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Paul Grillo
February 21, 2014
Securities markets continue to be heavily influenced by central bank policy. As we start 2014, the markets are grappling with a policy that is transitioning from quantitative easing (QE) measures to one of forward guidance.
Why are the words "collision course" in the title of this commentary? Because of two issues related to Fed policy: (1) A growing chorus of Fed officials are concerned about financial conditions and the propensity of QE measures to create new bubbles, and (2) The Fed has given guidance about how much influence the labor markets will wield over the fed funds rate, and it has defined a threshold for keeping rates low.
We are now on a collision course with both of these issues. I will look at each issue in a bit more detail, and then I will discuss how policy makers are counting on so-called macroprudential policy to balance the massive liquidity that central banks have pushed onto the financial markets. (This last section is important, because if these policies do not have teeth, we will be left with the same bubble risks that were present during the last 20 years when central banks became too influential.)
Click to enlarge
Chart 1 – U.S. unemployment rate
Chart 2 – U.S. labor force participation rate
Chart 3 – S&P Small Cap 600 Index Valuations
Chart 4 – Stock market capitalization / nominal GDP
The Fed, under Chairman Ben Bernanke's guidance, has been using an unemployment rate of 6.5% as a threshold for beginning to steer short-term interest rates away from their zero-bound range (see chart 1).
The 6.5% threshold has now become a weight on the shoulders of the Fed's policy-making board. The labor situation appears to have improved during the last few quarters, but people have been dropping out of the workforce, which has been a sticky issue. This decline in the so-called participation rate (see Chart 2) has actually helped lower the official unemployment rate, because it represents the denominator in the unemployment rate calculation.
The Fed's policy-making board will now have to adjust its guidance, and possibly confuse markets, even though it is trying to be transparent about its policy and intentions. Janet Yellen assumed the chairmanship of the Fed in early February 2014, and she will be responsible for directing policy given this twist in the labor market. This brings us to our second collision.
Certain Fed officials (including Jeremy Stein, Elizabeth Duke, and Jerome Powell) have been uncomfortable with the open-ended nature of QE operations. They have called for a clear exit plan in early 2013, expressing their concerns about financial conditions and the propensity to create new bubbles in financial or property markets. The Fed, after back-tracking in September, has finally started to taper purchases of U.S. Treasury and agency mortgage-backed securities (MBS). Fed officials have stated that future tapering actions will be data dependent, a point they have repeatedly stressed. They have also been careful to point out that the fed funds rate will remain low for an extended period in order to gain confidence that they have achieved their economic improvement targets (see prior discussion on employment). Fed officials are trying to push market participants to concentrate on so-called forward guidance and want them to feel confident that the tapering actions will not upset financial markets. This guidance from the Fed, and the continued QE purchases, have had a marked effect on stock market valuations. I would argue that equity market valuations are significantly elevated. Jim Bianco, president of Bianco Research, gives us two charts that highlight valuations in today's markets:
Chart 3 shows growth in the S&P Small Cap 600 Index. The chart also illustrates that forward-looking ratios recently hit levels that were higher than at any time except at the onset of the global financial crisis (at which time forward earnings collapsed).
Chart 4 has been a favorite of mine for some time. It measures the market capitalization of the Russell 3000ETM Index and compares it with nominal gross domestic product (GDP) in the United States. As shown, weak corporate performance, coupled with a healthy dose of Fed liquidity, has pushed stock market valuations back up to 120% of nominal GDP. Bianco's chart reveals that in the new era of outsized Fed influence, equity markets (1995 and beyond) have moved to an outsized capitalization level. The current reading is below the late 1990's technology bubble (and just below the level achieved before the global financial crisis), but it remains elevated in absolute terms. The Fed, which is concerned about financial conditions and the risks of future bubbles, must be mindful of these readings. Fed officials are likely to push for continued tapering actions until they see normalcy return to these markets.
We believe it's fair to say that the world is awash in unprecedented central bank liquidity. In our view, this environment is due, in part, to the failure of central banks around the world to govern national bank systems or assess leverage levels (particularly in developed economies).
As the world slowly delevers, central bank liquidity will likely remain at high levels. To balance that condition, policy makers are pursuing a so-called macroprudential policy that will attempt to counter the liquidity by restricting risky ventures by regulated entities (mainly commercial banks). These policies have included minimum capital levels for banks, restrictions on capital market activity (the Volcker Rule in the U.S., for instance), bonus rule adjustments for bank employees, and simple leverage tests.
In my observation of the implementation of these macroprudential policies, I have seen pushback that has disturbed me. Particularly concerning is the pushback on simple leverage tests by both European and U.S. banks. These simple leverage tests get around the games that can be played with risk-based capital tests, and truly provide a check on leverage in the system. The simple leverage test restricts the ability of banking institutions to grow swiftly, which they see as a threat to the valuation rewards that equity markets can provide. There has also been pushback on activities related to the Volcker Rule. Once again, banks see this as a threat to their earnings capacity.
These rules need to have teeth in order to counter the massive liquidity. It will be hard to control commercial and investment bank activities in a world with such advantageous funding levels. It will also be the case that shadow banking activities will flourish without the checks that are slated to take effect. China, for instance, has been notoriously lax in checking its shadow banking activity after the global financial crisis, and it now has significant leverage issues in its financial system.
In an investment landscape saddled by the collision course described previously, we see a need for flexibility when managing fixed income portfolios in 2014. We are not sold on analyst predictions for higher rates and robust equity market gains. In fact, current equity valuations may be a limiting factor on those gains. Such valuations may also be a limiting factor on interest rate levels. We ask investors to be careful with bond fund investments that have delivered attractive near-term returns through investments in equity or equity-like securities. They may not be the diversifiers that investors can count on in bond-type investments.
When managing the portfolios we are responsible for, we will aim to move through this changing environment with an eye on proper diversification and prudent exposure to equity markets. Interest rate sensitivity will likely be dampened, but we will keep a keen eye on economic trends and the technical levels of interest-rate hedging in the marketplace.
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics
The chart above is for illustrative purposes only and is not representative of the performance of any specific investment. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Data: Bianco Research LLC; Standard & Poor's
The price-to-earnings ratio, or P/E ratio, is a valuation ratio of a company's current share price compared to its earnings.
The S&P SmallCap 600 Index measures the performance of 600 mostly small-cap stocks weighted by market value, covering approximately 3% of the U.S. stock market.
Data: Bianco Research LLC.
Gross domestic product (GDP) is the measure of all goods and services a country produces.
The Russell 3000ETM Index measures the performance of the largest 4,000 U.S. companies (measured by market capitalization).
The views expressed represent the investment manager's assessment of the market environment as of February 2014, and should not be considered a recommendation to buy, hold, or sell any security, and should not be relied on as research or investment advice. Views are subject to change without notice and may not reflect the investment manager's current views.
Carefully consider the Funds' investment objectives, risk factors, charges, and expenses before investing. This and other information can be found in the Funds' prospectuses and their summary prospectuses, which may be obtained by visiting delawarefunds.com/literature or calling 800 523-1918. Investors should read the prospectus and the summary prospectus carefully before investing.
Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal.
Diversification may not protect against market risk.
Fixed income securities may also be subject to prepayment risk, the risk that the principal of a fixed income security may be prepaid prior to maturity, potentially forcing an investor to reinvest that money at a lower interest rate.
Fixed income securities and bond funds can lose value, and investors can lose principal, as interest rates rise. They also may be affected by economic conditions that hinder an issuer's ability to make interest and principal payments on its debt. The Funds may also be subject to prepayment risk, the risk that the principal of a fixed income security that is held by the Funds may be prepaid prior to maturity, potentially forcing the Funds to reinvest that money at a lower interest rate.
High yielding, non-investment-grade bonds (junk bonds) involve higher risk than investment grade bonds. The high yield secondary market is particularly susceptible to liquidity problems when institutional investors, such as mutual funds and certain other financial institutions, temporarily stop buying bonds for regulatory, financial, or other reasons.
The Fund may invest in derivatives, which may involve additional expenses and are subject to risk, including the risk that an underlying security or securities index moves in the opposite direction from what the portfolio manager anticipated. A derivative transaction depends upon the counterparties' ability to fulfill their contractual obligations.
International investments entail risks not ordinarily associated with US investments including fluctuation in currency values, differences in accounting principles, or economic or political instability in other nations.
Investing in emerging markets can be riskier than investing in established foreign markets due to increased volatility and lower trading volume.
International fixed income investments are subject to currency risk. Adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates may reduce or eliminate any gains provided by investments that are denominated in foreign currencies and may increase losses.
If and when a portfolio invests in forward foreign currency contracts or uses other investments to hedge against currency risks, the portfolio will be subject to special risks, including counterparty risk.
Not FDIC Insured | No Bank Guarantee | May Lose Value
Chief Investment Officer — Diversified Income
(View bio)
Senior Vice President, Chief Investment Officer — Diversified Income
Paul Grillo is a member of the firm's taxable fixed income portfolio management team with primary responsibility for portfolio construction and strategic asset allocation. He is also a member of the firm's asset allocation committee, which is responsible for building and managing multi-asset class portfolios. He joined Macquarie Investment Management (MIM) in 1992 as a mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities analyst, assuming portfolio management responsibilities in the mid-1990s. Grillo serves as lead portfolio manager for the firm's Diversified Income products and has been influential in the growth and distribution of the firm's multisector strategies. Prior to joining the firm, Grillo was a mortgage strategist and trader at Dreyfus Corporation. He also worked as a mortgage strategist and portfolio manager at Chemical Investment Group and as a financial analyst at Chemical Bank. Grillo holds a bachelor's degree in business management from North Carolina State University and an MBA with a concentration in finance from Pace University.


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The first time I saw someone knitting the continental way, I was utterly astounded. What was that woman doing? And how?
I learned the answers to these questions only recently, thanks to a kind neighbor who learned to knit as a schoolchild in Switzerland. "All our children are taught this method," she told me, her needles clicking and flashing rhythmically. As I watched row after row of beautiful work cascade from her fingers, I wondered why on earth our children aren't taught the European method, too.
Efficiency's the Key
Continental-style knitting (CSK) is faster than the American style knitting (ASK) because it's more efficient. In CSK, the yarn is held in the left hand, and the right needle simply scoops the yarn through the left needle stitch to make a new stitch. In ASK, as you may know, the yarn is held in the right hand and is then passed around the point of the right needle after it's been inserted through the left needle stitch. For the ASK novice, this means that every time the yarn needs to pass around the needle point, the needle itself must be dropped, the yarn wrapped around, and the needle picked up again.
Of course, as an ASK knitter gets more proficient, he or she learns to hold onto the needle with the fingertips of the left hand while the yarn is being wrapped; or, in another technique, with the tips of the right thumb and two middle fingers while the right forefinger flips forward like a shuttle to throw the yarn around the point of the needle. However, for the majority of knitters, CSK will still be faster simply because it's easier to scoop a piece of yarn through a stitch than it is to pass that yarn around the point of a needle.
In CSK the knitting is somewhat looser; consequently, the knitter will tend to be more relaxed (but not at the beginning, when trying to learn the skill!). The final product, however, is virtually indistinguishable from the ASK version.
Another facet of CSK's efficiency is that the yarn stays on the left hand, even when an empty needle is exchanged for a full one. In ASK, the yarn is usually dropped as the needles are exchanged, and is picked up again when the new row is started. The amount of time involved is small, but it adds up in the course of a large project.
It would be easier to understand the following directions if you had needles and yarn in hand; and because there's a good bit of movement in the right needle as you scoop the yarn, I'd suggest you use short, moderate-size needles such as 8" or 10" No. 9's.
Begin at the Beginning
Start by casting on 20 to 30 stitches. There are several ways to cast on; I'll describe the thumb-and-finger method, also called double cast-on.
Allowing 1" of yarn per stitch, draw off a yarn "tail." Let it dangle for a moment while you wrap the next section of yarn around your hand. Bring the yarn up from the skein between the ring and pinkie fingers of the left hand. Lay it across the back of your hand and, going around the outside of the finger first, wrap it once around your left forefinger. Now wrap the yarn clockwise around your thumb, once, and bring the end over to be pinched between the middle and ring fingers. With the yarn in place, and your left palm facing you, insert the point of the knitting needle up through the thumb loop. Reach across the yarn segment to scoop, from above, the yarn that comes from the forefinger to the thumb. Bring that yarn all the way back through the thumb loop and pull the thumb loop off. You should now have a slipknot on the needle. Tighten it gently. Now simply hook the yarn with the back of your thumb and spread the thumb and forefinger so that the needle and its one stitch hang in between. Pull the needle back — without losing the stitch! — to where its yarn crosses above the strand going from thumb to ring finger (Fig. 4). Reach down and scoop up that strand at the thumb. Swing your needle to the right and over the strand going from the forefinger to the needle. Pick it up and scoop it back through the thumb loop. Slide the thumb loop off, then hook your thumb behind strand A (Fig. 5) and pull your thumb back to tighten the stitch. Continue in this way until you have the desired number of stitches on your needle.
Knitting the Continental Way
Hold the needle full of cast-on stitches in your right hand. Catch the yarn between the ring and pinkie fingers of your left hand and wrap the yarn around the back of your hand and forefinger as you did when casting on. Now grasp the full needle with the tips of the two middle fingers and thumb of your left hand. There should be about 2" of yarn stretched between your forefinger and the needle.
Pick up the empty needle in your right hand and insert it in the first loop from left to right, front to back. Go under the yarn coming from your left forefinger, scoop it up with the point of your right needle, and pull the yarn back through the stitch. Now slip the old stitch off the left needle. You're done! (Well, done with one stitch, anyway.) All you need to do is repeat this procedure with every stitch on the left needle.
When you reach the end of the row, don't drop the yarn from your left hand: Merely exchange the full right needle for the now empty left needle, and continue knitting as before. A number of experts advise slipping the first stitch from the left needle onto the right rather than knitting it off: This supposedly keeps the outside edge firm and prevents it from curling. I've found, however, that this technique doesn't work well with all patterns, and I prefer to knit the first stitch in many projects, such as the diagonal garter-stitch square.
Stitching Troubles
In the beginning, I had a hard time scooping the yarn through the stitch. It kept getting away from me, as did the needles every now and again. The problem lay in the tension: I was used to knitting ASK-fashion, fairly close to the needle, and there just wasn't room in my stitches to scoop yarn through. If this happens to you, relax and jiggle the needles and yarn a bit to loosen things up.
The second problem I had — and one that I admit I'm still working on — was in feeding the yarn from the skein to the needles. I find that my palms sometimes get damp when I'm knitting, which makes it difficult to work smoothly. To avoid the problem, I feed the yarn over the back of my hand, as described earlier, rather than across my palm. In this position, my pinkie sometimes has trouble regulating the flow of yarn, with the result that after three or four stitches, my left forefinger is pulled up against the left needle. Practice has improved this situation greatly — and my teacher has no difficulty whatsoever — so if you have the same problem, continue practicing or else switch the yarn to cross your palm, whatever works best for you.
Purling Stitch
If anything, purling is easier than knitting in the continental style. To purl, slip the yarn in front of the left needle, then insert the right needle behind the yarn and into the stitch from right to left. Use the left forefinger to drag the yarn down between the two needles. With the tip of the right needle, scoop the yarn back through the stitch, and pull the old stitch off (Fig. 10). That's it.
One knitting expert warns that the yarn must be wrapped around the needle as directed, that is, over the needle and down behind it. Wrong-way wrapping leads to wrong-way stitches, which will be aggravating to deal with when you reach the next row.
Increasing and Decreasing
I was taught to increase by knitting one stitch and then, before pulling it off, knitting through the back of the same stitch, this time completing the move and pulling off the old one. Another method, sometimes called M-1 or invisible increasing, is to pick up the strand of yarn between two stitches, drape it over the left needle, and knit it through the back. You'll find that the yarn should be draped with the front portion on the righthand side; otherwise, the maneuver won't work properly.
Decreasing is done the same way as it is in ASK: Knit (or purl) two stitches together.

subset: commoncrawl


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Mike Adams grew up in Paterson, N.J., a short distance from MetLife Stadium and the site of Super Bowl XLVIII.
It's not quite walking distance -- Paterson is 12 miles away -- but the safety promises to be on foot if the Denver Broncos beat the Seattle Seahawks next Sunday.
"If we win the Super Bowl, I'm going to keep my helmet and pads on and I'm walking home," Adams said, according to The Denver Post.
"After I get to the IHOP on Route 3, I'll start hitchhiking," Adams said with a laugh. "But they'd probably think I'm just some crazy person."
For Adams, the journey would be a statement of pride -- or defiance. Adams has some bad memories.
"It can be almost like a cancer," Adams said of his hometown. "And I say that because the negativity in that place can be like a snowball rolling downhill."
Perhaps he shouldn't return then? Anyway, Adams is one of three Broncos players who are New Jersey natives. Running back Knowshon Moreno and defensive end Robert Ayers also are from the Garden State. No word yet if they have similar walking plans.
We handed out awards for the 2014 coaching class and talked all the latest headlines in the latest "Around The League Podcast."


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Welcome to the Torch-biz business directory of Tourism & Accommodation companies in the UK. View business information, contact details, images, photos and much more. If you recognised a business listed on the torch-biz website and would like to leave comments on your experiences click here.
If you would like to add your business to the torch-biz directory with an instant FREE listing click here.


text: Bill Broadley wrote: >For those interested in latency. > >I wrote a pthread based latency tester that will access N integers >randomly per thread. Each member of the array is accessed once. >All the numbers below are for N=1,000,000 integers. Every integer is >loaded exactly once, randomly. > > [...] This tests are interesting but they may depends on the hardware and the OS your are using. Is it possible to describe 1- the different kind of hardware your are using ? 2- the OS you use on each plateform ? 3- the compile option you use to the different compilers ? Giving an access to the source code and even better making it GPL could helps other to compare their host with your results or just had some other. Is it possible to GPLized your code ?


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60 Min Dance Class Per Month / One Time Payment
SKU: 60min class
Use coupon code "EARLY" for the early bird discount only if payment is made prior to the 10th of the month that the tuition payment is due. Please note that if the coupon code used on the 10th or later; your discount will be added back to your account balance. Thank you for your business!


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Jenna Rogge
Class of 2015
Major/Minor: Biology (Concentration: Pre-med) / Chemistry
Campus Involvement
- Peer Mentor Leader
- Zeta Tau Alpha - Vice President
- Beta Beta Beta, Biological Honor Society
- Omicron Delta Kappa, National Leadership Honor Society
- Order of Omega, Greek Honor Society
- Relay for Life Committee
- Presidential Fellow
Hometown: Dover, DE
What do you do for a campus job or work study?
I work for Health Services and I love my job! Vickie and the nurses take such great care of all of the students, so I try to help them out as much as possible so they can focus on more important things, like their patients!
How has WC changed your life? Or, what does WC mean to you?
Attending Washington College has been the best decision of my life. I cannot imagine going to college anywhere else. I have made best friends here, been challenged and stimulated academically, and made and will continue to make wonderful memories. It is hard to picture a place more beautiful, with more welcoming and remarkable people, with more caring and encouraging faculty, than WAC. Washington College has become my home and my friends have become my family, and I cannot wait to share this experience with the new freshmen.
What so far has been your favorite tradition or memory at WC?
My favorite tradition is Birthday Ball. Every year, Washington College celebrates George Washington's birthday with a huge dance! You can feel the excitement all around campus for days, all leading up to the big night. Girls put on their best dresses, guys clean up (and wear ties!), and the whole campus dances the night away in the JFC, which has been fabulously decorated to represent a theme that the campus voted on. This is an event that draws both parents and alumni to Chestertown, giving everyone with a connection to WAC a chance to celebrate George's birthday together.
Why did you choose your major?
I chose my major because I have always been very interested in biology and it seemed like the perfect major to prepare me for Dental School. I took AP Biology in high school as well as some other electives that made me very excited to study the sciences in college. Now, after taking a multitude of both biology and chemistry courses, I can say that I am still excited to continue studying the sciences for the remainder of my time at WAC. The professors really encourage their students to challenge themselves and always have their doors open for students to come and talk to them. One of the main reasons I initially chose to attend Washington College was because of how impressed I was by the Pre-Med Committee. I knew this was the perfect place to cultivate my love of science and to ready myself for the DAT's and ultimately dental school.


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The Bears on Saturday continued cutting players in the effort to finalize their 53-man roster by the NFL's 3 p.m. deadline. Here's what we know so far from people with knowledge of the situation:
Offense: T Eben Britton, C/G Taylor Boggs, WR Armanti Edwards, OL Ryan Groy, RB Jordan Lynch, TE Jeron Mastrud, WR Dale Moss, OL Dennis Roland, OL Rob Turner, WR/KR Chris Williams, WR Josh Bellamy
Defense: CB, Kelvin Hayden, LB DeDe Lattimore, DL Lee Pegues, S Marcus Trice, CB C.J. Wilson, LB Jerry Franklin, DE Austen Lane, S M.D. Jennings, CB Al Louis-Jean, DT Brandon Dunn, DT Tracy...


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Louie's | Campus Corner
Phone: (405) 366-6291
We're in your neighborhood! At Louie's, we like to serve up dinner with fun times and great friends. This casual American eatery and pub serves a wide variety of affordable lunch, dinner and gluten options in a come-as-you-are atmosphere. With tons of flat screen televisions, this is the perfect spot to grab drinks and a pizza with friends to catch the Thunder game or to watch some OU football!
The recently revamped menu features everything from salads and pizzas to sandwiches and burgers. Anything you order, you're sure to enjoy! Louie's has 14 locations throughout the Oklahoma City metro and the Tulsa metro areas, making it a great place to unwind with friends and family every day of the week.


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The British Society for Genetic Medicine (BSGM) represents
health professionals working in specialised genetic services in the
NHS and scientists and health professionals in medical
Membership is open to people over the age of eighteen
professionally involved with human genetics or genomics
Latest News and Events from across the BSGM.
Information on Genetics, Education and Resources.
British Society for Genetic Medicine (BSGM)
Charles Darwin House
Roger Street
Tel: 020 3793 7851
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
© The British Society for Genetic Medicine |   Registered Charity No.1058821 | Web Development by Chocolate Grape


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Along with the pleasure of basking and splashing in your favorite bikini comes the not-so-pleasant summer task of preparing and maintaining yourself for swim wear.
Yes, the dreaded bikini zone.
Ignore it, and you're destined to spend your summer like this...
but contending with it can be...a pain, in the "zone" and to your budget!
Between the pool and our love for all things aquatic, the That's What She Said gals were thrilled to be introduced to the wonderful product line from Bikini Zone!
With products specially created for a women's sensitive needs, Bikini Zone offers solutions for hair removal, bikini bump busting products and anti-bump shave gels.
One of our favorite products of the Bikini Zone line is their Anti-Bump Shave Gel, which comes in both regular and sensitive formulas. The Sensitive formula is created with a women's skin in mind, utilizing natural extracts and vitamins to keep your skin smooth and pain free throughout the swim season, preparing your tender areas before shaving.
- Specially formulated for the most sensitive skin
- Contains aloe and chamomile to condition skin while you shave
- Moisturizing microbeads with vitamins A, C and E help protect skin
- Helps prevent irritation like razor burn, itching and redness
- Clear gel formula stays clear for a close shave minus the nicks and cuts
Our bikini crew also appreciated the Bikini Zone Creme Hair Remover. Again, created with a woman's sensitive skin in mind, the Creme Hair Remover worked both quickly and without after burn. While some areas may become irritated by regular shaving with a razor, the Creme Hair Remover offers an excellent alternative.
- Formulated exclusively for ultra-sensitive skin
- Works in just four minutes!
- Lasts days longer than shaving
- Contains moisturizing aloe and chamomile to soothe skin
Already into swim season and damage already done? Bikini Zone has a solution! With three different products designed exclusively to combat existing bikini zone bumps, you'll find soothing, quick relief! Our favorite was the Medicated After-Shave Gel which we found to work VERY quickly to soothe what was ailing us.
- Instant relief from irritation, pain and itching
- Smoothes away bumps and redness
- Will not stain lingerie, swimsuits or clothing
- Daily use can help keep you irritation free and smooth all year long
As they say, knowledge is power, to battle the bumps! We loved all the information available on the Bikini Zone website.
Bikini Zone is offering my readers a chance to win a full-sized Medicated After Shave Gel! To be eligible to enter this giveaway, you must publicly follow That's What She Said via Google Friend Connect (left sidebar). This giveaway is open to residents of US, 18+ and will end on Saturday, August 27, 2011 at midnight, EST. The winner will be selected randomly from all eligible entries and will be notified by email. The winner will have 72 hours to respond before I must move on to a runner up. Please leave you email address, in anti spam format, in your first entry comment so I may contact you if you are the winner. If you email address is accessible via your comment name, this is not necessary.
You must publicly follow That's What She Said via Google Friend Connect (left sidebar) to be eligible to enter this giveaway.
For Mandatory Entry, please visit the Bikini Zone website and tell me in a comment which product you'd love to try, something you learned there or some method of hair removal you tried that didn't end so well!
* Like Bikini Zone &/or That's What She Said on Facebook. Leave a comment with your Facebook name. 1 entry for each.
* Follow That's What She Said (tsue1136) on Twitter. Leave a comment with your Twitter name. 1 entry.
* Tweet about this giveaway. Tweet must include a direct link back here. Leave a comment with a link to your tweet. Limit of 3 tweets per day. 1 entry per tweet.
Please use:
I'm entered to #win a soothing Bikini Zone solution at That's What She Said! @tsue1136 #beauty #shaving #giveaway http://bit.ly/oNNuy6
* Share this giveaway in some other manner. Anything goes as long as it includes a direct link back here. Leave a link to your sharing in your comment. No limit on sharing. 5 entries per sharing.
Handy share button at bottom of post.
* Enter any of my other active giveaways and leave a comment letting me know which. 2 entries per additional giveaway.
* Subscribe to That's What She Said via email or RSS subscription (left sidebar) or atStumble Upon.Leave a comment with your applicable name. 1 entry for each method.
* Subscribe to the Bikini Zone newsletter. Leave a comment here with applicable name. 1 entry.
* Put my button (left sidebar) on your blog or site and leave a link in your comment so I can find it. 2 entries.
This giveaway is closed.
Congratulations to Lauren Snaps, comment # 35, courtesy of Random.org!
On behalf of Bikini Zone and That's What She Said, thank you to all entrants for following and participating!
I was provided with Bikini Zone products to explore for the purposes of creating this feature. Images and information sourced from various Bikini Zone sites. Beach Image. The opinions above are both honest and my own. Sponsor is responsible for supplying and shipping prize. Facebook is not responsible for nor involved in this giveaway in any fashion.


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Margaret has agreed to be a part "Thugs: The Musical," a hilarious short film written by her friend, comedian Kevin Avery. In order to fund the movie Kevin is trying to raise $10,000 in 90 days! Yes, its an ambitious goal, but he's already raised over $2,000 in the first week and is hoping to keep the momentum going!
If you want to support the film, you can contribute at any level – even just a few dollars. In addition, he has a ton of fun prizes at various donation-levels, as a thank you for your support.
If he raises the funds, in addition to Margaret, the film will star David Alan Grier (Chocolate News, In Living Color), and Rachel True (Half & Half, The Craft). On top of that, Liam Sullivan, the director/creator of the very funny and very popular Shoes and Let Me Borrow That Top music videos, will be directing!
You can learn more or pledge to donate a few bucks here – check out the video Kevin, Margaret and the rest of the crew made to entice you!


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Dear Virtual Visitor,
Welcome to the San Francisco Bay Area! This National Park Service Virtual Travel Itinerary will help both locals and visitors navigate the Bay Area's historical World War II treasures.
The Bay Area is renowned for its scenic beauty, great weather, and urban attractions. The Bay Area is also famous for its accessibility to the natural wonders of California's coast, redwoods, and mountains. The Bay Area is also a leader in technological innovation, an incubator for social change, and a model for cultural diversity.
World War II was profoundly felt in the San Francisco Bay Area. If America was the "Arsenal of Democracy" during those times, the Bay Area was the arsenal's shipyard. The Bay Area served as a coastal fortress, a pipeline to the Pacific, and as a center for cultural and social innovation. WWII caused so many dramatic changes in the Bay Area that the war years came to be known as the "Second Gold Rush" in California.
People from across the Nation came to the Bay Area to help the war effort. Military men and women sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge and felt much as their counterparts on the East Coast felt when they saw the Statue of Liberty. Many wartime newcomers stayed in the Bay Area after the war ended. As a result, they enriched Bay Area communities with new cultures and traditions. Many of those who passed through came back to visit again and again, drawn by their memories of the wartime San Francisco Bay Area.
Many of the historic landscapes, buildings, and ships from World War II can still be seen and visited today. These landmarks from World War II contribute to the history and character of the Bay Area. They provide an added layer of meaning to the local citizenry, to the visitors interested in heritage tourism, and to school groups looking for tangible sites to help in understanding intangible ideas.
I hope you enjoy your virtual visit to the World War II sites in the San Francisco Bay Area. I also encourage you to visit them in person. Whether you are a local or a visitor, you will learn much about California's history from these important landmarks. Either way, this National Park Service Virtual Travel Itinerary will ease your journey.
Barbara Boxer
World War II Home |
List of Sites | Maps|
Learn More | Itineraries | NR Home
| Begin
Essays: Seacoast Defense | Mobilization| Port of Embarkation| Shipbuilding| Women at War| Preservation
Comments or Questions


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Rare Acapella Freestyle Of The Week: Kanye West Spits His Bars That He Wrote For Jay-z & Beyonce's Song "My Girlfriend" (2002 Right Before His Tragic Car Accident)
"Just before Kanye West wrapped his October 2002 interview with DJ Whoo Kid, he dished out one more acapella for the camera! The song turned out to be his freestyle "My Girlfriend" over Jay-Z and Beyoncé's "03 Bonnie and Clyde," which Kanye produced for The Blueprint 2 album. Check out the final version from Kanye below, from his Freshman Adjustment Vol. 2 project! There was so much excitement at the studio on this night, minutes before Ye hopped in his car for the fateful ride…" - RadioPlanet TV. Shout out to Andrew
Please click the "Report" button below if the video on this page is not working properly.
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LAURINBURG, N.C. – Jill Giguere (Myrtle Beach, S.C.) found Sarah Kinsey (Windermere, Fla.) with a long pass that sent Kinsey on a breakaway leading to Coker's lone goal in the Lady Cobras 2-1 loss to St. Andrews Presbyterian College in Conference Carolinas women's soccer action on Monday afternoon.
In a tightly contested match, St. Andrews managed to sneak a pair of goals past the Coker defense early, leaving Coker to play catch up.
The first Lady Knights goal came in the 38th minute when Becky Brandenburg (Swansboro, N.C.) sent a long shot just over the head of the Lady Cobras goalkeeper, Carrie Hudnell (Goose Creek, S.C.).
The second one came in the 53rd minute as Olivia Taylor (Fountain Inn, S.C.) found the back of the net on a one timer off rebounded save by Coker's Kerrie Cribb (Sumter, S.C.).
The Lady Cobras finally broke through the St. Andrews defense in the 85th minute with Kinsey's first goal of the season on the pass from Giguere.
Assisting on the Lady Knights goals were Hannah Wilson (Salisbury, N.C.) and Chelsea Ross (Newark, N.Y.).
Both goalkeepers were busy with Hudnell and Cribb combining for six saves and St. Andrews' Becca Knott (Jacksonville, N.C.) recording three saves.
Coker returns to action on Wednesday night at 5:00 p.m. to host Mars Hill College, while St. Andrews will host Belmont Abbey on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. in their next match.


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Eclipse DemoCamps Indigo 2011/Athlone
< Eclipse DemoCamps Indigo 2011
Revision as of 05:01, 27 June 2011 by Pawel.Pogorzelski.pl.ibm.com (Talk | contribs) (→Who Is Attending)
OSS Demo Room, Ericsson Software Campus, Cornamaddy, Athlone
Date and Time
July 7, 2011, 14:00
If your company is interested in sponsoring this event, please contact Pawel Pogorzelski.
- Pawel Pogorzelski, Eclipse committer
If you would like to present at the DemoCamp, please feel free to add your name and topic to the list or send an email to Pawel Pogorzelski.
- Eclipse Orion: Szymon Brandys, Tomasz Zarna (Eclipse Workspace/Orion team)
- Developing a Platform: Pawel Pogorzelski (Eclipse Committer)
- Model Driven Development: Ramin Assisi (Ericsson)
- Git in Eclipse: Martin Naughton (Ericsson)
- Java Bytecode Manipulation: Pawel Pogorzelski (Eclipse Committer)
Who Is Attending
Please add your name and contact information to the list.
- Pawel Pogorzelski
- Tomasz Zarna
- Ramin Assisi
- Martin Naughton


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Mars Colony Music (MCM 10105-2)
Release Date: March 27, 2001
Conducted by Kim Hong Je
Performed by
The New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra
Format: CD
|Resident Evil - Prologue (Pipe Organ Solo)
|Resident Evil 2 - The Beginning of the Story
|Resident Evil 2 - A Peace of Mind
|Resident Evil 2 - Fearful is No Word For It
|Resident Evil 2 - A Secure Place
|Resident Evil 2 - "The Ultimate Bio-weapon" Medley
|Resident Evil 3 - The 1st Stage
|Resident Evil 3 - The Opening
|Resident Evil 3 - Save Room - reprise
|Resident Evil 3 - A Land of Confusion
|Special End Title
|Track lengths not available for this album. If you have track length/time information for this album, please e-mail it to us at email@example.com and we will add it to the database.
|by Dan Goldwasser
June 4, 2001
When it was released in 1996, "Resident Evil" scared millions of console game players with its creepy Night of the Living Dead-inspired storyline. With frightening creatures as your foes, the game went on to spawn a few sequels - each time pushing the bounds of game play and creepiness. Adding to all of the chills was a creepy and frightening score by Japanese composer Masami Ueda. Of course, the music was mostly synthesized, as this was a computer game. But recently an album of orchestral music was released, and it allows us to hear in shocking detail the complexity and intricacies of Ueda's horror scores for the first three "Resident Evil" games.
The only cue from the first "Resident Evil" is a slow building organ solo that sets the tone. But when we hit the first "Resident Evil 2" cue, all hell breaks loose - literally. With a pounding timpani and suspenseful strings, the cue starts off slow and ominous, but quickly works its way info a full-bore horror action cue. The orchestra simply doesn't hold back - with a triumphant brass fanfare, and pounding percussion, it reminds me of a cross between Stargate and Scream. Go figure! But the album is not all horror - "Peace of Mind" and "A Secure Place" are a bit more dramatic and softer, with the later ending in a triumphant flourish.
A nine-and-a-half minute suite, "The Ultimate Bio-Weapon" takes us though the "Resident Evil 2" story. The "T-Virus" mutates animals and turns humans into flesh-eating zombies. Sounds exciting, eh? Well, the music is just as powerful. With multiple themes and complex orchestration, I keep forgetting that this was written for a computer game! It's truly big-screen material.
Another set of cues from "Resident Evil 3" round out the album. These are darker in tone, but don't feel like they're really horror cues - just creepy dramatic action cues. A bonus "Special End Title" track is included at the end, and is an interesting cue that starts with a softer, tense orchestra, and then builds into a rock band jamming for a few minutes - only to be joined with the orchestra for the big finale. It's certainly unique and somewhat bizarre, but it does end the album on a big note. Since there are no movies to go see, and this is really an orchestral concept album more than a "soundtrack" to the "Resident Evil" games (they do have regular game-music releases, by the way), don't feel reluctant to get the album if you aren't familiar with the games. For action and horror, this album delivers.
Enter your e-mail address to receive weekly soundtrack and film score news:
If any information appears to be missing from this page, contact us and let us know!
Biohazard 2 - Complete Track
Released: August 21, 1998
Biohazard 2
Released: January 29, 1998


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Partner with Santa Claus Greeting Center
Santa Claus Greeting Center Ltd is a successful Finnish company, sending Original Santa Claus Greeting Letters worldwide to over 160 countries.
We are searching for partners to sell the letters and spread the great values of Santa Claus - and earn money at the same time.
Is your website family friendly and filled with Christmas spirit or other good values? Then you have an opportunity to share the magical story of Christmas with your readers, direct from Finnish Lapland and get the Original Christmas Greeting Letters mailed them by Santa Claus himself - while earning nice commissions.
How does it work?
- Join the program - it's easy and free!
- Select a banner or an other way of promotion
- Place your unique code to your web site
- Your readers will see and click the banner
- When they order, you'll get Great Commissions
- You have real time statistics
- You'll get paid directly to your bank account or PayPal


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One of the fundamental components (for want of a better word) of accounting is the Balance Sheet. The balance sheet is often referred to as a statement of financial position. It can be described as a snapshot that shows the company's financial position at any given moment. Listed in the balance sheet are the company's assets, liabilities and owners equity.
If you view the balance sheet as a two column worksheet, the assets would be in the left column while the liabilities and owners equity would be in the right column. The two columns must be equal.
You won't be able to determine the company's profitability from the balance sheet. What the balance sheet will show is the solvency of the company. Analysts will look at various ratios (i.e. current ratio: current assets / current liabilities) to determine the company's financial well being.
Future entries in my Accounting Basics series will describe each of the components of the balance sheet.


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Contact us if you cannot find your departure location
We provide comfortable, private transfer from Warsaw airport, hotels, private addresses and any other location in Warsaw, as well as from and to any other city in Warsaw area. We operate our private taxi in Warsaw using a wide fleet of Mercedes vehicles, as well as vehicles from different brands, accommodating from just yourself, up to a group of 54 passengers. For any pick-up from Warsaw airport, your driver will wait with a board displaying your name, even if your flight will be delayed, while for trips from any location in or around Warsaw, the taxi service will be directly from doorstep.
Rated 5 / 5 - We booked a bus with your company, we modified the reservation 1 day before and you were still able to accommodate a much higher number of passengers with such short time notice and the travelling conditions were higher than we expected! A very good service indeed. Made our long trip seem shorter :)
Rated 5 / 5 - Fast, easy and reliable. Clean cars and good drivers. Fully recommendable.
Rated 5 / 5 - Excellent service in London! 5 stars for the drivers very careful and helpful! Will recommend you to all my buddies!
Copyright 2005-2019 http://www.airportcitytransfer.com/


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Raising money for a cause on JustGiving or FirstGiving? Online giving happens easily when you raise awareness by sharing your page and your story about why you're raising money.
Whether you're getting ready to run a marathon, shave your head, or collect donations to celebrate your birthday, the most important thing you can to do prepare for any fundraising event or campaign is let people know.
Half the size of a standard business card, MiniCards are a pocket-sized conversation starter. Take advantage of Printfinity, and use up to 100 different images to show and share your story. Personalise each card with your name and JustGiving or FirstGiving url, and hand them out to friends and colleagues so they'll know just where to find you.
Show everyone you mean business with a personalised pack of 50 Business Cards. Use up to 50 different images on one side of the cards, and personalise the reverse with your name, your JustGiving or FirstGiving url and the logo of the charity you're fund-raising for. When you're telling the story, fan out the cards to show the variety of images. People love to pick their favourite, and when they choose one to keep, they'll have your details on hand to donate more easily.
Every little helps with fund-raising and you'll need to get everyone involved. MOO Postcards come in packs of 20, with the option of a different image on every one. Send them to friends you won't see in person to remind them of your challenge and how they can help.
When the event's gone smoothly and you've hit your fund-raising targets, it's only polite to send a thank you to your biggest supporters! Create Greeting Cards with different shots of the event itself. Personalise with your own message inside and on the reverse of each card. Then give yourself a pat on the pack for a job well done!


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Macaroni Salads Recipes
Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
The idea for this Mediterranean salad was inspired by finding fiddlehead ferns at my local market last week. The tight coil of the young fern is very similar to cappelletti pasta and I thought mixing them would make a pretty dish playing with odd shapes and colorful ingredients. This week I was able to buy the pasta but unfortunately the market doesn't carry fiddleheads anymore. It didn't stop me from making a delicious dish... I just substituted beautiful haricots verts in place of the fiddleheads.
I combined the coil-shaped pasta with red onions, carrots and celery that I received this evening from Full Circle and heirloom tomatoes from our garden. To the summer pasta salad, I also added garbanzo beans, hearts of palm, olives, pickled grape leaves and sun-dried tomatoes to complete the one-dish meal. No ingredient is irreplaceable; you can always substitute in an equally delicious element. All that really matters is a visually appealing and tasty dish.
I almost forgot to mention that all PhamFatale readers will get $10 off for your first box order from Full Circle. If you're interested, use the promo code SOCIAL10 upon sign-up. Bon appétit and enjoy farm fresh, organic vegetables!
Full Recipe...
Cold Pasta Salad Recipe
Cold pasta salad is usually made with mayonnaise dressing. One member of my family is allergic to eggs, so this recipe suits her perfectly; as no eggs are used. Even though there are no eggs, I wanted the dressing to be creamy and flavorful, so I mixed in goat cheese with the usual vinaigrette ingredients. For a little extra kick, I added onions cooked down in white balsamic vinegar.
I used cork-screw-shaped pasta, but any other shape such as bowties, shells or penne would work as well. In addition to the diced tomatoes and steamed zucchini, I added black lentils and pan-seared tofu to give this vegetarian pasta dish some protein. Cooking does not always have to be complicated. If you have fresh ingredients and a lot of love, you'll have a wonderful meal. Bon appétit!
Full Recipe...
Grilled Vegetable Summer Pasta Salad Recipe
After the pool party we recently hosted, we had lots of leftover grilled vegetables. Pasta salads are a great way to make use of leftover veggies, so today I prepared some for the family. It was really easy; all I needed to do was boil some pasta and add some salad dressing to it.
This time around I made a spicy salad dressing that I drizzled over fusilli pasta, roasted bell peppers, grilled eggplant, grilled Portobello mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes. This meal met everyone's diet, except for my father-in-law who's allergic to mushrooms (no meat, not nuts, no eggs), so I placed the grilled mushrooms on the side.
Full Recipe...
Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe
Tuna pasta salad is one of the easiest school lunches of all times. The pasta salad can be prepared a day in advance; I usually prep the ingredients the day before and assemble the salad the next morning. All you need is mayonnaise, tuna, boiled pasta (I used fusilli) and various grilled vegetables.
Back to school lunches have never been that easy! Fusilli pasta have a fun look and the corkscrew curl in the center traps the mayonnaise so you get a creamy pasta salad. This one dish makes a balanced meal for kids in your life.
Full Recipe...


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May, 2008
An Interview with Claudia H. Kawas, M.D.Professor of Neurology, Neurobiology & Behavior
Associate Director, Institute for Brain Aging
University of California, Irvine
Q: You are the principal investigator of the so-called 90+ Study, which is possibly the largest study ever to prospectively track people in this age group. What are your primary goals and why is such a study needed?
A: The 90+ Study currently enrolls 1,000 people who were over age 90 as of January 1, 2003. The participants are part of a much larger study, the Leisure World Cohort, which has tracked the health status and lifestyle characteristics of almost 14,000 elderly people since 1980. The primary goal is to better understand factors that are relevant to the health and longevity of people in their 90s. We are particularly interested in factors having to do with brain health and cognition, but we are also looking at factors that affect other abilities, such as mobility or functional status.
The reason we need this study is because people over 90 are the fastest-growing segment of the population in much of the world right now. Right now in the U.S., there are fewer than two million people in this age range, but in a few decades there are going to be 10 to 12 million. They are the primary consumers of healthcare, yet we know almost nothing about them.
For example, we don't even know if the risk of dementia continues to increase after age 90, if the longer you live the more likely you are to get it, or if dementia risk levels off or even declines, as some researchers have suggested. This question is not settled. We don't know if a third of them are going to have dementia, or half, or three-quarters. When you're talking about the difference between one-third to three-quarters of 10 to 12 million people, you're potentially talking about a lot of dementia. We face the possibility of having more individuals suffering from dementia in that age group alone than we currently have in all ages.
Q: Consistent with some earlier studies, your research has found correlations between cognitive status and levels of a protein associated with synapses (synaptophysin). What are your findings and what do they suggest in terms of compensatory responses to incipient pathology?
A: Synaptophysin is simply a way to measure pre-synaptic function. It has long been shown to correlate with cognition in a variety of settings. In the late 1980s, Robert Terry and colleagues published data showing an association between cognition and synaptophysin even in Alzheimer's patients. We know that you need synapses to function and that in a lot of brain diseases and probably even in aging, there are likely to be declines in synaptophysin. This presumably means that you are losing synapses, or at least synaptic function, which is how nerve cells communicate with one another.
Our results show a definite relationship between cognition and synaptophysin. Specifically, we found significantly lower levels in people with clinically diagnosed dementia, and higher levels in people who have some cognitive impairment but are not demented. We also have preliminary data that synaptophysin is increased in people whose cognition was normal when measured in the months before death, but who, on autopsy, had high levels of Alzheimer's-like pathology.
But there was a relatively small number of subjects in that group: the latest published paper includes data on about 30 brains. We're now doing the same studies with 100 additional brains to see if we can confirm that somewhat preliminary finding.
If the finding is verified, I would say it could suggest that the brain either already had some kind of compensatory reserve or was making a compensatory effort to try to get around the pathology. We can't tell which it is, but the data could be interpreted that way.
Q: How does this data fit with "cognitive reserve" theories of aging?
A: People toss around this term a lot, but what do they mean? Part of the problem is that we're not sure what we mean. On one level, we use the term to imply a "better brain" that is somehow able to withstand insults associated with disease or aging and continue to perform, perhaps even at a higher level.
As a researcher, if you look at a brain that has pathology but continues to function normally, you tend to think: "There's something else going on in this brain, and if I could find out what it is, maybe I could use it to help other people." We know, for example, that younger people often have amyloid without being demented. We presume those people have preclinical Alzheimer's disease, but we don't know if it's preclinical by two months, two years, or 25 years. It looks as if 25 years might be closer to the truth.
The key question is, what is going on in that brain that underlies the feature that we are calling cognitive reserve? We don't know the answer yet. I do think that stronger synapses and more synapses are very good things, and that people who have those tend to be called people with cognitive reserve. What I don't know is how they get those. I don't know if it's the "chicken" or the "egg." I don't even know how much is genetic vs. environmental or to what extent.
Q: You're also examining how diet is related to cognitive functioning in the "oldest olds" enrolled in your 90+ Study. What can we say with confidence regarding dietary factors and cognitive health?
A: There is only one thing I can say with confidence regarding dietary factors and cognitive health: a good, well-balanced diet with an emphasis on fruits and vegetables—the things we're all told are good for us—is a good thing for health in general, and most likely also a good thing for cognition. I think that a "good diet," especially in the elderly, should include a lot of variety. There needs to be a lot of different fruits and vegetables in your diet, not just the same ones every day.
Personally I am not convinced—and this is a minority opinion—that we can say with confidence that any specific dietary factor is ultimately protective when it comes to cognitive health, or aging. There is some data in specific disorders, such as folate during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects, but not in terms of general cognitive aging.
I think the idea of a message such as "eat more fruits and vegetables" may be overly simplistic to people. Everyone wants it to be "vitamin X." I don't think the answer is vitamin X; I think the answer is vitamin A, C, D, and all the different B complexes and all the lycopenes and all the fish oils. Scientifically, it's hard to separate all those things out. People who have diets with good levels of one of those nutrients tend to have diets that are good in a lot of those nutrients. I think that's why they generally do better in a variety of ways. But we tend to study only one at a time to try to figure out which vitamin X is the answer, because people want a simple choice.
Q: There seems to be increasing emphasis on the science of "cognitive fitness," or what can be done on a day-to-day basis to maintain brain health throughout life. How do you view these types of studies?
A: It's true that there is more science coming out in this area, especially in relation to exercise and non-exercise leisure activities. In the 90+ Study, we found both were associated with how long people lived. We're now looking at how exercise and leisure activity relate to cognition, and expect to have those results in one or two years. The level of exercise was correlated very strongly with longevity. An average of 15 minutes a day provided benefit, 30 provided more, 45 provided the most, and after that it leveled off: three hours was just as good as 45 minutes. It didn't have to be done daily; we measured the average done daily over the course of a week.
One of the things about this that I can't help noticing is that these are things that most of our mothers tried to teach us. This is not exactly, in some ways, a new idea. Now people are going in the laboratory and showing that if you let mice or dogs have a better diet, their cognition is better. If you let them exercise as opposed to not letting them exercise, their cognition is better. And if you then sacrifice the mice that you've let exercise, you will find differences in their brain growth factors and synaptic levels. If you put rodents in a cage with things to play with, they make more synapses as they grow up. It is all coming together. As scientists are looking at the kinds of things our mother told us, they're seeing that there is actually something there. It's interesting that this is what it takes to get us to listen to our mothers.
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[The Adolphus Hotel, Dallas]
Description: Color postcard with an image of the Adolphus Hotel in Dallas. The correspondence reads, "My Sweet Baby- Mother sure did miss you last night- but I know you were all right with Auntie and Uncle. be good and keep well. We are in Dallas now will will be on our way in a little while to go to Marlin and I will either write you from Waco or when we get to Marlin- it's awful cold here this morning - Love to you all three. Loving Y- Mud." The postcard is addressed to Miss Rosa S. Dill, c/o "Moter Inn", R,D. Stean Co, Paris, Texas. It is postmarked Dallas, Texas on Feb 20, 1918.
Date: unknown
Item Type: Refine your search to only Postcard
Partner: Private Collection of Joe E. Haynes


text:
Facility Information
Physical Location
565 East Renfroe Road
Talladega, AL 35160
Contact Information
Phone: 256-315-4100
Fax: 256-315-4495
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Prison Type
Prison Type: Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP)
Security Level: minimum
Discount Phone Calls to Inmates
Call your inmate for cheap now! Sign up with InmateAid, register for a phone line and get a phone number that can greatly reduce the cost of your phone callsInmateAid
Rules to Survive Prison
When facing prison time it is important to know how to act while being locked up. Find out how to conduct yourself in prison and what to expect when you or a loved one is serving timeSoapboxie
Top 10 High-Security Prisons
See where the most notorious criminals are locked up. These are the top 10 prisons across the world that hpuse anything from drug lords to serial murdersThe Richest
FCI - Talladega Satellite Prison Camp - Minimum
Talladega County
Minimum security facilities holds those who have been imprisoned by low-level crimes. Also known as white collar crimes, the detainees are usually arrested for things such as small scale drug offenses. These institutions are often referred to as Federal Prison Camps (FPCs). The camp does not provide a high level enclosure as there is minimum to no perimeter fencing around the camp. FPCs include dormitory housing and is focused on inmate labor. Not everyone at FPCs are there for small crimes, some inmates with mores serious offenses may also be moved to a minimum security facility in case of good behavior, adhere to rules and sometimes at the conclusion of a sentence.
Low security Federal Correctional Institution (FCIs) are very similar to the Federal Prison Camps, with a few differences and more security. The proportion between staff and inmates is more even in FCIs than it is in FPCs where there are a lot more inmates than staff. Housing is similar on both levels and the inmate will have a job at the facility until he/she has served their term.
Medium level security facilities have more reinforced security with fences around the perimeter of the facility which are usually double fenced. Medium security FCIs house their inmates in cells. The size and type of cell may differ with each facility but usually arranged with metal bunk beds. Prisoners held in here mostly have a prior arrest record and/or are serving a sentence more than ten years. These institution can confine up to 2,000 prisoners in some cases. With so many people incarcerated under the same prison, it leads to volatility. Violence is no stranger here and fights among groups and gangs happen, which sometimes includes the use of weapons.
High level security facilities or as they are more commonly known as United States Penitentiaries (USPs). Inmates at penitentiaries, for the most part, have an wide history of arrests and are serving extensive time. People that are sent to USPs are usually arrested for high-cost and very serious crimes. From gang related crimes to organized crimes the USPs hold a wide variety of inmates that have little to low chance of ever living a normal and free life again. The facilities are surrounded by reinforced fences or walls and prisoners stay in cells. There are a lot of staff at penitentiaries compared to any other security facility, in order to manage the inmates. Everyone imprisoned at USPs share similar routines and the rooms are small, which are usually shared with on other inmate. The schedule at USPs are very strict and disciplinary action will be taken if a prisoner tries to rebel.
Administrative institutions are facilities for prisoners that are to be held at any other security level. Prisoners are usually held here for several reasons: an inmate may be moving from one prison to the other and may be held at this institution for some time. In some cases people are awaiting an active trial and are being held until moved to permanent facility. Inmates that are dangerous and have the tendency of escaping are also help at these facilities. Finding an inmate can be difficult but Nationwide Arrest Search provides an easy solution to finding your inmate ( click here ).
For more details or to send inmate mail, letters, and books visit InmateAid.
b. A separate notarized form is required for each immediate family member who is approved to accompany or supervise an inmate's minor children.
c. After the Warden, or his/her designee, reviews an inmate's proposed form, the names of those persons who are approved will be entered into the inmate database, Visitation Module, and a copy of the approved or disapproved list will be given to an inmate and a copy of the list will be scanned into the inmate's database.
d. Four (4) adults and four (4) minor children are authorized to visit an inmate at any one (1) time. Visitors who bring minor children to visit will be expected to properly supervise the children so that they do not cause disruption to the institution, staff, or other visitors. Violations may result in the visitors being terminated from visitation.
b. An attorney(s), or agents of the attorney, including paralegal, investigators, psychologists, psychiatrists, mitigation specialist, and or social workers will be allowed to interview with an inmate for legal purposes and will not be required to have a court order. The request shall come in writing from an attorney and include the attorney's credentials, as indicated in section 2.a. above.
c. d. Any question of the validity of the visit shall be referred to institutional Legal Department and their instructions followed.
e. Prior to the visit, the attorney may request, with approval of the Warden to leave legal documents with an inmate. Documents being brought into the institution by attorneys and legal assistants shall be searched in the presence of the attorney and legal assistant.
f. An attorney may request to bring to a visit electronic equipment, i.e.; laptop, tape recorder, camera; materials needed to complete a psychological evaluation. (1). The request will be honored only in very limited, special circumstances, with the advanced approval of the Warden. (2). The request must be in writing to the Warden.
g. Attorneys and Legal Assistants shall go through routine search procedures in accordance with rules, Searches when entering the institution.
h. Unless specifically approved by the Warden, or his/her designee, all meetings between attorneys and an inmate shall be one-on-one. The Warden, or his/her designee, shall make every reasonable effort to provide a room where an attorney can meet confidentially with an inmate. A meeting place shall be provided in which others cannot reasonably overhear the discussion between an inmate and attorney.
i. Attorney visits may be scheduled with death row inmates simultaneously with up to three (3) different inmates/attorneys being placed in the visitation area at the same time. In extreme circumstances an additional inmate may be placed on the visiting yard at the discretion of the Warden.
j. Restraints for an inmate may be utilized at the Wardens' discretion.
b. Visiting clergy shall be responsible for complying with the guidelines set forth in this regulation.
b. The request should be limited to an immediate family member.
c. An inmate may be eligible to receive one (1) special visit every six (6) months.
d. A special visit may be for an immediate family member who is not on the active visitation list but lives in excess of 500 miles away.
c. All visitors must be approved by the Warden, or his/her designee. The Warden, or his/her designee, shall notify in writing the hospital and contract security staff. Approved visitors must present picture identification to visit an inmate.
d. Approved visitors shall be required to follow established facility and hospital rules and procedures.
e. Approved visitors shall not be allowed to bring any item to the inmate visit.
f. The facility Correctional Officer(s)/contract security staff shall contact the institutional Shift Commander or designee upon the visitor(s) arrival and departure. The visitor(s) name, arrival time and departure time shall be entered into the shift log and forwarded to the visitation officer/designee for entry into the Visitation Module.
b. The Warden, or his/her designee, shall approve the date and time for the visit.
2. In the event of an unannounced or unscheduled visit by an official visitor, the Public Information Officer, Institutional Coordinator, and the Associate Commissioner of Operations shall be notified immediately.
3. Facility employees visiting institutions from other divisions (i.e. Central Office, Legal, etc.) may be required to walk through metal detectors and or hand-held devices. These employees will not be subject to search unless there is a security operation in progress and everyone entering the institution that day is being searched.
2. Visitors may be required to walk through a metal detector or screened with a hand-held detector.
3. Upon entry to an institution, ultraviolet ink shall be applied on the back of the hand of all approved visitors. A different design shall be used each day. A black-light shall be utilized to verify that the ink was applied correctly. A black-light shall be utilized to verify only visitors that are exiting the institution.
4. Inmates and visitors shall be searched prior to entering the visitation area to prevent contraband from entering the institution in accordance with Search rules and contraband will be disposed of in accordance with Disposal of Contraband rules. a. In accordance with Search rules, no cross gender searches will be conducted. b. Minor children shall be searched in the presence of their parent or legal guardian.
5. If there is reasonable suspicion that the visitor is carrying contraband, an unclothed search may be undertaken in accordance with Search rules. The unclothed search shall be authorized by the Warden. An Visitor Unclothed Search Authorization form, shall be completed prior to the search.
a. If a visitor refuses to be searched, he or she shall be denied entry into the institution. The visitor may be barred. b. If contraband is found in the possession of a visitor the contraband shall be confiscated and disposed of. The visitor may be detained for questioning by the Warden, his/her designee, or I&I Investigator. c. The on-call I&I Investigator shall be notified. d. An Duty Officer Report and Incident Report shall be completed. 6. If a visitor appears to be under the influence of an intoxicant he or she shall be denied entry into the institution.
7. If a visitor refuses to comply with visitation rules and procedures he or she shall be removed from the visiting area or institution.
8. Each adult visitor may be allowed to bring no more than $20.00 for the vending machine(s).
9. An inmate shall be frisk searched prior to entering the visitation area.
10. An inmate is NOT permitted to carry any item from the visitation area.
11. An inmate shall be stripped searched prior to exiting the visitation area.
12. An inmate housed in administrative segregation may be allowed visits in Administrative Segregation.
13. An inmate housed in disciplinary segregation shall not be allowed visits in accordance with Disciplinary Segregation, except with an attorney.
2. Termination. a. A visit may be terminated, with approval of the Warden, or his/her designee, because of institutional or visitation rule violation(s) by an inmate or visitor. b. Security personnel shall enter the termination in the Visitation Module. c. Security personnel shall initiate an incident report in accordance with Incident Reporting. d. The Warden shall review the incident to determine if further action is required.
3. Suspension. a. The Warden may suspend visitation privileges, after review of the Incident Report, for a period of up to six (6) months for institutional or visitation rule violation(s). b. The Warden, or his/her designee, shall enter the period of suspension into the Visitation Module. c. The Warden shall provide a written notice to the inmate, visitor, and visitation staff of suspended visitation privileges. d. The suspended visitor may apply in writing to the Warden for reinstatement after the suspension period has ended.
4. Barred. a. A visitor may be barred for a period of more than six (6) months to an indefinite length of time for serious and/or repeated infraction(s) such as, but not be limited to: (1). Assaultive/disruptive behavior. (2). Illegal drugs or possession of unauthorized drugs. (3). Possession of firearms/weapons on state property. (4). Repeated violation(s) of institutional or visitation rules. b. The Warden will review the Incident Report and submit his or her recommendation for permanent barring utilizing the Visitation Module to the Associate Commissioner of Operations. c. The Associate Commissioner of Operations shall approve or disapprove, utilizing the Visitation Module, the Warden's recommendation for barring a visitor. d. The Warden shall provide a written notice to the visitor that they have been barred from entering ALL institutions. A copy shall be scanned into the inmate's database and a copy shall be provided to the inmate.
2. In the event of an unannounced or unscheduled visit by an official visitor, the Public Information Officer, Institutional Coordinator, and the Associate Commissioner of Operations shall be notified immediately.
3. Facility employees visiting institutions from other divisions (i.e. Central Office, Legal, etc.) may be required to walk through metal detectors and or hand-held devices. These employees will not be subject to search unless there is a security operation in progress and everyone entering the institution that day is being searched.


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Front yard runners
Beth Ross's lawn is attracting double takes. While most of her neighbors have planted signs touting their favorite mayoral candidates, Ross's yard looks like it belongs to someone who's proud to remain undecided: It has side-by-side signs for Tim Davlin and Tony Libri.
"It's made for a good conversation piece," Ross says with a laugh.
Ross, who works in the state's attorney's office, has already made up her mind--she plans to vote for Libri. But her eight-year-old son, Dalton, wants Davlin to win. She says her ex-husband is good friends with the Democrat, and her son knows Davlin well.
"He loves him to death," she says. "He wanted his sign in the yard too, so that's what happened. I told him after everyone votes we will take one down."
Nearby residents have been perplexed, but they may have to live with their confusion if the two candidates end up facing each other in the general election.
"There are a lot of Libri signs around the neighborhood," Ross says. "I've had several people ask me if I was highly confused. I just told them, 'Yes--right now I am.' "


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Koalabi By Jumbo History
The Australian ugg boot traces its origins back to at least early last century when World War I pilots were pictured wearing their fleece-lined "Fug Boots" (Presumably flying ugg boots!). Blue Mountain Uggs go back to 1933 with shearers finding them cosy and warm and in the late 1950′s, Mortel′s Sheepskin Factory began producing a line of "apache ugh boots". Then in the late 1960′s Australian surfers started making boots out of sheepskin to keep their feet warm when they were out of the water. To make these boots they would sew sheepskin hides together with a soft sole attached to the bottom. Yes - they didn′t even have hard soles. In fact, they were really only a glorified sock. These original boots were not pretty to look at, in fact they were rather ugly, which it is believed where the term Ug originates from... Ugly boots - Ugg boots. However we rather believe that Ug was derived from the word hug because they are hugs for your feet!
Ug is a generic term, which has been used in Australia for many years to describe this style of sheepskin boot. It is a product description, not a brand name. Ask any Australian what an ugg boot is and they′ll say sheepskin boot. It′s as ′ocker′ (slang for ′Australian′) as meat pies and kangaroos.
So please don′t confuse our Koalabi By Jumbo Boots label with other Ugg or Ug labels, such as some American brand UGG® Australia which is not even made in Australia but in China. All our boots are handmade in Australia from 100% finest Merino Sheepskin, which is renowned for its comfort and insulating properties, yet because it′s a natural material it will also keep your feet cool during the summer time.
Over time, many manufacturers and retailers of sheepskin boots have cropped up. One Australian fellow - Brian Smith - took some sheepskin ugg boots from Australia to the US and began selling them. Variations of his story can be found all over the web but there were many others who also sold ugg boots throughout the world even before him. Eventually, in the mid-1990′s, a big US footwear company Deckers Outdoor Corporation, bought into the ugg boot scene. Sadly, Deckers have laid claim to the term "ugg" despite its generic-ness and public domain use (and its entry into many aussie slang dictionaries) and despite other Australian manufacturers also selling them into the US as an ′ugg boot′ from as far back as their origins can be traced. We have been informed by a representative of Ugg Australia (12 Dec 2003) that no footwear is made in Australia anymore. A portion is made in New Zealand with the rest being made in China. This is despite much of the product being labelled ′Original UGG Australia′. Ironically, no ′bricks and mortar′ retailer in Australia sells the US Ugg Australia brand. Why? Who really knows... maybe because they are simply too expensive when compared to the local - more genuine - product.
The ugg boot story is now a classic David and Goliath battle. The smaller, original, Australian long-term manufacturers are being pushed around (and literally just that - receiving ′cease and desist letters′ and ′legal threats′) by Ugg Holdings (yes - the American company) who on the one hand claim they sell an original Australian ugg boot yet the majority, if not all (their representative now (18 Dec 2003) can′t decide whether some are still made here in Australia or not) are made outside of Australia (in fact - many in China).
For anyone in search of a pair of real Australian sheepskin footwear, I implore you to support the original manufacturers, the little guys, the ones behind the legend and buy your genuine (yes the real, real thing) Australian sheepskin footwear made by a truly Australian firm such as Koalabi By Jumbo. And if Koalabi By Jumbo don′t have them, try Uggs-N-Rugs or find another dinky di Australian manufacturer and/or retailer.
Don′t be fooled by fancy advertising... make sure you find out where and by whom the product is really being made.
Want to give support to the Aussies fighting the US company trade-marking the generic term "ugg" (and its various spellings)? Visit the Save Our Aussie Icon site.
Wool has been an essential part of Australia′s growth as a nation. Since the arrival of sheep with the First Fleet in 1788, the wool industry has dominated our economy, our agricultural practices, our collective imagination and our reputation as a quality wool-growing nation throughout the world.
Two hundred years later, in 1988, The National Wool Museum was established as Australia′s only comprehensive museum of wool. The Museum is housed in an historic 1872 bluestone wool store near the port of Geelong, Victoria.
Travelling exhibitions, education programs, special exhibits, tours and workshops - there′s always something new happening at the National Wool Museum.
Australian Wool Production
Australia is the world′s largest producer of wool.
Did you know...
- In 2003/2004 there were 106 million sheep shorn in Australia producing 480 million kg of greasy wool.
- It is expected that the amount of wool produced in 2004/2005 will rise by 4% to 500 million kg of greasy wool from 112 million sheep shorn.
- The Australian flock was composed of 84.6% Merino, 11.3% crossbred, 4.1% other breeds at 30 June 2003.
- The wheat-sheep zone of Australia contains around 55% of the Australian sheep flock, the high rainfall zone contains around 33% and the pastoral zone contains around 12%.
- At 30 June 2003, 73% of the total wool produced in Australia is produced by less than 40% of wool producing farms.
Australian Wool Fibre
Did you know...
- There has been a significant change in the fibre diameter (micron) profile of the Australian clip. In1993/1994, only 8.5% of the wool clip was 19 micron or finer. Ten years later, 30% of the clip is 19 micron or finer.
- Wool fibres are mostly made of protein with a small amount of fat, calcium and sodium.
- As it grows from the sheep′s skin, wool naturally groups into staples which each contain many thousands of fibres.
- After shearing, wool is classed into five main categories: fleece, pieces, bellies, crutchings and locks.
- The most important characteristics of wool in determining its greasy value are fibre diameter, staple strength, staple length, vegetable matter, colour and yield.
Australian Wool Fibre
Did you know...
- Australia is the world′s largest producer of wool, producing over a quarter of the world′s greasy wool in 2003/2004.
- While Australia produces more wool than any other country, China has the largest sheep population. Australia has the second largest sheep population.
- Australia exports wool to 50 countries. China is the biggest purchaser of Australian wool, with exports to China valued at $1.1 billion in 2003/2004.
- In 2003/2004, wool accounted for 2.5% of Australia′s total exports, 3.4% of Australia′s primary industry (agricultural/mining) exports, and 9.4% of Australia′s agricultural exports, ranking third behind beef and wheat.
- Wool exports were valued at $2.8 billion in 2003/2004.
Wool Textiles
Did you know...
- Australian wool accounted for 48% of the total used in global wool apparel in 2003/2004.
- In 2003, wool accounted for 2.4% of total world fibre use and about 3.5% of world apparel fibre use (with Australian wool approximately 2.3% of world apparel fibre use).
- Casual leisurewear is the largest clothing sector accounting for 70% of the total apparel market.
- Young adults, who dominate global discretionary apparel expenditure, are influenced more by price and performance rather than the textile fibre used.
- Worsted fabrics are made with longer fibres that produce a surface that′s smooth to touch. Woollens are made with shorter fibres that stand up from the surface and give the fabric a hairy touch.
- Wool insulates against heat and cold, is healthy, water repellent, fire resistant, naturally elastic, wears longer, is versatile, resists static, insulates against noise, resists dirt, is easy to sew, is comfortable and dyes beautifully.
Source : All the above information is courtesy of www.wool.com.au (Australian Wool Innovation Limited)
The Processing of Woolskins to Make Koalabi By Jumbo Boots
Courtesy of the CSIRO web site:
Woolskins are usually preserved with salt prior to being processed by tanneries. At the tannery the skins are processed in large vessels called paddles which vary in capacity from 3000 to 15000 litres. In contrast to hide processing, in woolskin processing mechanical action is kept to a minimum in order to minimise felting of the wool. Rotating blades on the paddles move the skins slowly and gently, and processing is performed at much higher float ratios (typically 20-35 litres of water per skin) than are used in hide processing.
Typically it takes about 10 working days for the skins to be tanned and finished ready to be cut into panels for ugg boots.
Soaking (16 hours)
The skins are rinsed in cold water to remove excess salt and dirt from the wool and pelt. Rehydration (soaking) of the pelt takes place in a fresh cold water float overnight.
The skins are fleshed using a fleshing machine which removes excess fat and muscle tissue from the back of the skins. This allows for more rapid and complete penetration of chemicals in the later stages of processing, particularly during pickling and tanning.
Scouring (30-45 minutes)
Surfactants are used at 38oC to remove dirt and grease (lanolin) from the wool.
Pickling (16 hours)
Prior to tanning, the skins are pickled in a solution containing acid and salt. The salt is added to prevent swelling of the skins by the acid. The internal pH of the skins is lowered to approximately 2.8-3.0, thereby preparing the skins for penetration by the tanning agent.
Tanning (16 hours)
Tanning is generally achieved by using chromium salts which form cross-links with the collagen, stabilising the skin structure and preventing putrefaction. The tanning step is conducted at about 25oC and pH 2.5-3.0 to allow for penetration of the chrome. Once penetrated, the chrome is fixed to the collagen by raising the pH to about 3.6 using sodium bicarbonate, and heating to about 35-40oC. This step raises the shrinkage temperature of the skin from about 60oC to around 100oC.
Wool Dyeing / Fatliquoring (3-4 hours)
After tanning, the wool may be dyed a variety of colours. Wool dyeing is performed at about pH 4.5-6 and at 60-65oC, "Pelt reserve agents" being added to prevent the wool dye staining the pelt. After the dye is exhausted, the pH is lowered to about 4.0 to fix the dyes to the wool, and fatliquor is added to the bath. Fatliquors are emulsified oils which are used in leather manufacture to lubricate the collagen fibres, allowing them to move freely when the skin is dried, thereby imparting softness to the skin.
Drying (4-24 hours)
Once tanned and wool dyed, the skins are then dried in heated forced-air dryers by "toggling" the skins to a frame. Drying is conducted at temperatures of 50-80oC.
Drycleaning (4-24 hours)
The dried skins are "drycleaned" in either white spirit (a high-boiling petroleum fraction) or perchloroethylene. The drycleaning removes the natural fat and grease present within the skins.
Pelt Dyeing / Syntanning
Once the pelt grease is removed, the skins are returned to the paddle for pelt dyeing. This step is performed at low temperature (less than 30oC) in order to minimise staining of the wool by the pelt dye. After pelt dyeing, the skins are "syntanned" using synthetic tanning agents in order to give the pelts added fullness and firmness. The skins are then redried.
Once all the tanning and processing steps have been completed, the skins are ready for final finishing prior to being used in ugg boot manufacture.
After "conditioning" the skins to approximately 20% moisture content, the skins are staked in a staking machine. This softens and stretches the skin pelt, and puts a "nap" on the pelt surface.
Combing / Ironing / Clipping
The wool is combed in a combing machine to remove tangles and any burrs or grass seeds present in the wool. An iron (a hot, 150oC revolving cylinder) straightens the wool, removing the natural wool crimp.Finally, a cylinder clipping machine is used to clip the wool pile to the desired length, usually about 12-15 mm.
Panels are cut from the skins using a "clicking press". Once cut, the panels are sewn together using industrial sewing machines, then the sole is glued to the boot. Once this is done, the boots are ready for sale!
These are the major stages in Wool Production:
- Shearing
- Washing
- Blending
- Carding
- Spinning
- Weaving
- Fulling & finishing
- Chemical Finishes
Grease wool is processed into its finished products by either the worsted or woollen system.
Worsted system
In the worst system, the wool is combed after drying. This is method is only used on longer wools, and as a result the fibres are laid parallel to one another. Worsted materials normally have a smooth finish, and are extremely durable. Some examples of worsted products include suits, dresses, and gabardines.
Woollen System
Wools of short length are often used in the woollen system. In this system the wool is not combed, but rather carded. As a result, the materials are thicker, and garments look bulky in appearance. Some examples of the woollen products include, sweaters, and carpets.
The End Product
The many uses of wool
After the wool has been processed it is then turned into a number of fine products. Wool is a versatile fibre that is fire resistant, elastic , durable, and serves as a source of insulation. Wool can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture which allows it to have insulating properties.
Wool is used in such products as coats and blankets, ugg boots and even toys.
With so many uses, wool is considered the Michael Jordan of fibres. Fibres are continually compared to wool because of its many strengths, such as the fact that it is fire resistant as well as stronger than steel.
Source : The above information has been taken from the following website : http://ag.ansc.purdue.edu/sheep/ansc442/Semprojs/wool/index.htm


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French Troops Save 2 Gay Mali Men From Execution
Two men from Mali who were scheduled to be executed for allegedly having gay sex were saved by the French military, Gay Star News reports.
Islamist extremists took over northern territories of the landlocked West African country last year but its former colonial ruler, France, along with neighboring African nations, sent their military to Mali to intervene. France deployed 3,500 troops to help clear northern Mali of extreme Islamic rule.
After the Muslim rebels had taken over the town of Gao, they enforced a strict form of Sharia law, the moral code and religious law of Islam, which calls for thieves to be amputated and for gay men to be executed.
Muslims in other parts of the world have condemned the rebels, who destroyed sacred grave sites and ancient manuscripts in the fabled Malian city of Timbuktu. A Muslim LGBT rights advocate based in the United Kingdom told Gay Star News that "homosexuality is not illegal or forbidden in the Quran, it is not condemned as haram."
"Fundamental Islamists, having been indoctrinated by religious leaders who impose their own views and interpretations on homosexuality, have become obsessed with the idea and this impels them to commit such atrocities and crimes against humanity," Omar Kudds told the website. "If the French led forces had not rescued, found and freed these two Malian men who were about to be executed today, their plight and deaths would have gone unnoticed."
"The question must be asked, of how many other gay men are executed, tortured, in the false name of Islam, without this being reported or noticed," Kudds added. "Muslims must be reminded and educated that only Allah can pass judgment, not mere mortal men, and that Islam is a religion of compassion and forgiveness, not of murder."
While the extremist groups controlled north Mali, Badou Ahmed and Ag Oussman were set to be put to death. Ahmed described to Reuters his ordeal of having been arrested for allegedly having gay sex and barely managing to escape death after the French troops liberated Gao.
"During the trial, there were no defense witnesses, it was controlled," Ahmed said. "They told us they were going to cut our throats for being homosexual, even though another man said that without witness testimony, we would not be."
Oussman says he was awaiting to be executed for being gay but was also freed moments before he was scheduled to be executed.
"I was in prison and I was waiting to be executed the next day when I heard bombing throughout the night," Oussman told Reuters. "In the morning, a crowd arrived, breaking my cell door to get me out, they told me they that I was free, the city is liberated from Islamists."
Although same-sex activity is legal in the conservative African nation, a 2007 Pew Global Attitudes Project poll found that 98 percent of the country's adults opposed homosexuality. Mali had the highest disapproval rate among 45 countries surveyed.