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Press Releases
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Enter the Dragon at the National Waterfront Museum
Chinese New Year will soon be here and the National Waterfront Museum is once again helping the Swansea Chinese Community Centre with its exciting plans for the colourful celebrations.
Unseasonal wild flowers in Cardiff
This year's mild winter weather has allowed an amazing 63 wild flowers to be found in flower, which is much more than the normal average of 20-30 species. A wild flower hunt around Cardiff by Dr Tim Rich of Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales and Dr Sarah Whild of Birmingham University this week (January 2012) showed how warm the winter has been so far.
National Museum Cardiff marks 100 years of Scott expedition
The recent BBC series Frozen Planet transported us all to a world beyond imagination each week - the frozen wilderness of the polar regions. Exactly one hundred years ago, Captain Scott and his team were dragging their sledges across the Antarctic ice sheet towards the South Pole, having sailed from Cardiff eighteen months earlier. They were soon to discover that a Norwegian team had beaten them by a month.
A new exhibition at National Museum Cardiff this January marks the arrival of Scott's party at the South Pole on 17 January 1912. Supported by the United Kingdom Antarctic Heritage Trust, Captain Scott: South for Science is at National Museum Cardiff from Saturday 14 January – Sunday 13 May 2012.


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Have a number of their tops and jumpers and absolutely love them. Fit is so flattering and material super soft, and everybody comments on them. Can't fault at all
Roll back sleeves
A classic tee with a modern twist
Flattering Coverage!
Designed with a high-low raw edge hem, which looks great for those days you want to wear it loose & get a little more coverage at the back :)
Bought 2 of the new colors recently, the rose and teal. They are so comfortable I don't want to take them off.
The sayings are perfect and make great gifts
I have so many of the different messages now, i wear them to school (im a primary teacher) and we always have a class discussion about what they mean ... inspiring for all ages! thank you
Highly recommend this company, fast delivery, quality items and i like their ethical stance. I will be returning

subset: commoncrawl


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|« Charles Dufresne du Cange
|Duccio di Buoninsegna
|Philippine-Rose Duchesne »
Duccio di Buoninsegna
Duccio di Buoninsegna
Painter, and founder of the Sienese School, b. about 1255 or 1260, place not known; d. 3 August, 1319. About this time Siena was at the zenith of her political power. She had just defeated Florence on the field of Montaperti (4 September, 1260), and an era of marvellous development followed this conquest. Then was begun the huge task of building the cathedral, where, in 1266, was commenced the incomparable pulpit sculptured by Nicholas of Pisa, and it was under these flourishing conditions that Duccio received his artistic education. However, he owed nothing to the Gothic style nor to the naturalistic renaissance of Nicholas of Pisa: he allied himself exclusively with Byzantine tradition. Duccio has been called the "Last of the Greeks", and his genius consisted in giving exquisite expression to the refined sentiment of the masters of Byzantium, discovering its original meaning despite the barbarous, hideous imitations made by a degenerate school.
Duccio is first mentioned in 1278, when he was engaged upon minor work, such as painting the coffers of the archives and the tablettes (memorandum-books) of the Biccherna, one of them for the year 1293 now in the Industrial Museum of Berlin. But his great work at this time was the famous "Madonna de' Ruccellai" -- one of the most illustrious specimens of Italian painting -- preserved at Florence in a side-chapel of Santa Maria Novella and, on the authority of Vasari, so long considered one of Cimabue's master-pieces. But that the painting was Duccio's is now beyond question, as Milanesi has published the text of a contract drawn up for this picture, 15 April, 1285, between the artist and the rectors of the Confraternity of the Virgin. Although still hieratical and archaic, Duccio's "Madonna", when compared, for instance, with that of Guido of Siena, painted in 1221 and shown to-day in the Palazzo Pubblico of Siena, seems fully to deserve its celebrity.
But it was in 1311 that Duccio achieved his principal work, the glory of which is destined to remain traditional, the great reredos for the high altar of the Siena cathedral. This panel, removed in the fifteenth century, may now be seen in the museum of the Opera del Duomo. The day of its installation was observed as a public feast; shops were closed and bells were rung and the people of the city, carrying lighted candles, solemnly escorted the picture from the artist's residence at the Porta Stalloreggi to the cathedral. This painting was indeed a national masterpiece and in this regard is comparable only to the reredos by Van Eyck in Flemish painting. The two sides represent the two Testaments of the school. The back comprises twenty-six scenes from the life of Jesus between the entry into Jerusalem and the Ascension. The steps, now taken apart, were decorated with twenty other scenes representing Christ's childhood, and His miracles, and the life of the Virgin. In fact, the theme was the same as that treated by Giotto in 1305 in the Arena of Padua. But Duccio consulted Byzantine formularies only, and his compositions resemble the famous miniatures of the "Evangelistarium" of Rossano, or those of the great Benedictine school of Mont' Amiata. However, apart from his perfect taste in colour and in style, Duccio excelled in the essentially Greek elegance of his portrayal of ordinary life. He abounds in genre pictures as pure as some of the selections in the Anthology. The scene of "Peter before the High-Priest", the dialogue of the holy women with the angel at the Sepulchre, and the "Pilgrims of Emmaus" are models of poetic conception expressed in a familiar, true-to-life, lyric fashion. On the front of the great panel is the "Madonna Maestà" (Majesty), which is in reality the "Madonna de' Ruccellai" more amply, richly, and harmoniously developed. Never did Byzantine painting attain greater plasticity of expression. But here the form is animated by a new sentiment, a tenderness that manifests itself in the distich engraved on the step of the Virgin's throne: --
(Holy Mother of God, give peace unto Siena;
obtain for me that, as I have painted Thee so fair, I may live eternally.)
Duccio painted only frame (and panel) pictures and, without doubt, miniatures, and hence the oblivion into which he fell in a country where monumental painting alone is glorified. Nevertheless his is the first of the great names in Italian painting. He preceded Giotto by a score of years and had the honour of founding an original Sienese school at a time when there were as yet no painters in Florence: since, in 1285, it was to him that the Florentines had to have recourse. And the most magnificent work of the Sienese School, the "Maest..." by Simone di Martino, in the Palazzo Pubblico (1315) is but an enlargement of Duccio's. His type of beauty and his poetic ideal were indelibly impressed upon this charming school. Duccio seems to have been gay and light-hearted. In 1313 he was imprisoned for debt and at another time fined for refusing to mount guard. Some of his lesser works are preserved in various collections in the Siena Museum, the National Gallery, London, and at Windsor.
MILANESI, Documenti per la storia dell'arte senese (Siena, 1854), I; CROWE AND CAVALCASELLE, Storia della pittura in Italia (2nd ed., Florence, 1899), III; LANGTON DOUGLAS, History of Siena (London, 1902); VENTURI, Storia dell'arte Italiana (Milan, 1907), V; PERATÉ, Duccio in Gazette des Beaux-Arts (Feb. and Sept., 1893); LISINI, Notizie di Duccio pittore (Bollettino senese di storia patria, 1898); LANGTON DOUGLAS, Duccio in Monthly Review (Aug., 1903); RICHTER, Lectures on the National Gallery (London, 1898).
|« Charles Dufresne du Cange
|Duccio di Buoninsegna
|Philippine-Rose Duchesne »


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In a small bowl combine peanuts, cinnamon, and cayenne. Set aside.
Brush the inside of a medium sized heavy saucepan with vegetable oil. Add the sugar and water to the saucepan, cook over high heat, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until it comes to a boil. Stop stirring, cover and cook for 3 minutes. Uncover, reduce heat to medium, and cook until the sugar is a light amber color. Stir in peanuts. This will greatly reduce the temperature of the sugar so work quickly. Once evenly mixed, pour mixture onto a sheet pan lined with a silicone baking mat or buttered parchment paper. Using a buttered spatula, spread thin. You will have to work quickly when pouring out and spreading the mixture in the pan. If necessary, in order to achieve single layer of peanuts, top with second sheet pan whose underside has been buttered. Cool completely and then break into pieces.


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Deep Drawable Steels: Part One
Thermo-Mechanical Treatment (TMT) of Non-Ferrous Alloys: Part One
Material Console provides multiple functionalities to support more efficient, accurate and personalized material selection decisions.
Click here to see more.
Total Materia has allowed us to solve in a definite way all problems we had for the search of alternate materials in foreign countries. Thanks to Total Materia we have issued real "international" specs for purchase of steels in foreign countries.
Total Materia remains the only tool which will be used for this purpose.
Massimo Manfredini
Bonfiglioli Industrial Gearmotors, Bologna, Italy
Our mission is simple;to make Total Materiathe one-stop place andfirst choice of engineersworld wide.
Prof. Dr. Viktor Pocajt, CEOKey to Metals AG
Focus on grain refinement has continued to be a hot topic of material technology and as a known severe plastic deformation (SPD) technique, twist extrusion offers good potential.
Some key benefits of twist extrusion include being able to obtain ultra-fine grain crystalline and nano-crystalline structures and increased plasticity in the alloy.
In the recent years much attention has been paid to the development of ultra-fine grained and nanostructured materials due to their superior properties. Several severe plastic deformation (SPD) techniques have emerged in the recent years for producing ultra fine grained materials in bulk metals and alloys. Among the various SPD techniques, the Twist Extrusion process is used to produce grain refinement in bulk forms.
In comparison with ECAE, TE provides some benefits, such as the ability to extrude hollow parts and rectangular cross-sections. In addition, it is possible to produce more isotropic and homogeneous deformation, by turning the samples through 90° in each consecutive deformation or alternatively, make use of consecutive clockwise-anticlockwise twists. This feature is very important for electronic and magnetic materials. Therefore, the present work has been undertaken to develop fine grained aluminum alloys by twist extrusion process and to examine the microstructure and mechanical properties of twist extruded samples. TE can be applied for a wide range of materials such as Cu, Ti alloys, commercial purity aluminum, Al-Mg alloys, Al-Mg-Si alloys, and Al-Mg-Zn alloys.
This process uses extensive hydrostatic pressure to impose very high strain on bulk solids, producing exceptional grain refinement without introducing any significant change in overall dimensions of the sample. As the specimen is processed, it undergoes severe plastic deformation while maintaining its original cross section. The schematic sketch of twist extrusion process is shown in Figure X.
The twist extrusion principle consists in initiating intensive shear deformation by extruding a billet with rectangular cross section through a die with a twist channel. The channel shape and cross section does not change along the axis of extrusion, while the channel is twisted along this axis. The work-piece shape and cross section does not change as well, which allows repeated extrusion and thus an accumulation of plastic deformation.
The principle of twist extrusion (TE) is shown in Figure 1, in a special closed mold cavity with a helix angle β and a cross-sectional rotation angle α (the cross-section of the spiral channel is always orthogonally with the central axis and remains the unchanged same), shear plastic deformation in the metal billet is generated after twist deformation process, and a "cumulative" strain can be obtained after multi-passes twist extrusion deformation, so a new organization and performance enhancement can be acquired, too. Obviously, the twist rotation angle β and the cross-sectional rotation angle α determine the strength of the strong deformation caused by the twist extrusion (TE), and when the spiral channel length is constant, the twist angle α affects indirectly the helix angle β. Therefore, it is very important to determine and design the optimum twist angle α.
1. C. Sakthivel, V. S. Senthil kumar: Determination of hardness and microstructure during cross plastic flow evaluation on twist extrusion processes, IJESMR, International Journal of Engineering Sciences & Management Research, ICAMS: March 2017, ISSN 2349-6193, Accessed April 2018;
2. B. Srinivas, Ch. Srinivasu, Banda Mahesh, Md Aqheel: A Review on Severe Plastic Deformation, Advanced Materials Manufacturing & Characterization Vol 3 Issue 1 (2013), p.291-296, Accessed April 2018;
3. M.Greger: Advanced Forming Technologies, Subject number: 633-0807, VŠB – Technical University of Ostrava Faculty of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering Department of Materials Forming, Ostrava 2016, Accessed April 2018;
4. Y. Li, Y-zhi Li: Densification Optimized Design for CuZnAl Sintered Powders by Different Twist Angle During Twist Extrusion Process by Numerical Method, 2017 3rd International Conference on Electronic Information Technology and Intellectualization (ICEITI 2017), p.459-464, ISBN: 978-1-60595-512-4;
5. Twist Extrusion, Accesseed April 2018.
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Things in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture just feel big. The city isn't nearly as jam-packed as in Tokyo, but the automotive town's streets are wide and expansive (thank Toyota for that!). And the numerous cafes serve up generous portions that are known as "Nagoya sized" (名古屋サイズ).
But this sushi isn't Nagoya sized. It's utterly insane.
In the nearby Aichi Prefecture city of Anjo, sushi restaurant Umewaka is famous for its jumbo-sized sushi. There's the restaurant's large-sized anago (conger eel) sushi that doesn't use slices of eel—it uses several whole fillets. This "astonishing anago" is priced at ¥2,620 (US$33), according to Eatravel Blog.
The huge sushi insanity doesn't stop there. There's also a "huge sushi roll" that, as Japan Sugoi points out, is stuffed with twenty types of raw seafood and rolled up in a two-meter bed of rice and seaweed. The whole thing weighs nearly six kilograms.
Those interested in the huge sushi roll must reserve it two days in advance—and shell out ¥15,000 ($190).
Because of these ridiculously large servings, Umewaka has appeared on Japanese television several times, so the entire nation can stare at their TV and go, "What the..."
Within the last decade, bonkers-sized food has become increasingly popular in Japan. While Japanese portions have gotten larger when compared to the past and while waistlines have stretched, Japanese portions are still smaller than their American counterparts.
In Japanese food culture, you are expected to clean your plate, and not be wasteful, which makes eating these huge portions difficult. There's a stunt aspect to some of the jumbo-sized meals, such as the recently launched big burger deal at Lotteria as well as the Mega Mac McDonald's burger a few years back.
Umewaka's ginormous rolled sushi (above, image courtesy of Tabelog) would most likely be shared with others, but I can see someone trying to tackle the astonishing anago alone, out of sheer gastro gall.
Still, American sized (アメリカンサイズ) is still the benchmark for big in Japan—except for sushi, where "Nagoya sized" rules.
(Top photo: Eatravel Blog)
Kotaku East is your slice of Asian internet culture, bringing you the latest talking points from Japan, Korea, China and beyond. Tune in every morning from 4am to 8am.


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|What is backflow?
|Backflow is the reverse of the normal flow of water. There are two types of backflow: back-siphonage and backpressure.
|What is back-siphonage?
|Back-siphonage is a reverse flow of liquid caused by a partial vacuum in the potable water distribution system. This is a condition that occurs when the supply pressure drops below atmospheric pressure.
|What is backpressure?
|Backpressure is a condition in which the pressure in a non-potable system is greater than the pressure in the potable water distribution system. Superior pressure will cause non-potable liquids to flow into the potable water distribution system through cross-connections.
|What is a backflow prevention assembly?
|A backflow prevention assembly is an approved, testable assembly which uses valves, in different configurations, to prevent potential contaminates from flowing into the potable water system.
|What assemblies are approved for installation in the City of Lynchburg?
|Air Gap Reduced Pressure Principle Assembly (RPZ) Reduced Pressure Detector Assembly (RPDA)
|How do I know if I need a backflow prevention assembly?
|A City of Lynchburg Compliance Specialist will inspect each building for cross connections and existing backflow assemblies. The Compliance Specialist will mail a "Notice of Compliance or Non-Compliance" letter. This letter will outline the actions you will need to take.
|Where should a backflow prevention assembly be located?
|The backflow prevention assembly must be located as close as possible to the potable water service connection, but it must remain on private property.
|How is an assembly approved?
|An approved backflow prevention assembly has gone through an approval process at the Foundation for Hydraulic Research and Cross-Connection Control at the University of Southern California. This is a two-step process of laboratory tests and a twelve-month field test. Only assemblies successfully completing the entire testing procedure are recognized by the City of Lynchburg as approved backflow prevention assemblies.
|Why do backflow prevention assemblies have to be in a heated enclosure?
|A backflow prevention assembly has to be in a heated enclosure because of freezing temperatures and protection against vandalism. RPZs have to be installed above ground because of the relief port and must be heated in the winter to keep the assembly from freezing and failing to function properly.
|Why do backflow prevention assemblies have to be tested periodically?
|Mechanical backflow prevention assemblies have internal seals, springs, and moving parts that are subject to fouling, wear or fatigue. All backflow prevention assemblies have to be tested periodically to ensure that they are functioning properly. A certified tester with properly calibrated gauge equipment would perform this test.
|What if my backflow prevention assembly is leaking?
|It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure that the backflow prevention assembly is in proper operating condition at all times. If you discover your backflow prevention assembly is leaking it is your responsibility to call a certified tester to repair the assembly as soon as possible.
|Who is responsible for the testing and maintenance of the backflow prevention assembly?
|Backflow assemblies must be tested when they are installed and at least annually. The City of Lynchburg sends notices to customers reminding them when the annual test is due. The customer must contact a certified tester from the City of Lynchburg's tester list to perform the test. The test must be submitted to the Department of Water Resources. If the repair work or maintenance is performed on a backflow prevention assembly, a certified tester must retest the assembly immediately after repairs and submit test reports to the Department of Water Resources.
|Who should I contact for more information?
|The City of Lynchburg, Department of Water Resources will be happy to answer your questions. Please feel free to call 434-455-4261 to speak with the Compliance Specialist.


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Mathias Chirombo, Zimbabwe
Medium : oil, boiled linseed oil and liquin on canvas
Size : 160cm X 90cm
Unique piece
This series of paintings explores the deep relation and spiritual interaction between humans, nature and the ancestors. The ancestors live on in animals, plants, trees and water. In this way, the family tree is not limited physically to the human form, but is prolonged by animal and spirit forms, known as totems in modern psychology.
Ships in a tube
This item will arrive rolled in a dent-resistant tube.This method is especially safe for oversized works, and provides lower shipping costs as well. Rolled works can be easily stretched (for canvas works, i.e. placed onto wooden stretcher bars) and/or framed by a local framer upon arrival. Upon immediate delivery, we highly recommend you send any works on paper directly to your framer for cautious, professional unrolling of the artwork.
Once you have received your artwork, you have 14 days to return it to us for a full refund if you are not happy with it. Please note that the work must be returned in its original condition and in its original packaging. You are responsible for the cost of the return shipment, and we reccomend that you use a tracked and signed for service. If your work has been damaged during transit then please contact us via the contact page and we will help get to the bottom of it with you.
Keywords :
African Art, South African Art, Art Work From Africa, Artists From Africa, Original Art From Africa, African Original Art, African Original, Contemporary African Art, Emerging Artists From Africa, Contemporary African Artists, Sacred Art, Spiritual Art


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By BRADY McCOMBS, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A federal judge struck down Utah's same-sex marriage ban Friday in a decision that brings a nationwide shift toward allowing gay marriage to a conservative state where the Mormon church has long been against it.
The Salt Lake County clerk's office started issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Deputy Clerk Dahnelle Burton-Lee said the district attorney authorized her office to begin issuing the licenses but she couldn't immediately say how many have been issued so far.
Just hours earlier, U.S. District Judge Robert J. Shelby issued a 53-page ruling saying Utah's law passed by voters in 2004 violates gay and lesbian couples' rights to due process and equal protection under the 14th Amendment.
Shelby said the state failed to show that allowing same-sex marriages would affect opposite-sex marriages in any way.
"In the absence of such evidence, the State's unsupported fears and speculations are insufficient to justify the State's refusal to dignify the family relationships of its gay and lesbian citizens," Shelby wrote.
The Utah attorney general's office said it would issue a statement on the ruling later.
The ruling comes the same week New Mexico's highest court legalized gay marriage after declaring it unconstitutional to deny marriage licenses to same-sex couples. A new law passed in Hawaii last month now allows gay couples to marry there.
During a nearly four-hour hearing earlier this month in Salt Lake City, attorneys for the state argued that Utah's law promotes the state's interest in "responsible procreation" and the "optimal mode of child-rearing." They also asserted it's not the courts' role to determine how a state defines marriage, and that the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling last summer that struck down part of the Defense of Marriage Act doesn't give same-sex couples the universal right to marry.
Utah's lawsuit was brought by three gay and lesbian couples. One of the couples was legally married in Iowa and just wants that license recognized in Utah.
One of those couples, Moudi Sbeity and Derek Kitchen, were roasting eggplants for a farmer's market tomorrow when their lawyer, Peggy Tomsic, called them with the big news.
"We had a positive feeling after the hearing on Dec. 4, but it's still a surprise to hear it," Sbeity said. "We're excited and happy and hopeful to see what happens what next."
The couple, which owns a company that makes Middle Eastern food spreads and sells them to supermarkets, won't be getting married right away. They want to see if the state appeals.
Another of the couples, Laurie Wood and Kody Partridge, said they were elated.
"I'm just kind of in shock. My brother called and said, 'When are you getting married?" said Wood, 58, an English professor Utah Valley University.
Many similar challenges to same-sex marriage bans are pending in other states, but the Utah case has been closely watched because of the state's history of staunch opposition to gay marriage as the home of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The church said in a statement Friday that it stands by its support for "traditional marriage."
"We continue to believe that voters in Utah did the right thing by providing clear direction in the state constitution that marriage should be between a man and a woman, and we are hopeful that this view will be validated by a higher court," the church said.
Tomsic applauded Shelby's courage in making the ruling but warned that the legal fight is not over, saying she expects the state to take the case to the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
During this month's hearing, Tomsic contended marriage is a fundamental right protected by the U.S. Constitution. She said the case embodies the civil rights movement of our time, saying discrimination has gone on long enough.
She said Utah's law, which passed with two-thirds of the vote, is "based on prejudice and bias that is religiously grounded in this state."
In the ruling, Shelby wrote that the right to marry is a fundamental right protected by the U.S. Constitution.
"These rights would be meaningless if the Constitution did not also prevent the government from interfering with the intensely personal choices an individual makes when that person decides to make a solemn commitment to another human being," Shelby wrote.
Follow Brady McCombs at https://twitter.com/BradyMcCombs . Associated Press writer Paul Foy contributed to this report.


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Cutting out the middleman may increase the value of our charitable donations.
Most savvy charity "shoppers" have learned that a little homework is required to ensure their donations are most effectively deployed in a world of need. That means that a quick visit to a vetting service such as Charity Navigator or Givewell.org is a must to verify that an agency is not squandering donations on administrative costs, bloated salaries for upper management, or jaw-dropping fund-raising expenses. The real-world effectiveness of a charity, of course, should also be part of a donor's due diligence.
But what about finding a way to engage directly with the ultimate recipient of charitable donations, for instance, a subsistence farmer in the developing world? Individual donors in the West have been trained to accept a charity model whereby our giving is first filtered through the hands of global enterprises with vast service staff and infrastructure. The charities put together programs on behalf of the poor, often deciding what they need and what form that assistance should take.
But what about a poor father who is not interested in joining the latest export commodity food co-op, but who could really use a new roof for his home or a cow to provide milk for his family? Or a mother who wants money to start her own small business or buy school uniforms for her children? What if the global poor themselves know what they need and how best they would benefit from donations from the so-called First World?
That's the premise behind GiveDirectly.org, a unique web-based charity. Today GiveDirectly works exclusively in Kenya, but its founders say they hope to expand to other developing nations. The service assures that 90 percent of donations go straight to families in Kenya with no strings attached. While many other agencies describe their services as direct charitable giving, offering donors opportunities to build a well for a poor family or buy a goat or cow, they are still maintaining a filter between donor and client and deciding what the client needs.
GiveDirectly's administrators take only a small percentage of donations to maintain their web infrastructure and the small staff in Kenya who verify the eligibility of families on the receiving end and find out how they've spent the money. All of these transactions are conducted through the magic of the Internet and use a technology which has become a revolutionary tool worldwide: the cell phone.
Many people in Kenya, even among the poorest, already use cell phones since they represent the cheapest and most reliable form of personal communication. But even families that don't have phones can open accounts with a local provider to accept donations from GiveDirectly.org via a SIM card. A $1,000 donation from North Carolina would be saved on a SIM card account, for example, and recipients in Kenya would be able to access the donation in staggered $200 increments.
What they do with that money then is completely up to them. Such unconditional cash transfers require a great leap of faith on the donor's part, but they open up a whole new world of possibilities for effecting social change. So far results have been promising, with little indication that such donations are being used recklessly.
No one would argue that in many instances the layer of agronomists, economists, technicians, and others play an important role in responding to human need. Long-term progress, after all, cannot be achieved merely at the individual level; systems and structures must also be amended to have a meaningful impact on persisting poverty. But it is also true that the specialist class can prove an obstacle in its own right, acting as self-appointed mediators for the actual people in the developing world in a manner that can at times obliterate their voices.
The direct-giving model restores immediacy to modes of international giving, offering a unique opportunity for the creation of a relationship that the church has long advocated as essential to authentic development.
This article appeared in the May 2013 issue of U.S. Catholic (Vol. 78, No. 5, page 39).
Image: iStock/Sharon Meredith


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Apple's iPhone is perhaps not the ideal platform for playing on with its small screen but its ubiquity and its touch screen ensure there is plenty of interest in internet clients, AI based games and its use as a study tool. All apps developed for the iPhone or iPod Touch can also be played on the iPad, but there are also apps written specifically for the iPad.
|Table of contents
App Store
There is a growing number of go applications available from the App Store. You can't notice every new go app release and it is possible that some go apps are not available in your country. Therefore it isn't possible to list them all on this page, but here are some of them.
Free applications
- Tsumego(life and death) - ( iTunes link)is an app with life and death problems. Over 3500 Problems, Free.
- Tsumego Pro - 6 daily problems, and several free problem packs. Additional packs can be bought for a low price ( iTunes link).
- Go Problems: The goproblems.com app. Comes with several hundred free problems, with additional problem sets available for purchase. Native to both iPad and iPod, and available in app store.
- Panda-Tetsuki: An IGS client and game recording app that allows email sending of games.( Web Site / iTunes)
- Tygem - Tygem for iPad client. Lot of strong players and pro. ( iTunes link)
- OroBaduk - iPad & iPhone client for playing on CyberOro. Korean only. Lot of strong players and pro games. ( iTunes link)
- WBaduk - iPad & iPhone client for playing on WBaduk, It is english version of OroBaduk(aka Cyberoro). Lot of strong players and pro games. ( iPad client - iTunes link), ( iPhone client - iTunes link)
- CleverGo-FREE?: Play Go on the way! Carry professional Go game in your iPhone, and take advantage of your spare minutes or hours to study Go. There is also a -FULL commercional app( Web Site /)
- Dragon Go Client: A client for Dragon Go Server. ( Web Site / iTunes)
- GNU Go: An open source program to play against the classic GNU Go engine. Feel free to help for futher development.( Web Site / iTunes). Update 27 May 2009 - Apple have decided that the GNU licence is incompatible with distribution through the App store ( The Register)
- IT IGO Free By MAGNOLIA: A free limited version of IT IGO by the same company. This is a go playing program with a reasonably good AI on 9x9 (around 4k on ipod touch 4g). It also has the capability of indicating joseki moves during the game. iTunes
- SmartGo Books: Go bookstore & reader for iOS. The app and a sample chapter of each book are free. All diagrams are interactive, and allow you to play through whole variations.
- Stones: seems to be available no more. A go board to play against a friend sitting next to you.( Web Site / iTunes)
- TRUE.Baduk Lite: A go board to play against a friend sitting next to you.( iTunes)
- Little Go: Free and open source. You can play against another human (on the same device), or against the computer. The computer player is powered by Fuego. ( iTunes)
- joygo: AI opponent and game library (30,000 games). Also seems to have the ability to watch live Pro games. ( iTunes
- Nihon Ki-in Tsumego Master: problem collections of various difficulties. Additional problems can be purchased in-app in sets of about 50 for between $0.99 and $2.99.
- Go Star: Free edition with selected features from "Go Eye". Support browsing of live go games, and Go Seigen's complete work. All in-app purchases free presently. ( iTunes)
Commercial applications
- Aya Go?: A program to play against the computer or a friend. Based on international Gold-Medalist Go Engine made by Hiroshi Yamashita. 7,99. ( iTunes)
- Baduk Cap: Lets you take a photo of your board position and generate an SGF file out of it, which can be copied to the clipboard, sent via email or opened in other applications like EasyGo or SmartGo Kifu. Supports flexible corner size for problem capture from books. Automatic scoring (In-App Purchase) to determine the result of a game. Live Capture of games by installing an iPhone above the board (In-App Purchase).( iTunes)
- BadukPop has Tsumego practice, AI opponents, online play, and interactive lessons. Free, with some limits on daily play (optional subscription removes all limits). Available for iOS and Android.
- Boardz?: A general purpose application that lets you play Go in several different ways - using iPhone or iPad. Play against other users in a turn-based fashion, or live if both players are online. Play the computer, or use the iPad/iPhone as a gaming board. 1.99$ ( Web Site / iTunes)
- Crazy Stone is sold as Champion Go ( iTunes)
- EasyGo: A newly released app for iphone/ipad to practice go problems (2368 problems bundled, extensive variations), and also act as a SGF editor which displays variation tree, easy import/export sgf/zip files. $11.99( iTunes, Web sites). Free version also available.
- Go Eye: SGF/UGF SGF viewer/editor, with access to the online go4go.net pro game db and an online (complete) Go Seigen game collection. Web integration, image recognition (best suited for book diagrams automatically, as well as for real game boards with some human assistant to select 4 corners) and more features. Includes a special view when AirPlay? mirroring from your Airplay mirroring capable device (iPhone 4+ or iPad2+ with iOS version at least 6) to an AppleTV. Home page: http://goeye-app.com) ( iTunes)
- GO! (wéiqí): A program to play against the computer or a friend. (Strength ?). Currently 1,59 / was free : price is changing twice a month. ( Web Site / --( iTunes))-- No longer available
- Go Touch?: A program to play against the computer or a friend. (Strength ?). Based on weak, but fast responsive engine. 0,79. ( Web Site / iTunes)
- GoGrinder: For practicing Go problems. Includes 497 problems in two sets - one suitable for beginners, and one for players around dan level. Allows you to easily add your own sets of problems. Rotates problems and swaps colors randomly to encourage learning key shapes instead of memorizing problems. $2.99
- Go Timer: The Go Timer application uses the iPhone as a timer to play Go ( iTunes)
- Go Toucher: ( iTunes)
- igo: A program to play against the computer or a friend. (Strength ?). 2,39. ( Web Site / iTunes) (note: not available from iTunes store as of July 13 2011)
- Igowin: A new Igowin implementation that uses the full strength of the Many Faces of Go engine. Plays even games from 22 kyu to 2 dan. Tracks your rating. Adjusts rapidly to you rating when you start playing. 9x9 only. 2.39. ( Web Site / iTunes)
- IT IGO?: The program has been based on computer Go won consecutive world championships, has achieved a balance of strength and speed. In addition, iPhone will be in 19 normal route, but I also hit a rock hard, this software is to expand the board with one tap of the second time, beating on the screen to expand its打Temasu easier. In addition, graphics and beautiful, such as during a game and turn off the menu display, and also paid attention to the beauty of appearance. ( WebSite)2,69
- Master of Go: A collection of 1100 tsumego problems. Four levels of difficulty (easy, normal, hard, very hard). ( Developer webpage), ( iTunes link)
- Magic Baduk Go? Tesuji & Tsumego problems collection. 300 beginning level, 300 intermediate level, 300 advanced level, 250 expert level life and death (tsumego) problems, 300 tesuji problems. A total of 1,450 problems in all. { iTunes Link)
- SmartGo Pro: A complete study application with 22 000 + pro-games and game recording app that allows email sending of games and importing your own games. Included are 2000+ problems and 30 annotaded pro games as an introduction to book view mode which you can find in SmartGo Books app. Book view is available for every game ni this app, but it is especially useful in annotaded games.. 10,49. ( Web Site / iTunes)
- Qipan? is a SGF reader for iPhone and iPad. Support multi-language (CJK/English/Unicode) file decoding - Access SGF files via Dropbox (inside Apps/Qipan folder) - Access SGF files via iTunes Files Sharing - Support both iPhone and iPad - Support both portrait and landscape modes ( iTunes)
- SmartGo: A program to play against the computer or a friend. Based on Monte Carlo engine. Changes handicap to keep game challenging. Tracks progress per user on 9x9, 11x11, and 13x13. Allows play on 19x19. 2,39. ( Web Site / iTunes)
- SmartGo Kifu - an iPad version of SmartGo Pro. Over 22 000 pro games, 2000 tsumego problems. You can record and edit with variations your own games and/or play with AI, send and import games from different sources. You also get 30 annotaded pro games as an introduction to book view mode which you can find in SmartGo Books app. Book view is available for every game in this app, but it is especially useful for annotated games. iTunes Link
- SmartGo 9x9?: Like SmartGo, but limited to a 9x9 board. Ideal for beginners to learn the game thanks to step-by-step tutorial with over 100 problems. 0,79. ( Web Site / iTunes)
- 围棋死活题 : A program to manage collections of Go problems, in Chinese. It is not clear whether which collections, if any, is included. 0,79. ( Web Site / iTunes)
- TRUE.Baduk: A program to play against the computer or a friend. (Strength ?). 2,39. ( iTunes)
Web Applications
Rather than produce special programs, a number of websites have been created for the iPhone. Examples are a version of Kogo at http://eidogo.com/, and the go playing client iShudan at http://code.google.com/p/ishudan/.
Little Golem has optimized pages for playing from iPhone - http://www.littlegolem.net/jsp/blog/blog.jsp?blogid=6
There is also a www server which works very nice on iPhone & iPad: http://eurogoserver.com/. The downside of this project is that there are no players available, and if you want to play there you should ask someone to log in there - so it is good for friendly sparring.
Server Clients
Playing on IGS, Tygem, WBaduk / CyberOro, KGS, or DGS natively on the iPhone & iPad - details
- For WBaduk - you can use iPad & iPhone client. It is english version of OroBaduk(aka Cyberoro) ( iPad client - iTunes link), ( iPhone client - iTunes link)
- For CyberOro you can use OroBaduk app - iPad & iPhone client. Korean only. ( iPad iTunes link) ( iPhone iTunes link)
- For Tygem - Tygem app only for iPad. ( iTunes link)
- For IGS you can use Panda-Tetsuki. This app supports watching and playing on all common board sizes. It works on Wi-Fi & over the air (3G/Edge/GPRS) but it might not work on 3G/Edge/GPRS if your mobile carrier blocks some ports (try to change server port from 6969 to 7777).
- For DGS you can use iPhone - Dragon Go Client.
KGS was an unlikely option for a long time since William Shubert generally discouraged clients other than CGoban. William stated that he won't start developing an iPhone version of CGoban until iPhone supports Java applications. Apple has no plan to add Java support, and it is unlikely they will ever support it. Yet, on Lifein19x19 William Shubert stated in September 2011 that his next big project is an HTML client for KGS. This kind of client would work in Mobile Safari on the iPhone. However, no time was specified by wms, and we should assume it will be quite a while. UPDATE: Shubert first open sourced the KGS API and then sold KGS to the American Go Foundation, a move that led to the development of at least two web apps. One is Shin KGS and there is also an app on Chrome.
Currently jailbroken iPhones can install java, however there are issues with the implementation of classpath.
The author of SmartGo has explained in a topic on godiscussions forum that the first version of SmartGo for iPhone does not include an IGS client. More than a year later, there is still no plan for an IGS client in SmartGo for iPhone. Maybe Tetsuki made the author of SmartGo refrain from including an IGS client.
Playing on KGS directly on the iPad and iPhone
After a long wait, KGS finally became available through web clients in 2017.
- Shin KGS. Shin KGS is hosted on the official KGS site, following the change of the server's ownership in 2017. It works like a charm. It is also open source and there is currently active development and feature improvement.
Previously it was only possible to play on KGS indirectly (even if the interface could be difficult to use) over VNC through your home machine. This is accomplished by connecting with one of the VNC clients available on App Store.
A configuration example (this is just an example, there might be a better and/or cheaper options for your platform):
- TightVNC (Open Source and Free Software) on my OpenBSD-server. Could as well be running on any normal Windows PC connected to the Internet with the VNC port open/port forwarding enabled in your firewall. (More info on http://www.portforward.com/.)
- Jaadu on the iPhone.
- AlwaysOnPC app. You don't need to have your home computer turned on to play on KGS. There is AlwaysOnPC app. It works like mentioned above but you are connecting to external Linux based desktop with Java&Flash installed. It is far better than using your home computer and leaving it turned on while you are out. Also you get there 2GB of space for your own. I suggest to try out a free desktop client to verify and decide if this is ok for you before you pay for the app.
This way you also get disconnect redundancy since even if your iPhone get temporarily disconnected, you can still just reconnect and CGoban will have continued running as if you had just walked away from the keyboard.
Performance and response over 3G/Wi-Fi is perfect and snappy, but of course depends on your home connection. When running over Edge it's not equally quick, but still perfectly playable.
To download this wallpaper, right-click on the image and save it on your computer.
Mac & iPhone Go Introduction
Article on Macworld, http://www.macworld.com/article/139725/2009/03/go.html.
From a discussion attached to this page:
Found this on the store, a collection of life and death problems. I don't feel comfortable adding to the wiki, as I don't read Chinese characters well enough to know exactly what this program *does*, but perhaps someone more talented than me could link through?
This is a different piece of software that the iGo already listed.
from a post in rgg Here are some Go Apps compatible with iPod touch and iPhone. I stopped at page 94. There is 131 pages of games to browse. Now some of these apps are free, some aren't. Enjoy.
- http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/five-stones-gomoku/id343295091?mt=8
- http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id342851308?mt=8
- http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id341684579?mt=8
- http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/go-timer/id335976154?mt=8
- http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id335498332?mt=8
- http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/smartgo-9x9/id332157192?mt=8
- http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/igowin-joseki/id332467386?mt=8
- http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/igowin-tutor/id331538702?mt=8
- http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/igowin/id330929178?mt=8
- http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/igomoku-pro/id330204388?mt=8
- http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/im-gomoku/id323455279?mt=8
- http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/niren-go/id325325120?mt=8
- http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/goban/id324517313?mt=8
- http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/weigo/id323495993?mt=8
- http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/it-igo/id321479037?mt=8
- http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/joseki/id320600958?mt=8
- http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/aya-go-lite/id318804832?mt=8
- http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/go-red/id318549199?mt=8
- http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/gobang-master-free/id315221582?mt=8
- http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/smartgo/id314506629?mt=8
- http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id311468215?mt=8
SB: I think iGameClock by Khoi Hong / Mai9 is worth mentioning here. Timer for go, including Japanese Byoyomi, Canadian Overtime, Sudden Death. Lots of features, full timer settings, including automatic numbering of moves and sound on/off. Free version, very usable. Search in iTunes Store.
GOing2: SBs comment about the game clock got me searching. After some short testing, Id say that Simply Go Clock by Yuh-Rong Chen is a good game clock.


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It would be good to discuss how Energy Star compares appliances across categories. For instance, which is more energy efficient: a 20 cu ft refrigerator with an Energy Star rating, or a 14 cu ft refrigerator without an Energy Star rating? The latter might use less electricity, because it's cooling a smaller area, even though it doesn't have the ES rating. Also, a chest freezer is almost always more efficient than an upright freezer, with or without ES rating.
I'm reminded of the parallel with buying a hybrid vehicle. I can't afford a Prius, so my solution is to have a small car and to drive as little as possible. Energy Star is useful when comparing similar models of appliances, but it's not the only way to conserve energy.


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It Is Finished Even as It Begins
A new year begins today. It's another year to live and work and play, and to make resolutions to be better than last year. It's another year in which many will again strive to earn God's grace and their own salvation by singing in the choir, volunteering for the altar guild, giving to the poor, attending church or mass each week, or any number of other good deeds.
But why do we work so hard to add to what Jesus has already done? Why do we try to earn what has been given as a gift from God? On Calvary Hill Jesus said, "It is finished." John 19:30. Paul wrote that Jesus said to him, "My grace is sufficient for you." 2 Corinthians 12:9. There is nothing more that we can or need to do for our salvation.
Even the act of believing in Jesus, the ability to have faith in His saving grace, is a gift from God: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV).
So as you begin 2013, rest in the grace of Jesus assured of His mercy and your salvation.
Go forth and sing in the choir out of gratitude for what He has done, but do not fret if you miss a practice or are unable to sing for a Sunday service.
Help out with the altar guild to share the blessing of God's grace with others, but do not allow yourself to grow weary with the work.
Give to the poor out of thankfulness for the bounty God has bestowed on you, but do not give out of mere obligation and with resentment.
Attend church or mass because you desire to fellowship with God and other believers, and to worship the Lord in community, but not because you think you will lose points with God if you do not.
Perform good deeds as the Spirit leads, in the power of Jesus, so that God might be glorified, but don't be deceived into thinking such deeds are necessary for your salvation.
For centuries Satan has tried to strip the children of God of the peace of knowing His love and grace. The Accuser engenders fear and doubt in the minds of believers, trying to deceive us into believing that God hates us and requires us to pay for our own sins and earn our own salvation.
But God's Word is clear on this point: It is finished. The atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ is the embodiment of God's love and mercy; His grace is sufficient to cover every sin and grant us eternal life with Him. Nothing Satan says or does can change this truth.
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8.
3 Responses
Thank you so much for the blessing of this Good News. What a great way to go into the New Year, knowing He has done it all for us, so we can live thankful lives! God bless you and yours!
Deb, It is Good News, isn't it! The best news ever that Jesus loves us so much. 🙂 Peace, Linda


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Home Page Chess Life Online 2009 December Newsflash: Robson Wins Junior Closed
|Newsflash: Robson Wins Junior Closed
|July 16, 2009
|See the crosstable here (will be updated as games conclude) and check out CLO's report from yesterday , which included annotations by Ray and player bios.14-year-old IM Ray Robson of Florida won the U.S. Junior Closed (Milwaukee, WI, July 14-17) a full point ahead of the field with 6/7. This earns Ray a spot into the World Junior and the 2010 US Championships. Look for full story soon, including annotated games by Bercys, Banawa, Lenderman and our new Junior Champ Robson.


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BISMARCK, N.D. – For 75 years, science has been the cornerstone of Delta Waterfowl. Research shapes the conservation programs and management policies that help put more ducks in the air, year after year.
"It's been our history – research defines what we do," said Dr. Frank Rohwer, Delta Waterfowl's president. "Research drives us and our programs, and it should always drive wildlife management. We're committed to finding things that work."
From duck studies to hunter satisfaction to land management, Delta Waterfowl researchers employ cutting-edge technology and science to find the breakthroughs that will shape the future of waterfowl management.
Here are the research projects that Delta is currently working on or collaborating with partners to complete.
California Water Scarcity: California's water supply is highly controlled, leaving little for ducks and geese. As partners with University of California-Davis and the U.S. Geological Survey, this study probes how less water will affect wintering waterfowl populations and ultimately, could influence future water policies.
CRP and Landowner Attitudes: To the detriment of ducks, the Conservation Reserve Program is slowly disappearing, partly because of waning participation. This study will shed light on the views of farmers and ranchers, and how conservation management programs can be improved.
Predator Management: Results from 2012 demonstrated the effectiveness of predator management in the parklands of Manitoba and areas of low nesting cover in North Dakota – both known for chronically low nest success. This ongoing study continues to explore the effectiveness of trapping predators and their relationship with nesting ducks.
Mottled Duck Management: Mottled duck breeding success is low along the Gulf Coast – but not on manmade islands in Louisiana's Atchafalaya Basin. Delta researchers are studying predators and vegetation to learn why.
Pacific Flyway Mallards: The goal is to update data on where Pacific Flyway mallards breed and nest so future conservation and management efforts can strategically target specific habitat. Delta is partnering with Dr. Todd Arnold of the University of Minnesota.
Chesapeake Bay Phragmites: Phragmites compete against desirable native North American plants, negatively affecting wetlands and waterfowl. Delta is partnering with researchers at Utah State University to find out how to best manage these invasive species.
Wood Duck Harvest: When bag limits increase or decrease, what are the consequences on duck populations? This study in Nevada by Dr. Chris Nikolai monitors wood ducks as various hunting regulations are experimentally manipulated.
Winter Habitat and Breeding Ducks: In the 1980s, research found a relationship between winter habitat conditions in the lower Mississippi Valley, and breeding success the following spring. This study partners with researchers at the University of Georgia to update the data to see if the same patterns exist today.
ALUS Evaluation: Delta's Alternative Land Use Services has shown great promise as a means to conserve and enhance Canadian wetland habitat. Several ongoing evaluation projects will test effectiveness and landowner reaction.
Hunter Satisfaction: Why are duck hunters hanging up their waders for good? Luke LaBorde of Louisiana State University surveys waterfowlers in the Mississippi Flyway to shed some light on the problem.
Habitat and Nest Success: LSU student researcher Maria Bianco seeks to determine how proximity to roads, field edges, abandoned buildings, tree rows and wetlands affect duck nest hatching rates in North Dakota.
Duck Hunters' Thoughts: With the continual decline in waterfowl hunting participation, Delta Waterfowl is partnering with various entities to develop the capacity to assess hunter satisfaction annually.
For more information, contact John Devney at firstname.lastname@example.com; (888) 987-3695 Ext. 218 or Frank Rohwer at email@example.com.
Delta Waterfowl Foundation is a leading North American conservation organization, tracing its origins to the birth of the wildlife conservation movement in 1911. The Foundation supports research, provides leadership and offers science-based solutions to efficiently conserve waterfowl and secure the future of waterfowl hunting. Delta Waterfowl is based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and Bismarck, N.D.
Delta Waterfowl research spans North America
BISMARCK, N.D. – For 75 years, science has been the cornerstone of Delta Waterfowl. Research shapes the conservation programs and management policies that help put more ducks in the air, year after year.


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Galls and Quartermaster Merge to Create Leading Distributor and Marketer of Public Safety Products
LEXINGTON, Ky. & CERRITOS, Calif. -- Galls, LLC, a full service marketer and distributor of public safety, first responder and private security products, announced today that it has merged with Cerritos, California based Quartermaster, Inc. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Galls was acquired by New York-based private equity firm CI Capital Partners in September, 2011, as a platform investment in the public safety products market.
For over 37 years, Quartermaster has been a leading national multi-channel specialty distributor of public safety products. Its "head to toe" uniform and equipment solutions include duty gear, uniforms, casual duty and tactical apparel, footwear, and accessories. Quartermaster serves approximately 100,000 customers nationally ranging from private security, to federal, state and local law enforcement, to the U.S. Military. Quartermaster markets its products through a multi-channel selling strategy which includes dedicated salespeople, a highly efficient e-commerce platform, well-known seasonal product catalogs and four retail service center locations.
Bob San Julian, Chief Executive Officer of Galls said, "We are very excited to announce the merger of these two industry leaders. Quartermaster's large customer base will benefit from Galls' broad product offering, high level of customer service, and East Coast distribution capabilities. In turn, Quartermaster's highly recognizable private label brand, long-standing relationships with key suppliers, and established West Coast distribution presence will be instrumental as we compete for customers in the public safety products sector."
Jim Duncan, current Chief Executive Officer of Quartermaster, will become President of the combined company. Mr. Duncan commented, "Quartermaster has achieved tremendous success on its own since 1974. As we look toward our future growth, we realize that joining forces with Galls and forming a national distribution platform is the best means of serving our customers. Galls and Quartermaster share a commitment to the highest standards of quality and customer service, making Galls an ideal partner for us going forward."
"When we closed the acquisition of Galls last fall, it was our goal to build and position this business for long-term growth and profitability, both organically and through strategic acquisitions," said Thomas Ritchie, Managing Director at CI Capital Partners. "Quartermaster's strong brand recognition, marketing capabilities, and experienced sales organization make it an exceptional combination with the Galls platform."
PNC Business Credit, AEA Mezzanine and PennantPark Investment Corporation provided financing for the transaction.
Stephens Inc. acted as financial advisor to Quartermaster. Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP provided legal counsel to Quartermaster and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP provided legal counsel to Galls.
About Galls, LLC
Galls markets and distributes a wide variety of uniforms and professional gear for law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and others who ensure individuals' safety and security. Based in Lexington, KY, Galls serves more than one million customers per year, delivering to more than 100 countries. Learn more about Galls at www.galls.com.
About Quartermaster, Inc.
Quartermaster, Inc. markets and distributes uniforms and equipment to law enforcement, military, EMT, security and other public safety professionals, companies, organizations and government agencies, both domestic and international. Headquartered in Cerritos, CA, Quartermaster is the largest distributor to the private security industry and services 100,000 active customers. To learn more about Quartermaster, please visit www.qmuniforms.com.


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Google enhances encryption tech
By Eileen Sullivan for The Associated PressNews Data Security encryption google
Google has enhanced the encryption technology for its flagship email service in ways that will make it harder for the National Security Agency to intercept messages moving among the company's worldwide data centres.
Among the most extraordinary disclosures in documents leaked by former NSA systems analyst Edward Snowden were reports that the NSA had secretly tapped into the main communications links that connect Yahoo and Google data centres around the world.
Google, whose executive chairman, Eric Schmidt, said in November that he was outraged over the practice, didn't mention the NSA in Thursday's announcement, except in a veiled reference to "last summer's revelations." The change affects more than 425 million users of Google's Gmail service.
Yahoo has promised similar steps for its email service by this spring.
Google and other technology companies have been outspoken about the U.S. government's spy programs. The companies are worried more people will reduce their online activities if they believe almost everything they do is being monitored by the government. A decline in Internet use could hurt the companies financially by giving them fewer opportunities to show online ads and sell other services.
"Your email is important to you, and making sure it stays safe and always available is important to us," Nicolas Lidzborski, Gmail's security engineering lead, wrote in a blog post.
Lidzborski said that all Gmail messages a consumer sends or receives are now encrypted.
"This ensures that your messages are safe not only when they move between you and Gmail's servers, but also as they move between Google's data centres – something we made a top priority after last summer's revelations," Lidzborski wrote.
The NSA has said it only focuses on targets with foreign intelligence value.
A secret Jan. 9, 2013, accounting indicated that NSA sends millions of records every day from Yahoo and Google internal networks to data warehouses at the NSA's Fort Meade, Md., headquarters, according to documents released by Snowden and obtained by The Washington Post last year.
The NSA's principal tool to exploit the Google and Yahoo data links is a project called MUSCULAR, operated jointly with the agency's British counterpart, GCHQ. NSA and GCHQ are copying entire data flows across fiber-optic cables that carry information between the data centres of the Silicon Valley giants, the Post reported.
President Barack Obama has promised to consider changing some of the surveillance programs that Snowden disclosed. But the type of surveillance Google is trying to prevent by improving its encryption technology is not among the reforms Obama has discussed.
Google and other technology companies provide information to the NSA and other government agencies when required by a court order.
"Google is making it tougher for the government to spy on its customers without going through Google," said Chris Soghoian, a senior policy analyst at the American Civil Liberties Union.
"There are still ways for NSA to spy on the bad guys," Soghoian said. "But this will prevent them from spying on 500 million people at once."
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VIENNA (AFP) - Iran has begun installing next-generation equipment at one of its main nuclear plants, a new IAEA report said on Thursday, drawing condemnation from the United States (US), Britain and Israel five days before Iranian talks with world powers.
"On 6 February 2013, the Agency observed that Iran had started the installation of IR-2m centrifuges" at the Natanz plant, the International Atomic Energy Agency report said.
"This is the first time that centrifuges more advanced than the IR-1 have been installed" at the plant in central Iran, the United Nations (UN) atomic watchdog added.
One official said that Iran intended to install around 3,000 of the new centrifuges at Natanz - where around 12,500 of the older models are installed - enabling it to speed up the enrichment of uranium.
This process is at the heart of the international community's concerns about Iran's nuclear programme, since uranium enriched at high levels can be used in a nuclear weapon.
News of this advanced equipment drew an immediate reaction Thursday from Washington, which called it "yet another provocative step" by Iran.
The installation "would be a further escalation and a continuing violation of Iran's obligations under the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and IAEA board resolutions," US State Department spokesman Victoria Nuland said, noting however that the new centrifuges came as no surprise.
Britain expressed "serious concern" about the latest development, with Foreign Office minister Alistair Burt calling it "another signal that Iran has no intention of providing the necessary reassurance... that its nuclear programme is for purely peaceful purposes."
Israel, the Middle East's sole if undeclared nuclear-armed state that has refused to rule out bombing Iran, meanwhile warned that Teheran was "closer than ever" to achieving the amount of enriched uranium to make a nuclear bomb.
The report was "severe" and "proves Iran is continuing to rapidly advance to the red line" that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has set as the limit the international community must allow for Iran's uranium enrichment, Mr Netanyahu's office said.
"Preventing nuclear arms from Iran will be the first topic Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will discuss with US President Barack Obama," expected in Israel in March, it added.
Despite the developments at Natanz, the IAEA's quarterly report seen by AFP also noted that Iran has not started operating any new equipment at its Fordo plant.
Fordo is of more concern to the international community, since it is used to enrich uranium to fissile purities of 20 per cent and Natanz mostly to five per cent.
The ability to enrich to 20 per cent is technically speaking considerably closer to 90 per cent, the level needed for a nuclear weapon.
New attempt at talks
Iran has so far produced 280kg of 20-per cent uranium, of which around 110kg have been diverted to fuel production, the new report said.
Experts say that around 250kg are needed for one bomb, although creating a weapon requires several other steps and if Iran were to start further enriching to weapons-grade this would be detected by the IAEA.
Iran denies seeking atomic weapons but many in the international community suspect otherwise, and the UN Security Council has passed several resolutions calling on Iran to suspend all uranium enrichment.
The IAEA report came ahead of a new meeting between Iran and six world powers - the US, China, Russia, Britain, France and Germany - in Kazakhstan on Feb 26.
These will be the first talks between the parties since three rounds of meetings ended in stalemate in Moscow last June.
The so-called P5+1 called on Iran to suspend all 20-percent enrichment, shut down Fordo and export its 20-percent stockpile.
But they stopped short of offering Teheran substantial relief from UN Security Council and unilateral Western sanctions that last year began to cause major economic problems for the Persian Gulf country.
A Western diplomat said Wednesday that the P5+1 would come to Almaty with an offer containing "significant new elements".
Reports have said that the powers could ease sanctions on Iran's trade in gold and other precious metals.
On Thursday, Ms Nuland urged Iran to consider "another path" than the nuclear bomb.
"They have an opportunity to come to those talks ready to be serious, ready to allay the international community's concerns, and we hope they take that opportunity," she said.
Parallel efforts by the IAEA dating back more than a year to press Iran to grant it access to sites, documents and scientists involved in what the agency suspects were past efforts to develop nuclear weapons remain stalled.
The new report said that "although the (IAEA) board has adopted two resolutions addressing the urgent need to resolve outstanding issues regarding the Iranian nuclear programme, including those which need to be clarified to exclude the existence of possible military dimensions, it has not been possible to finalise the structured approach document or begin substantive work in this regard."
It added however that the Vienna-based IAEA's "commitment to continued dialogue is unwavering".
It said that Iran "has not fully implemented its binding obligations" and that this was "needed to establish international confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme".


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Outback Steakhouse to Pay $65,000 to Settle EEOC Disability Discrimination Lawsuit
Categories: EEOC, Human Resources, Polices & Proceedures
PHOENIX – Outback Steakhouse will pay $65,000 and furnish other relief to settle a disability discrimination lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the agency announced today.
The EEOC's lawsuit, EEOC v. OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC d/b/a Outback Steakhouse and OS Restaurant Services, Inc., Civil Action No. 2:11-cv-01754-NVW, charged Outback with firing server John Woods days after a new manager took over at Outback's Phoenix Metrocenter location. According to the EEOC's suit, John Woods had worked successfully under Outback's prior manager, but a new manager terminated Woods because of his disability, traumatic brain injury.
Disability discrimination violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The EEOC filed suit in U.S. District Court of Arizona after first attempting to reach a pre-litigation settlement through its conciliation process.
After the court denied Outback's motion for summary judgment, Outback agreed to a 24-month consent decree that requires the company to pay Woods $65,000; revise its policies concerning disability discrimination; train its Arizona managers on the laws prohibiting disability discrimination; and post notices in Arizona Outback Steakhouses regarding employees' rights under the ADA.
"Managers cannot fire employees because of their mistaken beliefs about what individuals with disabilities can accomplish," EEOC Phoenix District Director Rayford Irvin said. "We are pleased with the resolution of this case, and we are hopeful that this agreement will help prevent discrimination in the workplace going forward."
EEOC Phoenix District Trial Attorney Nancy Griffiths added, "John Woods worked tirelessly to be a good server after suffering a traumatic brain injury. The ADA prohibits employers like Outback from firing individuals like John who add so much to the workplace."
The EEOC's Phoenix District has jurisdiction over Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and part of New Mexico. The EEOC enforces federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. Further information about the EEOC is available on its web site at www.eeoc.gov.


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An Easy Guide To Online Football Betting
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I'michael going to suppose that you are a serious punter, and you often get football betting tips. Baseball betting methods can be very valuable when they're used the proper way. The issue is that some punters within their eagerness to make a profit never stop to problem exactly how baseball methods are devised.
Understand if you're getting information from some body that you're paying income to, you would like them to understand what they're doing. You want them to have your very best passions at heart and you only want them to provide you with football betting tips that'll allow you to produce a profit in the long run. If you're not paying to receive tips just however then there is one sound little bit of assistance I will offer you.
The baseball predictions industry is very cutthroat, and some unscrupulous persons can say whatsoever they need to in order to get one to signal on UFABETแทงบอลออนไลน์. They've to contend with lots of different betting costumes and they will offer unlikely winning rates and returns. Some of them might even give you bets that have perhaps not been well researched. You actually do not want this.
What you need is just a qualified baseball picks company that will just offer you strategies for activities wherever they've a decided edge. It doesn't matter what the side is or how it had been discovered. You merely need to know that they are just giving you bets that have a benefit, since this really is the only path to get at basketball in the extended run.
When an advantage is discovered, you are likely to win centered on exploiting that edge. The edge mightn't go far and it will need to be pounced on hard at the moment. Often the edge might last over a longer period of time wherever gains could be made. In any event so long as there's a benefit you can feel well in regards to the baseball betting tips you are receiving. In short, an edge provides up to long term profits.
It is sometimes far better simply question the betting outfits you are getting through which kind of sides do they on average come up with. Obviously they are perhaps not planning to give away their secrets, but they can at the very least offer you an idea. Underneath range is as it pertains to baseball betting tips; the most effective encouraged bets are those where a solid edge exists.


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Yao Lu Work from New Landscapes. "Rarely exhibited in the West, Chinese artist Yao Lu (b. 1967) documents his changing country in atmospheric works that look to the future through the lens of the past. In his first show in the U.S., Yao presented 16 photographs, most circular or rounded windowlike compositions floating on a […]
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Yao Lu
Monday, 26 July 2010


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Barry Coleman Moore
BERLIN – Barry Coleman Moore, 61, died Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2007 at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury.
Born May1, 1946 in Frankfort, Ky., he was the son of the late Coleman E. Moore and Margaret Wiley Moore. He is survived by his wife of 39 years Ann B. Moore; two daughters, M. Noel Moore of Baltimore, and Meredith E. Shue and her husband Anthony of Lancaster, Pa.; and one sister, Marcella F. Southworth and her husband Robert of Frankfort, Ky.
Moore was a graduate of Kentucky State University. He was employed by the Dunes Manor Hotel in Ocean City. He was a member of Stevenson United Methodist Church.
A memorial service was held. In Lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Stevenson United Methodist Church or Safra Family Lodge, National Institutes of Health, 1 Cloister Court, Suite 152, Bldg. 60, Bethesda, Md. 20814.
James Joseph Basilone, Sr.
BERLIN – James Joseph Basilone, Sr., 84, of Berlin died Saturday Oct. 6, 2007 at Atlantic General Hospital.
Born in Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Joseph Basilone and Josephine Gross Basilone. Basilone was a World war II veteran serving in the U.S. Navy. He was very involved in harness racing, competing at Ocean Downs, Rosecroft and many other tracks across the region. He loved boating, fishing and entertaining.
Basilone is survived by his wife, Charlotte V. Basilone; three sons, James Basilone Jr, and wife Cathy of Baltimore, Dennis Anthony Basilone and wife Diane of Baltimore and Richard R. Basilone and wife Kathy of Jerrettsville, Md.; and one brother, Bob Basilone and wife Shirley of Berlin, Md. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Lisa, Jaime, Ashley and Richard Basilone, and one great grandchild, Hunter Stamey.
A funeral service was held at the Burbage Funeral Home.
Eleanor Harman Connell
BERLIN – Eleanor Harman Connell, 78, died Monday, Oct. 8, surrounded by her family at her home in Ocean City.
Born in Greensboro, Md., she was the daughter of Delphin J. Harman and Elma Harman Overfield. She is survived by her beloved husband of 58 years, Norman R. Connell; a daughter, Linda Sue Greenfield and her husband Douglas of Manhasset, N.Y.; a son, Jeffrey N. Connell of Ocean Pines; and a sister, Doris Walls Rowlinson and her husband Ed of Dover and Lewes, Del. Connell was the adored grammy of Leah, Megan, Paige and Erin.
Connell was a member of the Ocean City Lioness Club, Atlantic United Methodist Church and a volunteer for the Opportunity Shop.
A memorial service celebrating her life will be held on Friday, Oct. 12 at 11 a.m. at Atlantic United Methodist Church in Ocean City. Rev. George Godfrey will officiate. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Coastal Hospice, PO Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21802; Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund, 1111 Stewart Ave, Bethpage, N.Y. 11714; or the American Cancer Society, c/o Gerri Harrison, 337 Winter Quarters Dr., Pocomoke City, Md. 21851. Arrangements are by the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.
Nadine Catherine Parks
BERLIN – Nadine Catherine Parks, age 80, died Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2007 at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin.
Born in Ocean City, she was the daughter of the late Joseph "Irish" and Emma Truitt Farrell. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard T. Parks, Jr. She is survived by four sons, Leonard T. Parks, III and his wife Sharon, Pat Parks and his wife Christine, Brynner D. Parks and his wife Jean and Gerald T. Parks and his wife Joanne; one daughter, Sheree P. Musson and her husband Mark; nine grandchildren, Michelle, Tommy, Christopher, Sean, Jason, Chad, Caroline, Paige and Chase; and three great grandchildren, Clayton, Brynner and Macy.
Parks was the owner of the Harbor Inn and was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary.
Friends may call at the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin on Friday, Oct. 12 from 2-3 p.m. where funeral services will begin at 3 p.m. The Rev. Gary Steger will officiate. Interment will be in Sunset Memorial Park.


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I was reading a first drive review of the new Maserati Quattroporte the other day on the website of something called Car and Driver. It's safe to say the new QP isn't as seductive-looking as the outgoing model, mostly because it's noticeably bigger and wider.
But the review took about a paragraph to take it to task for its Chrysler switchgear – the corporate window switches and touchscreen in particular.
We (mostly auto scribes, but I assume all car buyers) don't like our expensive, exotic machines being closely associated with lesser vehicles. It's viewed as cost-cutting, cheap and a sign that cars aren't as special as they once were thanks to giant corporate synergies. I remember pundits taking my Saab 900 to task because of its Opel switchgear, which basically boiled down to the "Sport" and "Winter" mode buttons on the automatic, the power mirror control, some trip computer graphics and the latch on the hatchback. Oh yeah, really noticeable stuff. The last 9-5 had a bunch of buttons from the Buick LaCrosse, and those actually felt nicer than the stuff in the 9-3. Sure it's less distinctive, but it worked a lot better.
Slightly peeved by how much C&D was digging into this issue of the Maser, I went down to my neighborhood Chrysler dealer and sat in a 300. I've been consistently impressed by the second-gen 300's interior, particularly the Luxury Series which is good for any car, not just a Chrysler or a $45,000 sedan. I examined the window switches closely and I'm sure sales staff thought I was on something. And you know, they're fairly nice pieces. They're chunky, solid, and feel rather German. That's more appropriate of something that costs as much as a Quattroporte, rather than pulling the switches from a Fiat 500, which they probably have done before.
As far as the touchscreen goes, I think it doesn't matter where they come from as long as they're easy to use. The UConnect system in the Dart is big and usable, unlike stuff that comes in BMWs, Fords, the old Quattroporte, etc. Does anyone bother to notice what Ferrari uses? It's the same nav system that comes in a Dodge Grand Caravan.
Mercedes-Benz makes a lot of cars, ranging from a $35,000 C-Class to big coupes and sports cars costing north of $200,000. As far as the switches go? Well, I checked out a brand new, $155,000 SL550 and it has the same audio buttons as a $40,000 GLK shopping cart. The seat and window controls may get a bit of silver paint, but they work and feel just the same as the ones in the GLK.
You'd think that Mercedes might consider changing up the switches in things like their SUVs versus their luxury roadsters. An SUV is more utilitarian, it befits larger, beefier switches that can be abused by fingers that might be covered in jam or glue or whatever comes attached to kids these days. By contrast, a luxury car should have switches that feel more special. That isn't quite the case in the Maserati, and it's not really the case in the SL.
The worst offense may come from Toyota. I haven't sat in a Toyota Venza in a long time, but I found one in a local Toyota showroom the other day. My God, what a disaster of thin plastics and "leather" appointments. This particular one had fake carbon fiber trim, too, and some of the most bizarre-feeling door panels. I took a good hard look at the window switches, though, which worked fine but weren't anything special. I had a hunch that they would show up in a Lexus model.
And sure enough, I got into a 2013 LS460 F Sport at the Lexus showroom and saw the exact same window switches as in the $30,000 Venza. They really do look out of place in an $86,000 Lexus, with no markings on the switches and a definite utilitarian feel. In fact, I'd argue they're worse than in the Chrysler. It's too bad, since the rest of the LS' interior is far removed from that crappy Venza's and it exudes some elegance and personality – odd, since I only remember LS interiors to be sterile.
So if someone's going to pick a bone with a Maserati with Chrysler switches, they need to take a look at what else is going on in car interiors and what $200,000 cars have buttons and touchscreens from much, much cheaper vehicles. Yes, it's a shame expensive exotics can't have the same special touches they once did and especially something you'd interact with on such a regular basis. But above all else, we should want switchgear that just works well.
Photo: Maserati