text: > Y. W. Chen (ywchen at laue.biochem.ubc.ca) wrote: > Dear all, > There are a whole gallery of biologically-related superb graphic images > (eg. from structural works) scattered in various labs. Anyone vote for > forming a new usenet news group collecting these pictures ? I am > interested but I haven't got storage disk space and the expertise to > run the newsgroup. Furthermore, I think a discussion group on how to > generate these pictures will be helpful for communicating ideas as well. > Yu Wai CHEN Well I looked at the NIH site, has plenty of pointers to Crystal structures but lacks most things besides proteins (cells,membranes,oraganelles,etc). and I also agree that it sould not be done via listservers or usenet news. However, I did manage to find other sites that seem to have a similar idea. I would find these images very helpful also, since it his helpful to write WWW/Virtual courses that have images and even animations (like cell division). I have a list of all of the biology (and other) courses I have found: http://lenti.med.umn.edu/~mwd/courses.html The place to look would be (the page and their stated goal: Science and Mathematics Education Resources http://halcyon.com/cairns/science.html The goal of this page is to serve as an atlas of all the downloadable resources for good science and mathematics instruction and learning. It will also be a place where teachers can find materials to make the job of teaching easier and students can find materials to simplify learning. There will be pointers for teachers/learners of all ages. Your comments (good or bad) are most welcome! This page has grown so much that it has been be broken up by subject area to minimize the download time for the page. For Biology: Biological Sciences Educational Resources http://www.halcyon.com/cairns/bio.html I would like to see more of a effort. I am working on a Cell Biology course and I will make my images available (for non-profit use). I have been told by others I could not use their images due to Copyright reasons and deals they had with the publisher (so you may want to be a little careful). Thanks! Mark ----- Mark Dalton CH3-S-CH2 H H O H Cray Research,Inc. | | | \ | Los Alamos,NM 87544 CH2-C-COOH //\ ---C--CH2-C-COO C-CH2-C-COO mwd at cray.com | | || || | // | NH2 \\/ \ / CH NH3 O NH3 NH URL = http://lenti.med.umn.edu/~mwd/mwd.html


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The results here are not that surprising to me given the venue. At a state fair the conditions are far from ideal and the judges have to taste too many wines in a short period of time. I have always believed a wine should be tasted over a period of time (1-2 days minimum) and then a fair review can be written from this extended experience. When a hundred wines are tasted in 90 minutes variations like this are far too common. Not to mention all of these were tasted blind which is its own bag of snakes.
via The Guardian

subset: commoncrawl


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Yesterday I changed the SSL Labs rating criteria to stop penalizing sites that do not implement server-side mitigations for the BEAST attack. That means that we now consider this attack sufficiently mitigated client-side, but, there are still some things you should now.
What is BEAST?
TLS 1.0 and earlier protocols suffer from a serious flaw: the Initialization Vector (IV) blocks that are used to mask data (plaintext) prior to encryption with a block cipher can be predicted by an active man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacker. IVs are used to prevent encryption from being deterministic; without them, every time you encrypt the same block of data with the same key, you get the same (encrypted) output. This is highly undesirable. A clever attacker who can 1) predict IVs, 2) see what encrypted data looks like, and 3) influence what is encrypted, is then able to make guesses about what plaintext looks like. Technically, he cannot decrypt any data, but he can find out if his guesses are right or wrong. With enough guesses, any amount of data can be uncovered.
This is a highly condensed explanation of the problem. If you care about the details, I suggest that you start with my previous post on this topic, and follow the links provided there.
Because guessing is not very efficient, the BEAST attack can in practice used to retrieve only small data fragments. That might not sound very useful, but we do have many highly valuable fragments all over: HTTP session cookies, authentication credentials (many protocols, not just HTTP), URL-based session tokens, and so on. Therefore, BEAST is a serious problem.
Mitigation status
BEAST is purely a client-side vulnerability. Since it had been released to the public, most major browsers addressed it using a technique called 1/n-1 split. This technique stops the attacker from predicting IVs and effectively addresses the underlying problem.
But one platform held back—Apple's. We know little about their intentions, because there hasn't been any official communication on this topic. My understanding is that the 1/n-1 split was incorporated in the Mountain Lion release, but that it is disabled by default. Also, as far as I am aware, the split is not in use on iOS either.
Without Apple addressing the BEAST attack, there's a substantial chunk of users that are still potentially vulnerable. For this reason, at the beginning of this year, SSL Labs started penalizing all sites that do not incorporate server-side mitigations against the attack.
Unfortunately, the only way to mitigate the BEAST attack is to enforce the use of RC4 suites whenever TLS 1.0 and earlier protocols are used (which is most of the time at this point). I say "unfortunately", because very shortly after we had started requiring server-side mitigations, new research about RC4 came out and we found out that this cipher was much weaker than previously thought. The weaknesses were not of immediate concern, but it was clear that RC4 was on the way out.
The situation became uncomfortable because we couldn't solve both problems, but also because both issues were of roughly the same risk. (Low.) Still, the end result was clear: RC4 affects everyone and cannot be mitigated; BEAST affects only a part of the user base and there isn't a workable exploitation path for it any more (we hoped). In addition, we knew that attacks against RC4 were going to get better; and that the attack surface vulnerable to BEAST likely to get smaller.
Is BEAST still a threat?
From this conclusion, the work that remained was to prove that the exploitation path used by BEAST was genuinely closed. We had no reliable information about that, and so I set out to test a bunch of browsers running on various platforms, read source code where available, and attempt to exploit BEAST myself.
The research required a lot of effort and time, mostly because I did not want just to run the existing exploit; I wanted to fully understand the attack as well as explore other potential attack vectors. Juliano and Thai (BEAST authors) have been very helpful answering my questions about their choices. I had detours, some because of real problems, some because of my mistakes. For a long time I thought BEAST was still exploitable because, to my great surprise, I discovered that the Same-Origin Policy (SOP) bypass that was used for BEAST still existed. Apparently, the fix for that problem was botched. Using this bypass, a MITM can still use a Java applet to instrument a victim's browser to encrypt arbitrary plaintext and send it to arbitrary hosts.
Fortunately, there have been many changes to how applets work since BEAST was originally discovered. For example, there are now always warnings before an applet is started. In my testing, the Java plug-in had no ability to access HttpOnly cookies; it couldn't even send them in a request, or receive any of them back. Most importantly, HTTPS request made by applets are encrypted using Java's TLS stack, not that of the host browser. Because Java does implement the 1/n-1 split, BEAST cannot be exploited.
Even though SSL Labs no longer penalizes sites that do not implement server-side BEAST mitigation, the problem remains for as long as we have a major browser without the fix. Although I don't believe that the problem is exploitable today, there might be other attack vectors we are not aware of. A new feature added to Safari could make it exploitable again tomorrow. Or, someone with more time on their hands could prove me wrong. For this reason, we need a healthy security margin, and we need Safari to implement the 1/n-1 split by default.
By the way, supporting TLS 1.1 and 1.2 does not actually address BEAST now or in the near future, even though these protocols do not have the predictable IV weakness that's exploited by the attack. The first problem is that most of the Internet still relies on TLS 1.0. Only about 18% of the servers tracked in SSL Pulse support TLS 1.2 today. Thus, even though the next generation of web browsers will all support TLS 1.2, it's going to take a while until the servers are upgraded.
But there is also the second issue, which is that all major browsers are susceptible to protocol downgrade attacks; an active MITM can simulate failure conditions and force all browsers to back off from attempting to negotiate TLS 1.2, making them fall back all the way down to SSL 3. At that point, the predictable IV design is again a problem. Until the protocol downgrade weakness is fixed, newer protocols are going to be useful only against passive attackers, but not against the active ones.


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P040C OBD II Trouble Code Exhaust Gas Recirculation Temperature Sensor A Circuit Low
How to quickly diagnose, repair, and what causes a P040C code that indicates a low electrical value within the A EGR temperature sensor circuit.
Symptoms of P040C OBD II Trouble Code
- Failed smog or emissions state/provincial test
- Engine noise (knocking, rattling, pinging, etc.)
- Louder exhaust
- Excessive exhaust smells
Common Causes of P040C OBD II Trouble Code
- Defective or damaged EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) temperature sensor
- EGR temperature sensor gasket leaking
- Cracked or leaking exhaust pipe in which the sensor is mounted
- Burnt wiring harness and/or sensor
- Damaged wire(s) (open, short to power, short to ground, etc.)
- Damaged connector
- ECM (Engine Control Module) issue
- Poor connections
Severity of P040C OBD II Trouble Code
Severity here varies significantly depends on your particular issue but I wouldn't classify this as severe given the fact that the entire system was introduced to vehicles simply as an emission reduction strategy. That being said exhaust leaks aren't "good" for your vehicle nor are leaking or defective EGR temp sensors so maintenance is the key here, sooner rather then later!


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Home » Electroacoustic/Contemporary » LA CASA, ERIC: air. ratio
LA CASA, ERIC: air. ratio
A further chapter in the series that explores ubiquitous and ignored aspects of the (mostly public) architectural soundscape; this time it's ventilation units in France. Eric has recorded some 30 different units, in hospitals, at Radio France, the Pasteur Institute, the Centre Pompidou, in a library, a restaurant, an apartment and at the Cite de la Musique. These sites span 50 years of construction and very different acoustics. Each extract is two minutes long and runs directly into the next (though they are separately track-marked). At the beginning and end, calibration tracks collapse all 30 recordings into one minute. Eric has consciously sequenced the 30 recordings with aesthetic intent, but he also says that 'this CD is intended to be an object without distinctive function'. It is certainly a recording that fulfils many different functions, documentary, architectural and aesthetic. It also changes radically according to what level it is played at, and what aural - or philosophical - work it is asked to do. L
Code: sirr2006
Price: £14.50


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Reports are claiming that Apple Maps is more data efficient that Google Maps. We thought we would put these clams to the test.
Having reset our statistics for Cellular Usage (General > Usage > Cellular Usage), made sure we had exactly the same Maps location loaded, we turned off WiFi and started our search.
Our findings suggest that there is some truth in the suggestion that Apple's Maps is less of a data hog in some respects, but it consumes more data under some circumstances.
When searching for a specific location (e.g. Buckingham Palace) Apple Maps sent more data (28KB compared to 12KB in iOS 5 Maps) but received less (64KB compared to 148KB in iOS 5 Maps).
[We have also looked into claims that Apple Maps work better offline than Google Maps]
Apple Maps generally consumed less data when giving us directions from our current location. When we asked for directions from Euston Road to Islington iOS 6 sent 3KB (compared to 2KB) but received 64KB of data (compared to 64KB).
A similar search from our current location in London to a postcode in Croydon saw iOS 6 send 20KB and receive 140KB, while iOS 5 sent 40KB, received a massive 1.4MB.
However, when we started searching further-a-field things got a bit more data heavy on iOS 6 Maps. When we asked for directions from Paris to London iOS 5 came out trumps, sending 27KB and receiving 788KB, compared to iOS 6 which sent 45KB, received 907KB. It was worse from London to Paris: iOS 5 sent 45KB and received 1.7MB, while iOS 6 sent 121KB, received 1.9MB.
Of course its when you are abroad that you are most likely to be concerned about data consumption, so for now we wouldn't recommend that you get too carried away with Maps when in foreign lands.
Apple Maps Satellite View
In our tests satellite view generally used less data on Apple Maps when compared to Google Maps on iOS 5, with a few exceptions.
For example, when viewing Paris in satellite view iOS 6 received 327KB, almost a third of the data consumption of iOS 5 (971KB).
A satellite view of the UK took up 1.5MB of data on Apple Maps compared to 4.8MB data on iOS 5.
Searching for a route from Buckingham Palace to Croydon in satellite view also saw iOS 6 trump iOS 5: iOS 5 sent 41KB and received 1.7MB, while iOS 6 sent 24KB and received 475KB.
However, Apple's penchant for getting a bit flash from time to time sees the whole world view in satellite view consuming more data in iOS 6 than it does in iOS 5 Maps. If you view the whole world in satellite view expect to consume 426KB of data in Apple maps compared to Google Maps 176KB.
Switching back to a standard view of the whole of the UK also consumed more data on Apple Maps, this may be because the screen is larger. The standard view of the UK on iOS 5 received 310KB, while iOS 6 Apple Maps consumed 491KB.
We also found that just opening Maps on iOS 6 took more data than opening Maps in iOS 5. For example, opening a standard view of the UK took 2KB in iOS 5 compared to 5KB in Apple Maps. That much data's not a big deal, unless you are constantly opening and closing your Maps app.
Similarly, just closing and opening Maps on the same location saw iOS 5 send 1KB and receive 1KB, while iOS 6 sent 5KB and received 12KB.
Of course the other area where Apple Maps lets itself down is actually identifying the correct location when you search. Also, we note the lack of detail in the standard view when compared to Google Maps. For example, why is it that when we look at Greater London does Ashtead, Biggin Hill and Addington show and no other locations? It's a mystery made all the stranger if you were born in Biggin Hill and your grandparents lived in Ashtead… Ok, I'm glad Apple has put them on the map, but it is making me feel a bit like I've dreamed this whole sorry incident.
Our Apple Maps tests are detailed on the next page
Follow Karen Haslam on Twitter / Follow MacworldUK on Twitter
Google rolls out Street View for iOS Safari web browser Apple tones down Maps blurb on website, fingers point to iOS VP Scott Forstall
Our Apple Maps tests:
Here we detail our testing that relates to our story about Apple Maps on the first page.


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"When the post office is closed, the flag comes down. When the human side of government closes its doors, we're all in trouble." Senator Jennings Randolph (West Virginia) 1958-85
For the post office the end game is on. This year the post office will close half its processing centers. By late spring a first class letter will take 1-3 days longer to arrive at its destination. By the end of this summer Saturday delivery is scheduled to end. Over the next year the post office plans to close over 3,000 local post offices while slashing some 220,000 of the its 650,000 employees.
How did we come to this place? In retrospect, it is easy to distinguish three discrete stages in the 221-year life of the post office.
Stage 1: The Post Office has a Broad Public Mandate
The first stage began in 1792 when President George Washington signed legislation making the United States Post Office a Cabinet-level department. It was a public institution with a clear mandate: to enable universal low cost access to information. In its early years this led it to initiate free and low cost delivery of newspapers and eventually, to offer a special rate for periodicals and books.
The post office helped tie the country together physically as well as intellectually. Post roads were essential to the early development of the country. Rural free delivery, established in the late 19th century, spurred improvements in roads and bridges since the post office would not offer service where roads were bad. In the 20th century mail contracts underwrote the embryonic aviation industry
In the 1820s, when private companies began charging a handsome fee to deliver information faster, enabling cotton speculators to make a killing on the difference in prices at the docks of New York and the plantations of Alabama, the post office responded by establishing its own express mail service. The private sector complained. A Congressional investigation concluded "(T)he Government should not hesitate to adopt means … to place the community generally in possession of the same intelligence at as early a period as practicable.
In the 1840s, when the private sector began siphoning off the most profitable mail routes, leaving to the post office only money losing routes, Congress gave the post office a monopoly, enabling it to dramatically reduce the price of postage and initiate free door to door delivery in cities. In 1858 the first mailboxes appeared on street corners.
At the end of the 19th century, when private parcel companies began treating their customers badly, the post office introduced parcel post. The competition resulted in reduced prices and improved customer service.
In the 1890s and early 1900s financial panics and the closures of hundreds of banks led the post office to introduce postal savings banks. At their peak after World War II postal banks had over 4 million accounts and deposits exceeding $3.3 billion.
Stage 2: The Post Office Becomes a Public-Private Institution
But after World War II the post office's inability to borrow money and invest long term coupled with the dramatic increase in the volume of mail put an increasing strain on its system. In 1966 the mail system in Chicago literally collapsed under an avalanche of mail. Which led LBJ to appoint a commission to study the future of the post office. The commission's chairman, retired CEO Frederick R. Kappel, envisioned a more corporatized post office. Indeed, in testimony before Congress Kappel revealed his ultimate goal, "if I could, I'd make (the post office) a private enterprise … and the country would be better off financially. But I can't get from here to there."
In the l950s low paid postal workers often moonlighted to make ends meet. It took 21 years for an entry-level worker to reach the maximum wage level. Strikes were illegal. Workers demonstrated, lobbied and even held prayer services to publicize their plight.
In 1970 Congress voted itself a pay raise while stalling postal wage increases, sparking a wildcat strike by letter carriers in New York City. Other postal workers honored the picket lines and the strike spread throughout the nation. President Nixon sent in 25,000 National Guard and Army troops to attempt, unsuccessfully for the most part, to sort and deliver the mail.
The Postal Reorganization Act of 1970 was a compromise between management and labor. Unions were given the right to collectively bargain over wages and hours and working conditions for the first time. Wages increased significantly. For the first time, postal work became a middle class job for hundreds of thousands, many of them minorities.
For management the Act gave the new quasi-public corporation now called the United States Postal Service (USPS) the right to borrow money and make long-term investments. In return Congress eliminated taxpayer subsidies, which amounted to 25 percent of the budget in 1971 (about $18 billion in current dollars) and demanded the USPS act more like a business.
Largely as a result of huge capital improvements, productivity soared. In 1966 Fortune Magazine credited USPS with improving its service more than any other company or agency in America. In 1997 audits by Price Waterhouse found on time delivery at 92%. The postal service was by far the most popular public agency. And between 1995 and 1997 postal operations produced a surplus of $4.6 billion.
But the tension between the public mission of the post office and the demand that it act more like a business, continued to grow. Management tried to close post offices and raised the possibility of ending Saturday service as early as the 1980s, leading Congress to pass laws forbidding the latter and significantly restricting the former. Under President Clinton, the Postal Service began contracting out services. Today contracts comprise about 20 percent of its operating budget or $12 billion.
In 2000 the USPS began a formal partnership with FedEx and later UPS. FedEx provides air service for USPS parcels domestically as well as providing international logistics. In 2011 Alan Robinson Executive Director of the Center for the Study of the Postal Market determined that the USPS delivers 30.4 percent of FedEx ground shipments. The USPS Fed Ex partnership is known as SmartPost. The USPS UPS partnership is known as UPS Basic or UPS Mail innovations. These may be the fastest growing parts of their businesses.
Stage 3: The Dismantling of the Post Office
The third and current part of the life of the post office began in 2006 with the passage of the highly misleadingly titled Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act.
A bit of background is necessary to understand this historic piece of legislation. In 2001 the GAO placed the Postal Service on its High Risk list because of concerns about its economic future given the poor management labor relations and increased competition from electronic mail. At the request of Congress and the GAO the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) conducted a review of the Postal Service's liability to the Civil Service Retirement System.
Almost everyone expected OPM to discover huge liabilities. Instead, it concluded the USPS had overfunded its pension plan by more than $70 billion. In 2003 the GAO raised the estimated overfunding to more than $100 billion.
In a sane world the USPS would have been able to use these funds to expand services, pay down existing debt, and invest in new technology. But Washington is anything but sane. The USPS is considered part of the unified budget used for scoring purposes to estimate any legislation's impact on the deficit. If the USPS were to tap into its surplus funds it would increase the overall federal deficit. For three years Congress debated what to do. Finally, in 2006 it passed a law that requires the Postal Service to pre-pay its health insurance fund by depositing an additional $5 billion a year for the next 10 years into the insurance fund to offset for the phantom accounting deficit under the unified budget. No other public or private agency is required to do anything remotely comparable.
In 2007, unsurprisingly, the USPS suffered a $5 billion deficit. Today that deficit is over $20 billion and is used to justify the death of the post office by amputation of its work force, its processing centers, and its local offices.
The 2006 law also specifically prohibited USPS from offering new products that would create "an unfair or otherwise inappropriate competitive advantage for the Postal Service…"
Elaine C. Kamarck of Harvard Kennedy School of Government has observed the essential contradiction in Congress's attitude toward the post office from the very beginning of its new life as a corporation. "Congress wants it to be self-sufficient but doesn't want it to make money."
For example, in the mid-1970s the post office was told to remove copy machines from post offices under pressure from lobbyists representing office equipment stores who feared that USPS was taking away its business. Later when the USPS initiated a "Pack and Send" service, the outcry from Mailboxes Etc. and other private packing stores successfully challenged the service. Years later, when Internet shopping took off, the delivery of packages to individual households should have resulted in a dramatic increase in USPS business. But parcel shipments were generated by large organizations and the USPS was not allowed to negotiate discounts and thus lost business. It was forbidden by law from lowering prices to get more business. This resulted in the entirely incredible situation in the 1990s where the United States Government negotiated an agreement for the delivery of U.S. government package services with Fed Ex because the USPS was not allowed to negotiate for lower prices!
Today the strongest force in shaping the future of the postal service, aside from Congress, is the bulk mailers. Indeed, bulk mailers are formally represented in the USPS through the Postmaster General's Mailers Technical Advisory Committee. Bulk mailers don't care about post office closings because big mailers present their mail at Bulk Mail Entry Units. Saturday delivery is not a major concern either because advertising mail would do fine with even three day delivery. Nor do they care about having a blue collection box on every corner, half of which have disappeared in the past 20 years.
What bulk mailers do care about is price. They receive huge discounts for pre-sorting that is far in excess of what the postal service saves by receiving mail pre-sorted.
Where do we go from here?
So here we are, at the end game. Few any longer are even talking about saving the post office as is. Fewer still are talking about resurrecting the post office as an institution with a broad public mission. The debate now focuses on how many parts of the post office we can lop off.
Kevin A. Hassett the director of economic policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute has written, "The Postal Service owns or operates 33,000 facilities nationwide and owns 219,000 vehicles. If we were to auction it off to private investors, the bids would likely be enormous."
Tad Dehaven of the Cato Institute insists, "The one size fits all model where you have six days delivery to every home in the country at a fixed price just doesn't make any economic sense. What I envision is eventually consumers and customers dictate what they want and entrepreneurs figuring out how to satisfy those wants and needs."
The National Academy of Public Administration will issue a report this spring on what it calls a Thought Leader proposal submitted in January. The 8-page paper urges the post office to be engaged only in last mile delivery and pick up. All other parts of the post office would be sold to private companies. Among the four signatories to the paper, astonishingly, is the Director of Advocacy of the Atlas Institute, dedicated to promoting the writings of Ayn Rand
The post office can and should be saved, but doing so will require a massive grassroots and lobbying effort. It is an effort that could cut across class and race and geography, cutting across rural Republican and big city Democratic districts. Such an effort could educate the American public about five key issues.
First, savings from cutting back postal services are largely illusory, even if we use the narrow cost-benefit analysis used by the USPS. In 2008 the GAO found that the USPS had no way to measure savings from contracting out. Ending Saturday delivery will not save nearly the amount of money the USPS predicts. There are alternatives to closing processing centers that achieve comparable savings.
But we should argue for a wider cost-benefit lens. Remarkably, the post office does not need to take into account the actual cost to the local community of closing a local post office! It does not have to take into account the increased out of pocket costs for people who have to travel longer distances, often on dangerous roads in the winter. The only cost benefit analysis that did bring these community costs into the equation concluded that the out of pocket costs to the community exceed the internal savings to the post office even in the worst-case scenario.
Second, the deficit is illusory. Over 80 percent of the deficit is a result of a phantom accounting system that imposes on the USPS an unprecedented, unparalleled and unfair financial burden.
Third, the post office remains a world-class institution and a remarkable bargain. A first class letter in the United States costs 20-75 percent less than in countries a fraction of our size, like Austria, Germany, Norway, Great Britain, Italy.
Fourth, the universal infrastructure of the post office is of enormous value and could be the foundation not only for it to provide increased services but also to compete with the private sector if it were allowed to do so using the same marketing and pricing tools the private sector uses.
Fifth, the post office plays an important unquantifiable part in American life. In rural areas, the local post office may be the only community gathering place remaining, a place to meet one's neighbors and share truly local needs and news. In a nation where more than one in five votes are cast by mail and in some states mail ballots have to be received by the close of polls, closing post offices can significantly burden some groups. In Nevada, for example, about half of the 27 Indian tribes rely heavily on the post office to register and to vote and the closure of a post office can effectively strip them of that right.
Closing post offices and delaying the delivery of mail places a significant burden on the most vulnerable of us.
William C. Snodgrass, owner of a USave Pharmacy in North Platte, Nebraska, talked about the end of next day first class delivery to local areas. His store mails hundreds of prescriptions a week to residents in mostly rural areas of the state that lack local pharmacies. If first-class delivery were lengthened to three days and Saturday mail service also were suspended, a resident might not get a shipment mailed on Wednesday until the following week.
"A lot of people in these communities are 65 or 70 years old, and transportation is an issue for them," said Snodgrass. "It's impossible for many of my customers to drive 100 miles, especially in the winter, to get the medications they need."
The Post Office can still be saved. But the grave has been dug. The coffin has been built. And funeral music is in the air. Only the most aggressive effort by the AARP, the NAACP, Consumers Union and other affected constituencies can save this most public of all public institutions.
David Morris is director of The Public Good Initiative at the Institute for Local Self-Reliance. This article originally appeared at the ILSR website and is reposted by permission of the author.
Photo: Ben Skirvin/WFIU Indiana Public Media CC BY-NC 2.0
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UW Bothell Grads Go Green at Commencement
UW Bothell Grads Go Green at Commencement
Published: June 10, 2013
When graduation coordinator Lisa Walker first learned about recycled graduation regalia at a conference for college commencement officers in 2011, it was a no-brainer: of course she needed to make this option available to UW Bothell graduates. With a commitment to environmental and human sustainability as a signature initiative of the campus vision, the entire campus community has joined in efforts to reduce waste, promote sustainable practices, and engage in environmental education.
Made from 100% recycled post-consumer plastic bottles, the GreenWeaver gowns reuse an average of 23 bottles each. With approximately 850 Bothell graduates wearing the gowns this year, nearly 20,000 bottles will be diverted or removed from landfills. After commencement, graduates will have the option to keep their regalia as a souvenir or recycle it in bins provided at the ceremony, to be reprocessed yet again into a new product.
"The university is always looking for ways to be more sustainable," Walker notes, adding that "since the gowns we were using were single-use, eventually ending up in landfills, we figured why not go with gowns that are recyclable, and give the students the option to keep or recycle them."
While the GreenWeaver regalia costs slightly more than traditional single-use caps and gowns, and require purchase rather than rental, many UW Bothell grads are enthusiastic about another opportunity to go green. As Aaron Huston, president of the UW Bothell Sustainability Organization, says, "It is promising to see UW Bothell [students] take the initiative to lessen their ecological footprint…As a senior graduating this year, I am proud to be a Husky and I am proud to wear my graduation gown made from recycled bottles."
All three UW campuses will be using the GreenWeaver regalia this year for bachelor's and master's degree students at their respective commencement exercises.
UW Bothell students, faculty and staff are regional leaders in environmental awareness, with a deep understanding of sustainability as critical to our shared global future and central to the values, vision and economic interests of our students, state and region. The campus has a long list of green practices that proudly support these interests.


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This is an idea of pure genius from Frank J Fleming:
…here's a great idea that should make everyone happy: Let's just pretend to pass gun control legislation.
What we can do is pass a law banning a bunch of made-up things that sound scary, and many gun control proponents already have great ideas along this line. For instance, I read a column in which Howard Kurtz mentioned a ban on high-magazine clips — we can certainly do without something that nonsensical. And I've heard the press before mention armor-piercing hollow points and plastic guns (actually, I think we already banned that made-up weapon in the '80s). And as long as the NRA and Wayne LaPierre go apoplectic about it ("This ban on sorcerer-enchanted guns is just a slippery slope toward eliminating all witch-hexed weaponry!"), gun control proponents won't know the difference between this and actual gun control. And this will help protect our most vulnerable people out there: politicians. Because long after the gun control advocates move on to other things, like who they want to tax next, gun owners will still be annoyed by any actual gun control legislation. One of the greatest fears politicians have is seeing an angry guy with lots of guns charging down the street, because they know he's probably on his way to commit an act of voting.
Of course, with this idea, absolutely nothing will be done to keep criminals and madmen from obtaining guns, but that's the effect of every other gun control law, so we're just reaching this end in a much cheaper and less messy fashion.
Along those lines, I propose an immediate ban on orichalcum cluster rounds. There's no reason to have those, unless you're playing point defense against shipkiller squid.
Moe Lane (crosspost)
Via AoSHQ.


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A well-maintained and functioning epidermis greatly reduces the risk of pressure injuries, emphasizing the paramount importance of skin health and functionality in mitigating pressure ulcer formation. The groundbreaking research undertaken by the University of St Mark and St John, England, demonstrated that 8 weeks use of Squirrel Vestim's active mattress lead to a significant ENHANCEMENT OF BOTH SKIN HEALTH AND FUNCTION (1), thus serving as a crucial tool in pressure ulcer prevention.
Pub Med References.
(1) Baker G, Bloxham S, Laden J, Gush R. Vascular endothelial function is improved after active mattress use. J Wound Care. 2019 Oct 2;28(10):676-682. doi: 10.12968/jowc.2019.28.10.676.
Pub Med ID. 31600104.
Squirrel Vestims® Pressure Off Active Mattress
Squirrels Range of Active Mattresses
By focusing solely on active mattresses and offering a thoughtfully curated selection, we aim to provide clinicians with the confidence and convenience they need when choosing the most suitable pressure ulcer prevention solution.
Our commitment to quality, simplicity, and meeting diverse clinical needs sets us apart in the market, making Squirrel Medical a trusted partner in the field of active mattress solutions.
Squirrel Diamond Vestims 8900® Mattress
Mattress Science Research
Squirrel Vestims® Auto Active Mattress
Pressure Care
About Squirrel Medical
One of the worlds, leading manufacturers of alternating active mattresses designed to enhance blood flow and aid in the managed treatment of pressure ulcers.
Squirrel Medical is accredited to ISO13485:2016, demonstrating its competance in managing medical devices.
Patented Designs
Squirrel Medical invests significantly in research and has several patents and patents applied for.
Clinical Evidence
Squirrel Medical publishes its scientific evidence in leading peer reviewed medical journals, such as the Journal of Wound care and PubMed.
In the realm of medical devices, standards play a pivotal role in ensuring safety, efficacy, and reliability. Active mattresses, innovative devices that contribute to patient care, are no exception. Several key standards govern the design, manufacturing, and utilization of these devices, each addressing unique aspects critical to their performance. This article examines four crucial standards that underscore the importance of safety, quality, and compliance in the realm of active mattresses. It emphasizes the necessity of third-party auditing, the provision of evidence from rigorous testing, and highlights Squirrel Medical's noteworthy commitment to these standards through their partnership with SGS Ltd, a renowned auditing body.
IEC 60601-1:2005+AMD2:2020 - Medical Electrical Equipment - Part 1: General Requirements for Basic Safety and Essential Performance
Purpose: This standard establishes fundamental safety and performance requirements for medical electrical equipment, including active mattresses. It ensures devices are designed, constructed, and tested to safeguard patients, operators, and bystanders from potential risks.
Importance: Third-party auditing is essential to validate compliance with this standard, ensuring that active mattresses meet stringent safety and performance criteria. Manufacturers must provide comprehensive evidence of testing to demonstrate adherence.
IEC 60601-1-2:2014+AMD1:2020 - Medical Electrical Equipment - Part 1-2: General Requirements for Basic Safety and Essential Performance - Collateral Standard: Electromagnetic Disturbances
Purpose: Addressing electromagnetic compatibility, this standard ensures that active mattresses can function reliably in the presence of electromagnetic disturbances. It safeguards against potential disruptions caused by electronic devices in medical environments.
Importance: Auditing by an approved body is imperative to validate the device's resistance to electromagnetic interference. Manufacturers must present evidence of rigorous testing to confirm compliance.
IEC 60601-1-6:2010+AMD1:2015+AMD2:2020 - Medical Electrical Equipment - Part 1-6: General Requirements for Basic Safety and Essential Performance - Collateral Standard: Usability
Purpose: This standard emphasizes user-centered design and usability considerations for medical devices like active mattresses. It ensures that devices are intuitive, ergonomic, and reduce the likelihood of user errors.
Importance: Approved body auditing validates adherence to usability standards, guaranteeing active mattresses are user-friendly. Manufacturers must provide evidence of usability tests conducted to enhance patient and operator experience.
Purpose: With the rise of home healthcare, this standard ensures that devices like active mattresses are suitable for safe and effective use in non-clinical settings. It considers unique challenges and environments in home healthcare.
Importance: Auditing by an approved body verifies a device's adaptability to home healthcare settings. Manufacturers must provide evidence of tests that substantiate compliance with safety and performance criteria.
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Privacy notice BACKGROUND: This Policy applies as between you, the User of this Web Site, and Squirrel Medical Ltd the owner and provider of this Web Site. This Policy applies to our use of any and all Data collected by us in relation to your use of the Web Site and any Services or Systems therein. Whilst the following document sets out the details of our Privacy Policy, we would be pleased to try and resolve any questions via our fast track service. Please Contact: Squirrel Medical Ltd Road Five, Winsford Industrial Estate, Winsford Cheshire CW7 3RB United Kingdom E Mail: firstname.lastname@example.com Definitions and Interpretation In this Policy the following terms shall have the following meanings: "Account" means collectively the personal information, Payment Information and credentials used by Users to access Material and / or any communications System on the Web Site; "Content" means any text, graphics, images, audio, video, software, data compilations and any other form of information capable of being stored in a computer that appears on or forms part of this Web Site; "Cookie" means a small text file placed on your computer by Vestims Ltd when you visit certain parts of this Web Site. This allows us to identify recurring visitors and to analyse their browsing habits within the Web Site. Where e-commerce facilities are provided, Cookies may be used to store your shopping cart. Further details are contained in Clause 10 of this Policy; "Data" means collectively all information that you submit to the Web Site. This includes, but is not limited to, Account details and information submitted using any of our Services or Systems; "Name" means name, name of business and trading name and if applicable address; "Service" means collectively any online facilities, tools, services or information that Squirrel Medical Ltd makes available through the Web Site either now or in the future; "System" means any online communications infrastructure that Squirrel Medical Ltd makes available through the Web Site either now or in the future. This includes, but is not limited to, web-based email, message boards, live chat facilities and email links; "User" / "Users" means any third party that accesses the Web Site and is not employed Squirrel Medical Ltd and acting in the course of their employment; and "Web Site" means the website that you are currently using Squirrel Medical and any sub-domains of this site unless expressly excluded by their own terms and conditions. Data Collected Without limitation, any of the following Data may be collected: 2.1 name; 2.2 date of birth; 2.3 gender; 2.4 job title; 2.5 profession; 2.6 contact information such as email addresses and telephone numbers; 2.7 demographic information such as post code, preferences and interests; 2.8 financial information such as credit / debit card numbers; 2.9 IP address (automatically collected); 2.10 web browser type and version (automatically collected) 2.11 operating system (automatically collected); 2.12 a list of URLS starting with a referring site, your activity on this Web Site, and the site you exit to (automatically collected); and 2.13 Cookie information (see Clause 10 below). Our Use of Data 3.1 Any personal Data you submit will be retained by Squirrel Medical Ltd for as long as you use the Services and Systems provided on the Web Site. Data that you may submit through any communications System that we may provide may be retained for a longer period of up to 24 months. 3.2 Unless we are obliged or permitted by law to do so, and subject to Clause 4, your Data will not be disclosed to third parties. This does not include our affiliates and / or other companies within our group. 3.3 All personal Data is stored securely in accordance with the principles of the Data Protection Act . Fore more details on security, see Clause 9 below. 3.4 Any or all of the above Data may be required by us from time to time in order to provide you with the best possible service and experience when using our Web Site. Specifically, Data may be used by us for the following reasons: 3.4.1 internal record keeping; 3.4.2 improvement of our products / services; 3.4.3 transmission by email of promotional materials that may be of interest to you; 3.4.4 contact for market research purposes which may be done using email, telephone, fax or mail. Such information may be used to customise or update the Web Site. Third Party Web Sites and Services Squirrel Medical Ltd may, from time to time, employ the services of other parties for dealing with matters that may include, but are not limited to, payment handling, delivery of purchased items, search engine facilities, advertising and marketing. The providers of such services have access to certain personal Data provided by Users of this Web Site. Any Data used by such parties is used only to the extent required by them to perform the services that Vestims Ltd requests. Any use for other purposes is strictly prohibited. Furthermore, any Data that is processed by third parties must be processed within the terms of this Policy and in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 Changes of Business Ownership and Control 4.1 Squirrel Medical Ltd may, from time to time, expand or reduce its business and this may involve the sale of certain divisions or the transfer of control of certain divisions to other parties. Data provided by Users will, where it is relevant to any division so transferred, be transferred along with that division and the new owner or newly controlling party will, under the terms of this Policy, be permitted to use the Data for the purposes for which it was supplied by you. 4.2 In the event that any Data submitted by Users will be transferred in such a manner, you will not be contacted in advance and informed of the changes. If contacted you will not be given the choice to have your Data deleted or withheld from the new owner or controller. Controlling Access to your Data 5.1 Wherever you are required to submit Data, you will be given options to restrict our use of that Data. This may include the following: 5.1.1 use of Data for direct marketing purposes; and 5.1.2 sharing Data with third parties. Your Right to Withhold Information 6.1 You may access certain areas of the Web Site without providing any Data at all. However, to use all Services and Systems available on the Web Site you may be required to submit Account information or other Data. 6.2 You may restrict your internet browser's use of Cookies. For more information see Clause 10 below. Accessing your own Data 7.1 You may access your Account at any time to view or amend the Data. You may need to modify or update your Data if your circumstances change. Additional Data as to your marketing preferences may also be stored and you may change this at any time. 7.2 You have the right to ask for a copy of your personal Data on payment of a small fee. Security 8.1 Data security is of great importance to Squirrel Medical Ltd and to protect your Data we have put in place suitable physical, electronic and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure Data collected online. 8.2 Specifically we utilise the following systems Cookies 9.1 Squirrel Medical Ltd may set and access first-party Cookies on your computer. Cookies that may be placed on your computer are detailed in Schedule 1 to this Policy. These Cookies are integral to the services provided by the Web Site to you. 9.2 You can choose to enable or disable Cookies in your web browser. By default, your browser will accept Cookies, however this can be altered. For further details please consult the help menu in your browser. Disabling Cookies may prevent you from using the full range of Services available on the Web Site. 9.3 You may delete Cookies, however you may lose any information that enables you to access the Web Site more quickly. 9.4 The Web Site uses the third-party Cookies detailed in Schedule 2 to this Policy for the purposes described therein. These Cookies are not integral to the services provided by the Web Site to you and may be blocked at your choosing via your internet browser's privacy settings. Please ensure that your internet browser is up-to-date and consult the help and guidance provided by the developer of your browser if you are unsure as to how to adjust your privacy settings. Changes to this Policy Squirrel Medical Ltd reserves the right to change this Privacy Policy as we may deem necessary from time to time or as may be required by law. Any changes will be immediately posted on the Web Site and you are deemed to have accepted the terms of the Policy on your first use of the Web Site following the alterations.
Terms & Conditions of Sale BACKGROUND: This agreement applies as between you, the user of this website and Squirrel Medical Ltd the owner of this website. Your agreement to comply with and be bound by these terms and conditions is deemed to occur upon your first use of the website. If you do not agree to be bound by these terms and conditions, you should stop using the website immediately. 1. Definitions and Interpretation In this agreement the following terms shall have the following meanings: "Content" Meaning any text, graphics, images, audio, video, software, data compilations and any other form of information capable of being stored in a computer that appears on or forms part of this website; "Squirrel Medical Ltd" Meaning Squirrel Medical Ltd; "Service" Means collectively any online facilities, tools, services or information that Squirrel Medical Ltd makes available through the Website either now or in the future; "System" Means any online communications infrastructure that Squirrel Medical Ltd makes available through the website either now or in the future. This includes, but is not limited to, web-based email, message boards, live chat facilities and email links; "User" / "Users" Means any third party that accesses the website and is not employed by Squirrel Medical Ltd and acting in the course of their employment; and "website" Means the website that you are currently using (www.Squirrel Medical.com ) and any sub-domains of this site (e.g. subdomain.www.Squirrel Medical.com) unless expressly excluded by their own terms and conditions. 2. Intellectual Property 2.1. All Content included on the website, unless uploaded by Users, including, but not limited to, text, graphics, logos, icons, images, sound clips, video clips, data compilations, page layout, underlying code and software is the property of Squirrel Medical Ltd, our affiliates or other relevant third parties. By continuing to use the website you acknowledge that such material is protected by applicable United Kingdom and International intellectual property and other relevant laws. 2.2. Subject to sub-clause 2.3 you may not reproduce, copy, distribute, store or in any other fashion re-use material from the Website unless otherwise indicated on the Website or unless given express written permission to do so by Squirrel Medical Ltd. 2.3. Material from the Website may be re-used without written permission where any of the exceptions detailed in Chapter III of the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988 apply. 3. Links to Other websites This website may contain links to other sites. Unless expressly stated, these sites are not under the control of Squirrel Medical Ltd or that of our affiliates. We assume no responsibility for the content of such websites and disclaim liability for any and all forms of loss or damage arising out of the use of them. The inclusion of a link to another site on this Website does not imply any endorsement of the sites themselves or of those in control of them. 3.1. Links to this Website Deep linking (i.e. links to specific pages within the site) requires the express permission of Squirrel Medical Ltd. To find out more please contact us by email at g.baker@Squirrel Medical.com 4. Privacy Use of the Website is also governed by Privacy Policy which is incorporated into these terms and conditions by this reference. Please see http://www.Squirrel Medical.com/privacy-notice 5. Disclaimers 5.1. Squirrel Medical Ltd makes no warranty or representation that the website will meet your requirements, that it will be of satisfactory quality, that it will be fit for a purpose, that it will not infringe the rights of third parties, that it will be compatible with all systems, that it will be secure and that all information provided will be accurate. We make no guarantee of any specific results from the use of our Service. 5.2. No part of this Website is intended to constitute advice and the Content of this website should not be relied upon when making any decisions or taking any action of any kind. This applies especially to the links to research journals concerning endothelial function and other health outcomes. The reason for making research journals available is to help persons interested subjects such as Endothelial Function, find journals of interest easier. 5.3. Whilst Squirrel Medical Ltd uses reasonable endeavours to ensure that the website is secure and free of errors, viruses and other malware, all Users are advised to take responsibility for their own security, that of their personal details and their computers. 6. Availability of the website and Modifications 6.1. The Service is provided "as is" and on an "as available" basis. We give no warranty that the Service will be free of defects and / or faults. To the maximum extent permitted by the law we provide no warranties (express or implied) of fitness for a particular purpose, accuracy of information, compatibility and satisfactory quality. 6.2. Squirrel Medical Ltd accepts no liability for any disruption or non-availability of the Website resulting from external causes including, but not limited to, ISP equipment failure, host equipment failure, communications network failure, power failure, natural events, acts of war or legal restrictions and censorship. 6.3. Squirrel Medical Ltd reserves the right to alter, suspend or discontinue any part (or the whole of) the Website including, but not limited to, the products and/or services available. These Terms and Conditions shall continue to apply to any modified version of the Website unless it is expressly stated otherwise. 7. Limitation of Liability 7.1. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Squirrel Medical Ltd accepts no liability for any direct or indirect loss or damage, foreseeable or otherwise, including any indirect, consequential, special or exemplary damages arising from the use of the Website or any information contained therein. Users should be aware that they use the Website and its Content at their own risk. 7.2. Nothing in these terms and conditions excludes or restricts Squirrel Medical Ltd's liability for death or personal injury resulting from any negligence or fraud on the part of Squirrel Medical Ltd. 7.3. Every effort has been made to ensure that these terms and conditions adhere strictly with the relevant provisions of the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977. However, in the event that any of these terms are found to be unlawful, invalid or otherwise unenforceable, that term is to be deemed severed from these terms and conditions and shall not affect the validity and enforceability of the remaining terms and conditions. This term shall apply only within jurisdictions where a term is illegal. 8. No Waiver In the event that any party to these Terms and Conditions fails to exercise any right or remedy contained herein, this shall not be construed as a waiver of that right or remedy. 9. Previous Terms and Conditions In the event of any conflict between these Terms and Conditions and any prior versions thereof, the provisions of these Terms and Conditions shall prevail unless it is expressly stated otherwise. 10. Goods, Pricing and Availability 10.1. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that all graphical representations and descriptions of Goods available from Squirrel Medical Ltd correspond to the actual Goods, Squirrel Medical Ltd is not responsible for any variations from these descriptions. 10.2. Where appropriate, you may be required to select the required size, model, colour, number and features of the Goods that you are purchasing. 10.3. Squirrel Medical Ltd does not represent or warrant that such Goods will be available. Stock indications are not provided on the website 10.4. All pricing information on the website is correct at the time of going online. Squirrel Medical Ltd reserves the right to change prices and alter or remove any special offers from time to time and as necessary. 10.5. In the event that prices are changed during the period between an order being placed for Goods and Squirrel Medical Ltd processing that order and taking payment, you will be contacted prior to your order being processed with details of the new price and the option to proceed with or to cancel your order. 11. Value Added Tax (VAT) 11.1. VAT will be charged at the standard rate on all applicable products. Our website prices are often shown as both excluding VAT (where applicable) and including VAT. 11.2. Members of the public with chronic illness or disability may be subject to VAT exemption. Please e mail us for details at email@example.com regret that VAT cannot be credited at a later date if the required VAT exemption declaration is not received at time of ordering. 12. Third Party Rights Nothing in these Terms and Conditions shall confer any rights upon any third party. The agreement created by these Terms and Conditions is between you and Squirrel Medical Ltd 13. Communications 13.1. All notices / communications shall be sent to us either by post to our Premises (see address above) or by email to email@example.com. Such notice will be deemed received 3 days after posting if sent by first class post, the day of sending if the email is received in full on a business day and on the next business day if the email is sent on a weekend or public holiday. 13.2. Squirrel Medical Ltd may from time to time send you information about our products and/or services. If you do not wish to receive such information, please click on the unsubscribe link of any e mail that you may receive from us. 14. Orders Placed Via Website When you place an order to purchase a product from Squirrel Medical.com, we will send you an e-mail confirming receipt of your order and containing the details of your order. Your order represents an offer to us to purchase a product which is accepted by us when we send e-mail confirmation to you that we've dispatched that product to you (the "Dispatch Confirmation E-mail"). We aim to deliver all orders placed via the website within 12 weeks. As we process your order, we will inform you by e-mail if any products you order turn out to be unavailable. Due to the extraordinary demand placed on Squirrel Medical Ltd for its products, the company is offerng customers the chance to pre order Squirrel Medical products. This requires the customer to place a nominal deposit of £100. This places the customer in a que. As product becomes available, the customer will be contacted and the balance of the transaction must be paid in full prior to dispatch. 15. Delivery Squirrel Medical Ltd will try to deliver the goods as arranged with you. The delivery dates are given as accurately as possible, but cannot be guaranteed. We aim to deliver all orders placed via the website within 12 weeks. Squirrel Medical Ltd cannot accept responsibility for being unable to deliver or for late, mistimed deliveries or for any costs incurred. You are not entitled to claim damages or cancel the order if we are unable to deliver on the pre-arranged dates. If we deliver to a business or home address at your request, you are agreeing that anyone situated at such address has your written authority to accept goods on your behalf and where needed, assist unloading of goods. We will accept no responsibility for goods once they have been delivered to and signed for at the requested address. 16. Your Right To Cancel If you have ordered from our website and you are unhappy with your purchase for any reason, or change your mind, and notify us within 10 weeks of delivery, we will offer you a refund of the goods. You will need to cover the costs of returning the goods including insurance and shipping and ensure that the goods are returned to Squirrel Medical Ltd in exactly the same condition as you received them. The reason for the 10 weeks money back guarantee, is that it will allow you to assess your own health outcomes, before and afterb 8 weeks Squirrel Medical use. 17. Who Owns The Goods Title of goods remain the property of Squirrel Medical Ltd until the payment has been received in full. Until that time, we may recover the goods at any time. 18. Warranty Squirrel Medical Ltd warrants to the purchaser that all parts are free of defects on materials and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of purchase, which covers the cost of parts and labour for faulty manufacture. We may replace or repair the faulty goods at our discretion. Squirrel Medical Ltd will not be liable for any defect in the Goods arising from fair wear and tear, wilful damage, accident, negligence or use other than that intended. 19. Faulty Or Missing Goods It is your responsibility to check your consignment, and if any incorrect or damaged goods are supplied or items are missing, you must notify us within 24 hours of delivery and furthermore give notice in writing to the company within 7 working days after the date of delivery/collection. The goods may be returned for either refund in full, or replacement. Failure to do so will mean that the Goods shall be deemed to have been delivered/collected undamaged and in accordance with the delivery documents. After this period, a charge for replacements may be made if required. Faulty goods must be returned and inspected before replacements are dispatched. 20. Complaints Policy We will treat your complaint confidentially, seriously and quickly. It is really important to let our staff know that you are unhappy and to give them the chance to put things right. Otherwise, please request our complaint form to initiate a formal complaints process. 21. Law and Jurisdiction These terms and conditions and the relationship between you and Squirrel Medical Ltd shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the Law of England and Wales and Squirrel Medical Ltd and you agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of England and Wales. 22. Notes: Whilst the following document sets out the details of our Privacy Policy (see attached), we would be pleased to try and resolve any questions via our fast track service. Please Contact: Squirrel Medical Ltd Trevol Business Park Trevol Road Torpoint Cornwall United Kingdom Tel: 0845 003 7979 E Mail: firstname.lastname@example.com Quality Policy The purpose of Squirrel Medical Ltd – is to consistently and completely achieve customer satisfaction in its products, services and information, providing healthcare solutions and from this ensure a succesful, sustainable and profitable business. To achieve this Squirrel Medical Ltd have implemented and documented a quality management system that conforms to the requirements of ISO 13485:2016. Squirrel Medical Ltd is committed to a philosophy of continual improvement , to comply with regulatory requirements and to maintain the effectiveness of the quality management system. The documented quality management system of Squirrel Medical Ltd provides a framework for reviewing performance objectives which is monitored and appraised through internal audit processes and regular reviews by management. This statement of policy is communicated to all employees and any other interested parties. It is available to the public via the Squirrel Medical Ltd web site. This policy is reviewed at least annually by management, for its continuing suitability.


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This is the 6th review on this buka puasa buffet 2014 series, and this time we check out the Balik Kampung Buffet at Grand Hyatt KL's JP Teres restaurant right here in the heart of the city.
at JP Teres, Grand Hyatt KL with Rizal & Shabana
Grand Hyatt is located right between Mandarin Oriental and the KLCC Convention Centre right on Jalan Pinang. In fact, you can walk from KLCC to the hotel within a few minutes.
While the lobby and flagship restaurant is located on the top floors of the hotel, JP Teres, the restaurant that specialize in local cuisine is on the ground floor to the right as you walk into Grand Hyatt KL.
a variety of kurma, ulam, acar, and salad
Like the whole of Grand Hyatt, JP Teres is a pretty classy and beautifully decorated restaurant. There's both indoor and outdoor seating areas, with several open concept show kitchens not unlike the arrangement at Thirty8.
The Balik Kampung buffet, priced at RM 148++ for adults and RM 74++ for children, is available from 30th June  to 25th July 2014.
Malay kuih, ice cream roti, kek lapis Sarawak, and the all important tapai
While many hotels try to have a mix of Western and even Japanese cuisine in their buffet spread, JP Teres concentrate solely only local delights.
I personally love this idea and believe that this is the direction that will help keep our traditional food culture in Malaysia alive. If you have friends from outside Malaysia and wish to bring them for some local cuisine in a classy place, JP Teres should be pretty high on the list.
dhal tadka, nasi, lamb curry, chicken tikka masala,
paneer makhani, bhindi, do pyaza, sambal, Â chicken curry
For the Balik Kampung buffet, there are hundreds of dishes to choose from.
Starting from the cold selection you'll find rojak buah, ulam-ulam, acar, kerabu daging, kerabu udang, kachumbar salad, tofu salad, and more.
To go with the ulam, there's sambal balacan, cincacluk, air asam, cili kicap, budu, sambal kelapa, and chutney. The only thing missing is tempoyak.
ikan bakar, roast lamb, otak otak, and freshly made pohpiah
Like most every respectable buffet for this holiday season, there's roast lamb. In addition to that, JP Teres also serve very delicious chicken rice (strongly recommend), freshly made pohpiah, ikan bakar, nasi briyani, satey ayam & daging, and even otak otak (which I don't quite recommend).
daging masak cili padi, labu masak lemak, ikan tenggiri masak tau choo,
meehun goreng, kepah berlada, sambal telur itik, sup ekor, bubur lambok
The main dishes here are separated into three sections – with Malay, Indian, and Chinese hot sections.
Here you find dishes such as ayam goreng berempah, ikan merah greng berlada, kepah masak lada hitam, sayur lodeh kering, ayam masak ros in Malay hot section.
Lamb curry, fish amritsary, chicken tikka masala, vindi do pyaza, dhal tadka, paneer makhani (this is a must try!), and nasi briyani can be expected from Indian hot section.
At the Chinese hot section, there's ayam mayonnaise with Thai sauce, ikan tenggiri masak tau choo, sotong masak oat, kailan ikan masin, meehun goreng, and so forth.
In addition, there's also a Tandoori station serving roti india, ayam tandoori, udang tandoori, shish kebabs, and talapia merah.
more dishes from Malay, Indian, and Chinese cuisine
Apart from the hot stations, there are a number of stalls located at both indoor and outdoor dining area at JP Teres that offers anything from lemang, ketupat, makanan laut, gulai kawah, asam laksa Johor, curry laksa, prawn mee, roti canai, yong tau foo, and even murtabak.
In fact, they cover most everything you can expect from local cuisine, with most of the dishes being of very high quality. IÂ enjoyed them.
there are also various cooking stations, including rojak buah at JP Teres
The dessert area is perhaps the only place where a few Western pastries and a few selection of Japanese mochee creep into this otherwise 100% local spread. There's Malay kuih, ais krim roti, fruits, Malay biscuits. roti jala, cendol pulut, sago gula Melaka, and more to be expected.
If you're looking for local delights in a classy place in town, this is definitely a place to check out.
JP Teres
Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
12 Jalan Pinang
50450 Kuala Lumpur
Tel:Â 03-2182 1234 ext. 2333


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e-Mtn Bike Tour, fun trails exploring a National Park
- Varaktighet: 2 Timmar (cirka)
- Plats: Tewantin, QLD
- Produktkod: P74JRS
We're so excited to be the first and only approved tour operator for eBikes on the legendary Noosa single-track (basically, the best tracks!!). The trails are graded like ski-runs, so we can pick the best tracks based on your experience and level of adrenaline. This tour suits those with a sense of adventure, ages from 11 to 65 and those who are comfortable riding bikes on loose terrain. If you're keen for a very gentle experience then we also run a scenic eBike tour through the Hinterland which is a very relaxed, cross country style of riding
With the National Park having 30kms of manicured mountain bike trails, we'll have a lot of fun and a few challenges thrown in to test your riding skills. You ride our state of the art, dual suspension e-powered mountain bikes. With these eBikes, we simply glide to the top of the trails so you can ride twice as far and enjoy twice as much. Get ready to zip up hills and cruise through bumpy terrain.
This 2.5 hr experience gives you a taste of what these bikes can do. We meet at the trails (10mins from Noosa), you're given a safety briefing and training on the bikes. Be lead by your guide through the best trails with a break for enjoying refreshments
- eMtn Bikes
- Helmets
- light refreshments
We also do Surf Lessons, Kayaking, Climbs, Brewery & Vineyard visits....so remember to check out our other day tours and hire options. There's something for everyone!


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Bill Gates last week ceded his title as Microsoft's largest individual shareholder to former CEO Steve Ballmer.
It was the first time in Microsoft's nearly 40 years that Gates, 58, was not the company's top shareholder.
Gates, who co-founded Microsoft in 1975, served as CEO until 2000 and only stepped down as chairman in February, sold a total of 7.85 million shares in transactions on April 29 and 30, according to documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Geekwire first reported on the investment milestone.
The sales generated $317.5 million before taxes, and reduced Gates' holdings to approximately 330.1 million shares. Ballmer currently owns about 333.3 million shares, a number that has stayed stable for several years.
Gates, on the other hand, has been selling an average of 80 million shares annually for the last decade in a long-standing plan to fund the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Gates has pledged to give away the bulk of his wealth.
If he continues his divestiture, Gates will sell an additional 12.15 million shares between now and June 30, the end of the current quarter, to make his usual 20 million shares per quarter mark. Gates will have exhausted his holdings by September 2018 unless he stops or slows his selling.
Gates' remaining shares were worth approximately $13.1 billion at Friday's closing price. His total wealth, however, has been pegged significantly higher: Forbes recently estimated Gates' net worth at $77.2 billion, making him the wealthiest person on the planet.
The abdication of his shareholder crown was the second major change for Gates in his relationship with Microsoft this year. On Feb. 4, the day Microsoft announced Satya Nadella as its new CEO, Gates vacated his role as chairman of the board to become a hands-on advisor to Nadella on technology and product selection decisions.
Gates remains a director on the board.
Gregg Keizer covers Microsoft, security issues, Apple, Web browsers and general technology breaking news for Computerworld. Follow Gregg on Twitter at @gkeizer, on Google+ or subscribe to Gregg's RSS feed . His email address is email@example.com.
See more by Gregg Keizer on Computerworld.com.


text: 2011 E92 M3 ( US Competition Package Debut in Geneva: Monte Carlo Blue) Okay, I've been waiting and waiting for the exact color, aerodynamic package, and factory performance options to finally make the BMW M3 the perfect car. The one revealed at the Geneva Motor Show for 2011 in "MONTE CARLO BLUE" for the US Market is exactly what I have been hoping and waiting for. I don't understand what motivates BMW to have this new Competition Package M3 make its public debut in a color that is "NOT AVAILABLE TO US MARKET". The Competition Package is exclusively for the US Market. So why show us a color we are not offered? Yet it is available on the hefty X5 M....(As If!!!) Cannot even be special ordered as an "BMW Individual" color. This color was available for the European market as advertised at the Frankfurt Auto Show on the M3 "Edition" model. Of course there's also the M3 GTS....Sorry America, not for you. As a long time BMW Enthusiast, I find myself growing weary and more frustrated with BMW's lack of offerings within the US. I've read enough internet heresay regarding a slate of new "M Exclusive" colors for the M3 and US Market beginning in August 2011 such as matte finishes in "FROZEN GREY", possibly "MONTE CARLO BLUE". Can anyone here validate any of this? It's reached the level of being a "deal breaker", perhaps just on principle. Not all of us in the US want big, High Performance SUV's.


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Travel Retail Reset Merchandiser - FT
Travel Retail Service Merchandiser is responsible for representing Acosta, our clients, and our customers by effectively working in teams to perform reset and remodel work including, but not limited to, reading and implementation of plan-o-grams, new item placement, void corrections, and special merchandising activity. Must be a self-starter, quick learner, has a strong attention to detail, and works well in a team environment.
The incumbent(s) in this position should exhibit the following Acosta values:
People Minded – Must show dignity and respect to all people
Integrity – Must exemplify the highest degree of ethical behavior
Results Oriented – Must show passion, pride and commitment to succeed
Trust – Must be honest, sincere and confident
Teamwork – Must build trusting relationships
Innovation – Must progress through a combination of creativity, common sense and vision
Balance – Must maintain an optimistic attitude and keep perspective on what is important in life.
Essential Functions:
Read and follow a plan-o-gram to effectively complete reset and remodel work. Have a working knowledge of merchandising and retail terminology
Perform duties such as moving and cleaning shelves, installing new racks and shelves, displaying merchandise properly, placing shelf strips and attaching tags properly, checking date codes and plan-o-gram integrity, and processing pack-outs, restocks and reorders as necessary
Partner with store personnel and co-workers to achieve and maintain merchandising excellence, discuss changes, and build an effective working relationship
Effectively and accurately prepare, process, submit, and manage documentation related to assigned reset and remodel work.
Perform job safely by demonstrating full awareness of his/her surroundings. Utilize proper safety techniques and equipment use when necessary. Be proactive in alerting management to any unsafe act or condition to prevent injuries
Understand and follow all Acosta Policies and standard operating procedures
Other duties as assigned.
Education Requirements:
High School Diploma/GED
Some experience may be substituted for some of the above education. Work Experience Requirements:
1+ year's Customer Service experience preferred. Prior sales agent, retail and reset responsibility experience preferred
Possess excellent organizational skills, strong communication skills and the ability to build relationships with business partners
Comfortable utilizing Technology (i.e., smartphones, computer, copier/fax, and handheld devices)
Strong demonstration of the following core competencies:
Quality Commitment Maintain quality standards that meet and/or exceed expectations
Detail Oriented Ensure work accuracy
Customer Service Provide a level of service to customer concerns.
Communication Skills Ability to communicate effectively. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Requirements:
Effective ability to work accurately with web-based applications to indicate work availability, check work assignments, accept work assignments, receive work documentation and information, record work start and completion times, record work mileage, record work expenses, record work time and attendance, and complete training activities
Must be willing and able to work in cold environmental conditions (i.e., refrigerated and freezer sections of retail stores) for limited periods of time
Must possess strong interpersonal, organizational, decision making and leadership skills. Must be able to read and communicate effectively with others
Must have a valid driver's license and be able to drive in a car for extended periods of time
Travel is required and could be up to 50%. Overnight stays and occasional weekend work would be required.Acosta Sales & Marketing is an Equal Opportunity Employer By submitting your application you agree with and accept the Acosta Privacy Statement and Terms of Conditions. US:http://acosta.jobs/privacy-policy-us/Canada:http://acosta.jobs/privacy-policy-ca/Acosta utilizes E-Verify for validatingthe ability to work in the United States for all job candidates. If you want more information on what this entails and your rights as a job applicant,pleaseusethe link providedto accessinformation onouruse of E-Verify and your right to work. Employer Resources (e-verify.gov)cant,pleaseusethe link providedto accessinformation onouruse of E-Verify and your right to work. Employer Resources (e-verify.gov)
Work State US-NC-Winston Salem
Job ID 2023-225889
Work City Winston Salem
Position Type Regular Full-Time
Work Zip 27106
Job Code AS0019
Category Field Jobs