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In the Name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
Principles of Western Democracy and Islam
by Anna Jordan
The current issue (Dec.1998) of Life Magazine sports an interesting cover which poses the following question:
The article by Frank McCourt of the same title could not be better timed for the purposes of this paper. The opening paragraph reads:
America's God is vaguely defined. Ours is not a monocultural nation like, say Iran, Italy or Ireland, but a proudly diverse one. In many countries, the state, so entwined with a national religion, paints a picture of God no less stark than a portrait of the ayatollah, of the pope, of Saint Patrick. Everyone knows what God looks like, and accepts the image or leaves it alone - this latter option sometimes at one's peril. America, meantime, makes it society's business to support, protect and nurture minority viewpoints, values and traditions. Within these are many different views of God (sometimes Gods, plural; sometimes "exalted beings" possessing a divine essence). Americans answerable only to their God, can choose.
Depending on one's religious persuasion, people may form many different images of God. Individuals often become so convinced that the image of God each holds dear is the right image, religious dogma replaces what can only be considered conjecture.
If one mentions the Quran , the holy book of Islam, it is quite likely many people will recall images of an ayatollah intolerant towards American government. Most people would be shocked if they were told that the Quran supports the eight principles of western democracy as outlined in Today's Ism's by William Ebenstein and Edwin Fogelman. Yet that is the thesis of this paper. What currently passes for Islam as practiced by the majority of Muslims is a form of religious dogma in contradiction to the teachings of the Quran.
It is hoped that by the conclusion of this paper, the reader will see Islam in a new light, not as a form of religious dogma, but as a guide to making choices based on intelligence and reason.
There are eight criteria or elements by which a democratic society can be evaluated or judged according to William Ebenstein and Edwin Fogelman.
- Rational empiricism
- Emphasis on the individual
- Instrumental theory of the state
- Voluntarism
- The law behind the law
- Emphasis on means
- Discussion and consent in human relations
- Basic equality of all human beings
1. Rational empiricism.All our knowledge comes from experience with the confidence to apply reason to human relations. Truth is not a given but is subject to change requiring continuous reevaluation and verification. What may seem true today may be altered tomorrow with the input of additional information or by changes in circumstances. Applied to a democracy, all sides must be heard on any issue, or at least as many as possible, thereby allowing for free speech, publication, assembly and association.
A dogmatist believes he knows the truth with absolute certainty and will accuse anyone who opposes his version of the truth guilty of intellectual subversion. Therefore, the dogmatist will not inquire further into matters. The only input he will allow is that information which will strengthen his position. It is this certainty of knowledge that opens the door to fanatic sentiment.
John Locke (1632-1704) believed that all our knowledge derives from experience.
"In this conception, truth ... is tentative, changing, and subject to constant checking and verification."
It follows that the rational empiricist believes that one never fully arrives at the truth, or the final answer to any question. In fact, the more one may learn about a given subject, the more ignorant one may realize he is. New awareness almost always creates more questions to answers than answers to questions. It is this mode of thinking that allows for scientific progress. In principle, a democratic process allows and encourages all questions and points of view, even those which challenge the principles of democracy, although this is the ideal more often than the reality. When the ideal is the reality, the process remains dynamic. In a dogmatic regime, the process becomes static, even in a supposedly democratic regime. The truth has been declared and no other point of view will shake it or change it.
The Quran makes the point for rational empiricism in short order:
[17:36] You shall not accept any information, unless you verify it for yourself. I have given you the hearing, the eyesight, and the brain, and you are responsible for using them.
This verse describes the process of gaining empirical knowledge quite clearly. Our knowledge is gained from the evidence of our senses. What we see and what we hear are processed by the brain and become the foundation for what we know. We are responsible for the interpretation of what we see and hear. Generally, no one can ascertain the truth by one observation. If one observation is sufficient for drawing a conclusion it is because reason has been applied to previously gained information. For example, one might never have been an eye-witness to an automobile exploding, yet one's knowledge and experience may be sufficient to know that if an automobile explodes in the course of impact with another vehicle, the occupants inside will likely come to be harmed, if not killed. However, in another example, a small child will not understand that placing her finger in a fire will burn her if she has never had any experience with fire.
The scientific method requires repeated testing with the outcomes remaining consistent before we can accept the results with any confidence. Likewise, truth can only be ascertained by examining all sides, or at least as many as are available for review. As it is always likely that one may never have all points of view at any given time, it is safe to infer that truth is always subject to revision. So, while we are expected to use our senses to receive information, we are also expected to apply that knowledge in a rational manner, remaining open to the possibility that new information may expand or change our understanding.
2. Emphasis on the individual. Ebenstein and Fogelman contrast liberal democracy with both authoritarian and totalitarian regimes. The latter two view the individual as the servant of the state. The individual lives to serve the state, being only one small part of the whole with the "concept of citizenship as duty, discipline, and death for the state." The state is not to be questioned but is to be obeyed.
Locke first emphasized the rights of the individual when he wrote in his essays that the individual had the right to pursue life, liberty and property; and if the individual was not happy with the laws under which he was living, he should be free to remove himself to a place where such laws could not compel him into compliance. However, he also believed that if a government usurped the rights of the people, the people had the right to revolt and change the government. This thinking became the foundation for what was to become the American Declaration of Independence. Thomas Jefferson, the principle drafter of that document, slightly modified Locke's principles of individual rights, and Americans have come to accept that life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are inalienable rights. Like Locke, Jefferson believed that when a government interfered with these rights, the people had the right to alter or abolish that government and to institute a new one which would better secure their safety and happiness.
Locke's contention that one should be free to move if one was unhappy with the conditions imposed on him is supported by the Quran, as well the right to revolt against the government if it usurps the rights of the people.
[4:100] Anyone who emigrates in the cause of God will find on earth great bounties and richness. Anyone who gives up his home, emigrating to God and His messenger, then death catches up with him, his recompense is reserved with God. God is Forgiver, Most Merciful.
[9:20] Those who believe, and emigrate, and strive in the cause of God with their money and their lives, are far greater in rank in the sight of God. These are the winners.
[4:71] O you who believe, you shall remain alert, and mobilize as individuals, or mobilize all together.
[4:76] Those who believe are fighting for the cause of God, while those who disbelieve are fighting for the cause of tyranny. Therefore, you shall fight the devil's allies; the devil's power is nil.
While the Quran speaks of emigrating and fighting in the cause of God, it may seem misleading in the context of politics. No specific mention of government is made. There are several possible explanations for this. One reason is that at the time Muhammad begin reciting the Quran, the Arabs were primarily tribal nomads. Government as twentieth century Americans know it, or as Locke knew it in seventeenth century England, did not exist for them. Another reason that government is not specifically mentioned would be that these passages do not refer only to governments, but also to any conditions that would impose unfair limitations upon an individual or groups of individuals, as within a family, the tribe, the community, or the larger nation state. The fact that the term government is not specifically used does not mean that these passages do not support the right to leave or to abolish the state. What it does imply is a broad application. Tyranny is still tyranny be it on the personal level between spouses or between the ruler and the ruled. When Paine stated that he believed the Almighty would separate America from England because of the latter's abuses against humanity, it was no less a spiritual plea for divine intervention. The Declaration of Independence states in part:
We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable [sic] Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness - That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed, that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these Ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its Foundation on such Principles, and organizing its Powers in such Forms, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient Causes; and accordingly all Experience hath shewn, that Mankind are more disposed to suffer, while Evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the Forms to which they are accustomed.
This document equates inalienable rights with God-given rights as stated in the first sentence above.
[2:190-193] You may fight in the cause of God against those who attack you, but do not aggress. God does not love the aggressors. You may kill those who wage war against you, and you may evict them whence they evicted you. Oppression is worse than murder... If they refrain, then God is Forgiver, Most Merciful. You may also fight them to eliminate oppression, and to worship God freely. If they refrain, you shall not aggress; aggression is permitted only against the aggressors.
Does it seem a stretch of reason to apply the previous verses to the human condition of which history abounds with examples of abuse? Jefferson makes the point that people too often accept the status quo and allow themselves to continue suffering under oppressive forms of government rather than stand up and fight such oppression. Are we to assume that fighting oppression has nothing to do with God? If our inalienable rights are God-given as the Declaration of Independence asserts, then what right does a government, a group of individuals, or one individual have to abuse such rights? Are we not fighting in the cause of God when we defend that which we believe is God-given?
[4:75] Why should you not fight in the cause of God when weak men, women, and children are imploring: "Our Lord, deliver us from this community whose people are oppressive, and be You our Lord and Master."
[4:76] Those who believe are fighting for the cause of God, while those who disbelieve are fighting for the cause of tyranny. Therefore, you shall fight the devil's allies; the devil's power is nil.
Paine echoed similar words in his pamphlet Common Sense when
"he denounced the British ruling classes for exploiting the lower classes in America and in England, and urged the colonies to declare themselves free and independent states so that they might establish in America a haven of refuge for the oppressed peoples of Europe."
Ebenstein and Fogelman state that the historical roots of individualism stem from three sources:
First, the Jewish concept of one God leads to the idea that all men, as children of God, are brothers to each other. Second, the Christian doctrine of the indestructibility of the human soul maintains that whatever social, economic, and political inequalities may exist, all men posses a spiritual equality and uniqueness that no earthly power can override. Third, in the stoic view, the one principle of action that governs all things is to be at one with oneself, to know oneself, and to act in conformity with one's rational principles and purposes. The true self of man, according to the stoics, is not flesh or bones, but the faculty that uses them, the reason, the part that more than anything else characterizes one as human.
At no time, of course, has this individualism been fully accepted, and the counterforces of collective solidarity always threaten it.
Although the Quran is supportive of the Judeao-Christian ideas expressed above, Ebenstein and Fogelman do not demonstrate how individualism has developed from either of the first two sources. That all men are brothers does not clarify the concept of individualism. That all men possess a spiritual equality does not sufficiently support the premise for individualism. The stoic view comes closer to establishing a precedent for individualism and it is this point of view which is supported by the Quran:
[22:46] Did they not roam the earth, then use their minds to understand, and use their ears to hear? Indeed, the real blindness is not the blindness of the eyes, but the blindness of the hearts inside the chests.
The blindness of the hearts inside the chest is the metaphorical description of the faculty of reason, and failure to use it is an individual dilemma, although many individuals may be guilty of such failure.
3. The instrumental theory of the state. This is the view that the state is a mechanism to be used for ends higher than itself. In order to accept this theory, one must reject the concept of the state as the ultimate authority. One must also define ends higher than itself. Returning to the Judeao-Christian viewpoint, "the highest values in man's life relate to God and that no earthly law can claim to supersede God's. From the rational-humanist viewpoint, the instrumentalist theory of the state affirms that the ability of the individual to use his reason in discovering what is right and wrong is the ultimate test of political authority."
[55:1-10] The Most Gracious. Teacher of the Quran. Creator of the human beings. He taught them how to distinguish. The sun and moon are perfectly calculated. The stars and the trees prostrate. He constructed the sky and established the law. He created the earth for all creatures.
[45:3,18-20] The heavens and the earth are full of proofs for the believers. We then appointed you to establish the correct laws; you shall follow this, and do not follow the wishes of those who do not know. They cannot help you at all against God. It is the transgressors who ally themselves with one another, while God is the Lord of the righteous. This provides enlightenments for the people, and guidance, and mercy for those who are certain.
These verses support the premise that no earthly law is higher than God's law. He taught them how to distinguish affirms that the individual must use his reason in discovering what is right and wrong.
4. Voluntarism. This principle first meant the freedom to associate religiously with any group the individual chose. It has since come to represent the freedom to associate with any group of one's choosing, be it political, educational, or economic in nature, to name a few. Generally, it represents an association with a smaller group that is influenced more by localized input and less by a centralized government. As the name implies, association is voluntary, an important principle in the concept of democracy. It is this voluntary association which also has a charitable connotation.
[2:215] They ask you about giving: say, "The charity you give shall go to the parents, the relatives, the orphans, the poor, and the traveling alien." Any good you do, God is fully aware thereof.
[2:267] O you who believe, you shall give to charity from the good things you earn, and from what we have produced for you from the earth. Do not pick out the bad therein to give away, when you yourselves do not accept it unless your eyes are closed. You should know that God is Rich, Praiseworthy.
The following verse makes the point for freedom to associate with whomever the individual chooses.
[2:272] You are not responsible for guiding anyone. God is the only one who guides whoever chooses (to be guided). Any charity you give is for your own good. Any charity you give shall be for the sake of God. Any charity you give will be repaid to you, without the least injustice.
[10:98-99] Any community that believes will surely be rewarded for believing... Had your Lord willed, all the people on earth would have believed. Do you want to force the people to become believers?
The state cannot turn evil into good or wrong into right solely because it possesses the means of physical coercion...in the classical liberal doctrine...the state is to step in only when the voluntary efforts of society fail."
[45:18] We then appointed you to establish the correct laws; you shall follow this, and do not follow the wishes of those who do not know.
[4:71] O you who believe, you shall remain alert, and mobilize as individuals, or mobilize all together.
The state is not explicitly mentioned above but the admonition to be alert to changing conditions is apparent and the command, or authorization if one prefers, to take action on the individual level or on the broader level, be it on the state or national level is clear when warranted. Mobilizing is not limited to warfare as in military-style warfare. We may mobilize to bring aid and assistance to victims of earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes or we may participate in a nationwide Great American Smoke Out Day.
5. The law behind the law. This concept stems from the federal view of state and society in classical liberalism which considers society to be basically self-sufficient. The state is an essentially voluntary body with its authority being derived from the consent of the governed. Because classic liberalism has always adhered to the idea that the relations between state and society, between government and individual, are ultimately defined by a law higher than that of the state...the law is not the product of the state, but precedes it.
As stated earlier in the introduction, the Declaration of Independence mentions this higher authority as Divine Providence. The Constitution also discusses this concept in defining due process whereby the rights of all are protected based on the principles of reason. No laws can be legislated that violate those basic rights.
[3:26] Say, "Our god: possessor of all sovereignty. You grant sovereignty to whomever You choose, You remove sovereignty from whomever You choose. You grant dignity to whomever You choose, and commit to humiliation whomever You choose. In Your hand are all provisions. You are Omnipotent.
[4:49] Have you noted those who exalt themselves? Instead, God is the One who exalts whomever He wills, without the least injustice.
[4:50] Note how they fabricate lies about God; what a gross offense this is!
[4:52] It is they who incurred God's condemnation, and whomever God condemns, you will not find any helper for him.
[4:53] Do they own a share of the sovereignty? If they did, they would not give the people as much as a grain.
[9:120] Neither the dwellers of the city, nor the Arabs around them, shall seek to stay behind the messenger of God (when he mobilizes for war). Nor shall they give priority to their own affairs over supporting him. This is because they do not suffer any thirst, or any effort, or hunger in the cause of God, or take a single step that enrages the disbelievers, or inflict any hardship upon the enemy, without having it written down for them as a credit. God never fails to recompense those who work righteousness.
The founding fathers shunned the dogma of existing religions when they established the new American government. They considered God the only moral authority to which they owed any accounting. Consider this next verse in light of this thinking:
[24:55] God promises those among you who believe and lead a righteous life, that He will make them sovereigns on earth, as He did for those before them, and will establish for them the religion He has chosen for them, and will substitute peace and security for them in place of fear. All this because they worship Me alone; they never set up any idols beside Me. Those who disbelieve after this are the truly wicked.
Today the American people are sovereign with respect to the government. No one religion dominates our society. We have been a melting pot for European and African cultures since our inception as a nation. We are increasingly becoming a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural society with the continued flow of Asian, Middle Eastern and Indo-European cultures. Tolerance and respect for one another is a two-way conduit; it must take precedence in our relationships within society if our peace and security is to continue.
6. Emphasis on the means. The state does not have the right to achieve it's objectives by any means no matter how desirable the end may be. This relates back to the rational-humanist viewpoint in determining the use of political authority, where the individual uses his reason to determine what is right and wrong. The state cannot justifiably force an outcome through physical coercion just because it has the physical power to do so. Any ends achieved must be accomplished through due process.
An example is given in the Quran that illustrates its support for due process. King David was asked to settle a dispute:
[38:22] When they entered his room, he was startled. They said, "Have no fear. We are feuding with one another, and we are seeking your fair judgment. Do not wrong us, and guide us in the right path.
[38:23] "This brother of mine owns ninety nine* sheep, while I own one sheep. He wants to mix my sheep with his, and continues to pressure me."
[38:24] He said, "He is being unfair to you by asking to combine your sheep with his. Most people who combine their properties treat each other unfairly, except those who believe and work righteousness, and these are so few." Afterwards, David wondered if he made the right judgment. He thought that we were testing him. He then implored his Lord for forgiveness, bowed down, and repented.*
[38:26] O David, we have made you a ruler on earth. Therefore, you shall judge among the people equitably, and do not follow your personal opinion, lest it diverts you from the way of God. Surely, those who stray off the way of God incur severe retribution for forgetting the Day of Reckoning.
[38:27] We did not create the heaven and the earth, and everything between them, in vain. Such is the thinking of those who disbelieve. Therefore, woe to those who disbelieve; they will suffer in Hell.
Although David questioned his own decision, he was reminded that his personal biases had no place in judging between the disputes of the people. He was admonished to judge equitably. What is equitable? The process demands evaluation of all knownmaterial evidence, the chance to give testimony, the right to an impartial hearing by either a jury or an unbiased judge, and the right to appeal after the judgment if warranted. Another verse addresses the importance of fairness and an unbiased attitude:
[4:135] O you who believe, you shall be absolutely equitable, and observe God, when you serve as witnesses, even against yourselves, or your parents, or your relatives. Whether the accused is rich or poor, God takes care of both. Therefore, do not be biased by your personal wishes. If you deviate or disregard (this commandment), then God is fully Cognizant of everything you do.
Another verse supports the rights of the accused:
[49:6] O you who believe, if a wicked person brings any news to you, you shall first investigate, lest you commit injustice towards some people, out of ignorance, then become sorry and remorseful for what you have done.
Obviously, not all people who bring charges against other people are wicked. Nonetheless, everyone, including the guilty, are entitled to have any charges brought against them investigated and examined. This verse requires that any information that would be detrimental to any individual or group of individuals be thoroughly reviewed before drawing conclusions.
7. Discussion and consent. Basically this means lay all the cards on the table, discuss the variety of options available, and then compromise if necessary to settle any differences. As stated earlier, truth is not a given but is subject to change. Since it is doubtful that any one individual ever knows all there is to know on any one issue, a democratic society operates on the premise that all individuals have the right to be heard, all available views must be aired followed with the necessary discussion. The reality is such that total agreement among individuals is rare, if not impossible, but discussion and consent allows for an exchange of information and provides for new information to be considered. This is not entirely unlike due process, but due process is more a guarantee for fair treatment under the law in legal situations, whereas discussion and consent is a code of behavior for daily problem solving in all aspects of society, from the House of Representatives to the classroom.
Citing a different example, this time speaking to Muhammad, the need for discussion and consent is addressed:
[3:159] It was mercy from God that you became compassionate towards them. Had you been harsh and mean-hearted, they would have abandoned you. Therefore, ...you shall consult them. Once you make a decision, carry out your plan, and trust in God. God loves those who trust in Him.
[42:38] ...Their affairs are decided after due consultation among themselves...
The Quran has given support for the democratic principle of discussion and consent. When oppression is present and discussion has failed, the Quran has given society the authority to use aggression. Just as Locke suggests that the people have the right to change the government when it abuses their rights, the Quran supports this belief, also.
8. Basic equality of all human beings. This democratic doctrine is frequently misunderstood according to Ebenstein and Fogelman. People are not identical, but they have certain inalienable rights as human beings. The Jewish-Christian tradition states that all people are equal before God; "God's challenge to every human being is the same, although individual responses to it vary enormously." The Quran states:
[3:195] Their Lord responded to them: "I never fail to reward any worker among you for any work you do, be you male or female - you are equal to one another. Thus, those who immigrate, and get evicted from their homes, and are persecuted because of Me, and fight and get killed, I will surely remit their sins and admit them into gardens with flowing streams." Such is the reward from God. God possesses the ultimate reward.
[49:13] O people, we created you from the same male and female, and rendered you distinct peoples and tribes, that you may recognize one another. The best among you in the sight of God is the most righteous. God is Omniscient, Cognizant.
[17:53] Tell My servants to treat each other in the best possible manner, for the devil will always try to drive a wedge among them. Surely, the devil is man's most ardent enemy.
[49:11] O you who believe, no people shall ridicule other people, for they may be better than they. Nor shall any women ridicule other women, for they may be better than they. Nor shall you mock one another, or make fun of your names. Evil indeed is the reversion to wickedness after attaining faith. Anyone who does not repent after this, these are the transgressors.
[49:12] O you who believe, you shall avoid any suspicion, for even a little bit of suspicion is sinful. You shall not spy on one another, nor shall you backbite one another; this is as abominable as eating the flesh of your dead brother. You certainly abhor this. You shall observe God. God is Redeemer, Most Merciful.
[31:18] "You shall not treat the people with arrogance, nor shall you roam the earth proudly. God does not like the arrogant showoffs.
[31:19] "Walk humbly and lower your voice - the ugliest voice is the donkey's voice."
Thus basic equality is not the guarantee that all people will have equal property, the same jobs with the same pay, or the same size houses. Equality means that all individuals are of equal worth. The inalienable rights of life and liberty does not mean that no one can take either away. It means that all individuals are endowed with those rights just as each are endowed with the faculties to reason and rationalize, even though many will fail to use those faculties wisely. Individuals may be called upon singly or in groups to defend those rights. It is incumbent upon the individual and the society in which one operates and associates to respect the rights of all individuals and to submit to the higher laws of Creation, to those of the Creator. That many individuals fail to do so does not alter the fact that those inalienable rights still exist and are there for the taking.
Our differences in color, culture, gender, skills and talents are blessings that are supposed to enrich our lives. In the course of two hundred or so years, we have abolished slavery, opened the doors of education and employment to both genders and people of all ethnicity. Furthermore, we are admonished to respect the privacy of individuals. Spying and entrapment, name-calling and other forms of social intolerance are denounced, as is suspicion without any basis.
There is one last point to note before concluding. The U.S. Constitution contains what is called a necessary and proper clause, or an elastic clause. It reads in Article I, Section 8, Clause 18:
To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or any Department or Officer thereof.
The addition of this clause provided for future contingencies. It specified nothing other than the right to write laws in the future as times and conditions changed. It is interesting to note that the Quran also contains an elastic clause for just the same reason. Islamic scholars have tried to interpret every word of the Quran over the last fourteen hundred years based on the prevailing knowledge and understanding of each successive generation. Thus arose a dogma which is evident today that in no way resembles the true message of the Quran. It is for this reason that Islam is so grossly misunderstood and misrepresented. The Quran's elastic clause reads:
[5:101] O you who believe, do not ask about matters which, if revealed to you prematurely, would hurt you. If you ask about them in light of the Quran, they will become obvious to you. God has deliberately overlooked them. God is Forgiver, Clement.
Quoting Kassim Ahmad, a Malaysian writer,
"God does not mention some things...because such things concern the forms their principles take at different times and different places. These forms are therefore decided by the society's council or by customs or by personal preference."
He cites another writer in his book in the following:
"As Islam discouraged religious practices, such as monastic life, it also prohibited questions relating to details on many points which would require this or that practice to be made obligatory, and much was left to the individual will or circumstances of the time and place. The exercise of judgment occupies a very important place in Islam and this gives ample scope to different nations and communities to frame laws for themselves and to meet new and changed situations."
It was pointed out earlier in this paper that certain passages from the Quran did not specifically mention government by name in determining the right of the individual to revolt or change the government if it became oppressive. Nor did it say specifically that individuals had the right to emigrate if the government usurped the rights of the people. Fourteen hundred years is a long time for a document to endure. Governments come and go; entire civilizations rise and fall; scientific advances are made. In order for a written guideline to have staying power, it is necessary that it be applicable to as many situations as possible. The U.S. Constitution has lasted for over two hundred years because it is a general guideline which allows for laws to be made or phased out as circumstances warrant. Thus, as one reads the Quran, it is up to the individual to use reason and common sense in applying the principles it supports.
What passes for Islam today is not reliance on the Quran alone. Centuries of myth, superstition and cultural traditions have crept into the practice of Islam, so that a strict religious dogma based on numerous volumes of theological interpretation apart from the Quran have been established as part and parcel of Islam.
While the Quran might seem to be just another religious book to some, perhaps to many, it is an endorsement for the rights of individuals and a guide to the authoritative allocation of values and resources for a society. It provides a way to deal with conflict without destroying society. It is a guideline calling upon the individual to think things through and use the faculties and the brain before making decisions or taking action. It is not a step-by-step book with all the answers spelled out. It does not tell us by name what type of government to form, but it does tell us how to treat one another, and thereby we can deduce from it what is appropriate and best for all concerned. It may be that one day no government will be necessary. Should that day ever come, the Quran will still be applicable in determining right conduct between individuals and societies.
Whether one accepts the Quran as God's word or that of an unknown source, it is hoped that enough proof has been given that the reader will come to view Islam in a new light, as a guiding principle of reason, tolerance, open-mindedness and fairness, which supports rational thinking, the rights of the individual, and an open democratic process, and not the man-made dogma that currently poses as Islam.
- Ahmad, Kassim. Hadith: A Re-evaluation. Translated by Monotheist Productions International: Tucson, Arizona, 1997. California: Universal Unity, 1997, p. 466
- Ebenstein, William, and Fogelman, Edwin. Today's Isms. New Jersey: Prentiss-Hall, Inc., 1980, pp 170-178.
- Foner, Philip S. Introduction, The Age of Reason, by Thomas Paine. New Jersey: Carol Publishing Group, 1997, pp 11-12.
- Jefferson, Thomas. The Declaration of Independence. 1776.
- McCourt, Frank. "When You Think of God What Do You See?" Life Magazine, December 1998, p. 63.
- Paine, Thomas. "A Serious Thought." Pennsylvania Journal, October 18, 1775
- Schmidt, Steffen W., Shelley, Mack C., II, Bardes, Barbara A. American Government and Politics Today. USA: 1997, p. 6.
- Quran, The Final Testament. Translated by Rashad Khalifa, Ph.D., California: Universal Unity, p. 424.
- The Holy Quran. Editorial note, Muhammad Ali, p. 271, note 240.
- Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary. Massachusetts: G. & C. Merriam Co., 1979.


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Rosie O'Donnell Compares Lindsay Lohan to Whitney Houston (And That's Not a Compliment)
Surprisingly, Lindsay Lohan is proving to be the bigger person after Rosie O'Donnell questioned Lohan's casting in an upcoming Liz Taylor biopic. Just because it's hard to find a picture of Lohan where she isn't accompanied by some sort of law enforcement personnel doesn't mean she can't have a "grown-up" moment, every now and then.
The mini-feud started when O'Donnell appeared on Tuesday's 'Today' show, commenting on Lohan's ability to portray the iconic actress in Lifetime's Elizabeth Taylor/Richard Burton biopic, 'Liz & Dick.'
"The last thing she did good she was 16… I don't think she's right for the role and I don't think she's capable at this point of doing what's needed," said O'Donnell, whose own career is a bit shaky after her OWN talk show was axed last month.
When asked about O'Donnell's remarks by 'Access Hollywood,' Lohan's response was surprisingly measured, thinking back on her younger years, when both she and O'Donnell's careers were much healthier.
"You know, I did one of my first interviews with her when I was little. I was so excited…(O'Donnell) should base her opinions when she meets someone."
On whether or not she's capable of doing right by Liz Taylor, Lohan brought up her relationship with the late actress.
"I know that I'm great… I know Liz Taylor really well and we shared some makeup artists… same hairstylist, we've worked with a lot of the same people. She sent me a ring at one point in my life, from her House of Taylor Costume Collection. I'm really lucky to be able to do this role and I just want to honor her the way that she should be honored, because she's helped a lot of people in her life."
A modest and mature response from the twenty-five-year old that should have shut O'Donnell up. But another appearance on this morning's 'Today' show gave the comedian a second chance to cast aspersions on Lohan. And this time she dragged the late Whitney Houston into the foray.
"Listen, I'm 50 years old, and watching Whitney Houston's funeral I remember thinking why didn't more people say what they knew. We all knew…but to look at Lindsay Lohan you cannot help but feel for her. I do not think she's untalented. I think she's quite talented."
O'Donnell may have a point but why criticize Lohan for actually attempting to get her career back on track? For once, I think I'm forced to go "Team Lohan" on this one.

subset: commoncrawl


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WESTERVILLE, Ohio—The Heidelberg University football team rushed for 303 yards on 60 attempts—both season-highs—and scored 24 points off turnovers as the Student Princes beat Otterbein University this afternoon, 41-20, in an Ohio Athletic Conference game at Memorial Stadium in Westerville, Ohio in the 20th edition of the Rhine River Classic.
With the win, the Berg improves to 2-1 overall and 1-1 in the OAC and was the first Student Prince victory over Heidelberg since 2002. The loss drops the Cardinals to 1-2 overall and 0-2 in the OAC.
Sophomore second-team All-OAC running back Germany Woods (Cleveland/Lakewood St. Edward) rushed for a game-high 101 yards on 24 carries and was backed by junior running back Brad Jones' (Lorain/Southview) 71 yards on 11 attempts and sophomore running back Cartel Brooks' (Kokomo, Ind./Galion) 43 yards on just seven rushes. The ground effort was Woods' second 100-yard rushing effort of the season.
"The story was simply run the rock," said fifth-year head coach Mike Hallett, who earned his first victory against Otterbein since coming to Heidelberg prior to the 2007 season. "Germany, Brad, Cartel…they have a variety of roles and they each stepped up for big days. Credit the offensive line, though. [It] set us up with a lot of third-and-shorts and really made my job as a play caller easy."
The Berg scored on seven of its 13 drives—including on four attempts inside the red zone—and punted just two times, while six takeaways, a 10-of-19 third down conversion rate and a 34:41 time of possession advantage keyed the win.
The Student Princes led, 7-0, after the first quarter but had four scoring drives, including three touchdowns, to race out to a 31-7 lead by halftime.
Freshman quarterback Michael Mees (North Ridgeville) completed passes to 10 different receivers, and was 14-of-25 passing for 187 yards and three touchdowns. Mees now has eight TD passes over his first three games as a collegian.
"Today was as good of a day as I've had here," added Hallett. "This was a signature win, as our kids have shown marked improvement as the season has matured."
On Otterbein's first possession, sophomore linebacker Dawson Gore (Bellevue) recovered a fumble—one of six Cardinal turnovers for the day—to give Heidelberg the ball at its own 25-yard line. Mees promptly directed an eight-play, 75-yard drive in just 3:39, ending when he found freshman running back Anthony Kelly (Cuyahoga Falls/Woodbrigde) for a 15-yard TD pass—his first career score—at the 6:23 mark. Junior placekicker Dan Kilger's (Novi, Mich./Novi) point-after-touchdown was good. Woods carried a large portion of the load, tallying 35 yards on five rushes during the drive, while 'Berg did not face a third down.
Following an Otterbein punt by Aaron Kingcade that was downed at the Berg's own six-yard line, Jones anchored a drive that ended 12 plays, 94 yards and 4:32 later when he scored on a 23-yard run at the 14:54 mark of the second quarter. Kilger's PAT increased the Student Prince advantage to 14-0.
Rocco Pentello cut the lead to 14-7 when he scored on a four-yard run with 9:06 on the clock and Aaric Milligan's extra point was good.
'Berg scored on its next three possessions, tallying 17 points in less than five minutes going into the break. Facing a third down-and-one from his own 14-yard line, a Pentello fumble recovered by freshman linebacker Andy Kujawa (Maumee/Anthony Wayne) set up a Kilger 29-yard field goal with 3:41 left to play in the first half. The field goal was the first of Kilger's career.
It was then Brooks turn in the back field. Brooks ran the ball on the first five plays of Heidelberg's next drive, picking up 33 yards to move the Student Princes past midfield with the clock just under one minute. Mees found freshman wide receiver Troy Rice (Youngstown/Raven) for a 41-yard TD pass to end the eight-play, 89-yard drive that took just 1:47. Kilger's attempt was good to make the score 24-7.
On the first play of the ensuing drive, senior defensive back and team captain Tony Gordon (Euclid) intercepted Austin Schlosser's pass and returned it 37 yards to the Otterbein six. Two incompletions set up a third-and-goal, but with little time on the clock, the field goal unit lineup for what appeared to be a 23-yard attempt. Hallett's call paid dividends, as sophomore holder Asher Rumple (Edison/Marion Harding) took the snap and rolled out of the pocket to find junior defensive lineman Andy Lovins (Clinton Township, Mich./Lakeshore) for a touchdown as time expired. Kilger's extra point sent the Student Princes into the locker room with a 24-point lead.
In the third quarter, Heidelberg extended its lead to 38-7 when sophomore wide receiver CJ Powell (Detroit, Mich./Bishop Foley) caught a 41-yard TD pass from Mees with 3:53 left in the period, his third TD reception of the season. Mees was the key to the score, completing a pass on third-and-four to sustain the drive, then finding Powell on a third-and-18. Kilger's extra point set up 'Berg with a 38-7 lead.
Schlosser cut the lead to 41-13 when he plunged into the endzone from one yard out with eight seconds left, but Milligan's kick failed.
Early in the fourth quarter, Kilger added an insurance field goal to put Heidelberg up, 41-13, with a 30-yard boot that capped an eight-play, 47-yard drive.
On the Cardinals' ensuing drive, Schlosser marched Otterbein 41 yards to the Student Prince 20, but a key interception by junior defensive back Tyler Levanduski (Elyria/Amherst Steele) thwarted the scoring threat.
Defensively, Gore led all Student Princes with nine tackles, while junior linebacker Craig Sykes (Centerburg) notched seven stops of his own, including a half tackle for loss. Sophomore defensive back Chase Bauer (Amelia/McNicholas), Levanduski, and Gordon each had interceptions. Bauer also recovered a fumble.
The win moves Hallett into sole possession of sixth place on the school's all-time head coaching win list with 19.
Heidelberg returns to Tiffin for its annual Homecoming game Saturday, Oct. 1 against Capital University. Kickoff from Mayer Field is slated for 2 p.m. Earlier today, the Crusaders defeated Baldwin-Wallace College, 14-11. Live stats for that game will be available at the following URL: http://www.heidelberg.edu/statcrew/fb/xlive.htm.


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Welcome to Hofbräuhaus Cleveland, modeled after the legendary 400+ year-old Hofbräuhaus in Munich, Germany! Guests are now able to enjoy many of the traditions from Germany that have made Hofbräuhaus famous. From the traditionally decorated rooms in the building to the beer that is brewed on-site, and of course the excellent German fare, Hofbräuhaus Cleveland is a memorable experience for all.
The Craft Bier Of Bavarian Kings
Brewed fresh onsite, our bier follows the Bavarian Purity Law and has been brewed the same way since 1589.
Authentic German Cuisine
Featuring traditional Bavarian dishes, as well as American favorites, along with a variety of Soups, Salads, and Sandwiches. We are sure you will find something to please you and look forward to seeing you soon.
Save Room For Dessert
Our Dessert menu will force you to save room:)


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Blacks who live in highly segregated residential areas have higher lung cancer mortality rates than their white counterparts, even after accounting for socioeconomic status, researchers found.
While the overall lung cancer mortality rate was 58.9% for blacks versus 52.4% for whites per 100,000 population between 2003 and 2007, each additional level of segregation was associated with a 0.5% increase in lung cancer mortality for blacks (P<0.001) and an associated decrease in mortality for whites (P=0.002), according to Awori J. Hayanga, M.D., MPH., of the University of Washington Seattle, and colleagues.
Adjusted lung cancer mortality rates among blacks were 52.4% per 100,000 population in counties with the least segregation and 62.9% per 100,000 population in counties with the highest levels of segregation, they wrote in the January issue of JAMA Surgery.
Blacks are disproportionately affected by lung cancer and bear the highest incidence and mortality rates, the authors noted in their introduction, adding that the "explanation for this disparity remains uncertain."
Although previous studies have found that lower socioeconomic status, low income, and inferior insurance status have been associated with poor health outcomes, "this is the first study, to our knowledge, to examine the specific effect of residential segregation on lung cancer mortality using data inclusive of the entire U.S. population," they wrote.
To see if segregation might play a role in the relationship between race and lung cancer mortality, the authors conducted a population-based study using data from the 2009 Area Resource File and the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results program to conduct a population-based study.
Two separate models were used to examine the association of black-white residential segregation and lung cancer mortality, which included smoking rates, county income levels, population density, county proximity to an urban center, and whether the county was considered rural and was adjacent only to other rural counties.
"Blacks living in counties with the highest levels of segregation had a 10% higher mortality rate than those residing in counties with the lowest level of segregation," the investigators noted. "This increase was not observed among the white population, and, in contradistinction, the mortality rate was 3% lower among whites living in the most segregated counties when compared with those living in the least segregated counties."
The results showed "a strong association between residential segregation and higher lung cancer mortality among blacks, whereas segregation was associated with a modest protective effect for whites," they concluded. "These findings persisted even after accounting for smoking prevalence and socioeconomic status, challenging the construct that segregation served as a proxy for socioeconomic status."
If the results were just due to few healthcare resources being available, "then lung cancer mortality would be expected to be similarly increased for both blacks and whites in highly segregated neighborhoods," they observed. "Clearly, there are other factors as yet undetermined that contribute to this disparity."
The authors recommended prioritizing various public health initiatives -- including smoking cessation and early cancer screening programs -- in highly segregated areas, adding that "access to screening and expedient referral to specialist care should be optimized to ensure that the benefits of early cancer screening are realized."
A limitation of the study was the use of cross-analysis, which prevented the authors from making causal inferences at the individual level.
The study results point to the value of desegregating a community, David C. Chang, PhD, MPH, of the University of California San Diego, noted in an invited commentary. "The influence of these social policies on patient outcomes also highlights the importance of physician collaboration with nonphysician professionals, such as legislators and policymakers."
The researchers reported no conflicts of interest.
- Reviewed by F. Perry Wilson, MD, MSCE Instructor of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and Dorothy Caputo, MA, BSN, RN, Nurse Planner
Primary Source
JAMA SurgerySource Reference: Hayanga A, et al "Residential segregation and lung cancer mortality in the United States" JAMA Surg 2013; 148(1): 37-42.
Secondary Source
JAMA SurgerySource Reference: Chang D, et al "Pushing the envelope of disparity research to find modifiable factors" JAMA Surg 2013; 148(1): 42-43.


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text:
In case you've lost your calendar, today is Valentine's Day. But, nobody has to know that you forgot. Romance may just be a phone call away.
Valentines Day is today. And, like birthdays and anniversaries, sometimes the day just sneaks up on unsuspecting spouses who are left looking underprepared and inconsiderate.
But, there's no need to fret if you forgot to get your loved one some new heart-shaped trinket because nothing says love like a well-prepared meal. You don't even have to prepare the meal yourself, not with local restaurants willing to do all the work for you.
And, the best thing? Since Valentines Day falls on a week night, two local restaurants are giving you the option to legitimately postpone all the hearts and romance to a day that's more convenient for working lovebirds.
Here's what to know:
1 Put the paper down (or, in this case, step away from the computer). Pick up the phone now.
Seriously. People all over town are realizing that there's nothing left in the holiday aisles of local stores and boutiques and the only saving grace is dinner. A really nice dinner. And, if you get on the phone now, you just might snag one of the last reservations in town at Abbott's Grill or The Georgia House.
At Abbott's, diners will be treated to the melodic mastery of keyboardist Nick Wayne, who will set a romantic tone that practically commands long, loving gazes. The restaurant's full menu will be available alongside the chef's specials: French kiss oysters , crepes, pan-roasted sea bass, lobster tails and, of course, a couple of surprise decadent desserts.
Down the street and around the corner at The Georgia House, the menu sounds just as tasty with lots of seafood options (Can you smell the grilled Mahi Mahi yet?) or even a nice t-bone steak. Save room for dessert, though, because you have two mouth-watering options: Tiramisu or white chocolate, raspberry cheesecake. One bite in and no one remembers that dinner was last minute.
2 Too late for reservations?
Did you call yet? Well, maybe it's good that you didn't because you need to arm yourself with a little more information first.
There's a good chance that Abbott's and The Georgia House (and everywhere else within driving distance) will be booked solid. They thought this might happen. Here's what you do: First, ask for another reservation for Friday or Saturday at The Georgia House or Saturday at Abbott's. Once you have that confirmed, look your loved one in the eyes and say that tonight is a night for being alone. You have all weekend to celebrate Valentine's Day. And, you want to celebrate sans crowds on Friday or Saturday night with the same menus (but minus all the people).
Valentines Day crisis averted.
3 Will a different day really be OK?
A different day might actually be better. Again, the crowds won't be so thick post-holiday. Celebrating on Friday or Saturday also means you can linger a little longer over dinner and drinks, reminiscing about Valentines Days-past.
And, if you choose to wait until Saturday to go to Abbott's, you and your sweetie can rekindle the romance with the Spontaneous Invention Jazz Trio featuring Dave Schiff on saxophone. The full menu and the French kissing oysters will still be there, too.
4 Making the plan work
Abbott's Grill is located at 249 N.E. Front St., in Milford. To make a reservation for today or Saturday, call (302) 491-6736.
The Georgia House is located at 18 S. Walnut St. and is also located in Milford. For reservations, call (302) 422-6763.


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MIT Men's Swimming and Diving
Head Coach: Dawn Gerken
Office Phone: 617-253-4490
Email: email@example.com
The 2006 NEWMAC Women's Swimming Coach of the Year, Dawn Gerken enters her fifth season as the head coach of the men's and women's swimming and diving programs. She has led both teams to a total of four Top 20 NCAA Championship team finishes, six NEWMAC runner-up titles and 30 All-America performances.
During the past two seasons, the MIT swimming and diving program has reached new heights. At both the 2006 and 2007 NCAA Championships, the MIT women's swimming & diving team placed 20th, earning their highest national finish in 17 years. Diver Doria Holbrook was crowned the NCAA champion on the three-meter springboard and named to ESPN's All-America First Team, while distance swimmer Kate Thornton earned Honorable Mention All-America honors in the 500 and 1,650 Freestyle. At the 2007 Men's NCAA Championships, the relay team of Craig Edwards, Rastislav Racz, Jeff Zhou and Luke Cummings took sixth in both the 200 and 400 medley relays. Racz and Edwards also combined for four Top Eight All-America finishes, carrying the Institute to an 11th place team finish.
The 2004-2005 season was also one of the most successful seasons in the history of the program. After winning the national title on the three-meter springboard, Doria Holbrook and diving coach Brad Snodgrass were named the NCAA Division III Diver and Diving Coach of the Year, respectively. At the men's NCAA meet, seven swimmers represented MIT and placed 10th (the highest team finish since 1984). All five of Tech's relays finished in the Top 10 in the country (fourth in 400 MR, fifth in 200 MR, ninth in 400 FR, 10th in 200 FR and 800 FR). The team earned 15 All-America honors and five Academic All-America honors.
In her rookie season (2003-2004), Gerken guided both the men and women's programs to runner-up finishes at the NEWMAC Championships. After establishing nine meet records, MIT swimmers Kathryn Duffy and Craig Edwards each received NEWMAC Swimmer of the Year accolades. Team members established 17 new Institute records and 14 swimmers made NCAA "A" and "B" qualifying standards. Five swimmers competed at the NCAA Division III Championships where the women placed 45th and the men finished 25th.
Before her arrival at MIT, Gerken coached at Vassar College from 2001-2003, one season as an assistant coach and one season as the interim head coach. Under her tutelage, the Brewers broke 23 school records during the 2002-03 campaign. Prior to Vassar, Gerken served as a graduate assistant coach for the Smith College swimming and diving program from 1999-2001. Gerken was also an assistant coach for the University of Massachusetts women's swimming and water polo teams in 1998-99.
Gerken received a bachelor's degree from Smith College in 1996 and also received an M.S. in Exercise and Sport Studies from her alma mater in 2001. A seven-time All-America in the 100 and 200 breaststroke, she was named the New England Swimmer of the Year in 1996. Gerken was a seven-time New England champion in the 50, 100 and 200 breaststroke and an eight-time Seven Sisters champion. She was also honored as both an Academic All-America and ECAC Scholar Athlete in 1995.
Head Diving Coach: Brad Snodgrass
Head Assistant Coach: Brian Keats
Assistant Coaches: Carl Anhalt, Jess Chang, Lauren Erb, Samantha Pitter, Grady Snyder, and Jon Varsanik
Mailing Address:
120 Vassar Street
Cambridge, MA 02139
Fax Number: 617-258-7343


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2013-08-08 / Enterprise
Second Quarter Home Sales Boost Positive Trends For Putnam County
People are buying homes again. During the second quarter, the Hudson Valley saw a 24% increase in such sales over the same period in 2010, with the largest growth in Orange County (34%). Putnam lagged significantly behind that pace, but still saw a 10.6% increase, so opportunity may be knocking for those held up by the difficult economy of the past few years.
The full version of this story is available only to subscribers. Subscribe now to access to full versions of news stories in our archive of over 12,000 stories going back to 1999.


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7 Days to Die is pretty much DayZ and Minecraft put together and I must say, it makes for some pretty awesome gameplay. In this part, I enter the town known as Diersville to mess some zombies up and finally settle down! (I think :P)
I am playing on PC recording in 720p HD
What is 7 Days to Die?
7 Days to Die is an open world, voxel-based, sandbox game that is a unique mash up of First Person Shooter, Survival Horror, Tower Defense and Role Playing Games combining combat, crafting, looting, mining, exploration, and character growth.
In the near future where the a third world war leaves the Earth in ruins but the worst was yet to come. Nobody knows for sure if it was the radiation, the biochemical weapons or an act of god but an unknown virus soon transforms the surviving humans into an army of the animated dead, acting as a single-minded being.
You play a survivor trapped in the savage zombie infested world of Navezgane County Arizona one of the last true Eden's on Earth. Ironically Navezgane means "Killer of Monsters" to the Apache who have inhabited the land for centuries, and that's pretty much what you'll do as you fight to survive and search for the truth behind what really happened.
The World – Explore a beautiful, hand crafted, voxel world with a multitude of biomes including: wastelands, forests, snowy mountains, pine forests, plains, deserts, burn forests and radiation zones.
Points of Interest – Discover hundreds of great Points of Interests ranging from caves, campsites to cities and skyscrapers. Each and every building can be explored inside and out.
Dynamic Story Generation – The story unfolds through our "Dynamic Story Generation System" which guides the player to other survivors, better loot and undiscovered Points of Interests through story note quests.
Basic Survival – Scavenge the world for food and water maintaining and boosting health, food, stamina and hydration levels. Grow and harvest a variety of crops and hunt, track or domesticate a multitude of wildlife to live off the land.
Day and Night Game Play – Spend the day looting, mining, crafting and building up your forts defenses as light slows down and weakens the zombies. Hold up somewhere safe at night as the lunar cycle speeds up and strengthens the zombies.
Looting, Mining and Crafting – Loot and mine a multitude of items and ingredients to create hundreds of items including melee weapons, guns, traps, generators, motorized tools, motion detectors, landmines, auto-turrets, salves, potions and more using our 5×5 grid Crafting System.
Relentless and Special Enemies – Enemies will claw, jump, climb and break their way through the world in order to get to you. They can see, smell and hear the player and can work in a group. And watch out for the unique special infected enemies like the Acid Puking Hulk whose acidic vomit can melt blocks.
Block Physics and Stability – Our Physics System simulates real-time structural integrity, durability and mass. Blocks don't float in the air nor can you build an unsound unsupported structure. Build it right or watch it come crumbling down. Weak blocks can even fall from the weight of the player or zombies.
Item Quality and Food & Water Purity – Every item in the game has a quality level and degrades with use and combine items to create better items. All Food and water items have a purity level the higher the purity level. The higher the health and stamina benefits. Improve crafting to make better items. Improve cooking to make purer food and water.
Stealth and Distraction System – Crouch and sneak your way past enemies or throw objects to distract them. Find or craft sight, sound or smell deterrents and attractor recipes and items to exploit the sight, hearing or smell of the zombies to throw them off track.
XP and Skill Trees – Earn XP and upgrade your skills to become the ultimate Bruiser, Gun Nut, Gadget Man, Chemist or Stealth Agent. Upgrade your melee skill learning to craft better melee weapons and swing them harder & faster and even learn special finishing moves.
Solo, Cooperative and Multiplayer – Play solo, coop or multiplayer in our unique Zombie Nomad Mode be a human, a bandit or a zombie for a no rules experience. Watch the leader boards and fight to be the Big Clan of the Wasteland or the Duke of Navezgane.
Creative User Tools – Build your own worlds and play them with friends using the Creative Mode Tools featuring hundreds of block shapes, prefabs and random generation tools. Create dedicated servers with your own unique game rules and settings.
Buy the Game – http://7daystodie.com/buy/
Kickstarter – http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/7daystodie/7-days-to-die-zombie-survival-game


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Can I just say, what a cool place! Pubs are open all night, you can take your drink outside and no one looks at you like you're mad. The city, being basically built up from ruins after WW2, doesn't boast amazing architecture, but because of this every second building has become an art installation with amazing graffiti murals.
Yeah it was great fun and really really cheap. I only spent about 120 euros in 4 days and man, those Berliners know how to party. They go out to clubs at 2am (normally when in Scotland you're about to go home) and when we left about 6am the club was still full.
Here's some pics:
The memorial for the murdered Jews of Europe
The tv tower in alexander platz
A part of the wall in Kreutzberg that's been kept preserved..the graffiti is not the original graffiti on the west of the wall but was comissioned after the fall
A cool building in Friedrichshain, former east berlin
Art outside an area full of clubs
View from the Friedrichshain/Kreutzberg area
The obligatory bikes which everyone rides
It's also a fantastic place for a photographer. My friend who I was visiting is really not into photography so I couldn't really take my time and spend as long as I wanted taking pictures but I would love to go back on my own and explore more with my camera.
Arthritis wise, it was alright. My foot was playing up and swelling some of the time but I managed to do quite a lot of walking despite it. A few of the days we cycled about the city because it's what everyone does so that was a good rest for my foot. Had a lot of stiffness in my hands some mornings too but maybe that had something to do with the excessive drinking of extremely cheap German beer. Overall, not too bad. Can't complain too much about life just now, so I won't. Hope you like the pics and that you're all doing well.
Thursday, 4 November 2010
4 comments:
Glad you had a great time, pics are cool. I work with a guy that was in Berlin for training for 2 weeks, some of the stories he had couldn't be posted here! lolReplyDelete
Glad your RA let you enjoy yourself while there. Massive quantities of cheap beer ... what a combination.
Awesome pics! Thanks for sharing and I'm glad you had a good trip!ReplyDelete
- Anonymous9 November 2010 at 18:54
Awesome! Did I not say it was a great place at night? That's what I remember--late nights at the clubs. And IMO you can't beat a good German beer! Love your pictures. I can see why you wish you were able to capture more with your camera. Thanks for giving us a glimpse of what it looks like today.ReplyDelete
Thanks guys :)ReplyDelete
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by Paula M. Riley
The Chestnut Hill Center for Enrichment opens the 2011 Design Show House with a festive Preview Party this Friday, Sept. 16.
Sponsored by Chestnut Hill Hospital, Bowman Properties, Pennsylvania Trust and National Penn Bank, the Design Show is open from Saturday, Sept. 17 through Sunday, Oct. 16, but Preview Party guests will be first to preview the work that noted interior and landscape designers have been creating for the past three months.
The Preview Party is in the Queen Ann-style estate home on Friday Sept. 16 from 7-9:30 p.m. A harpist will perform in the living room, decorated with a marvelous blending of modern and traditional by Patricia Marian Cove Architectural Interiors & Designs.
Other local artists who have added to the home and gardens include Jay Su, Palladio Designs, HobNob, Mona Ross Berman, The Hill Company and Laurel Hill Gardens.
Guests will enjoy their own view of the home as well as cocktails and catering by Carl Drake. All revenue generated from the Design Show House will benefit Chestnut Hill Center for Enrichment (formerly Adult Senior Center).
The nonprofit organization was founded in 1978 by the Chestnut Hill Community Association as the Chestnut Hill Senior Services Center to provide social, educational, and recreational activities to older adults living in the community.
Tickets to the Preview Party are $100. Regular Show House tour tickets are $25.
For tickets and more information, contact the Chestnut Hill Center for Enrichment at 215-248-0180, email@example.com orwww.chdesignhouse.org.


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Hong Kong
major macro economic indicators
|GDP growth (%)
|Inflation (yearly average, %)
|Budget balance (% GDP)*
|Current account balance (% GDP)
|Public debt (% GDP)
* 2018 fiscal year: 1 April 2018 – 31 March 2019 (f): forecast
- Flexibility of the economy
- High-quality infrastructures
- First-rate financial centre, airlock between China and the rest of the world
- Healthy banking system
- Favourable business climate
- Anchoring of the currency to the US dollar
- Maintaining the "one country, two systems" principle between mainland China and Hong Kong
- Vulnerability to the slowdown of the economy in mainland China
- Exposure to the US economy via the US dollar anchoring
- Industries fully relocated in mainland China
- High exposure to real estate conditions characterised by lack of housing
- Rise of inequalities
- Lack of transparency of financial information
Risk assessment
Activity will slow down in 2018
2017 was the year of the strongest growth in six years, thanks to exports to Chinese and European markets, as well as domestic demand. Household consumption was the main driver, supported by a wealth effect due to the excellent health of the stock market. However, activity will slow down in 2018. The slowdown in the Chinese economy and new trade barriers in key markets, such as the United States, will negatively affect the exports of goods and services (200% of GDP, more than 50% of which goes to mainland China), especially tourism (Chinese representing over 75% of visitors). The Hong Kong dollar will remain anchored to the US dollar. The key rates have been adjusted to reinforce the anchoring. This will continue to weigh on competitiveness. In addition, China's anti-corruption policy and entry quotas initiated by the island will lead some Chinese tourists to focus on other destinations and spend less. In addition, Hong Kong port activity, a hub of Chinese trade is expected to continue to suffer from increasing competition from mainland China ports. However, the growth of financial services will remain dynamic.
In addition, even if real estate prices and rents hinder growth, consumption will remain well oriented thanks to the increase in disposable incomes and to an easing of the pressure on import prices through a depreciation of the renminbi against the Hong Kong dollar. It will be very vigorous in the luxury sectors (fashion, cosmetics and electronics) because of the concentration of income among the wealthy classes. However, the low unemployment rate – 3.1%, close to full employment –, regular wage growth and increased redistributive spending for the poorest and the elderly will help stimulate other sectors. Confident and attracted by a further 8.25% reduction in corporate taxes, foreign investors will finance projects in the new technology, transportation and real estate sectors. The latter, will remain a significant risk factor in 2018, despite measures to contain prices and prevent the bursting of a housing bubble.
Solid financial system
The budget balance will remain in surplus in 2018; the budgetary situation of the Special Administrative Region (SAR) is solid in view of large reserves, representing almost 23 months of expenditure. The public debt will remain virtually non-existent. Despite a slight decrease due to the increased imbalance in the trade balance, the current balance will remain largely in surplus. The significance of resident and company foreign investment income makes it possible to transition from a trade deficit in goods to the current account surplus. In this context, the level of foreign exchange reserves will remain satisfactory at 8.5 months of imports.
Banks should remain strong, even if the real estate bubble bursts, thanks to household debt limits and regular stress tests by supervisory authorities. The offshore non-resident yuan market is generating an offshore yuan bond market, which is expected to remain buoyant in 2018, making Hong Kong the world's financial centre for xeno-yuan. In addition, the connection between the Hong Kong and Shanghai stock exchanges since 2014 allows investors on the island to exchange listed securities in Shanghai and vice versa.
The new head of the executive power embodies continuity
In March 2017, Carrie Lam, former chief secretary of the Administration, was elected, for five years, head of the executive power by the Electoral College, in which the pro-Chinese are the majority. She won against two other candidates, also from the upper administration of the SAR and selected by a committee set up by Beijing. Her previous duties suggest that there will be no major change in political leadership. The main challenges will be the management of popular discontent, relations with the opposition and the Chinese central government. She will avoid the political controversies related to Chinese interference and the limits of the "one country, two systems" principle, focusing on the economy. She intends to integrate young people into civic life and introduce educational reforms. The "Umbrella Revolution" of 2014 and the rejection in 2015 by the pro-democracy parliamentarians of the voting system considered a "sham democracy", with Beijing retaining control over the candidates, confirm that identity and political tensions subsist. A free trade agreement between ASEAN and Hong Kong is under negotiation. Finally, despite a lack of transparency of financial information, Hong Kong enjoys a very favourable business climate.
Last update : January 2018
Bank transfers are one of the most popular payment instruments for international and domestic payments in Hong Kong, thanks to the territory's highly developed banking network.
Standby Letters of Credit also constitute reliable payment methods, as the issuing bank guarantees the debtor's credit rating and repayment abilities. Irrevocable and confirmed documentary letters of credit are also widely used, as the debtor guarantees that a certain sum of funds will be made available to the beneficiary via a bank, once specific terms agreed by the parties are met.
Cheques and Bills of Exchange are also frequently used in Hong Kong.
Debt collection
Amicable phase
During the amicable phase, the creditor sends one or more notice letters (summons) to the debtor, in an attempt to persuade them to pay the due debts.
The Practice Directions on Mediation, introduced in 2010, set out voluntary processes that involve trained and impartial third party mediators. This helps both parties involved in a dispute to reach an amicable agreement for repayment. Debtors and creditors are usually urged to pursue this process before resorting to legal action.
Legal proceedings
Ordinary proceedings
The judicial system in Hong Kong comprises three distinct courts:
• The Small Claims Tribunal handles relatively small cases (of up to HKD 50,000) in a fast and efficient manner. The rules of procedure are less strict than in those of other types of courts and no legal representation is permitted.
• The District Court has jurisdiction over more substantial financial claims, ranging from HKD 51,000 to HKD 1,000,000.
• The High Court deals with much larger legal disputes and is additionally charged with handling claims of over HKD 1,000,000.
Hong Kong's District court and High Court allow legal representation. Cases in these courts are initiated by issuing a Writ of Summons to the debtor, who then has fourteen days to file a defence. The creditor is also required to file a notarised Statement of Claim. If the debtor responds to the Writ and requests a payment plan, the creditor has two weeks to reply. If the parties find it impossible to enter into an agreement, a hearing will be called for by the judge, during which a judgment is normally made. If the debtor does not respond, a default judgment can be rendered.
Enforcement of a legal decision
A domestic judgment is enforceable once it becomes final (if no appeal is lodged within 28 days). If the debtor fails to comply with the judgment, the creditor can request an enforcement order from the court. This usually entails either a garnishee order (allowing the creditor to obtain payment of the debt from a third party which owes money to the debtor), a Fieri Facias order (which enables a bailiff to seize and sell the debtor's tradable goods), or a charging order (for seizing and selling the debtor's property to satisfy the debt).
Foreign judgments are enforced under the Foreign Judgments (Reciprocal Enforcement) Ordinance. Decisions issued in a country with which Hong Kong has signed a reciprocal treaty (such as France or Malaysia) only need to be registered and then become automatically enforceable. Where no such treaty is in place with a country, enforcement can be requested before the court, via an exequatur procedure.
An "Arrangement on Reciprocal Recognition and Enforcement of judgments in Civil and Commercial Matters" (REJA) was concluded with the People's Republic of China in 2006. This makes judgments rendered in Mainland China or in Hong Kong automatically enforceable by the courts of the other contracting party.
Insolvency proceedings
The only formal insolvency procedure under the Companies Ordinance Act is liquidation.
Out-of court proceedings
The law does not provide for formal procedures for restructuring company debts. Restructuring proceedings therefore need to take place through informal "workouts" or a scheme of Arrangement.
A workout is an out-of-court agreement made between a debtor company and its major creditors for the rescheduling of its debts. This proceeding can be initiated at any time. Restructuring plans are usually recommended by a committee which is chaired by a lead creditor. The courts are not involved and the process is entirely voluntary. Once a plan has been agreed, the company continues to operate and is managed under the terms of the arrangement. This procedure does not provide legal protection from creditors.
A scheme of Arrangement is a statutory, binding compromise reached between a debtor and its creditors. It must be accepted by all classes of creditors. A court reviews the plan, before sanctioning the convening of separate meetings with creditors. The scheme must be approved by the court, at least 50% of creditors in terms of number and 75% of creditors in terms of value of debts. An administrator is appointed to implement the scheme.
Liquidation can be voluntary or compulsory. It involves selling the debtors' assets in order to redistribute the proceeds to creditors and dissolve the company. Voluntary liquidation can be either a member's voluntary liquidation (MVL), or a creditors' voluntary liquidation (CVL). In both cases, company directors lose control and a court-supervised liquidator is appointed.
Creditors can initiate a compulsory liquidation by filing a winding-up petition with the courts on the grounds of insolvency. An MVL is a solvent liquidation process whereby all creditors are to be paid in full and any surplus distributed among the company's shareholders. CVLs are insolvent liquidations.
Regulatory Update on Insolvency regime
The Hong Kong Government Gazette's Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance 2016 ("Amendment Ordinance") entered into force on the 13th February 2017. These updates have been introduced in order to increase protection for creditors and to streamline and improve regulations under Hong Kong's corporate winding-up regime.


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B.Sc. University of Virginia M.Sc., Ph.D., University of Michigan
Dr. Julie Beth Zimmerman is an Associate Professor jointly appointed to the Department of Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering Program and the School of Forestry and Environment. Her research interests broadly focus on green chemistry and engineering with specific emphasis on green downstream processing and life cycle assessment of algal biomass for fuels and value-added chemicals as well as novel biobased sorbents for purification of drinking water and remediation of industrial wastewater. Other ongoing focus areas include the design of safer chemicals from first principles and the implications of nanomaterials on human health and the environment. Further, to enhance the likelihood of successful implementation of these next generation designs, Dr. Zimmerman studies the effectiveness and impediments of current and potential policies developed to advance sustainability. Together, these efforts represent a systematic and holistic approach to addressing the challenges of sustainability to enhance water and resource quality and quantity, to improve environmental protection, and to provide for a higher quality of life.
Dr. Zimmerman previously served as an Engineer and program coordinator in the office of Research and Development at the United States Environmental Protection Agency where she managed sustainability research grants and created EPA's P3 (People, Prosperity, and the Planet) Award program. She received a joint PhD from the University of Michigan in Environmental Engineering and Natural Resource Policy.


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By Peggy Aulisio
By Peggy Aulisio
ACUSHNET — The proposed new library/community center is the main reason for the special Town Meeting Feb. 11, but voters will also decide on two unusual articles involving taxes.
The library/community center warrant article calls for about $6 million in spending, but a state grant will pay for half the cost; also, private donations totaling $260,000 have been raised.
One of the tax articles provides exemptions from the 1.5 percent Community Preservation Act tax for people who qualify for low-income housing or moderate-income senior housing in Acushnet. Also, $100,000 of the value of each taxable parcel of qualifying commercial or industrial properties would be exempt from the tax.
Another article will allow revenues from solar farms to be allocated to a capital expenditure fund. The tax revenues could be used to pay off capital debt like bond borrowings for the new police station or library. It would take effect on July 1, 2014.
The town would have to petition the General Court for special legislation if this article is passed. Selectmen are also using the special Town Meeting to get approval for union agreements that allow 1.5 percent raises annually over three years.


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Alumni Office plans bus trip, tailgate
SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Wofford College will face Jacksonville State on Saturday, Dec. 4, in the second round of the NCAA FCS Playoffs in Jacksonville, Ala. The game will mark the fourth time in the past eight years that the Terriers have advanced to the playoffs. Wofford finished the season with a 9-2 overall record and were 7-1 in the Southern Conference to tie with Appalachian State as Southern Conference Champions. This marks the Terriers fourth trip to the NCAA Playoffs and second as an at-large team. In 2008, Wofford was defeated in the first round at James Madison.
Read more at Wofford Athletics.
The Alumni Office is planning a bus trip and tailgate at the game. Find out more.


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The game you are trying to view has ceased development and consequently been archived. If you are a member of this game, can demonstrate that it is being actively developed and will be able to keep this profile up to date with the latest news, images, videos and downloads, please contact us with all details and we will consider its re-activation.
This story is to be neither an accusation nor a confession, and least of all an adventure, for death is not an adventure to those who stand face to face with it. It will try simply to tell of a generation of men who, even though they may have escaped shells, were destroyed by the war
Only registered members can share their thoughts. So come on! Join the community today (totally free - or sign in with your social account on the right) and join in the conversation.
Sorry for the low frame rate. This is the demonstration of the British Ai


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David Beckham is not perfect (SHOCKER!!!) ... he lost control of his motorcycle in the middle of Sunset Boulevard, but walked away unscathed.
Beckham was leaving the famous Shamrock Tattoo in West Hollywood Thursday when he lost control of his motorcycle -- a custom-built Super Vintage 93" Knuckle -- and tumbled off in the middle of the street.
We're told Beckham recruited a few friends from the tattoo parlor to help him roll it back to the store.
Sources close to Beckham tell TMZ the accident happened when he swerved to avoid the paparazzi.
Becks has a history with fender benders ... he crashed his Range Rover last year while pulling out of his Beverly Hills driveway.


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Conductor Searchlight API - How To
Conductor is a search engine optimization firm that helps users increase site traffic and increase revenue. The API, which uses REST calls and returns JSON, allows users to integrate the Conductor service into third-party apps where users can Integrate Searchlight with data from other marketing channels including paid search. Integrate with web content management systems and provide feedback to content authors and editors in real time as well as Integrate Searchlight with business processes and move away from copy-paste emails and error-prone spreadsheets. An account is required with service.


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XPEL Austin protected this entire BMW M2 with XPEL STEALTH satin-finish clear bra
Parked toXPEL Austin Installs
byXPEL Protective Films
Underneath the film on this BMW M2 is the oem glossy LBB Blue, that has been transformed with our STEALTH satin-finish paint protection film. It provides a custom look, but with ULTIMATE protection against rock chips, bug acids, bird droppings and more! Did I mention it's also self-healing? It will self-heal swirl marks, fine scratches and more
Vehicle Info: 2016 BMW M2
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Novel Treatment for Coronary Artery Disease
|The safety and scientific validity of this study is the responsibility of the study sponsor and investigators. Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Government. Read our disclaimer for details.
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01228214
Recruitment Status : Unknown
Verified March 2013 by Antonio Delgado Leon, MD, University of Carabobo.
Recruitment status was: Active, not recruiting
First Posted : October 26, 2010
Last Update Posted : March 19, 2013
- Study Details
- Tabular View
- No Results Posted
- Disclaimer
- How to Read a Study Record
Treatment of coronary artery disease is a major health care problem across the entire word, and the United States. Unfortunately, despite a number of medical advances, diagnostic procedure, or epidemiological studies, the treatment of these patients remain complex, and and at times frustrating. In fact, the COURAGE trial conducted in 50 centers across United States and Canada documented that drug treatment, coronary interventions or both were not effective solution in coronary artery diseases.
A novel approach has recently been developed, based on the critical role of the potassium (K) content in red-blood-cell in myocardial oxygenation, since oxygen and K binding by hemoglobin (red-blood-cell) occurs simultaneously in blood passing through the lungs, whereas in the organs as the heart, the hemoglobin release both Oxygen and K ions.
This apparently simple mechanisms occurs in human blood in all individuals but could be altered in subjects with acquired or hereditable defect in red-blood-cell K content, as in hypertensives or CAD patients.
|Condition or disease
|Coronary Artery Disease
|Drug: Placebo Drug: amiloride
|Phase 2 Phase 3
Show Detailed Description
|Study Type :
|Interventional (Clinical Trial)
|Actual Enrollment :
|100 participants
|Intervention Model:
|Parallel Assignment
|Double (Participant, Investigator)
|Primary Purpose:
|Official Title:
|Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study of Pyrazinoylguanidine Hydrochloride (Amiloride) in Subjects With Coronary Artery Disease
|Study Start Date :
|March 2011
|Estimated Primary Completion Date :
|April 2013
|Estimated Study Completion Date :
|September 2013
Experimental: Amiloride,nitrates,clopidogrel,aspirin
Comparative Efficacious Research
Drug: amiloride
5mg/daily for 12 months
Other Names:
Placebo Comparator: Placebo,nitrates,clopidogrel,aspirin
Comparative Efficacious Research
Drug: Placebo
Placebo 5mg/daily for 12 months
Other Names:
- Regression of Angina Without Recurrence [ Time Frame: Baseline, 1, 3, 6 and 12 Months during the first year trial, and every 6-months in the 2nd year period ]Evaluation of Angina Class according the Canadian Society of Cardiology (CCS)
- Regression of ST-T and T-waves Alterations of Myocardial Ischemia [ Time Frame: Baseline, 1, 3, 6 and 12 Months during the first year trial, and every 6-months in the 2nd year period ]Evaluation according the Minnesota Code
- RBC Potassium Content [ Time Frame: Baseline, 1, 3, 6 and 12 Months during the first year trial, and every 6-months in the 2nd year period ]Obtained by a novel accurate method developed in our laboratory (Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2002 Jun;12(3):112-116
Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study. To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contacts provided below. For general information, Learn About Clinical Studies.
|Ages Eligible for Study:
|35 Years to 75 Years (Adult, Older Adult)
|Sexes Eligible for Study:
|Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
Inclusion Criteria:
- Male or female, age 35-75 years having angina (Canada Cardiovascular Society Class II-IV)
- Essential Hypertension defined as taking at least 1 anti-hypertensive medication, or average systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg, or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg
- ST-T changes of LVH (Romhilt-Estes or Framingham Heart Study criteria, with typical LV strain pattern, or isoelectric, inverted or biphasic T waves)
- ST-T changes of ischemia in resting ECG (ST depression, isoelectric, biphasic, negative or inverted T-waves)
- Serum potassium < 5.0 mmol/L prior to randomization
- Negative pregnancy test in child-bearing potential women
- Willing to comply with scheduled visits
- Informed consent form signed by the subject
Exclusion Criteria:
- Resistance hypertension despite 3-drugs treatment
- Myocardial infarction in past 90 days
- Coronary artery bypass graft surgery in past 90 days
- Atrial fibrillation with a resting heart rate > 90 bpm
- Percutaneous coronary intervention in past 30 days
- Implanted Pacemaker
- Stroke in past 90 days
- Left or Right Ventricular Branch Block
- Aldosterone antagonist or K sparing drug in last 7 days
- Intolerance to amiloride
- Lithium use
- Current participation in any other therapeutic trial
- Any condition that may prevent the subject from adhering to the trial protocol
- History of hyperkalemia (K ≥5.5 mmol/L) in the past six months or K >5.0 mmol/L within 2 weeks
- Chronic renal dysfunction
- Liver disease
- Chronic pulmonary disease
- Significant uncorrected valvular heart disease
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contact information provided by the sponsor.
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier (NCT number): NCT01228214
|Hypertension Research Unit
|Valencia, Carabobo, Venezuela, 2001
|Study Chair:
|Antonio J Delgado-Leon, MD
|University of Carabobo
|Study Director:
|Carlos L Delgado-Leon, MD
|Venezuelan Foundation of Heart Failure
|Principal Investigator:
|Antonio R Delgado-Almeida, MD, FAHA, FACC, APS
|Clinical Research Unit at Docent Institute of Urology
|Responsible Party:
|Antonio Delgado Leon, MD, Prof. of Medicine, MD, University of Carabobo
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
|NCT01228214 History of Changes
|Other Study ID Numbers:
|First Posted:
|October 26, 2010 Key Record Dates
|Last Update Posted:
|March 19, 2013
|Last Verified:
|March 2013
Additional relevant MeSH terms:
Coronary Artery Disease
Myocardial Ischemia
Coronary Disease
Heart Diseases
Cardiovascular Diseases
Arterial Occlusive Diseases
Vascular Diseases
Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
Analgesics, Non-Narcotic
Sensory System Agents
Peripheral Nervous System Agents
Physiological Effects of Drugs
Anti-Inflammatory Agents
Antirheumatic Agents
Fibrinolytic Agents
Fibrin Modulating Agents
Molecular Mechanisms of Pharmacological Action
Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors
Enzyme Inhibitors
Purinergic P2Y Receptor Antagonists
Purinergic P2 Receptor Antagonists
Purinergic Antagonists


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How to get started with Google for Education
When used effectively, technology can be a powerful catalyst for learning—that's why we created Google for Education. Empower the team at your school to use technology effectively in the classroom with these resources.
Training Center
Get familiar with Google for Education tools with online trainings and certificationsVisit the Training Center
Transformation Center
Resources to help education leaders improve their schools and work toward a vision for changeExplore resources
Bring technology to the classroom with our resources for teachers
Trainings, certifications, and community groups to empower and prepare teachers to enrich learning with technology.
Training Center
Dedicated educators are lifelong learners. With that in mind, we've designed free, online trainings that help educators do what they do best, even better.
We offer affordable educator certifications to distinguish teachers as expert users of Google tools in the classroom. We've also developed certifications for those who support educator training and development.
Google Educator Groups
Google Educator Groups (GEGs) are communities of educators who learn, share, and inspire each other to meet the needs of their students through technology solutions, both in the classroom and beyond.
Explore insights, ideas, and learnings from education leaders around the worldVisit the Transformation Center
Get up to speed with the latest resources for IT administrators
Our IT guide has a collection of resources to help you prepare for a successful launch of Google for Education at your school.
IT Guide
The Google for Education IT Guide provides all the resources administrators and IT professionals need to successfully launch and support Google tools in schools.
Administrator training
Review in-product training lessons, step-by-step guides, and knowledge checks to help administrators develop the skills they need to successfully set and manage G Suite best practices.
G Suite Learning Center
This site contains frequently asked questions and answers about G Suite for Education.


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Do you even know what the laws of defemation are retard?
pass junior college
People aren't trying to show me the "supposed" error of my ways, but rather trying to prove themselves to me. You, with your very post, are trying to prove yourself to me. Instead of actually defending your previous post, which I criticized, you post a new one and try to take some holier than thou attitude with me. You do not show experience, but rather naivety, you do not show intellect, but rather a veneer of intellectualism, you do not show humility, but rather personified falsity. Please tone down your own hypocritical statements into something more tangible and sensible to your previous post. Your whole post was a cop-out from your previous one, so don't try and pull a fast one on me, Denny. Good try though.


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I had mentioned a while back that we planned to call the version of IE7 in Windows Vista "Internet Explorer 7+". Well, the feedback we got on the blog was overwhelming – many of you didn't like it. So, as we've said on our website, we heard you. I'm pleased to announce that we're switching the name back to "Internet Explorer 7". No plus. No dot x. Just "Internet Explorer 7".
Specifically, here are the official full names:
- For Windows XP: "Windows Internet Explorer 7 for Windows XP"
- For Windows Vista: "Windows Internet Explorer 7 in Windows Vista"
Those can be a bit of a mouthful, so you'll see us using the shorter "Internet Explorer 7 for Windows XP" and "Internet Explorer 7 in Windows Vista" when we need to refer a platform-specific feature (like Protected Mode in Windows Vista). We'll use "Internet Explorer 7" to talk about IE in general and features that are consistent across all platforms (like the Phishing Filter).
We're glad we checked with you all before we shipped so we didn't go out with an unpopular name. Thanks for all your feedback – keep it up!
Tony Chor
Group Program Manager