eagle fee is 50$ to use it in commercial projects, so that might be the sale of half a dozen of shields or even less..
Doesn't internal R&D qualify Eagle to be used? You're not making money out of it and if eventually goes into production, you can always buy the Eagle license.
Does anyone here use anything other than Eagle?


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Since I arrived in Atlanta almost three years ago, there are three hours I recall with unmitigated awe. One was sitting alone with President Carter in his office, one was spent with Ted Turner in his chambers, and, just last evening, I spent an hour or so at a dinner table with Pat Conroy. Quite simply, it doesn't get much better than that.
The one thing each of these conversations with each of these very singular men had in common was kids. That may seem odd, but the one thing all four of us have shared is the experience of being a father. I don't care if you are rich or poor, famous or infamous, fatherhood is humbling. The ultimate leveler.
President Carter spoke to me about the few moments in his very public presidential life when he was able to escape the attention of the media and just be a father, a husband, or a fly fisherman.
Mr. Turner shared with me his efforts to teach his children the value of giving away money. I know some of his children and I can tell you he was very successful in that endeavor. Pat Conroy is a storyteller and as we all know,many of his best stories are about his father, the Great Santini, and about his family of origin. He did, however, over a baked scallop appetizer, share with me a seemingly random fact. He had not seen the daughter from his second marriage for more than 30 days in the last 20 years. He thought he might know her if they passed on the street. Fatherhood is humbling. My 17 year old son has been living with a number of other troubled boys in the Blue Ridge Mountains for the past three and a half weeks. A few days ago, he wrote and thanked me for giving him this break from society. It could tear your heart out.
This afternoon, a father came to see me about his son who was being expelled from school for two instances of academic dishonesty. The conversation was not one between president and a student's parent. It was father to father. He told me that when he learned of this last week, he cried. He had not cried in five years. He wanted me to know how sad, embarrassed and remorseful his son was, and I know that to be the case. Mostly, though, I saw and felt the father's sadness, and felt his deep, deep sense of failure. Fatherhood is humbling.
Despite my talk with Carter, Turner and Conroy about gripping issues like Israel and the Palestinians, America's Cup and the Atlanta Braves, the Citadel and Barbra Streisand, what I remember from these conversations I was privileged to experience were the words we shared about fatherhood. Who among us feels as if we have been as good a father as we wanted to be? No one I know. Not really.


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What is AFRALO?
Welcome to the online home of the At-Large (individual Internet user community) for the African region, providing news, key resources and interactive features for information sharing for individuals and end-user groups in the African region interested in ICANN and shaping the future of the Internet.
AFRALO Members at their General Assembly during ICANN 59 in Johannesburg, South Africa
- What is ICANN?
- What is At-Large?
- How do I get involved?
- What type of groups can be At-Large Structures?
- Why become an At-Large Structure?
- NEW Online At-Large Structure Application Form
- NOUVEAU Formulaire En-Ligne de Candidature At-Large Structure
- NEW Online AFRALO Unaffiliated Individual Member Application Form
NOUVEAU AFRALO Individuelle Non Affiliée Formulaire de Candidature
- AFRALO MOU and Organising Documents
- AFRALO Regional Officers
- AFRALO ALSes
- AFRALO Brochure
- ALS Starter Kit
- ALS application discussion workspace
New ! AFRALO Decertification Rules 2018 DRAFT
HOT TOPICS Implementation Working Group 2018
2018 ALAC and RALO Elections, Selections and Appointments
Joint AFRALO-AfrICANN Statements Workspace
The rules on Individual membership can be seen HERE.
AFRALO Outreach and Engagement Materials
AFRALO Outreach Strategic Plan
RALO Requests for Funding to support an Outreach Activity
AFRALO Outreach calendar
AFRALO Brochure
AFRALO ALSes Spotlight
AFRALO Secretariat Monthly Reports
AFRALO At-Large Structures Activities Workspace
- Next Meeting: 03 April 2019
- Previous Meeting: 06 February 2019
- AFRALO Activities at ICANN59 Johannesburg (26-29 June 2017)
- AFRALO Marrakesh documents (2016)
- AFRALO Dakar Capacity Building Tools (2011)
- At-Large Policy Development Workspace - Contribute to ALAC Policy Advice Statements!
- List of certified ALSes
- AFRALO ALSes Implementation and Statistics
- ALS applications being reviewed (Google Docs account needed for access)
- AFRALO Participation Criteria (Français)
- Miscellaneous
- Older Announcements
- Meetings and Events
- At-Large Advisory Committee Meetings
- ICANN International Meetings
- At-Large Policy Working Groups
- APRALO: Asian/Australian/Pacific RALO
- EURALO: European RALO
- LACRALO: Latin America and the Caribbean RALO
- NARALO: North American RALO
- At-Large official website
- At-Large mailing lists - Join the debate online
- ICANN official website
- NEW!ICANN E-Learning page - includes various At-Large materials


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put (one's) mind to rest(redirected from put one's mind to rest)
put (one's) mind to rest
To assuage or relieve one's worry, anxiety, dread, fear, etc. I know you're anxious to hear how your father is doing after the surgery, so let me put your mind to rest: he's going to make a full recovery. That bonus really put my mind at rest about these debts.


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A technology company logo has to convey your brand; not just what you make now, but what the future holds for your business. You might make a dating app today, a foodie app tomorrow and a mobile game after that. Your startup's logo has to encompass all of your ambitions and philosophy.
A product logo, on the other hand, must be more specific. It has to be focused on what the product can do for the customer. The logo needs to make it 100% clear what the technology does for users and why they should download/buy/signup for it, like, now.
It's also worth considering the trends and clichés in the technology industry (and your specific niche of it). And those are not the same thing. For example, flat logotype is trendy now; a skeuomorphic design might make you look dated (though it's starting to make a comeback). On the other hand, every other education/tutoring website uses an owl wearing a mortarboard. That was old fifty years ago. Cliché.
Lastly, text or no text? They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but a thousand words is a lot to google if someone sees your logo on a poster. Including the name of your company or product makes it easier for people to find you on the web. Which, you know, is probably important for a startup.
Logos for the friendly app
If your brand is "friendly and approachable," the most straightforward way to reflect this is with a smiling face. It's universally pleasing to the eye. The trick is to not make the face too specific; the more gender/race/whatever non-specific you can make it, the more your users will see themselves in it. Perhaps ironically, an anthropomorphic animal will help in this regard. Who doesn't like a smiling doggy?
If faces aren't your thing, just bear in mind that curved lines, bubbly shapes, and literal openness in your logo will help draw people in and feel comfortable with your product.
Innovative logos for the clever company
I bet you feel pretty smart, starting your own company. And why not show the whole world how clever you really are?
A logo with some wit can make your customers feel like your company has a personality. You're a fun company, and your product is probably fun, too. You can do with a play on words (so long as it's not a lame pun), or just an unexpected combination of imagery.
Tech logos for reliable products
Your brand isn't about "personality" or entertainment; your brand is about Getting the Job Done. You want to show that your product works well, and your customers can count on you to deliver.
An anthropomorphic logo can embody that with just the posture. Straight back, legs firmly planted on the ground: your logo looks ready to work. A more abstract logo can still evoke this feeling. Solid lines, sharp angles, generally focused upwards all give the sensation of steadiness.
Logos for the cutting-edge startup
The vanguard of technology is always marching forward. What we think of as "high tech" now will seem dated in the blink of an eye. So if you want your logo to feel "advanced," be prepared to stay on top of the trends. You may need to tweak your startup's logo every few years to stay relevant.
The paste few years, the trend has been towards minimalism. Thin lines, and the only the essential details required to convey the concept. Flat art, rather than skeuomorphic. Motion is also quite popular, angling those thin lines forward (which, in the English-speaking world, means left-to-right).
Start up your technology logo today
Your startup's logo is going to follow you around across multiple platforms, from launch icons to company letterhead. You better get used to looking at it. Make sure you're happy with it. Not just in terms of the message it conveys to your customer; it should also match your company's aesthetic. This is your app, your technology, your company, after all.


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