text:
Random Musings: JYJ and Their Stalkers, Exclusive KissAsian Content, SHINee Teaser and Never Call a Girl Chubby
So after last week's rather short random musing, where we did a quick review of the new season "1 Night, 2 Day," we are once again back to normal services and will once again be providing our usual coverage of interesting news stories over the past week and provide some of our own opinions. Got some interesting news articles to cover this week so let's get started.
JYJ Saesang "Fans," why the term fan isn't being used correctly here.
We've had a lot of articles over the past week about the issue of Saesang "fans." It started off with accusations that JYJ verbally and physically abused a fan, which was then followed up by an account from the Saesang fan that recorded the audio clip and an article where JYJ opened up about verbally abusing said fans. We then had a list of actions that Saesang fans have done over the years and how Yoochun got slapped in the face by a Saesang fan and finally a rather scary photo of Junsu and his Saesang fans.
Yeah taking a photo of a celebrity while they sleep in private is perfectly normal fan behaviour /sarcasm
Saesang Fans, when you actually try to translate the word you get the definition "Fans that seek out a celebrity's private lives," or if you want to just cut to the chase the English word we would use is "Stalker," with the Oxford Dictionary defining stalker as "a stealthy pursuit of someone or something." I think calling these people "fans" at this point is being rather generous in terms of word usage. A fan is a supporter, a supporter's role is to encourage and support a person or idea. Going around slapping celebrities, sneaking into their apartments etc is in no way encouraging or supporting a person or cause. In this case I believe it's only right that we label them correctly and the correct label for these sorts of people is "Stalker," someone that obsessively follows someone around for no better reason but to satisfy their own desires.
According to some clever maths, there is a high probability of stalkers in this picture.
Also it kinda seems like JYJ/DBSK seem to suffer the most from stalkers. My memory isn't as great as it used to be due to the large quantity of caffeine surging through my system but I believe DBSK was also involved in an incident where a fan gave them a drink laced with some sort of poisonous super glue. It's a bit of a curiosity of me, why JYJ/DBSK seem to have the most stalker related incidents. Do they really have a lot more stalkers per fan compared to other groups or do we as the media just focus on them a lot more than other groups? Frankly I don't think it's the latter, say what you will but stalker incidents for any celebrity is bound to get a lot of interest from readers and it's in our interest to cover every stalker incident but to do so requires that these celebrities actually get involved in these sort of incidents, no incidents then no news coverage. The naturally conclusion then is that JYJ/DBSK just seem to get involved in a lot of stalker incidents relative to other celebrities.
You don't need stalkers when you happen to be this good at shocking fans yourself
Everyone knows how big Cassiopeia (DBSK fan club) is, their numbers might have dropped a bit due to the group split but I would guess that they are still one of the biggest fan clubs around. But I hardly think E.L.F (Super Junior Fan Club) is that much smaller in terms of pure size, yet they don't seem to get involved in as many stalker incidents. So it does seem like DBSK/JYJ just seems to have more stalkers per fan but why? Why would one group have proportionally more stalkers than another group? Personally I think the reasoning might come down to marketing. I was comparing DBSK with Super Junior just above and I think that's an interesting comparison to make. Here we have two extremely popular groups yet they seem to have a different fan composition. The main difference I see between the two groups that might explain this discrepancy in stalkers is how the groups are marketed. DBSK/JYJ has always been a bit of mythical group, SM Entertainment has always been rather careful about how DBSK is portrayed and marketed, starting with their grandiose names and how TV appearances were tightly controlled to maintain their image of rarity. Super Junior on the other hand have always been rather open ended, they have their mythical members like Choi Si Won but then it's offset by more free going members like Kim Hee Chul, Lee Teuk, Kangin, Shindong and Eunhyuk.
You don't see DBSK/JYJ doing these sort of programs
This issue of approachability is what I think is the key reason behind the reason why DBSK/JYJ has more stalkers attached to them. Their air of mystery means that there is greater desire to find out what they are doing, whether it be for personal satisfaction or to show off to others. Super Junior on the other hand has avoided some of these issues by dealing with fans in a more personal level and exposing a lot more of themselves through frequent TV appearances. I think it's just natural tendencies; you tend to desire something more if you know it's harder to get. It's more challenging to deal with DBSK/JYJ and hence it becomes more "rewarding" to pry deeper into their lives since the information gained from this would be "more valuable" then information from a more open group. Or I could just go with the conspiracy theory train of thought and go on about how all of these Stalker incidents were planned out by someone to de-value the JYJ name but that's a bit extreme isn't it? Whatever the case I think it's time we stop calling these people "fans" and call them what they really are, stalkers and a menace to society.
Exclusive Soompi Content, your feedback is crucial.
So much nice exclusive Soompi content this week, we've had exclusive interviews with MBLAQ, a 2 part exclusive interview with FT Island & CN Blue and part 2, an exclusive interview with BEG's Miryo and our exclusive coverage of SBS MTV's Music Island and we even run a Soompi Talent Competition under the name of Soompi Idol 9. It's all part of our commitment to provide our readers with fresh content on a regular basis, content that you cannot get from other places. However there is a caveat in all of this.
Our lovely editor interviewing MBLAQ, amazingly i've yet to annoy her.
There is no way of knowing if you actually enjoy this sort of content unless you provide us with feedback. If you look on our side bar at the most commented news articles, not one of them happens to be one our exclusive content articles. While we can also gauge interest in other ways, one of the best ways for our readers to help us is to write some comments, perhaps telling us that the content is good, how we could improve or what you would like to see next. Even a simple thanks will go a long way in telling us that you appreciate the content and we should continue to expend a lot of effort in organising and providing this sort of content for our readers. I would love to see one of our exclusive content articles in the most popular news article side bar next week. I think that would mean a lot to everyone on the team.
SHINee Teasers, um…yeah I'll let the pictures do all the explaining.
Umm….yeah…uh…the SHINee teasers…seriously what can I really say about them? There is that old saying that a picture is worth a thousand words but in this case the pictures evoke a strange silence and some awkward coughs. We had Key's teaser, Jonghyun's teaser, Taemin's teaser, Onew's Teaser and Minho's Teaser and all of them seem to be aiming for a sort of artistic nudity concept. Unfortunately I think the resulting images strayed a bit from that vision.
I don't feel comfortable looking at this photo
Look I'm not homophobic or against some artistic nudity, male nudity can be done rather tastefully if done correctly and seeing the naked upper body of a male idol isn't a rare sight, 2PM seem to take off their tops at the slightest provocation but while I don't feel anything weird looking at 2PM exposing their muscular chests, seeing SHINee's tender bodies gives me a strange sense of guilt and dirtiness. It's hard to explain, it just seems wrong in a way that is hard to articulate with objective words. They look like the type of private photos you would see leaked onto the internet whenever a celebrity has one of their numerous electronic gadgets hacked. The worst offender is Taemin, I actually had to double check that I wasn't on 4chan for a second after seeing that photo. For the briefest second I actually did think that I was looking at an underage naked kid. To be honest Minho's teaser isn't much better in this regard.
Probably the most "normal" teaser picture released
I think the issue I have is that they seem to have excessively sexualised the pictures for either shock value or some other agenda that I have yet to figure out. The expressions, the slight haziness of the picture, their actions etc all of it seems to be designed to maximise an image of sexuality and it's personally rather distasteful. It also seems to be a complete departure from their standard image and while change is good, one must question their agenda here. Are they really trying to drastically change their image here or are they going for a one-shot shock value treatment, before going back to their standard image? I just can't seem to figure out what they are planning with this? If anyone can help me answer this I would greatly appreciate it.
Article Post Mortem – Why I should never call a girl "Chubby," and the issue of scripts on Variety Shows.
Thought I would try something new for this week, I think there is a lack of opportunity to address some of the comments that people have regarding some of the articles we write. Obviously I can't address issues for articles I didn't personally write but I can address some comments I have seen in a recent article I wrote about how Eunjung was looking chubbier on a recent WGM recording, and while we are on the topic of WGM, we can talk about the issue with scripts and how Eunjung denies there being any issue with scripts.
Look! Her thighs are about 2 pixels wider than before!
Let's address the first issue, my usage of the word "Chubbier" to describe Eunjung's physique. I actually thought about what word to use for quite some time, I didn't want to just write "OMG Eunjung is fatter," since that didn't seem appropriate however I still wanted to convey the message that Eunjung appeared to have gained a kilo or two around her legs. I chose the word "Chubbier" as I thought it was a much nicer and less extreme way of describing perceived weight gain compared to other words such as "Fatter," "Plump," "Hefty," etc. I really did think "chubbier" would be a nice cute way of describing what I perceived in the pictures but that intention obviously wasn't well communicated.
A good example of both being healthly fulsome and broadcasters not following set naming conventions
As for my perception of weight gain, that is a subjective thing. I watch a lot of "We Got Married" and watch a lot of things involving T-ara so I do tend to see Eunjung on TV quite often and compared to what I saw on TV in recent episodes (Which were actually recorded a few weeks back), she really did look slightly more rounded in the pictures in the articles. Like I mentioned in the article it could just be a function of camera angles but that really was my subjective opinion of the picture. Some people also seemed to presume that this meant that I viewed this as a bad thing, which is hardly true. My worry was that her recent injuries have meant that she has been unable to exercise in recent weeks and I mentioned that in the article. Being extremely skinny is obviously not healthy but then again neither is being plump. You don't just suddenly gain weight without it negatively affecting your health. I would also like to see female idols gain a bit of mass and look more fulsome but I want that fulsome to come from muscular gains rather than fat gains, which means you have to exercise and if Eunjung hasn't been able to exercise due to injuries and has thus gained weight in fat then that's a concern.
Still my most popular article, Who Wore It Better: G-Dragon vs. Lee Hyori
Finally some people tend to question news worthiness when articles like this come up. I would like to ask one question, what do we classify as news? If I go to the Oxford dictionary once again, it defines news as "newly received or noteworthy information, especially about recent event." Under that definition an article about some new pictures of a celebrity would fall under the definition of news. I know that's not the definition people think of when they ask if something is "news." Obviously when people question whether an article like the above is "news," they are asking if we should be spending time and effort to cover what they believe doesn't really need explaining since it's just pictures with a bit of commentary. But the thing about celebrity news coverage is that 80% of the time there really isn't any major news stories. In some ways the celebrity news media is "boring" in that there really isn't that much significant news stories on a day to day basis. If we were to cover just significant news like press releases, new album previews interviews, etc. Then we would be writing less than half the articles we are currently writing at the moment.
Someone somewhere appreciates this article about Choi Si Won
But the special distinction with celebrity news is that fans desire to see as much as possible of their celebrities on a day to day basis, which significantly increases the importance of even basic Twitter picture news posts. For every one person that questions the news worthiness of such an article, there is a dozen others that like to see that their favourite celebrity is revealing something about themselves, no matter how insignificant it may seem to others. Our job as writers is to make sure we cover such details no matter how insignificant it may seem. We are not the judges of what is important or not, that's the readers' job and if they really don't want to see these sort of articles then they won't read or comment on them. Yet articles that some view as non-news worthy like "Which celebrity wore it best" or the numerous twitter posts are some of the most popular articles and get a steady stream of readers. As long as readers constantly want read these articles, we will keep writing them to satisfy the vast majority of readers. Think of it this way, what is best? Covering as much as possible or being selective?
And finally the issue of scripts on real variety shows, I touched on this subject briefly in a previous article I wrote about "Infinity Challenge" and what it means to be a variety show but it's been on the news again with reports saying that "WGM" was "scripted" and Eunjung denying these claims. First of all saying "WGM" was mostly scripted is overreacting a bit. The picture in question is above and involves one of the scriptwriters writing on their notepads "Let's try the coconuts." Which some presumed was like a drama script and the couple had to say it exactly as the script says. The thing with Variety Show scripts is that these Scriptwriter notes are mainly there to provide guidance for the cast members. They are in every show, next time you watch a show pay close attention to those brief moments when the camera shows something behind the camera line, you will see a line of scriptwriters with notepads writing stuff on their notepads and showing the notes to the cast members. These notes are stuff like "Move onto next question," "Ask question no 1," or quickly responding to a change in scenario, example of which would be if a guest said something and the scriptwriter wants the MCs to expand upon that. They would write a message asking the MCs to ask a question regarding what the guest just said. In simple terms a variety show script is in no way similar to a drama script. Variety Show scripts are just loose guidance notes to help cast members while drama scripts are expected to be followed line for line. Saying that this incident proves that "WGM" is "scripted" in a way that implies it is like a drama script is just overreacting and shows a lack of understanding for what a scriptwriter does on a variety show.


text:
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, one of the world's largest charitable funds, aim to "help all people lead healthy, productive lives". This is brought about by astronomic sized donations ($2.6 billion in 2010) to a variety of healthcare interventions, educational initiatives, scientific projects, and help for those in extreme poverty.
One of their latest funding projects is a $9,872,613 research grant, designed to last 5 years and a month, awarded to the John Innes Centre. (That's about £6.34 million at today's exchange rate). The JIC is another of the BBSRCs 'research institutes', like Rothamsted. This essentially means that they can do all the research that universities do, without any pesky undergrads running around wanting to be taught how to hold a pipette.
The project will research the feasibility of producing cereal crops (probably wheat and barley) that are capable of fixing their own nitrogen. Plants need nitrogen in order to produce amino acids, and therefore protein: including chlorophyll, which is what makes plants green and allows them to photosynthesise. Without nitrogen, plants are yellow and stunted – because they can't harness the sun's energy as sugar. They're essentially a bit useless. During the Green Revolution, when industrial fertilisers (as opposed to cow manure) came into common usage, yields became up to three times what they originally were. But the sort of small scale farmers that the JIC project is designed to help (specifically those in sub-Saharan Africa) are not able to afford the huge quantities of fertiliser that their crops need.
This is where the idea of crop rotations arose. Certain plants such as the legumes (peas and beans) are able to survive without the application of any external nitrogen-rich fertiliser. This is because they have a symbiotic relationhip with a 'nitrogen-fixing' bacterium called Rhizobia, which can capture nitrogen from the air and turn it into compounds like ammonia, which are solid and can dissolve in soil water.
If nitrogen-fixing maize could be produced, this would allow maize farmers in sub-Saharan Africa to grow higher yielding crops without needing to spend so much money on external fertiliser, or leave fields to fallow every few years.
It will be a long project. The aim is to get the same bacteria that populate legume plants to form an association with the cereal. Step 1 is in getting the cereal to even recognise the presence of the bacteria! If the maize plant can sense that the bacteria are there, it can begin to produce a simple swelling in which the bacteria can 'live'. From there, evolution should theoretically do the rest…

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Red Hat Linux 7.1: The Official Red Hat Linux Getting Started Guide
Chapter 12. Updating With Red Hat Network and Red Hat Errata
You must be logged in as root (or at least know the root password) to register a system with Red Hat Network. If you start the Red Hat Network Registration Client as a standard user, you will be prompted to enter the root password before you can proceed.
To start the Red Hat Network Registration Client, use one of the following methods:
From the GNOME desktop, go to Main Menu => Programs => System => RHN Registration.
From the KDE desktop, go to Main Menu => System => Update Agent.
At a shell prompt, type rhn-register.
Book Site Map ElectronicVideo
Amazon.com International Sites :
USA, United Kingdom, Germany, France


text: Angela Dodds Posted June 26, 2019 Go afternoon to the peeps out there. When I started collecting music, as I only had a laptop (ASUS 17.5"), I started out with Media Monkey. When started using my mobile devices for my music, did a Google search for better player.I took a chance & downloaded Poweramp. It only took me a week to realised just how great this player is so I purchased the unlocker and have enjoyed it very much for the past 4 or 5 years. Due to age (72), I have more difficulty reading the screenpages, so I'm being kinda forced to move back to my Acer AIO 24" or my ASUS 17.5" laptop. Does P/A have any thoughts of a Windows 10 version coming out in near future? If not, does anyone here have any idea what the next best music player for win 10. Be advised that I don't care if I have to pay as I hate adds anyway, also I am really not happy with music monkey player. Also I am seeking to find a player that checks for duplicates. Just a little FYI, I have over a thousand songs ( not one is pirated & I have the CDs to prove it [retired drummer]) & due to my many genres, Blue, Rockabilly & R&R. With that said, I would love to get a player that sorts out duplicates in all folders except "songs", "titles" or "trackes". Sorry I got a bit longwinded, but I hope you can help me . Poweramp is my first choice. Thanks all. Cheers Oldbroad Angela Dodds Quote Mention Share this post Link to post Share on other sites


text:
Is it possible to reload a record from a logic hook?
The reason I need to do to this is I create a relationship between the current record and another module in a logic hook, which works fine, but I have to refresh the current record to see the change.
Any help much appreciated


text:
Here's something cool to start off the week. A new series of posts to celebrate the awesome bloggers and intriguing blog posts that I've had the pleasure of reading recently.
I'm most excited to present the first three picks:
Say No to Chill Pills: Ashy Woodswallows
By Christy Bharath of Verseherder
A wonderful musing on depression and the power of community. And the cutest ever little grey birdies!
4 Harry Potter Fanfics You Need To Read
By Emma of Blu Chicken Ninja
Are you curious about the whole fanfiction phenomenon? And as puzzled as to where to start as I am? The above post lists 4 Harry Potter fics that sound absolutely fascinating!
Being Fiction, Instead of Writing It
By Michelle of The Green Study
If ever there was a someone who described exactly, word for word, what I, and I'm sure many writers go through to start writing, it was Michelle in her 'freshly pressed' post. Unmissable for all writers!
Enjoy! 🙂


text:
Budapest, May 12 (MTI) – Hungary's industrial output grew by 11.6 percent year-on-year in March according to unadjusted data, the Central Statistics Office (KSH) said on Tuesday, confirming preliminary figures released on May 7.
Output growth accelerated from 6.0 percent in February.
Industrial output grew 9.0 percent according to workday-adjusted data.
In a month-on-month comparison, industrial output rose by 2.6 percent in March from the preceding month.
Analyst Gergely Suppan of Takarekbank said the pace of industrial output growth could continue to increase in the second half of 2015 due to last year's low base.
In contrast, Gergely Urmossy of Erste Bank said the two-digit pace of industrial output growth could slow down in the coming months as the purchasing managers index (PMI) fell to 51 points in April from 55.4 points in March.
The National Economy Ministry said industrial output could continue to grow as Suzuki started production of its new, higher-category model at the beginning of March, Audi has introduced a third shift and purchasing costs fell on lower oil prices.
Source: http://mtva.hu/hu/hungary-matters


text: Students and activists take part in a demonstration to mark the fourth anniversary of the disappearance of 43 students of the teaching training school in Ayotzinapa [Rodrigo Arangua/AFP] Mexico City - Mexico's President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has promised to reopen the case of the 43 missing students from a rural teacher's college in Ayotzinapa, who disappeared after the police intercepted them on their way to a protest four years ago. The case has drawn widespread condemnation, symbolising how the state of corruption and impunity that has become the norm in the country. The government of outgoing President Enrique Pena Nieto effectively closed the case a few months after the incident, claiming they had obtained confessions from local drug gang members who said they burned all 43 bodies in a dumpster after being instructed by the police to murder the students. However, international experts dispute that account, pointing to a number of irregularities with the case, including confessions obtained by torture, illegal arrests of key suspects and lack of physical evidence to sustain the arguments. In an unprecedented ruling in July, a court ordered the creation of a special commission to reopen and pursue the case. But a coordinated government effort halted its progress claiming such a commission would be overstepping jurisdictions. Earlier this week another court upheld the creation of the commission. Lopez Obrador, who will be taking office in December, told reporters on Wednesday that he will see to it that the commission moves forward in investigating the case. "No matter what, on December 1st, I will issue an executive order to create the investigative commission and set up the procedure to access truth and justice," he said, surrounded by relatives of the missing students. He added that he will "open the doors" to all international organisations that have been "fighting against all odds to prevent this case from closing". Epifanio Alvarez Carbajal, father of Jorge Alvarez Nava, one of the missing students, shared the stage with Lopez Obrador. Parents say they're hopeful in Lopez Obrador's promises [Lucina Melesio/Al Jazeera] "We feel great hope," Carbajal said, choking back his tears. "If that's not the case [accessing justice], I'd rather die. I can't go on watching all these parents in pain." Clemente Rodriguez Moreno, whose son, Christian, also went missing, told Al Jazeera that he feels "stronger, stronger, strengthened, because no other president had given us hope before." A cold trail? Mario Patron Sanchez, director of Centro Prodh, a human rights NGO that has been closely monitoring the case and co-organised Wednesday's meeting, told Al Jazeera he believed solving the case four years later is "totally feasible". "This case is emblematic because it represents the heart of corruption and impunity of the country, and the main challenge is breaking impunity pacts," Patron said. "Today's meeting is important because there's a clear expression of political will to solve this case." But not everyone agreed. Francisco Rivas Rodríguez, director of Observatorio Nacional Ciudadano, an NGO that monitors crime and justice, told Al Jazeera he is sceptical that the case can be solved because it's been so long time since the incident, local authorities were negligent in handling the case and the federal government's initial reaction was too slow. While he said it's good news that the investigation will continue, he is concerned that a "politically-motivated promise can cause more pain for the victims". "Opening the case does not necessarily mean the case can be solved," he said. "This case is iconic and that's why we understand its significance, but in reality these cases are all too common and they rarely are solved. Access to justice is poor in Mexico." Mexican President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador poses with relatives of the 43 students of the teaching training school in Ayotzinapa who went missing in 2014 [Alfredo Estrella/AFP] According to Ernesto Schwartz Marin, a forensic anthropologist at Exeter University who co-founded citizen-led forensic database Ciencia Forense Ciudadana in Mexico to help families find their disappeared relatives, "Ayotzinapa is just the tip of the iceberg". "This case is being pursued because it's been on the spotlight, but there's thousands of disappeared that won't access justice unless the system is changed from its roots," Schwartz told Al Jazeera. "Morgues are overridden with bodies." 'Alive they took, alive we want them back' Following Wednesday's meeting and press conference, thousands joined the parents of the disappeared students to protest the government's handling of the case. {articleGUID} Protesters chanted "alive they took them, alive we want them back". A banner read "from Iguala to Los Pinos [the presidential house], prison to the murderers. The entire goddamn system is guilty." At the end of the rally, parents took turns speaking to the crowd. "We're very sad four years later, and we're very angry at the government," one of the mothers said, contesting the official account of what happened the night the students disappeared. "Today we feel hopeful, we see a possibility with Lopez Obrador," a father said. Witness Mexico's Fight for the Future SOURCE: Al Jazeera News Mexico Human Rights Latin America Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador


text:
Starseed, astrology geek, and total kinkster, Shae Celestine is a fresh-faced spinner with adorable looks and an extreme love for sex of all kinds. Shae believes in the power of sexuality, embracing everything she likes, and exploring the limits of her kinks. Whether her perky tits are being caressed or clamped down, Shae will be turned on. Whether she's bouncing her ass on a hard cock to getting flogged and spanked, Shae will get wet. A sexual being, kinky but fragile, Shae loves anal and buttplugs, gangbangs, and lots of cuddling. Like a shooting star, she's beautiful to look at, a force to be reckoned with, and a rare beauty that only comes along once in a generation!
©2020 MG Premium Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Trademarks owned by Licensing IP International S.à.r.l used under license by MG Premium Ltd.
All models appearing on this website are 18 years or older. Click here for records required pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 2257 Record Keeping Requirements Compliance Statement. By entering this site you swear that you are of legal age in your area to view adult material and that you wish to view such material. Please visit EPOCH.COM | WTS, our designated E-ticket Supplier and Access Management Provider for 3dxstar.com. Please visit Vendo our authorized reseller.
This website contains age-restricted materials. If you are under the age of 18 years, or under the age of majority in the location from where you are accessing this website you do not have authorization or permission to enter this website or access any of its materials. If you are over the age of 18 years or over the age of majority in the location from where you are accessing this website by entering the website you hereby agree to comply with all the Terms and Conditions. You also acknowledge and agree that you are not offended by nudity and explicit depictions of sexual activity.
By clicking on the "Enter" button, and by entering this website you agree with all the above and certify under penalty of perjury that you are an adult.


text:
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 14:58 — 20.7MB) | Embed
One century ago we were transitioning from an agrarian economy to an industrial economy. Entrepreneurs were more common than not. Proprietors could not get lost in the theoretical conjecture modern times has seen. If the harvest the goods didn't sell you didn't eat. All it take is one cold, hungry winter to shift gears toward ensuring future success. How do we begin to embrace this kind of mindset independent of our work life. We are contributing to the business of ourselves, our family and our community. How do we grow this business? How to we mitigate the risk that erodes significant portions of our imagination and creativity? Who are you willing to become to ensure the realization of all you ambitious and dreams?


text:
The Best House Cleaning & Maid Service in Newport Beach
Your House Will Be So Clean It Will Sparkle - GUARANTEED!
SwiftClean House Cleaning Service in Newport Beach
Experience the difference that the professional cleaners from SwiftClean can bring to your home. We find the most skilled and responsible maid service providers who are ready to transform your house, apartment, or condo into a comfortable and hygienic place for you and your family to live. Do you want to save more time in your busy weekly schedule, or do you need special event cleaning as a one-time deal? We have you covered.
The decision to use SwiftClean's cleaning services in Newport Beach allows you to get more done without stress or strain. Stop wasting time with housecleaning chores when you would rather dedicate it to work, school, socializing, family, or exploring all the wonderful things this California town has to offer. Our expert maids are ready to help on schedule every time. Visit our website for simple booking using a convenient form or give us a call today to put all of your cleaning worries to rest.
Residential Cleaning Services Available For:
What Makes SwiftClean the Best House Cleaning in Newport Beach?
Enjoy More Free Time in Your Weekly Schedule
The reliable cleaning professionals chosen by SwiftClean clear your schedule of busy work and chores. When you make the decision to hire the very best, you know you can trust your home to these maids. This gives you the opportunity to get out and enjoy life in Newport Beach. The process of finding reputable cleaners usually takes a long time and includes a lot of headaches. We take care of all that for you and make booking easy and transparent.
Discover A Maid Service You Can Trust
We at SwiftClean know how difficult it can be to invite a stranger into your home and trust them with your property. This is why we make sure that every house cleaning professional we accept into our agency is carefully vetted and researched prior to inclusion. This means that you receive the most reputable and trustworthy maid service in Newport Beach and the surrounding area. Our pro team only includes a select few of the total number of people who apply.
Detailed Cleaning Options Every Day
Skilled maid services offered by the professionals at the SwiftClean agency is ready to give your home a complete treatment every time they come to your house. While signing up for weekly scheduled cleaning gives you peace of mind that your home will be healthy and hygienic all the time, the house cleaners also offer specialty services on request. Let us know what you need, and we will find the right team to tackle interior windows, oven and fridge cleaning, woodwork, and more. We can even schedule these seasonally or before special events.
Affordable Maid Service Suits Any Budget
We at SwiftClean believe that everybody should have access to top-level cleaning services that will not cause financial strain. Time is money, after all, and you need time to take care of business, education, and the all-important relaxation necessary for your overall success. Our teams of exceptional maids can be available at affordable prices without sacrificing quality. While we bring you the very best, we also compensate the maids for their skill and efforts with appropriate wages.
SwiftClean Puts Your Satisfaction at the Top of the List
If any maid that comes to your house in Newport Beach fails to live up to expectations, get in touch with the customer service representatives at SwiftClean as soon as possible. We do everything possible to guarantee your satisfaction and work hard to make sure that the cleaning services we offer are top-rated every time. Please call or use the useful online contact system to ask questions or voice concerns any time during business hours.
Every Client Gets a Custom Clean
Whether you need scheduled cleaning every week or want to spruce up your house before a party or other special event, the maids offered by SwiftClean bring the best house cleaning service in the Newport Beach area. Book regular cleaning to take some of the strain away from your weekly schedule and cross the most tedious jobs off your to-do list. Or make sure every guests get a great first impression when they step through your doors.
Cleaning Services in Newport Beach
What's Included?
Our Newport Beach house cleaners will put in as much effort as it takes to get your home looking as good as new! Here's whats's included in your cleaning service:
✓ Professional Cleaning Team (2 People, 1 for Smaller Homes)
✓ All Supplies and Tools (Vacuums, Mops, etc.)
✓ Amazing Customer Service through Phone, Chat or Email
✓ 200% Happiness Guarantee
✓ Dust and wipe down all surfaces
✓ Vacuum and mop all floors
✓ Make beds
✓ Clean mirror and fixtures
✓ Clean tables and chairs
✓ Empty bins
✓ Clean door/cabinet surfaces
✓ Clean hallways, staircases
✓ Clean cobwebs
✓ Clean light switches and doorknobs
✓ Dust and wipe down all kitchen surfaces
✓ Vacuum and mop floors
✓ Clean the sink
✓ Clean exterior of microwave and appliances
✓ Clean outside of cabinets and drawers
✓ Clean outside of oven and fridge
✓ Clean stove
✓ Dust and wipe down all surfaces
✓ Clean the sinks
✓ Clean the toilets
✓ Clean countertops
✓ Clean tubs and showers
✓ Clean outside of cabinets and drawers
✓ Clean mirrors and fixtures
✓ Vacuum and mop floors
+ Clean Inside the Oven
+ Clean Inside the Fridge
+ Clean Interior Walls
+ Clean Interior Cabinets
+ Clean Inside Windows
+ Clean Baseboards
From Our Customers
Book Your Maid Service Newport Beach Instantly
Who Can Benefit From Top Professional Maid Service in Newport Beach?
Any resident of Newport Beach, California and the surrounding area can now enjoy top-level cleaning service without questions or concerns. You have a busy life full of work, school, family responsibilities, social events, and still want some time for yourself. Things like cleaning up the house can fall by the wayside as you struggle to keep up with your packed schedule. Those with large homes, pets, and especially children may have an even harder time keeping everything as neat as they would like. SwiftClean offers Newport Beach home cleaning services that can take all these troubles away from you.
You do not need a large home or a large budget to get help from professional cleaners. Our knowledgeable and dedicated maids offer pro services for condominiums and apartments, too. We can even deep clean a rental before you move so you can reclaim most or all of your security deposit. If you are selling your house, a proper scrubbing boosts the power of an open house and may entice potential buyers to consider placing a higher bid. For those who never plan to move from the lovely Newport Beach area, this same type of cleaning service dedication will make every day here comfortable and beautiful.
The expert maids offered through the SwiftClean agency are always on hand for weekly or monthly scheduled work. However, if you have a special event like a party, family reunion, or another event on your calendar, contact us for a one-time cleanup special. No matter what your service needs, SwiftClean offers the best house cleaning in Newport Beach so you can enjoy more of life in this beautiful location.
Convenience For Your Schedule Without Sacrificing Clean
When you live in such a beautiful part of California as Newport Beach, the last thing you want to do is spend all their time inside dusting, scrubbing, and vacuuming. The sun and the surf call to you, and you deserve the opportunity to answer that call and head out for a bike ride along the beach, building a sandcastle on the golden sand, or simply watching the waves from the Newport Pier. With a busy schedule of work, school, and other responsibilities, everyone needs some time to enjoy the warmth of the sun and the invigoration of the Pacific Ocean.
If you have children, hiring a professional maid service to tackle the bothersome chores is an even better idea. Instead of spending your time trying to get the kids to clean up, take them on an educational adventure to the Upper Newport Bay Nature Reserve or the Environmental Nature Center. While expert cleaning service people take care of the dirt inside your home, you and your family have the opportunity to explore nature.
Many people dream of having more time to spend on fun activities, hobbies, or outings with friends and family. SwiftClean understands how important it is to have free hours in your schedule to rejuvenate. That is why we work so hard to bring only the best Newport Beach maid service to all of our clients. Simple booking, flexible scheduling, and affordable prices just make it that much better.
Reclaim More Free Time to Enjoy Newport Beach, California
Hiring a reputable housecleaner is about more than just freeing up an hour here and there you would normally spend on chores. When you book a weekly or biweekly maid service, your whole schedule can change along with your state of mind. SwiftClean takes away all the stress of finding the right ones to hire, and since we guarantee results, you have nothing to worry about. What better way to relax and enjoy yourself when the problem of finding a reputable house cleaning service is taken care of for you?
Now, instead of worrying about when you will get to window cleaning or scrubbing the woodwork, you can spend your time planning exciting outings in Newport Beach. This is the opportunity to do all those great things nearby that you never found time or energy for in the past. Just imagine how excited your children will be when you surprise them with a trip to the Balboa Fun Zone. Take some time with your girlfriends to hit Fashion Island for some retail therapy. Even book a trip on one of the Newport Landing Whale Watching tours.
All of these things and more are so much more entertaining and worthwhile than staying at home and cleaning. Let SwiftClean handle the maid service in Newport Beach. You go out and enjoy life.


text:
For the New Year.
Sometimes I'm sad to see another year pass by and sometimes I can't wait for a new year when I can try to be different achieve more or just have the opportunity to start afresh. Often the starting afresh refers to dieting, and the start of a year is a great time to begin this kind of change.
This time I'm excited for a new year because I need to push myself into action.
A diet, is of course, on the cards but there is more to do than just that.
I have to get a job or realise my dream of working for myself. Even though taking the redundancy had been a risk it really was a no brainer. I needed a change in my life and here was an opportunity for a complete and total change. I didn't know what I was going to do next but in the back of my pea sized brain hoped to wake up one morning and have a brilliant idea of what to do with my future. I'd taken a massive risk by accepting the redundancy, surely I was owed a brilliant idea?
No. Well not yet anyway.
In reality I know I'm not owed anything although I'll admit to having a hard time accepting this. So I have to come up with something NOW or try to get a regular job. This is as scary as it sounds and I'm not sure why I'm sat here calmly typing instead of running around in a panic.
So bring on the New Year. Something will have to happen and I'm going to try my best to make it happen rather than waiting for it materialise. Yes! Positive thoughts.


text:
Alright, guys, we all know what erectile dysfunction is and how to treat it so why aren't we? In Australia currently, there are over a million men that have been diagnosed with impotence. That number is expected to rise dramatically over the next year. By the end of next month, over seven million men around the world will have been officially diagnosed with the condition. Today I am going to talk about a medication called Cialis and what it can do for you. In addition to that, we are going to cover a few issues that man have when dealing with erectile dysfunction.
So, over a million men in the country have erectile dysfunction. Now you're probably assuming that all of those men are currently seeking or using treatment but that isn't the case. In fact, less than a quarter of those men are even on any kind of treatment medication. Most men are too ashamed of having impotence while the remainder simply can't afford sustained treatment. This is due to the insanely high prices that most medications have and it is understandable. It can cost a man with a mild case of impotence up to a thousand dollars a month to treat. Safe to say most of us don't have that kind of money to blow monthly.
It goes without saying that erectile dysfunction can be embarrassing and the last thing we want to do is visit a doctor. Since most medications require a prescription, it is inevitable that you will end up sitting in a doctors office at some point in time. I think it is important to note that the consultation really isn't all that invasive. In fact, you will most likely mention the dreaded issue once. After that, you will be prescribed with a medication of your choice. In a minute I'll explain why Cialis should be that medication but first let's go over what Cialis will do.
Cialis is specifically designed to target the most common cause of erectile dysfunction which is the blood. As blood circulation throughout the body becomes poor quality so does the quality of erection. Cialis works to improve circulation and blood flow. This enables those who struggle with weak erections or inability to form them to gain and maintain healthy erections. The best thing about this is that 85% of men who take Cialis have reported a higher quality of erection than they were able to form prior to having erectile dysfunction. The success rate of Cialis is a little over 85% in all cases and has been this way for over a decade. If you're curious about the last 15% I have a bit of bad news.
The remaining 15% of men who have taken Cialis with little or no effects have either done one of two things. They have serious medical conditions that prevent the medication from working. Think of men who have a serious heart problem in addition to blood pressure complications. The other thing is that men have let their erectile quality decline to such a point where no medication will help them. Yes, weak erections can progress to the inability to form erections permanently. So if you are ignoring the symptoms, you will inevitably pay for it the longer things go on. So don't wait, talk to your doctor about Cialis today.


text:
A new railway line began this morning to provide services to passengers between the central railway station to Phnom Penh International Airport.
The launching ceremony was held in the presence of Senior Minister and Minister of Public Works and Transport H.E. Sun Chanthol, President of Royal Railways Oknha Kith Meng, and CEO of Phnom Penh International Airport Mr. Eric Delobel.
During the trial period from April 10 till the end of July, the railway service is free of charge to all passengers.
Two carriages are put into use in the temporary period while the new three carriages the Royal Railways purchased from Mexico will replace the existing ones by June this year, according to H.E. Sun Chanthol.
Operated by Royal Railways, the company that controls railway service network in the country, the shuttle, which can carry about 100 passengers both sitting and standing, takes around 30 minutes one way.
The fare of airport railway service is in the stage of decision between the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and Royal Railways, said H.E. Senior Minister, adding that the fare would below other means of transport like three-wheeled motorised vehicles and taxi.
The new rail service will contribute to reducing traffic congestion and saving time for travelling from downtown Phnom Penh to the airport.
The ministry is also planning to build another rail link to Phnom Penh Special Economic Zone for the transport of goods and products from the zone to the deep seaport in Sihanoukville.
Source: Agency Kampuchea Press


text:
Rising Popular Demand for Democracy in Africa
African citizens' quest for democracy is strong and growing. According to recently published Afrobarometer survey data, close to 70 per cent of Africans prefer democracy to any other political regime and only 9.7 per cent state that a non-democratic government can be preferable in certain circumstances. In the 32 countries surveyed in round six of the Afrobarometer (conducted in 2014 and 2015), more than half of Africans are "deep democrats" – that is, they support democracy and reject all three autocratic alternatives (military rule, single-party rule, and personalist rule). The exclusive demand for democracy has grown strongly, rising from 36 per cent in 2002 to 51 per cent in 2012 in the 16 African countries surveyed in rounds two to five of the Afrobarometer (Bratton and Houessou 2014). Yet this should not disguise huge disparities. While 78 per cent of interviewees in Zambia voiced both support for democracy and rejected all types of authoritarian rule, only 20 per cent to 25 per cent of respondents did so in Madagascar, Sudan, and Mozambique.
Africa has always been a prime target for interventions by external forces, be they great powers, non-governmental organisations, business corporations, or international organisations. The causes are manifold and range from "failing and collapsed" statehood (Zartman 1995), civil war, comparatively low development levels, to interests in the continent's vast natural resources. Especially Western powers have also aimed at promoting democratic governance reforms.
Does this intervention make a difference? Do citizens in African countries that have been subject to severe external pressure in the form of "democratic sanctions" and, in addition, to concomitant UN peacekeeping perceive democracy differently than those in countries that have not? To further differentiate political systems' democratic credentials in Africa, we use the broad Freedom House categorisation of "free," "partly free," and "not free" countries. According to the 2016 Freedom House Report (Freedom House 2016), democracies constitute a minority: only 9 of the 49 fully recognised sub-Saharan African countries are considered "free" (i.e. fully democratic); of the remaining 40, 20 are classified as "not free," and 20 as "partly free."
As can be seen from Figure 1, support for democracy is remarkably consistent across (a) country designations ("free," "partly free," and "not free") and (b) experiences with external interventions. Citizens in African countries that have been subject to foreign intervention(s) since 1990 do not perceive democracy in a systematically different manner than those in countries that have been free of foreign intervention. Note, however, that Afrobarometer surveys have only been conducted in 7 of the 20 countries rated "not free" – 5 of which have been the targets of external intervention (Burundi, Ethiopia, Sudan, Uganda, and Cameroon). In contrast, surveys have been conducted in all 9 countries designated as "free" and in 17 of the 20 "partly free" countries.
A further Afrobarometer question demonstrates that African citizens' understanding of the main tenets of democracy – similar to that of citizens in other world regions – focuses on key liberal-democratic values and processes, such as personal freedoms, multiparty competition, and government accountability. (The Afrobarometer question asked, "What, if anything, does 'democracy' mean to you?") For the majority of Africans, the quality of elections is the main factor that determines the nature of the political systems in their respective countries.
External Interventions' Limited yet Important Effects on Democratic Development
Interventions by external powers have fundamentally shaped the democratic trajectory in sub-Saharan Africa. With the end of the Cold War, democracy and human rights rose on the global agenda, and Western states increased their pressure on authoritarian regimes to democratise. Consequently, Western governments increasingly linked the allocation of development assistance to democratic reform in recipient countries. They also tried to foster democracy through electoral observation as well as through the support provided to parliamentarians, political parties, electoral commissions, the judiciary, the media, and civil society organisations (Brown 2013: 407). At the other end of the spectrum, African countries have been a prime target of Western "democratic sanctions" aimed at fostering and safeguarding democratic rights and processes abroad (Portela and von Soest 2012).
The effects of these interventions are contested but democracy promotion and pressure have overall contributed to a strengthening of democracy and the end of most hard forms of dictatorship on the continent. Dietrich and Wright (2015), for instance, observe that economic aid increases the likelihood of transition to multiparty politics, while direct democracy aid reduces the failure of multiparty regimes and limits electoral misconduct, thereby supporting democratic development. Carter (2016) also shows that Western powers can fundamentally increase the costs for African autocrats who violate human and democratic rights, particularly in aid-dependent countries, via political conditions attached to the provision of aid. However, no African country that has been subject to severe external intervention since 1990, be it Western sanctions or UN peacekeeping, has made the transition to "free" status (Namibia, which is rated "free," represents a special case in this regard as it only became an independent state in March 1990). In this respect external interventions have continued to be unsuccessful in creating or contributing to full democracy. (It is important to note, however, that external intervention might systematically select the most difficult cases.)
The democratic development of those African countries that have seen severe external interventions, similar to those that have not, has remained uneven over the last 25 years. This confirms the fact that external intervention is only a secondary factor in influencing local political and social dynamics. Only a small group of countries that transitioned from "not free" to "partly free" have been able to maintain this status. This includes Kenya, sanctioned in the beginning of the 1990s, and Liberia, which rose to "partly free" status in 2005 when a transitional government introduced greater political freedom following the ouster of President Charles Taylor in August 2003.
A larger group has remained unstable and oscillates between being seen as "partly free" and "not free." This includes the Central African Republic, which dropped from "partly free" to "not free" in 2004, rose back to "partly free" in 2006, and since 2014 has been classified as "not free" due to severe turmoil in the country. Côte d'Ivoire, Niger, and Mauritania have shown similar variation over the years. Other countries have exhibited a clear downward trend. For example, Ethiopia regressed and has been rated "not free" since 2010. Guinea-Bissau and Uganda, sanctioned in the beginning of the 1990s, had been considered "partly free" for more than 20 years, but dropped to "not free" more recently. Finally, there are also numerous countries that have been subject to external interventions that Freedom House has consistently rated "not free" since 1990 – namely, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan.
This assessment confirms the generally limited contribution of external interventions in bringing about full liberal democracy in sub-Saharan Africa. However, it also shows that Western support has played an important role in facilitating the transition to, albeit imperfect, multiparty politics in Africa. In addition, democratic sanctions have an overall slightly positive effect on the protection of political and civil rights in targeted countries (von Soest and Wahman 2015).
The Elusive Quest for One African Model of Democracy
Popular demand for democracy on the African continent should not imply that liberal democracy is without its discontents. Most importantly, some prominent African thinkers and leaders see its emphasis on individual rights and electoral competition as alien to the continent's purported precolonial tradition of safeguarding communal rights and consensus building. Tanzania's first president, Julius Nyerere (1975), early on asserted that his ujamaa ("familyhood") socialism – with its four main facets of consciousness, equality, villagisation, and democracy – in conjunction with a single-party state would better fit the customs and structures of African society. While there is no longer any real discussion about the political advantages of traditional one-party states in Africa, a widespread sentiment exists that the "strong role of religious, ethnic, and communal ties [sits] uneasily with the Western emphasis placed on individual rights" (Youngs 2015: 49). It is contested whether imported templates of liberal democracy can adequately deal with the development challenges and multi-ethnic character of African societies. For Ake (1996), this form of government is in itself not "emancipatory" and is therefore insufficient to safeguard the rights of African citizens vis-à-vis the political elite and to fight economic marginality.
In addition, many saw the spread of liberal democracy after the end of the Cold War as being inherently tied to the pressure to adopt much-despised neo-liberal economic reform on the continent. Today, African elites increasingly call into question the superiority of democracies in providing legitimate and effective governance. The varied successes of Western democracy in overcoming political and economic crises as well as the increasing self-confidence and growing power on the global stage of authoritarian regimes further dent liberal democracy's attractiveness (Plattner 2015).
Most African societies value communitarian values and consensus more highly than other societies. Also, traditional authorities are often integrated into the village level – in Botswana, for example, this is through the kgotla system (Molomo 2014). The common denominator is to encourage local specificity and consensual power-sharing and to generate stronger support for new forms of participation, particularly at the local level. Yet, despite the search for local variants of democracy, the Afrobarometer survey provides evidence of African citizens' strong support for safeguarding universal human and democratic rights and the fundamental tenets of democracy.
The political and social conditions in Africa, and even within African countries, are extremely diverse, which makes it difficult – if not impossible – to develop a coherent variant of democracy. There is no uniform set of values and traditions. As affirmed by Gyimah-Boadi (2015) and Khadiagala (2016), African political traditions contain not only democratic but also authoritarian facets. It is noteworthy that the most prominent current purported proponents of "African democracy," such as Uganda's President Museveni and Rwanda's President Kagame, repeatedly misuse this term to reduce the rights of the political opposition and the freedom of the independent media and, ultimately, to legitimise their non-democratic rule.
Overall, the contours of a single model of African democracy are not yet visible. Analysts converge (a) in their criticism of the simple application of Western concepts and the colonial and postcolonial transfer of institutional templates to Africa (Mkandawire 2015; Mbembe 2000) and (b) in their appreciation of context-sensitive variants of democracy. For instance, Tendai Biti, a prominent opposition politician from Zimbabwe, questions the applicability of the British first-past-the-post electoral system to the social and political conditions in his country. [1] This makes the case for providing assistance to African citizens to devise their own way of strengthening democracy based on the democratic values they support.
Creating New Enthusiasm for Democracy Support in Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa is characterised by very different political trajectories, but overall democratic progress has come to a halt. Numerous countries (at least the 20 out of 49 recognised states rated as "partly free") today operate in a "grey zone" between autocracy and liberal democracy. The strongest supporters of democracy on the continent are without any doubt its citizens, whereas the "embrace of democratic ideals by African regional bodies and some members of the political elite in the early 2000s was short-lived" (Gyimah-Boadi 2015: 107).
This is despite the fact that regional conventions and the provisions against the "unconstitutional change of government" have contributed to an overall positive democratic development in Africa since the end of the Cold War. Regional electoral monitoring, although often being lenient, has become a routine procedure and the African Union (AU) and subregional organisations have imposed sanctions on various occasions, for instance on the Central African Republic (2003–2005; 2013 to date), Togo (2005), Mauritania (2005–2007; 2008–2009), Guinea (2008–2011), Niger (2010–2011), Cote d'Ivoire (2010–2011), and Mali (2012).
However, Africans see the prevention of government abuses and the safeguarding of democratic values as resting primarily with domestic actors. According to Afrobarometer data, on average 57 per cent of interviewees in sub-Saharan Africa value national sovereignty more highly than the "regional responsibility to prevent abuses," and only 36 per cent agree that African governments "have a duty to try to guarantee free elections and prevent human rights abuses in other countries in the region, for example by using political pressure, economic sanctions or military force" (see Figure 2).
Only in one country, Burkina Faso, did interviewees report a preference for regional intervention, with 65 per cent affirming a duty to guarantee free elections and prevent human rights abuses in other countries. Given the country's political crisis in 2014, this result inherently makes sense. At that time, President Blaise Compaoré, who governed from 1987 up until 2014, faced protests against an anticipated change to the Constitution that would have allowed him to prolong his rule; he finally resigned following a coup d'état. Regional bodies such as the AU and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) were instrumental in facilitating and pressuring for a negotiated settlement. The immediate crisis ended with the presidential election in November 2015, which was won by the opposition politician Roch Marc Kaboré. Societies that are split between intervention and independence are Togo, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe, Burundi, and Swaziland – all countries that have been ravaged by domestic crises that will be difficult to resolve without external intervention. Notably, the approval for regional intervention to safeguard democratic values remains significantly lower in "free" countries. In Namibia, for example, only 22.4 per cent of citizens voice a preference for regional intervention.
Overall, it is clear that African citizens consider national sovereignty an important value and seem prepared to accept (regional) external intervention in times of emergency only. In acute crises, opposition actors often argue in favour of external pressure – the international campaign against the former South African apartheid government being the continent's most prominent example.
For all their faults, Western interventions have contributed to the overall positive democratic development in sub-Saharan Africa since the end of the Cold War. They alone have not been successful in bringing about liberal democratic governance, but in many cases they have supported "partly free" political order, be it electoral democracy or competitive authoritarianism. In particular, the absence of a single model of African democracy and African citizens' high regard for national sovereignty render context-sensitive external intervention all the more important. Based on what Khadiagala (2016: 3) calls a "growing consensus among citizens about the centrality of the basic universal norms and values that constitute democracy," external intervention should – even more so than in the past – focus on citizen empowerment to strengthen the accountability of governments on the African continent.
Besides leading by example and guaranteeing legitimate and effective democratic governance at home, Western governments can support African citizens' in developing their own democratic paths. A promising instrument already utilised by some political foundations – particularly in highly polarised societies – is the support of young leadership training programmes that bring together promising talent from the media, NGOs, the business sector, and parties across the political divide. The consistent support for civic education and funding of local initiatives dedicated to democratic values are further useful tools. In the most severe cases of human and democratic rights violations, external pressure on governments may amplify domestic opposition by making governments' actions more costly. External intervention can, for instance, help to put pressure on African rulers who attempt to remove constitutional term limits to prolong their rule (Carter 2016).
Low levels of enthusiasm for democracy among elites in many African countries, the growing assertiveness of authoritarian powers, particularly China, and the contestation of democratic governance in many parts of the world make consistent and adaptive external support for democratic progress not only more difficult but also all the more important. It is essential that external actors consistently back the real torchbearers of African democracy: African citizens.
Interview Christian von Soest with Tendai Biti, 27 June 2016, Berlin. ↩


text:
Good news for everyone who's aching to get their hands on a Nintendo Switch: fresh stocks are hitting the shelves and Nintendo is producing 16 million units for 2017.
It looks like Nintendo hit a home run with the Nintendo Switch, as demand and clamor for the handheld-console hybrid shot up the charts, forcing Nintendo to double their initial planned production for this year to meet the public demand, the Wall Street Journal reports.
After the Wii U, Nintendo has been very hopeful, but conservative, about the Nintendo Switch. This is why, according to The Next Web, Nintendo only originally planned to produce 8 million Nintendo Switch units for 2017. But it looks like the reception and the hype around the Switch has been so good that Nintendo is doubling their original number, ramping it up to 16 million units this year.
And that's just the Nintendo Switch's first year. If Nintendo clears out all 16 million units before 2017 ends, then it would have already surpassed the Wii U in its first year, which only sold about 13.5 million units over the course of four years. This bodes as a good followup to the blockbuster sale of the original Nintendo Wii, selling 17 million units one year after it launched in November, 2006.
As a consumer, of course, it doesn't matter if Nintendo is able to sell all those 16 million units — what you want to know is if you'll be able to snag a Nintendo Switch for yourself if you want one.
Well, if you didn't make it to the pre-order, then you'll be pleased to know that Express reports that game retailer Gamestop will be getting a fresh Nintendo Switch re-stock on their shelves this March 22.
Gamestop announced the coming stock in its press release.
"GameStop continues to see strong demand from customers who are looking to purchase the Nintendo Switch system. We are meeting this demand by securing additional systems as fast as we can to ensure customers are able to purchase this innovative gaming technology. The customer enthusiasm and response we have seen so far has been incredible as we continue to sell through our supply of systems."
Gamestop has a warning, though.
"We strongly suggest any customer who is still looking to purchase a Nintendo Switch, visit one of our stores as soon as they can. This new allotment will go fast."
Gamestop will not be taking reservations via phone or in person for these new Nintendo Switch units. If you want to purchase a unit, you'll have to line up with everybody else on your nearest Gamestop store by March 22 to be able to get a chance to get one. Gamestop warns that the new Nintendo Switch stock will be limited, so late comers might find themselves without a unit.
"Line to get #NintendoSwitch in Uruguay. It is not big, but it is huge if you learn we have to pay $700 for it." →https://t.co/WdJbtcAmlJ pic.twitter.com/CO3mn8crWY
— Nintendo Switch (@NinSwitchNews) March 14, 2017
Nintendo Switch on Amazon is also getting refreshed stock by March 31. So if you don't make it to Gamestop's cutoff, what's a few more days?
Or you can always just wait for Nintendo to whip up more Nintendo Switch units, since they're producing 16 million this year. That way, you'll get to be on the lookout for newer Nintendo Switch games, too, and maybe even revamped and better units since we've been hearing issues about the Nintendo Switch's Joy-Cons and docks. Maybe the newer Nintendo Switch batches will resolve the Joy-Con's connectivity issues and the shipment of the bent Nintendo Switch docks.
This week, we saw The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+, Human Resource Machine, Little Inferno, World of Goo, and The King of Fighters '94 join the still short list of games playable on the Nintendo Switch. As more games make it to the Nintendo Switch, we're expecting demand for the unit to shoot up even further. It looks like Nintendo has really propelled itself back into the competition again.
[Featured image by Drew Angerer/Getty Images]


text:
Back Squat 3-3-3-3-3
It's a new year, which always means New Years Resolutions. Before you go joining a "300 push up a day" club or resolving to lose 400lbs, really think about what it is you're hoping to accomplish and the best way in which to go about actually getting it done.
From CrossFit Jääkarhu
Four Steps to Achieving What You Want
As coaches, it is our job to lead people. At CrossFit Jääkarhu, we take people from point A to point B: from where they are to where they want to be. This starts with setting goals.
It has been shown that people who write goals are more likely to achieve them than people who do not write them down. As coaches, you have to know each of your athlete's goals in order to effectively train them.
You would not train a marathoner for maximum strength and power, and you would not train a powerlifter to run a marathon. Goals are not just important – they are the first step in the training process. If you don't know your people's goals, you need to figure it out, like yesterday!
But how to set goals? It's not easy. Goal-setting is a process – an art. Like a book, it might take several drafts before they come out right. Goal-setting takes practice, and not all goals are created equal.
Step 1: Identify What You Want
Recently, I asked some of my athletes to send me their goals. What they ended up sending me was a laundry list of to-dos:
- Eat clean.
- Be consistent with my workouts.
- Drink 1 gallon of water a day.
- Practice more mobility.
- Go to bed by 9:00 PM.
Really…?! Your goal is to be in bed by 9:00 PM? So once you've achieved that, you have realized your goals for your life? I think not…
The above list is what I call a "to-do" list. This is more akin to resolutions– but a far cry from "goals."
You should wake up every morning excited as hell to achieve your goals. Your goals should inspire you work smarter, work harder – they should motivate you make significant changes in your life – they should scare you a little bit … make you nervous to speak them out loud … those are the goals that I'm talking about!
"I want to open my own business!"
"I want to make $1,000,000 in 2016!"
"I want to qualify to compete at the CrossFit Games!"
Those are goals! BHAGs, if you will (Big Hairy Audacious Goals). The first list above is of things that you might do on your path to achieving your goals. They are the baby steps, not the final destination.
What do you want – What do you REALLY want? This might take time to figure out, but no worries – the more you think about it, the faster it will come to you.
Step 2: Set S.M.A.R.T. goals
S – Specific
M – Measurable
A – Action-Oriented
R – Realistic
T – Time-Bound
So you've figured out what you want. Now you have to put it through the ringer to find out if your goal is SMART.
Example 1: John D tells me he wants to increase his back squat from 225 lb. to 465 lb. This is an admirable goal. Then he tells me he wants to do it in 6 months. Pump the brakes, John. While his goal is specific, measurable and time-bound… it is not at all realistic.
If his goal was to increase his squat from 225 lb. to 465 lb. over the course of two years? Now that is something more manageable.
His goal might look like this: "I back squat 275 lb. by November 1st, 2015."
Example 2: Jane D tells me she wants to "look better and feel sexier!" Also a worthy personal goal, Jane has a goal that is not specific enough, not measureable, not action-oriented, and not time-bound. The key is to find out what would make her feel better and feel sexier? As you whittle your way down to it, she discovers (or at least verbalizes) that she really wants to lose 20 lbs, go on a date-night with her hubby once a month.
So her goals might look like this:
"I weigh 155 lb. by July 23rd."
"I consistently go on dates with my husband once a month – December 31st, 2015."
In both cases, you can clearly see that John and Jane have goals that are S.M.A.R.T. Having SMART goals are easier to visualize and internalize. The easier they are, the better you will be able to lay out a plan of action to achieve your goals. The better your plan of action, the quicker you will find yourself crossing goals off of your list.
Step 3: Phrase Your Goals Powerfully – and Write them Down
The more powerfully you can express your goals, the more action they will inspire in you. Your goals should always be written in the present tense and with an affirmative voice.
Instead of: "I don't spend all of my money month to month" – you would say, "I save 15% of every paycheck."
Instead of: "I don't smoke" you would say, "I am a non-smoker."
Make sure that once you have crafted your goals that you write them down. Written goals are powerful goals. There is something to putting your words on paper. Real or imagined, writing things down is another step in the process that should not be passed over. Hang your written goals on your mirror – on your refrigerator or frame them at your desk – what ever it takes to keep them front-of-mind and visual.
Your subconscious understands positive and negative. If you think in the negative, your body will react in the negative! Make your thoughts, words, actions both positive and affirmative.
Step 4: Set Up a Plan of Attack
You will need steps along the path – a game plan. To hit his goal of increasing his back squat from 225 lb. to 275 lb., John D will need to hit 235 lb. first, and then at some point 245 lb., etc. Setting these benchmarks will allow you "little victories" (positive reinforcement) that you are well on your way to achieving what you want. Moreover, you will be able to objectively measure progress so that you can continue with what is working – or change what is not working.
Outline and detail all of the benchmarks that you will need to hit, and make sure that you write down what you will need to do to hit all of those benchmarks (eat cleanly, drink 1 gallon of water a day, be in bed before 9:00 PM, etc).
Secret Step 5: Take Action!
Your goals are nothing without action. This is where the rubber meets the road, and where many people will fail. Discipline, restraint, commitment and action are all required to achieve BHAGs. Once you have set goals and a plan to achieve them, you must take action – daily, weekly, monthly, yearly action until your goals become your reality!


text:
Kameelah Janan Rasheed: 'This is Not an Artist Talk'/ Reflections on Scoring the Stacks
Where: Brooklyn Public Library - Central Library
10 Grand Army Plaza
718-230-2100 Price: Free
Buy tickets/get more info now
See other events in these categories:
Reception to follow in Dweck Lobby
The culminating event to the participatory exhibition and public program Scoring the Stacks, Katowitz Radin Artist in Residence Kameelah Janan Rasheed reflects on what the project has produced and on how radical pedagogy, play, and learning are an integral part of her artistic practice. Rasheed discusses how the process of the project is cumulative and iterative, and poses the question of how the design of an exhibition can be responsive and agile when audience interaction is its guiding force.
The second portion of the program is a conversation between Rasheed and Cora Fisher, BPL's Curator of Visual Art Programming.
About the Artist
Kameelah Janan Rasheed (b. 1985, East Palo Alto CA and based in Brooklyn, NY) is the 2019 Katowitz Radin Artist in Residence at Brooklyn Public Library. Rasheed is an artist and learner seeking to make her thinking visible through an ecosystem of iterative projects such as "architecturally-scaled collages," (Frieze Magazine, Winter 2018), poems/poetic gestures/words in the proximity of poems, long-form essays, publications, large-scale public works, digital archives, teaching, curriculum development, lecture performances, stand-up comedy, and other forms yet to be determined. Her past work has been presented at the 2017 Venice Biennale, Contemporary Art Gallery of Vancouver, New Museum of Contemporary Art, Brooklyn Museum, The Kitchen, Portland Institute of Contemporary Art, Institute of Contemporary Art – Philadelphia, Printed Matter, Jack Shainman Gallery, Studio Museum in Harlem, Brooklyn Museum, Bronx Museum, Queens Museum, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Brooklyn Academy of Music, and elsewhere. Rasheed is on the faculty of the MFA Fine Arts program at the School of Visual Arts and also works full-time as a social studies curriculum developer for New York public schools. She holds a BA in Public Policy and Africana Studies from Pomona College (2006) and an M.A in Secondary Social Studies Education from Stanford University (2008).Buy tickets/get more info now


text:
Whether it be skiing related or not, what things make you think of pro skiers?
I'll start things off with a few
Forster Meeks:
Torin :
The Bunch:
Welcome to the Newschoolers forums! You may read the forums as a guest, however you must be a registered member to post. Register to become a member today!


text:
Crimson King Flowering Crab*
Malus 'Crimson King'
Crimson King Flowering Crab in bloom
(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)
* This is a "special order" plant - contact store for details
Height: 25 feet
Spread: 20 feet
Hardiness Zone: 4a
Other Names: Roseybloom, Crabapple
A delightful flowering tree with edible yellow-green apples that are streaked with red; this tart, late season fruit can be used for cider, eating, freezing, baking; showy red flower buds open to fragrant white flowers; broadly sweeping branches
Ornamental Features
Crimson King Flowering Crab is clothed in stunning clusters of fragrant white flowers along the branches in early spring, which emerge from distinctive rose flower buds before the leaves. The fruits are showy green pomes carried in abundance from early to late fall. The fruit can be messy if allowed to drop on the lawn or walkways, and may require occasional clean-up. It has dark green foliage throughout the season. The pointy leaves turn yellow in fall.
Landscape Attributes
Crimson King Flowering Crab is a deciduous tree with a shapely form and gracefully arching branches. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.
This tree will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting birds and bees to your yard. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;
- Messy
Crimson King Flowering Crab is recommended for the following landscape applications;
- Accent
- General Garden Use
Planting & Growing
Crimson King Flowering Crab will grow to be about 25 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 20 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 2 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 50 years or more.
This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid.
This plant is not always hardy in this region. Speak with Sargent's sales staff to learn more and discover if it's worth the risk, based on experience.
* This is a "special order" plant - contact store for details


text:
- Create an account - MyFolio is a free art sharing network with many features
Download orbit downloader free online
Скачать по ссылке(download link): http://ecquirustcham.rutopik.ru/?mfl&keyword=download+orbit+downloader+free+online - - - - - - - - - Download orbit downloader free online RELATED DOWNLOADS : is a free tool that downloads videos and saves it as Avi file to your local computer. If preserving YouTube videos for the sake for avoiding ads, loading or getting rid of the anxiety of slow speed network is not your final goal. Pros: 10 characters minimum Count: 0 of 1,000 characters 4. А Orbit Downloader - полное фуфло, нефиг таким мусором сеть засорять!!! Here comes to save your life. So Mac users have to switch to an alternative to Orbit Downloader. Orbit Downloader offers you about anything you could expect from a peer-to-peer download manager, starting with high speed. To get around such issue, you are advised to find an Orbit Downloader alternative with no malware. Вы можете оставить свой к программе Orbit Downloader или. Even if you opt out of all of them, one or two will still ra
- 152
- Uploaded 09/12/17 at 12:49AM
- Your Name (required):
- Your Website (optional):
- Choose a collection to add this work to:
- Create New Collection
- Characters Left: 20
You can add this media player into your website:


text:
Learning Center
This page is your one-stop-shop to learn about Grandstream solutions. The Learning Center provides resources to help you get to know our products and solutions in more detail, including educational content and guides, upcoming and recorded webinars, access to our online certification trainings through Grandstream Academy, and recent Grandstream news.
Trainings and Webinars
Access upcoming trainings and past webinars covering different portfolio products, topics and more.
Resource Library
Browse through our library of resources where you can find rich information on VoIP, industry topics and our Grandstream solutions.
Technical Documents
Explore our technical documents covering anything from Grandstream how-to-guides, specific integration guides, quick user guides, etc.


text:
Josie Floyd Principal, Sutherland Elementary --
Josie believes that a strong education begins with one thing; "RELATIONSHIPS". In order for learning to occur, positive relationships must be established. During her 18 years as principal at Sutherland Elementary, she begins every day building relationships and connecting with kids. Prior to the beginning of a school day, she will be found walking or skipping with students during Walkie Talkie time and sharing her blue tooth speaker (with student requested tunes of course). "Students love the music and walking with friends. It generates a positive atmosphere, you can feel the energy and it serves as a (child thermometer)." Floyd shares. It doesn't stop there. You will see staff lining the hallway and every student receives and shares a handshake, smile, and positive greeting every morning as they travel to their classroom. "Did I mention, it's all about RELATIONSHIPS?"
Josie Floyd shares, "It is important for students to see you as a REAL person." She along with staff members surprise students with a theme at Halloween every year. "They are always excited to see who the staff will be dressed up as." From Cruela Deville to Wonder Woman, creating excitement and energy for our kids is so much fun!
A principals' "work" doesn't stop at the school doors. From being taped to a wall or to a pie in the face, Floyd is always up for a challenge from her students. Most recently, Floyd was part of a "Kiss A Donkey" community fundraiser along with three other individuals including a Sheriff, Village Board Chairman, and the Rural Fire Board President. Students, parents and a plethora of community members filled the school gym on a Sunday afternoon to witness a few games of donkey basketball (Sutherland Public School vs. Hershey Public School) and the much-anticipated kissing of the donkey. Students anxiously dropped money in Mrs. Floyd's bucket in hopes that she would be the winner. She was the lucky winner and puckered up for a wet and slimy kiss from a donkey. "The kids were so excited on Monday. They came to school talking about the event with big smiles and so much enthusiasm. It is something they will remember for a long time and our Monday morning was filled with smiles and laughter."
To individuals who aren't as familiar with an elementary school, these activities may seem to be unnecessary or uncalled for. Bottom line is, it is all about the kids. When time is allocated to build positive relationships with kids, they are excited to come to school, smile more, are more willing to take risks and want to do their best! Who wouldn't want that?


text:
3-dimensional balloon sculptures by Gemma Tickle. Photographed by Catherine Losing.
Gemma Tickle is a set designer working in advertising, editorial and events. Her clients include Elle, MTV, GQ Style, Viewpoint Magazine, Wallpaper*, Wonderland, The Hunger Magazine, 125 Magazine, John Lewis, Uniqlo, Clarkes, Le Gourmand, Tesco, British Airways and Nike. She has collaborated with photographers such as Carl Kleiner, Metz & Racine, Leandro Farina, Sam Hofman, John Short, Owen Silverwood, Thomas Brown, Bruno Drummond, Joss Mckinley and Jenny Van Sommers. Gemma works from her studio in Dalston, East London and is represented by East Photographic.
More about Gemma Thickle and her set designs here.


text:
Amphora Aromatics offers one of the most comprehensive ranges of pure essential oils and aromatherapy skincare products in the UK. Founded in 1984, our experience means we are the natural choice for all things aromatherapy.
Bulk Massage Oils, Bath Oils and Body Lotions
Bulk Massage Oils, Bath Oils and Body Lotions
No products found. Please try search...
Please note: Only Trade Customers have access to Bulk products


text:
"A winding stair, a chamber arched with stone,
A grey stone fireplace with an open hearth,
A candle and a written page.
Il Penseroso's Platonist toiled on
In some like chamber, shadowing forth
How the daemonic rage
Imagined everything.
Benighted travellers
From markets and from fairs
Have seen his midnight candle glimmering."
From Meditations in Time of Civil War W. B. Yeats
"Or let my Lamp at midnight hour,
Be seen in som high lonely Towr,
Where I may oft out-watch the Bear,… "
Il Penseroso John Milton


text:
I wasn't planning on blogging this recipe but it turned out to be very tasty so I thought it would be good to keep a record of it here, and share it with you, my readers, of course!
Yet again I took my children to the very local pick-your-own farm, where we picked some huge blackberries that are just starting to ripen.
My eldest daughter asked me to make a crumble for after our Sunday dinner with the blackberries, and I knew the rest of the family would love that too. They were a little tart so crumble seemed a good way to use them, even if it is summer.
I am loving rosewater right now (I used it in my gooseberry frangipane tart last week as well) so added some to the fruit just before cooking. The flavours went really well together and the blackberry and rose crumble just has that taste of summer I love.
If you think crumbles are only for autumn and winter, think again – with a bit of summer fruit it can be an excellent summer dessert too. I like to eat crumble cold from the fridge (shush don't tell!)!
You might also want to try my slow cooker apple and raspberry oaty crumble.
Blackberry Crumble with Rosewater
- 500 g blackberries
- 6 tsp granulated sugar
- 2 tsp rose water
For the crumble
- 125 g plain flour
- 70 g unsalted butter cut into small cubes
- 65 g caster sugar
- Wash the blackberries and place them in a medium sized ceramic dish.
- Sprinkle over the sugar. If your berries are sweet, you can use less sugar of course, just add enough for your taste.
- Make the crumble: rub the butter into the flour then mix in the sugar.
- Add the rose water to the blackberries in the dish, then sprinkle over the crumble topping.
- Bake at 180 degrees for approx. 45 minutes, or until golden.